Welcome to this special episode of I’ll Ask The Question Around Here, where I talk about Mother’s Day; what it means to me, and to the world.

Motherhood, as seen through the lens of two remarkable women—my mother and my mother-in-law—is not a role defined by ease or perfection, but by resilience, complexity, and quiet determination. My mother’s stroke in 1980 reshaped our family forever, yet she refused to let it define her. Though she lost physical function, she never relinquished her role as the family’s emotional anchor. Her unwavering presence and commitment, even while married to a man grappling with depression, revealed a strength that surpassed physical ability. At first, I saw her constant giving as self-neglect, but I came to realize it was her way of asserting her completeness, of reclaiming her identity in the face of loss. Similarly, my mother-in-law, Patricia, lived a life marked by trauma, loss, and reinvention. Surviving domestic violence, the death of a child, and fractured family dynamics, she eventually found peace in a rural retreat and redefined herself. Though her earlier years as a mother were marked by hardship and absence, she later became a powerful presence in our children’s lives, showing that motherhood is not a fixed state but an evolving act of love and courage. Her decision to step away, once seen as abandonment, became an act of self-preservation that allowed her to heal and return stronger.

Mother’s Day, then, is far more than a celebration—it’s a reflection on the expectations, grief, gratitude, and quiet heroism that shape maternal relationships. It’s a day that carries both beauty and pain, honoring those who gave everything, those who couldn't, and those who are still figuring it out. For many, it’s not simple. There are unspoken hopes, disappointments, and the weight of societal expectations. But whether you're a mother, grieving one, estranged from one, or simply holding complex feelings—your experience matters. Today, let’s hold space for all forms of mothering and all the people doing their best to show up, with honesty, forgiveness, and grace.

In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha sits down with Kim Meltzer, co-founder and CEO of Destination Esports, affectionately known in the gaming world as the "Esports Mom." From a childhood shaped by personal loss to trailblazing a hospitality-driven approach in the global gaming industry, Kim shares how nurturing others became her calling. They discuss the evolution of gaming culture, the mental health dynamics surrounding screen time, and how faith, motherhood, and perspective have guided her path. Kim also shares insights into planning major Esports events and her mission to reshape perceptions of the gaming community through her own podcast.

____________________________________________________________

[00:02:47] Kim Meltzer introduces her gamer tag origins and entry into the gaming industry.

[00:05:48] Her career pivot from hospitality to working with Activision’s Call of Duty launch.

[00:07:49] Becoming the “COD Mom” and her growing role in the global gaming scene.

[00:10:15] How grief and early life experiences shaped her nurturing nature and professional drive.

[00:13:45] Faith’s quiet but central role in her journey and mentorship style.

[00:18:06] Working at Focus on the Family and exploring spirituality across faith lines.

[00:21:48] What goes into planning a major Esports event from a logistics and care perspective.

[00:26:12] Addressing screen dependency and helping gamers find balance in real life.

[00:29:36] Transferable skills from gaming to careers in surgery, military, and engineering.

[00:31:02] How trust and communication play a critical role in mentoring gamers.

[00:33:10] Rocket League’s role in building community between players and families.

[00:35:37] The distinction between casual gaming and competitive Esports.

[00:36:54] The utility of AI in gaming and broader industries, including Esports development.

[00:40:19] The challenge of politics and profit-over-purpose in the gaming world.

[00:43:25] Starting the Esports Mom podcast to share behind-the-scenes stories and life lessons.

[00:45:50] Kim’s focus on shifting perspectives rather than changing the industry.

[00:48:27] Her five-year vision rooted in family, travel, and continued growth.

[00:52:23] Reflecting on life’s biggest lessons and learning from early struggles.

[00:55:04] The legacy Kim hopes to leave rooted in love, impact, and authentic living.

Links:

Kim Meltzer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeltzer

Destination Esports: https://destinationesports.com/

Joseph Elisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-elisha-m-d-a9b7aab

In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha speaks with Sabby Jonathan, a respected accountant, former mayor of Palm Desert, and dedicated community leader. Sabby recounts his remarkable family history of surviving war-torn Europe, building a new life in Israel, and eventually immigrating to North America. Together, they explore how the immigrant experience shaped his values, work ethic, and commitment to public service. Sabby shares insights into defining success, the power of gratitude, and the importance of giving back to one's community. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, legacy, and the American dream.

____________________________________________________________

[00:00:30] Joseph's personal immigration story and introduction to success beyond the hustle

[00:02:06] Sabby Jonathan's background: family history escaping Nazi and Soviet persecution

[00:05:09] Sabby’s parents’ journey to Palestine and the founding of Israel

[00:06:18] Life under British Mandate and the early state of Israel

[00:10:02] Immigrating to Canada and then the U.S.; early challenges adapting

[00:12:07] Learning English, experiencing culture shock, and embracing opportunity

[00:16:29] Overcoming challenges as an Iranian-American during the hostage crisis

[00:17:37] Sabby's father's career as a tool and die maker and cultural passions

[00:22:27] Reflections on childhood freedom, resilience, and parental influence

[00:27:21] Teaching autonomy and decision-making to children

[00:30:58] The immigrant drive: work ethic, gratitude, and understanding opportunity

[00:34:00] Core ingredients for a successful life: health, love, and making the most of blessings

[00:36:59] Defining success beyond monetary achievement

[00:40:24] Why Sabby chose to serve his community through civic engagement

[00:43:26] The concept of Tikkun Olam and the call to heal the world

[00:46:02] Sabby’s pride in his family and reflections on raising good people

[00:47:22] Meeting Wendy, marriage longevity, and partnership

[00:51:31] The impact of generational trauma and maintaining resilience

[00:55:15] Engaging with disagreement and countering antisemitism

[00:56:24] Sabby's wish to be remembered as "a good guy"

Links:

Joseph Elisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-elisha-m-d-a9b7aab