Totally Unexpected!

Chavie Bruk
  • 4.9 (52)
  • JUDAISM
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Join Chavie as she discovers the one totally unexpected moment in her guests’ lives that changed everything. These are real stories about pain, joy, and struggle, the moments that make us human. Chavie is obsessed with personal growth and doesn't shy away from the hard conversations. She covers topics like Jewish astrology, parenting taboos, health and wellness, adoption, race, and sexuality inside the Orthodox Jewish community and beyond. Chavie Bruk is a mother of five adopted children and the co-director of Chabad Lubavitch of Montana together with her husband, Rabbi Chaim Bruk. On Totally Unexpected! Chavie doesn't just interview her guests, she sits with them for long, unfiltered conversations where they laugh, cry, and share the stories that shaped who they have become. Chavie also writes a weekly essay on Substack about the unexpected moments in her life, the one's happening in real time that are challenging her, stretching her, and helping her grow. Sign up for free here: www.TotallyUnexpected.blog.

  1. Yocheved Sidof: Straddling the Edges of Faith & Healing

    2D AGO

    Yocheved Sidof: Straddling the Edges of Faith & Healing

    Chavie and Yocheved start by bonding over their shared experiences navigating parenting struggles and challenges. Yocheved unveils her family’s roots in Iran, including the persecution and faith of the Mashadi Jewish community, and how her parents’ immigration to the United States eventually brought them into the Chabad community in Minnesota. Chavie and Yocheved talk about their shared curiosity about the human mind, and Yocheved reflects on being drawn to both Chassidus and psychology from a young age, which led her to pursue her PhD in clinical psychology at twenty-one. Chavie walks through Yocheved’s creative work as a photographer and filmmaker, and how that work grew into advocacy for children outside the mainstream in Crown Heights, including founding Lamplighters, a Chassidic Montessori school. They talk about what it looks like to pursue a life mission while raising children, and the constant tension between guilt and gratitude that follows. Chavie and Yocheved discuss the role of women in Jewish ritual spaces and what it looks like to push edges without compromising halachic values. Chavie closes the conversation by asking Yocheved about psychedelics and whether it’s possible to be on a healing journey without them. Yocheved Sidof is a spiritual and social entrepreneur, teacher, and guide devoted to cultivating deeper ways of being rooted in Torah, presence, and lived faith. She is the founder of Ohmek, a contemplative community offering sacred spaces for spiritual deepening, healing, and remembrance through learning, ritual, and embodied practice. Yocheved leads healing pilgrimages to Poland and Israel, inviting participants to meet history, grief, and holiness with courage and consciousness. She draws on Jewish mysticism, trauma-informed wisdom, and decades of leadership experience, while currently pursuing a PhD in Transpersonal Research. Her work speaks to women seeking a spiritually grounded path that honors devotion, depth, and the quiet unfolding of the soul.   This Week's Hot Take  Fast Fashion: Love it, hate it, or necessary evil? NEW segment at the end of every episode featuring voice notes from listeners with their hot takes on our featured topic!   Referenced On the Pod 1:18:53 Ohmek  1:26:55 Thomas Huebl 1:40:33 Tanya Chapter 42 2:04:50 Michal Carlebach's episode on Totally Unexpected!    Stay in touch with Yocheved! https://linktr.ee/Yochevedsidof ohmekliving.com Yocheved's Weekly Class on Spotify ‎Open this link to join Ohmek WhatsApp Community   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

    2h 18m
  2. Abi Radcliffe: Are Vulnerability & Authenticity the Same Thing?

    12/29/2025

    Abi Radcliffe: Are Vulnerability & Authenticity the Same Thing?

    Chavie and Abi start off discussing how important it is to be selective with friendships as adults in order to preserve emotional bandwidth for deeper relationships. Abi shares her experience moving between Chabad and non-Chabad schools and how she was always drawn to creativity from a young age, from tinkering with Barbie clothing and scarves to studying fashion in school. She talks about working in retail fashion, stepping back to raise her children, and later joining a children’s wear store in Toronto. There, she became involved in everything from buying and visual merchandising to sales and running the store’s social media. Chavie asks Abi to walk her through her approach to growing an Instagram presence, including her top tips for reels and the tension between being real online without sharing more than feels right. Chavie and Abi also share date night ideas and talk about navigating relationships with people who struggle with anxiety. Chavie closes out the conversation by asking Abi to share her ideal daily routine. Abi explains that her non-negotiable is starting the day without her phone and giving herself a quiet buffer before everything else begins.   Abi Radcliffe is a Canadian modest content creator. She enjoys sharing light and easygoing content that bring joy. You can find her sipping black coffee at work or fleeing the country to discover new places. She is a mother of three plus a cat that is definitely considered her fourth child. Abi loves sharing fashion finds and content that is happiness inducing.    Referenced On the Pod 11:08 Andrew Huberman’s podcast, The Huberman Lab 57:25 Abi Radcliffe's Fierce & Frum blog  1:00:29 Astrology episode on Totally Unexpected! with Mendel Zirkind  1:18:36 Sha’ar Habitachon - Gate of Trust by Rabbeinu Bachya ben Yosef ibn Paquda  2:05:09 Moishe & Chaya Chanin’s podcast, Undecided & Committed    Stay in touch with Abi @abiradcliffe_ on Instagram!   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

    2h 18m
  3. Chevee Szokovski: Where Do I Fit In?

    12/15/2025

    Chevee Szokovski: Where Do I Fit In?

    This week, Chavie welcomes her lifelong bestie, Chevee Szokovski, to the pod. They start by rewinding the clock to their high school days in Chicago. Chevee shares that she never quite fit in with the popular cliques going back to grade school and that she often felt socially isolated in high school as well. Chavie and Chevee dive into what it’s like to forgive childhood bullies while still carrying the scars they left behind. They reminisce about their seminary days and what life was like living in an Israeli dorm. Chevee opens up about dating, marriage, and how she and her husband were primed to start a Chabad House, until her husband came to the realization that his values didn’t align with that life path. Chavie asks Chevee how she navigated this life-altering shift while maintaining her marriage. They also talk about Chevee’s work as an early childhood educator and her focus on normalizing the inclusion of children with special needs in mainstream classrooms. And of course, if Chavie's bestie and book club buddy is on the pod, you know there will be plenty of Brene Brown quotes to go around.   Chevee is a wife and mom of three, and has been best friends with Chavie Bruk for more than half their lives. She strives to live a values-driven life and is deeply passionate about education and inclusion. Chevee has been teaching for over 20 years and is a lifelong learner. She is the director of FCHS, a Hebrew school for children with special needs.  Referenced On the Pod 6:56 "Sorry I’m Late I Didn’t Want To Come" by Jessica Pan  1:11:48 "Call Me Back with Dan Senor" podcast  1:39:08 “Clear is Kind” - Brene Brown  1:40:15 "All I Needed To Know I Learned In Kindergarten" by Robert Fulghum 1:47:14 "What Happened To You" by Oprah Winfrey & Bruce D. Perry   Stay in touch with Chevee at cheveeh@gmail.com.   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    This episode is dedicated it to Eli Schlanger and all the other beautiful souls who were murdered in Sydney, Australia. We keep in our hearts their families, for whom Chanukah is never going to be the same. As Jews, we are not strangers to holding pain and suffering and fear alongside joy and light and courage and strength. From the bottom of my heart, I wish everyone a happy, peaceful, and joyous Chanukah, and I ask that we keep in mind all the souls that lost their lives for being Jewish, and elevate them in our determination to not back down. Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

    2h 16m
  4. BrookeLynne Dukes: Parenting Without Shame

    12/01/2025

    BrookeLynne Dukes: Parenting Without Shame

    Chavie and BrookeLynne dive into all things parenting in this episode. BrookeLynne shares how a Chicago girl like her ended up with a name like Brookelynne. She talks about excelling in grade school, then running into challenges in the magnet school she attended, and later in college, where she discovered that the standardized educational system wasn’t the best fit for her. Through it all, she still got a master’s in early childhood education. Chavie and BrookeLynne talk about normalizing parenting struggles and finding ways to address them without shame. They bond over hot takes, like: you can be a playful parent without having to constantly play with your kids; it’s ok to limit screens even on plane rides; and not every child will feel like their parent is “their person” — and that’s ok.   BrookeLynne Dukes is a parenting coach, early childhood educator and presenter. BrookeLynne gets parents and gets kids. She helps adults get clear on their role in a child’s life, how to  decatastrophize, move out of urgency, how to understand brand new humans, and learn how to teach them the skills that don’t always come as naturally to them!   Referenced On the Pod 26:34 Ken Robinson - Do School’s Kill Creativity?  44:23 Hunt Gather Parent  1:33:20 Shoshana Bruk’s interview on Totally Unexpected!  1:39:10 Dr. Shefali on Conscious Parenting    Stay in touch with BrookeLynne! @brookelynnedukes on Instagram Brookelynnedukes@gmail.com WhatsApp Business: ‪+1 (312) 298‑9810‬   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

    2h 24m
  5. Aura Rosenblatt: The Creative Rhythm of Spirit & Soul

    11/17/2025

    Aura Rosenblatt: The Creative Rhythm of Spirit & Soul

    Aura starts off by sharing her experience working behind the camera as a makeup artist to Hollywood’s stars. Chavie asks Aura if there was a conflict between being a creative in the artistic mecca of fashion while straddling her identity as a religious Jew. They talk about Aura’s beginnings in the colorful, lively home of her legendary parents, Rabbi Shlomo and Olivia “Schwartzy” Schwartz. Chavie and Aura also explore the dynamics of dating within the Chabad world, including Aura’s story of dating someone outside the community: a Modern Orthodox boy who happened to be the lead singer of Blue Fringe. Aura opens up about her own spiritual journey, how incorporating Chitas into her daily life grounds her, and the various podcasts and workshops she now leads on topics like Rosh Chodesh, the often-taboo subject of money, and her newest course inspired by The Artist’s Way. Aura grew up as the ninth of twelve children to Rabbi Shlomo and Olivia Schwartz, in a home filled with song, stories, and community. For more than twenty years she worked as a makeup artist, creating beauty tutorials for brands like CoverGirl and Burt’s Bees, where her greatest joy was connecting with women and helping them recognize their own inner beauty. In 2020, Aura expanded her work by completing training at the IPEC Life Coaching School. Today, she lives in Atlanta with her husband, musician Dov Rosenblatt, and their five children. She leads Women’s Rosh Chodesh Circles, facilitates retreats—including one this past week in the Ellijay mountains—and is building a Women’s Spa Retreat. Aura also hosts the Dream Detour podcast, where she explores spirituality, abundance, and the journey back to our truest selves. Referenced On the Pod 10:35 Aura on Awake Jewish Women  23:36 Aura’s Divine Wealth series on her podcast, Dream Detour 38:49 Dov Rosenblatt’s band, Blue Fringe  42:41 C Lanzbom, Soul Farm 55:12 Chitas  59:39 Chayenu pamphlets 1:04:15 Chana Kalmenson on Aura's podcast, Dream Detour 1:16:26 IPEC Life Coaching  1:43:07 Cathy Heller on Aura's podcast, Dream Detour 1:43:28 The Artist Way by Julia Cameron  1:44:28 Tonia Chazanow's podcast, Human & Holy podcast  Stay in touch with Aura! Aura on Instagram  Aura on Facebook Aura's upcoming workshop, The Artists Way Forward   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog  This episode is dedicated by our dear friends and cousins Laibe and Esta Gordon of the Five Towns, in loving memory of Laibe’s older brother, Binyomin, Yonasan Binyomin ben Reb Nissan, Zichrono Levracha, who passed away on Lamed Tishrei. May Hashem send comfort to his wife, Sandy, his daughters, Perel, Naomi, and Malkie, and the entire family.  Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

    2h 7m
  6. Gitty Hecht: How I Decided to Call Chabad Home

    11/03/2025

    Gitty Hecht: How I Decided to Call Chabad Home

    In this conversation, Chavie and Gitty start off by exploring Gitty’s unique childhood, going from a Modern Orthodox school to a Bais Yaakov and constantly having to juggle the subtle social dynamics. As a child of immigrants, her parents always demanded excellence and went to great lengths to make sure Gitty had the tools to succeed. Gitty talks about getting married right out of seminary, how she started a jewelry and accessories business after moving to Lakewood, and how she intuitively saw the potential in using social media as a promotional tool for launching her makeup work when Instagram was still in its infancy. Chavie and Gitty talk about the tension between being open with their audiences and welcoming all questions while still maintaining boundaries, and they discuss what they consider to be “off-limit” questions. Chavie asks Gitty about her journey of self-discovery post-divorce and what led her to become a Chabad Rebbetzin. Gitty shares openly and emotionally about the joys and challenges of running a Chabad House and life alongside her husband, who serves as both a Chabad rabbi and a Dayan (rabbinical judge).   Rebbetzin Gitty Hecht is married to HaRav HaDayan Mordechai Z. Hecht and serves as Rebbetzin of their shul, Anshe Sholom Chabad JCC, in Kew Gardens, Queens, NY. A former global bridal makeup artist, Gitty is now a sought-after speaker and educator who shares relatable, down-to-earth perspectives on real-life challenges through a contemporary Torah lens. A selection of her insightful talks can be found online.    Referenced On the Pod 54:33 Totally Unexpected! episode about Human Design 1:34:40 The Tanya Stay in touch with Gitty! @gittyhecht on Instagram rebbetzingittyhecht@gmail.com www.gittyhecht.com   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

    2h 10m
  7. Esty Prus: From Wig Styling to Tanya Teaching

    10/20/2025

    Esty Prus: From Wig Styling to Tanya Teaching

    In this conversation, Chavie and Esty bond about the joys of school finally being in session after a far-too-long, in their very frank opinion, summer break. They talk about how important it is to acknowledge that while they may be imperfect moms, they are the perfect moms for their children. Chavie and Esty share deeply moving and hilarious life hacks from their grandmothers, who were the original models for today’s “self-care” trend. Esty shares about her life journey from being a teenager who discarded boundaries, growing up in Kfar Chabad, Israel, and then finding personal growth and balance through a reconnection with Tanya and Chassidic spirituality. Chavie asks Esty about her journey from being a well-known wig stylist (and Chavie’s personal wig stylist for more than ten years!) to guiding others in the pursuit of a more spiritual life. As always, Chavie doesn’t shy away from getting to the core of her guest’s personal journey and digs deep with Esty to explore how she made that transformation. Esty Prus is a mother of seven, speaker, and the founder of Simply Tanya. Through her unique blend of personal storytelling, Chassidic insight, and practical tools, Esty inspires women to embrace meaningful change from the inside out. Drawing deeply from the teachings of Tanya, she shows how its timeless wisdom can guide every stage of life. Esty also produces and leads transformative women’s retreats and journeys to the Rebbe, weaving together learning, reflection, and community experiences that leave a lasting impact.   Stay in touch with Esty! @estyprus on Instagram   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

    2h 6m
  8. Yitzchok Moully: Is There Such a Thing As Jewish Art?

    10/05/2025

    Yitzchok Moully: Is There Such a Thing As Jewish Art?

    Chavie and Yitzchok kick off by reminiscing about his visit to Montana for Chavie's birthday, when he created the Overflowing Cup art installation, proudly displayed in the background of every Totally Unexpected! episode (check out Chavie’s Instagram reels, it’s a must see!!). Yitzchok shares his fascinating childhood journey from the Australian Outback to Crown Heights at the Rebbe’s farbrengens. Chavie asks what first sparked his love for art and self-expression, and Yitzchok opens up about the moment he had to make a Sophie’s Choice: between continuing his calling as a Chabad shliach or to make an impact on the world through his talents as an artist. Together, they explore: Yitzchok's innovative Chassidic pop-art installations, what Jewish art really means, and the value in letting go of inhibitions for creativity and self-expression to flourish. They also discuss the role of art in the Orthodox Jewish school curriculum and why nurturing creativity is vital for a child’s development. Chavie and Yitzchok also bond over their passion for out-of-the-box socks.   Yitzchok Moully, is a conceptual artist exploring the intersection of spirituality and the material world. Blending his colorful hippie upbringing with his Hasidic roots, he creates bold, vibrant works that bring Chassidic ideas to life through contemporary art. His practice invites collaboration, often inviting the viewer to be an essential part of the artwork’s meaning and impact. Today, his focus is on Jewish public art—sculptures and murals that transform communal spaces into vibrant landmarks of Jewish creativity and identity.   Referenced On the Pod 1:01:30 Yayoi Kusama's Obliteration Room  1:21:10 “Popthodox-Black Humor” Yitzchok's pop art installation in Israel 1:38:42 This Year's Menorah Installations 1:47:35 Aimme Baron’s podcast, Talking Away the Taboo    Stay in touch with Yitzchok! moully@moullyart.com   https://www.moullyart.com/ https://www.instagram.com/moullyart/   https://www.instagram.com/madewithmoully   https://www.instagram.com/jewishpublicart/    Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

    1h 55m
See All (37)

4.9
out of 5
52 Ratings

About

Join Chavie as she discovers the one totally unexpected moment in her guests’ lives that changed everything. These are real stories about pain, joy, and struggle, the moments that make us human. Chavie is obsessed with personal growth and doesn't shy away from the hard conversations. She covers topics like Jewish astrology, parenting taboos, health and wellness, adoption, race, and sexuality inside the Orthodox Jewish community and beyond. Chavie Bruk is a mother of five adopted children and the co-director of Chabad Lubavitch of Montana together with her husband, Rabbi Chaim Bruk. On Totally Unexpected! Chavie doesn't just interview her guests, she sits with them for long, unfiltered conversations where they laugh, cry, and share the stories that shaped who they have become. Chavie also writes a weekly essay on Substack about the unexpected moments in her life, the one's happening in real time that are challenging her, stretching her, and helping her grow. Sign up for free here: www.TotallyUnexpected.blog.

Information

  • Creator
    Chavie Bruk
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Totally Unexpected!

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