Totally Unexpected!

Latest Episodes:

Chevee Szokovski's Story: Where Do I Fit In? Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

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

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.

BrookeLynne Dukes' Story: Parenting Without Shame Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

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

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.

Aura Rosenblatt's Story: The Creative Rhythm of Spirit & Soul Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

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

Stay in touch with Aura!

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.

Gitty Hecht's Story: How I Decided to Call Chabad Home Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

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

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.

Esty Prus's Story: From Wig Styling to Tanya Teaching Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

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.

Yitzchok Moully's Story: Is There Such a Thing As Jewish Art? Oct 05, 2025

Show notes

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

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.

Chanie Chein's Story: Bringing Back the Sparkle - How a Chabad Rebbetzin Found Agency In Her Life Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Chavie begins by asking Chanie about her childhood growing up in Crown Heights. Chanie describes herself as a “poster child” within mainstream Chabad institutions but, as a result, lacking the stimulation to go deeper in her own self-discovery. Chavie and Chanie discuss the challenges of going out on shlichus—starting a Chabad House—at a very young age, newly married, and often with a first child on the way. They compare notes on having to show up for their communities as though they had everything figured out, even while they were still at the earliest stages of personal growth and identity. Chanie explains how her desire to create language for these challenges and break the taboos around discussing them led her and her husband to start M54, an organization focused on helping individuals acknowledge these realities and find inner solutions for navigating them.

Chanie is the co-founder of the Chabad House at Brandeis University and the CEO of M54, an organization she launched with her husband, Rabbi Peretz Chein, to help people find agency as they navigate today’s often overwhelming lives. On campus, she developed innovative programs focused on personal growth while fostering deeper connections with Judaism and G-d. Over the years, the Chabad House has positively influenced countless students and alumni, its impact growing steadily with each incoming class. Chanie’s dedication to meaningful conversations and attentive listening led to the creation of M54 in May 2020, at the onset of the Covid pandemic. Chanie is also a mother of six and has chosen home birth for each of her children.

Referenced On the Pod

6:30 Chanie’s new program, M54
8:00 Episode with Chavie’s mother, Rivkie Block on Totally Unexpected!
33:15 Episode with Yossi Jacobson on Totally Unexpected!
58min Rosh Chodesh Society
1:47:15 Chavie’s blogpost, Observations From the Netherlands
1:57:30 Aimme Baron’s podcast, Talking Away the Taboo

Stay in touch with Chanie!

chanie@m54.org
Chanie on Instagram
www.M54.org
www.chabadbrandeis.org

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.

Aleeza Ben Shalom's Story: Does Dating Really Have To Be This Hard? Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Chavie sits down with Aleeza to explore her spiritual journey into Orthodox Judaism, embracing kosher, Shabbat, and modest dress as a student and tells the story of how she met her husband. Aleeza reflects on how quickly it all happened, joking that “fast is my slowest speed,” while sharing how her family needed time to adjust. She opens up about her lifelong dream to move her family to Israel and the Covid-era saga that unfolded when her family finally made Aliyah. Chavie asks Aleeza how she landed her Netflix series, Jewish Matchmaking, and what drew her into the world of matchmaking in the first place. Together, they discuss the role of self-awareness and personal growth in finding a life partner, they explore whether there really is a ‘shidduch crisis’ in the Orthodox community, and the universal challenges of dating, no matter the person's religious background.

Aleeza Ben Shalom is a renowned relationship coach and matchmaker, best known as the star of Netflix’s hit series Jewish Matchmaking. She hosts the popular Matchmaker, Matchmaker podcast, where she shares insights and experiences to guide people on their journey to find love. Aleeza has trained more than 450 matchmakers and coaches and is now spearheading the Jewish Matchmaking Movement in partnership with World Mizrahi, a global initiative to create meaningful connections within the Jewish community. For Aleeza, fostering relationships isn’t just a career it is her calling and her passion.

Referenced On the Pod

7:34 Jewish Matchmaking show on Netflix
53:58 Nefesh B’Nefesh
1:11:07 Aleeza’s Company - MarriageMindedMentor.com
1:21:55 Erin & Sara Foster’s podcast: The World’s First Podcast
1:25:59 Indian Matchmaking show on Netflix
1:15:06 Aleeza’s new book: Matchmaker Matchmaker
2:19:34 Elisheva Liss interview about sex-ed in the Orthodox-Jewish community

Stay in touch with Aleeza!
MarriageMindedMentor.com
@aleezabenshalom on Instagram
Aleeza’s Podcast, Matchmaker Matchmaker

Stay in touch with Chavie!

@chaviebruk on Instagram

www.totallyunexpected.blog

Today’s episode is dedicated by Max Coen, a family friend who has devoted his life to Eretz Yisroel. Max is dedicating this episode to Mrs. Chavie and Rabbi Chaim Bruk as a proud partner in their work in Montana and beyond.

Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Malky Lichtenstein's Story: Finding My Purpose Through Human Design Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Chavie sits down with Malky to explore the fascinating world of Human Design. Malky shares her journey of growing up in a big family where her voice often got lost, and how discovering her Human Design chart shifted her perspective. Instead of seeing her personality as a flaw, she learned to recognize her unique way of showing up in the world. Chavie reflects on her own experience and how Human Design has helped her accept her natural personality rather than struggle against it. Together, they break down the five energy types—Generators, Manifestors, Manifesting Generators, Projectors, and Reflectors—and discuss practical ways to apply Human Design in daily life.

Malky Lichtenstein is a Human Design coach, wife, and mom of two from Brooklyn, New York, now based in Waterbury, Connecticut. She’s passionate about making Human Design feel simple, grounded, and practical—whether she’s reading for a parent, a couple, or someone just starting their journey.

Referenced On the Pod

Stay in touch with Malky!

@malky.lichtenstein 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.

Adele Beiny's Story: Beyond Influencing, Reevaluating The Value I Bring Online Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Chavie and Adele kick things off by reminiscing when Chavie lived in Adele’s childhood home in Morristown, New Jersey, as a dorm counselor. Years later, their paths crossed again when Chavie hired Adele to create a brand video to launch Chavie’s then-new blog, clearasmud.blog. Adele shares how she jumped into the workforce straight out of high school, hustling an office job at a title insurance firm. From there she waltzed into Bloomingdales in Short Hills Mall and got a job in beauty and cosmetic. These early experiences and training in sales laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial drive today. Adele talks about her desire to help women feel good about themselves and how that propelled her to sharing her lifestyle online and becoming a trusted source for all things fashion, beauty, and design. Chavie asks Adele about the shift in her online presence recently, and Adele opens up about how she is reevaluating the value she wants to offer online. Together, they dive into everything from fashion and beauty to health and current events to AI and the challenges of managing technology use for kids.

Adele Beiny is a lifestyle creator, beauty enthusiast, and mother of two known for her savvy, honest approach to all things wellness, travel, and real life. She’s the voice behind Life’s Looking Good (@lifeslookingood), where she shares unfiltered takes on aesthetic trends, wellness experiments, and making everyday life feel like an adventure. Whether she’s testing the latest treatments, exploring Europe’s best-kept secrets, or helping other women embrace change with confidence, Adele brings humor, candor, and lived experience to every conversation.

Referenced On the Pod

9:25: Clear as Mud Blog & Brand Story

14:33 Life Unfiltered (Adele’s podcast)

20:58 A Modern Guide to Human Design by Rachel Lieberman

23:00 Human Design Free Chart

40:58 Olympia Gayot, Creative Director, J Crew

1:32:50 Ayurvedic principles regarding the suppression natural urges

1:35:48 The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter

Stay in touch with Adele!

@lifeslookingood on Instagram
www.lifeslookingood.com

Stay in touch with Chavie!

@chaviebruk on Instagram

www.totallyunexpected.blog

This week’s episode is dedicated by Sholem and Rifky Kushner, in the merit of the safe return of all our beloved hostages still held in Gaza—especially Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, who are in urgent need of a miracle.

This episode is also sponsored by two wonderful couples from Lakewood, New Jersey, who prefer to remain anonymous. They deeply appreciate the podcast and are delighted to lend their support to Totally Unexpected!

Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.