What happens when life doesn’t unfold the way you thought it would? When the hopes you once held close—marriage, children, grandchildren—don’t materialize, or take a completely unexpected path?

In this powerful episode, we share the stories of three extraordinary women who bravely open up about their deeply personal experiences of waiting, grieving, and finding meaning in places they never expected.

Rachel made the decision to stop trying after years of heartbreaking fertility treatments. Even though the choice was hers, it still hurts, and sometimes in the moments she least expects it (like shul dinners- this was NOT what I expected her to say).

Tzipora, a single woman, vulnerably shares that a lot of her pain comes from younger family members who get married and have kids while she is still waiting. Seeing others move forward with their lives, while she is still stuck as the "cool auntie," is just so hard.

Peri will never be a grandmother, and she is okay with that. But it's when other people start to brag about the newest baby in their family, or when she needs to put on a brave face for too long, it just becomes too much.

More about Rachel Honeyman:

Rachel Honeyman has been involved with IWSTHAB since its early days — first as a recipient of support, then as a board member. Rachel and her husband, Tzvi Doron, are childless-not-by-choice after a painful, 5+ year infertility journey, about which they've both written and spoken publicly (including in Instalives and podcasts for IWSTHAB). While motherhood isn't in the cards for Rachel, she gains great comfort in being able to give back to the IWSTHAB community. Rachel has a Master's in English, runs a marketing and web design agency called HoneyBeBold, and is a martial artist and women's self-defense instructor. She lives in Long Island, NY.

Connect with Rachel:

- Follow her on Instagram

- Visit her website here

More about Tzipora Grodko, LMSW:

Tzipora Grodko is a dynamic public speaker, psychotherapist, and coach who inspires audiences across the Jewish world with powerful messages of confidence, resilience, and personal growth. Her viral talk, Things Shadchanim Should Know, reframed the “shidduch crisis” with a more compassionate lens, making her a leading voice in single advocacy.

Ranked as the #1 Meaningful People episode of 2022, Tzipora has since traveled globally, speaking at schools, organizations, and events on topics like mental health, leadership, and breaking societal stigmas.

She recently launched Stories of Hope, the first Orthodox podcast of its kind, featuring extraordinary stories of unexpected love. Through her work, she continues to inspire deeper understanding, broader possibilities, and a future filled with support and hope.

Connect with Tzipora:

- Follow her on Instagram

- Visit her website here

More about Peri Lyman:

Songwriter, reading specialist, kugel maker extraordinaire

Connect with Peri:

-Follow her personal and Loaleinu Instagram accounts

- Visit her website here

- Feel free to reach out via email at: Perilyman@gmail.com

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