Live To 120 With Bracha

Bracha
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Live to 120 with Bracha is a health and wellness podcast for the Orthodox Jewish community, focused on helping you build strength, longevity, and clarity in real life. We break down everything on health, fitness, nutrition, and mental resilience. No hype, no extremes—just clear, actionable information you can actually use, no matter how busy your life is. This podcast is about empowering you to take responsibility for your health so you can show up stronger for you, your family, your work and your community. If your goal is to feel better, think sharper, and stay strong for the long run, you’re in the right place. Live long. Live strong. Live to 120.

  1. 3d ago

    The Warning Signs We Miss: How Addiction Actually Starts

    What is the true starting point of addiction? Is it hardwired into our genetics, triggered by a hidden environmental vulnerability, or is it a biological hijacking of the brain’s neural pathways? On this episode of Live 120 with Bracha, we look past the superficial stigmas and societal myths to explore the deep root causes, origins, and early warning signs of dependency and compulsion. Host Bracha sits down with Effie Goldberg, co-founder and Managing Director of Ascend Healthcare, to dissect the complex physiological, psychological, and environmental forces that drive behavioral health struggles. We pull back the curtain on the intricate neuroscience of addiction, explaining how dopamine reward cycles alter the brain's circuitry, why willpower alone is insufficient to break chronic cycles, and exactly how everyday enthusiasm can pivot into clinical impairment. This conversation maps out the volatile intersection of nature vs. nurture—ranging from biological and genetic predispositions to the modern impacts of digital overstimulation, social media, and chronic stress. Whether you are looking to identify early behavioral red flags in a loved one, understand the mechanics of human compulsion, or explore modern recovery systems, this episode offers a comprehensive, science-backed look at how addiction truly begins—and what it takes to rewire the brain for sustainable mental health and wellness. Subscribe & Review: If this deep dive changed how you look at behavioral science, mental health, or recovery, please share it with an educator, a loved one, or a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Spotify!Until next time—live long and live strong. 🎗️✨

    50 min

  2. May 28

    Expecting the Unexpected: My 3 Birth Stories & the Doctor That Saved Me (with Dr. Paula McAllister)

    When a birth plan completely changes, it’s easy to feel like your body failed you. But your birth story isn't a performance—it’s a victory. In this deeply personal episode of Live to 120, I am sitting down with my incredible OBGYN, Dr. Paula McAllister. Together, we walk through the raw reality of my own three completely different birth experiences: navigating an emergency C-section, a successful VBAC, and a completely unmedicated, induced VBAC. For many women, there is an immense, silent pressure to achieve a "perfect, intervention-free" birth. When medical realities shift toward inductions or surgical interventions, it can leave mothers carrying a heavy burden of shame and trauma. Dr. McAllister and I are here to break that stigma entirely. We dive deep into: The "Failure" Stigma: Why an induction or a C-section is a medical tool, not a personal shortcoming.The Reality of VBACs: What it actually takes medically, mentally, and physically to advocate for a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean.The Spectrum of Birth: A clinical and human look at how modern medicine works with our bodies to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.Reclaiming Your Story: How to heal from birth trauma and view your delivery as a profound act of strength, no matter how the baby arrived. About the Podcast: Live to 120 explores the intersection of modern medicine, bioethics, intentional living, and generational healing. Hosted by Bracha, a genetics professional, we challenge cultural taboos to build a legacy of health and truth for the next generation. Follow and subscribe for more raw conversations on health and wellness. #LiveTo120 #BirthStory #CSectionMom #VBAC #UnmedicatedBirth #DrPaulaMcAllister #BirthTrauma #JewishPodcast #WomenHealth

    1h 9m

  3. May 14

    Why Jewish Men are Being Left Behind (with Meir Kay)

    If we want to raise the next generation of strong Jewish men, we have to start by healing the current one. In this episode of Live to 120, Bracha sits down with speaker and creator Meir Kay to confront a silent crisis: the men’s loneliness epidemic. Despite being part of a highly connected community, many Jewish men feel more isolated than ever—struggling in silence within our shuls, our homes, and our workplaces. Meir pulls back the curtain on the "inner work" necessary for true longevity. We move past the surface-level talk to explore the practical tools that help men actually feel alive, from breathwork and Shadow Work. We dive into: The Loneliness Epidemic: Why communal structure doesn't always equal emotional connection.The "Shul Gap": Why showing up isn't enough to meet deep emotional needs.Practical Healing: A breakdown of breathwork, shadow work, and IFS for the everyday man.Empowering the Next Generation: How "Boy Moms" and fathers can model healthy emotional resilience for their sons.The Transformation: What happens when men finally drop the "tough guy" act and ask for help. This is a roadmap for any woman wanting to support the men in her life, any father looking for deeper connection, and every "Boy Mom" raising the next generation of leaders. If we want to raise the next generation of strong Jewish men, we have to start by healing the current one. This episode is proudly sponsored by BevMedLA. 🩺✨ At the heart of living to 120 is taking proactive control of your health. BevMedLA is a premier concierge medical practice in Los Angeles specializing in personalized, preventative care. Whether it’s comprehensive wellness exams, IV therapy, or longevity-focused medicine, they provide the "reinforcements" you need to stay at your best for your family and your career. Learn more and book your consultation at: www.bevmedla.com

    53 min

  4. May 7

    Hospice, Organ Donation, & Jewish Law: What You Need to Know

    Episode Summary: Modern medicine is a miracle that allows us to keep people alive longer than ever before—but does the ability to intervene always mean we have the obligation to do so? In this profound episode of the Live 120 Podcast, we sit down with Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner to navigate the complex intersection of Halacha and modern healthcare. We dive deep into the heart-wrenching decisions surrounding end-of-life care, the ethics of intervention, and the life-saving potential of organ donation. In this episode, we discuss: The Medical Paradox: Navigating the tension between saving a life and unintentionally prolonging the dying process.Jewish Medical Ethics: Understanding the Torah’s perspective on the sanctity of life versus the prevention of suffering.The "Can vs. Should" Dilemma: Why medical capability doesn't always equate to ethical necessity.Can Jews Donate Organs?: Breaking down the Halachic views on giving the gift of life and the complexities involved.Advanced Care Directives: How to document your wishes to ensure your care aligns with your values and Halachic standards.The Role of Hospice: Understanding the compassionate approach to end-of-life care and how it fits within a Jewish framework.End-of-Life Advocacy: How families can navigate these impossible moments with dignity, faith, and clarity.

    53 min

  5. Apr 30

    The Biological Clock Spares No One: Breaking the Silence on Egg Freezing

    Episode Summary: Why do so many women view fertility preservation as "admitting defeat"? In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Dr. Sahar Wertheimer, a leading reproductive endocrinologist, to dismantle the stigma surrounding egg freezing. We move past the fear and the silence to discuss the biological reality of our clocks and why taking ownership of your fertility is one of the most empowering acts of hope a woman can choose. What We Discuss: The Journey to Reproductive Medicine: Dr. Sahar shares her background, her philosophy of care, and the pivotal moments that led her to help women protect their future families. Demystifying the Process: What exactly is egg freezing? We break down the medical steps, the timeline, and the key differences between freezing eggs vs. embryos. Is it Right for You?: A candid look at the ideal candidates for preservation, including the role of age, health, and medical history. We also discuss who might not be a candidate and the importance of managing expectations. The "Defeat" Stigma: Addressing the emotional weight of choosing to freeze. Dr. Sahar explains why this is a proactive "fight for your future" rather than an admission of failure. The Financial & Future Roadmap: From insurance and out-of-pocket costs to the reality of what happens when you’re ready to use your eggs. Does every egg survive the thaw? Do you try naturally first? We provide the roadmap. Connect with Dr. Sahar: Instagram: @saharwertheimermd Website: https://havingbabies.com/physicians/sahar-wertheimer-md/ Connect with Live to 120: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @liveto120podcast

    45 min

  6. Apr 23

    Rewiring the Addicted Brain: Trauma, Shame, and Plant Medicine with JJ Duchman

    In this episode, we sit down with JJ Duchman to discuss the emerging science of plant-based therapy and its role in rewiring the mind to heal deep-seated trauma and destructive habits. Watch to understand the psychological and spiritual frameworks behind permanent recovery. About This Episode Shame thrives in silence, and for too many, "the secret" is what keeps them stuck in cycles of destruction. Today, we break that silence. We explore why traditional methods of control often fail and how breakthrough plant medicine is providing a new path for those seeking to reclaim their lives. In this video, we discuss: The connection between trauma and addiction. How plant medicine assists in "rewiring" the brain’s response to triggers. The intersection of spiritual growth and psychological healing. Moving from fear-based habits to connection-based living. Connect with the Movement 🎙️ Subscribe to the Podcast 📸 Follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok: @liveto120podcast Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a licensed healthcare professional or qualified specialist before pursuing any new treatment, therapy, or medical intervention.

    45 min

  7. Apr 16

    The Business of Birth: Coercion, Breech Babies, and the Truth About Inductions

    Episode SummaryIn this episode, we pull back the curtain on the modern medical system to discuss the "invisible" forces shaping your birth experience. Why is it that a woman’s right to informed consent often feels like a nudge toward compliance? Dr. Elliot Berlin joins me to break down the "lost art" of breech delivery and the rise of Defensive Medicine. We explore the legal and systemic pressures that cause doctors to prioritize liability over patient autonomy, and how "watch and wait" became the most dangerous phrase in a delivery room—not for the patient, but for the provider. What We Discuss:The Death of Breech: Why a generation of doctors has lost the skill to deliver breech babies naturally, and why that limits your options.Defensive Medicine: The #1 reason doctors are sued and how "failure to act" lawsuits drive the push for unnecessary inductions and C-sections.Data vs. Coercion: How medical statistics are often framed to steer you toward a specific outcome rather than true informed consent.The "Invisible Load": Navigating the mental health toll of infertility and the anxiety that persists even after a positive pregnancy test.Reclaiming Autonomy: Practical advice for parents who want to advocate for themselves in a system built on risk-mitigation. Connect with Dr. BerlinWebsite: [https://www.google.com/search?q=InformedPregnancy.com]Podcast: The Informed Pregnancy PodcastInstagram: @doctorberlinConnect with Live to 120YouTube: @liveto120podcastInstagram: @liveto120podcast Support the show: If this episode helped you feel more empowered in your health journey, please rate, review, and subscribe. Your support helps us bring these critical conversations to more people. #BirthRights #BreechBirth #InformedConsent #DefensiveMedicine #DrElliotBerlin #LiveTo120 #BirthAdvocacy #MaternalHealth #InfertilityAwareness #PregnancyAfterLoss

    53 min

  8. Apr 6

    Inside the ER: What Doctors Wish You Knew (Before It’s Too Late)

    If you’ve ever wondered what actually sends people to the emergency room—and when you truly need to go—this episode is your essential guide. Dr. Liz Rubin, an experienced ER physician, shares what she sees every day on the front lines of medicine: the most common reasons people end up in the ER, the biggest mistakes patients make, and the critical warning signs you should never ignore. From keeping your kids safe to navigating an ER visit like a pro, this conversation is packed with practical advice, eye-opening stories, and honest truths that could one day save your life.

    45 min
See All (18)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Live to 120 with Bracha is a health and wellness podcast for the Orthodox Jewish community, focused on helping you build strength, longevity, and clarity in real life. We break down everything on health, fitness, nutrition, and mental resilience. No hype, no extremes—just clear, actionable information you can actually use, no matter how busy your life is. This podcast is about empowering you to take responsibility for your health so you can show up stronger for you, your family, your work and your community. If your goal is to feel better, think sharper, and stay strong for the long run, you’re in the right place. Live long. Live strong. Live to 120.

Information

You Might Also Like