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.

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[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.

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[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

In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha sits down with Dr. Keith Alexander, a Coachella Valley orthodontist whose career journey spans the circus ring, Hollywood soundstages, and a thriving dental practice. Keith shares how his early ambitions in acting led him to clown college, Ringling Bros., and eventually roles alongside Robin Williams and Johnny Depp. The conversation sifts through his transitions from performing arts to orthodontics, how humor remains central to his life and work, and the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship. They also probe the deeper emotional role comedy can play and the importance of living each day with intention and joy.

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[00:00:00] Keith Alexander’s background and introduction

[00:02:00] Moving from upstate New York to Hollywood to pursue acting

[00:04:14] Getting his start in the film industry and working with Robin Williams

[00:07:04] Auditioning for clown college and joining the Ringling Bros. circus

[00:09:29] Earning the clown name "Hallelujah Hal" and his experiences on tour

[00:13:31] Winning “funniest person” award at the circus

[00:15:04] Early roots in performance and discovering theater at age 13

[00:19:10] Using humor in dentistry and daily life

[00:21:30] Creating a joyful workplace for staff and patients

[00:25:36] How personal and emotional depth influence comedic personas

[00:26:05] Reflecting on a key moment acting on The Tonight Show

[00:28:03] Public speaking and interpersonal connection in his dental practice

[00:29:40] High energy personality and feedback from family and staff

[00:31:04] Patient reactions to humor in clinical settings

[00:34:34] Challenges of entrepreneurship and building a practice from scratch

[00:36:17] Misconceptions about dentistry and patient apprehension

[00:38:30] Meeting his wife and the story of their online connection

[00:40:00] Dreaming of running a children’s theater if not a dentist

[00:42:09] Involvement in local theater productions in Palm Springs

[00:45:22] Top three life highlights: marriage, daughter’s birth, opening his practice

[00:48:56] What sets his orthodontic practice apart from others

[00:50:10] Final reflections on joy, connection, and gratitude

Links:

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 sits down with Alex Young, daughter of rock legend Eric Burdon of The Animals. Alex opens up about her unconventional upbringing, balancing the weight of her father's fame with a deep commitment to building a grounded, meaningful life. They discuss the emotional toll of growing up with an absent parent, the trials of young motherhood, addiction, and the healing power of music. From her early career in dentistry to her late-in-life pursuit of songwriting, Alex shares a compelling journey of resilience and rediscovery. She even gives us a preview of her first original song. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about forging identity in the shadow of legacy.

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[00:00:00] Alex Young’s introduction and her connection to Dr. Joseph Elisha

[00:01:55] Growing up in the Coachella Valley and a surreal local experience

[00:03:00] Life as the daughter of Eric Burdon and the absence of a father figure

[00:06:08] Raising a family young and finding a sustainable career in dentistry

[00:08:28] Losing her mother and how it changed her outlook on life

[00:09:14] Returning to music and learning guitar as a creative outlet

[00:11:06] Unexpected on-stage performances with the band War

[00:15:07] Witnessing her father’s induction into the Rock Walk

[00:19:28] Positive memories of her dad and touring with The Animals

[00:22:04] The impact of Eric Burdon’s music and his role in blues history

[00:24:08] Stories about her dad from friends and his wilder days

[00:26:20] Jimi Hendrix connection and personal family myths

[00:29:11] Being the ‘Egg Man’ in the Beatles song and her dad’s take

[00:34:14] How growing up affected her approach to parenting

[00:39:26] Grieving her mother and the emotional significance of belongings

[00:44:55] Periods of homelessness and motivation for career stability

[00:48:32] First time hearing pride from her father about her music

[00:51:11] Her mother’s early life, trauma, and love for Eric Burdon

[00:56:35] Advocacy for mental health and early diagnosis in children

[00:59:51] Live performance of Alex’s original song

[01:02:47] Future musical goals and possible debut album name

Podcast Website:

https://www.josephelishamd.com/

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

In this inaugural episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, host Dr. Joseph Elisha sits down with Norma Castaneda, a trailblazing entrepreneur and community leader from the Coachella Valley. Norma opens up about her upbringing on a citrus farm, the sudden loss of her father at 19, and the resilience that propelled her through challenges as a single mother.

The conversation touches on her career journey from Bighorn Development to Fidelis Health Group, her deep-rooted faith, her approach to leadership, and her passionate involvement in education and healthcare. With grace and candor, Norma reflects on adversity, identity, and her enduring commitment to uplifting others.

Chapters

(00:00:00) Introduction to the podcast and guest Norma Castaneda(00:02:27) Norma shares her roots growing up on a ranch in La Quinta(00:04:37) The impact of losing her father at 19 and taking on early responsibilities(00:06:21) Her early career start at Bighorn Development and shift to HR leadership(00:08:09) Journey into healthcare consulting and leadership at Fidelis Health Group(00:11:08) The role of faith and family in overcoming life's challenges(00:13:25) Navigating life as a single mother and raising three successful children(00:17:37) Processing divorce, emotional recovery, and forgiveness(00:22:26) Being a Latina woman in male-dominated industries(00:25:52) A cultural clash during business travel in Japan and asserting her voice(00:26:19) Best advice received: let go quickly and never stop learning(00:28:28) Battling imposter syndrome and quieting self-doubt(00:33:23) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: failure is part of the process(00:36:03) Norma's vision for a future clinic and foundation(00:38:30) Influence of her parents and service-oriented upbringing(00:40:07) Fun fact: Norma was Queen Scheherazade in the 1990s(00:41:42) Looking back: letting go of fear and trusting the process(00:43:06) Norma on being a loyal friend and always making time for loved ones(00:44:45) Admitting to overcommitting but honoring all responsibilities(00:47:11) Caring for her mother with dementia and its emotional toll(00:50:09) Norma's definition of success: peace, purpose, and impact(00:53:37) On not being a crowd pleaser and staying true to herself(00:54:50) Integrity as the most valued trait in business and personal life(00:55:49) Why courage is essential to living and leading with integrity(00:58:40) HR perspective: assessing people with patience and compassion(01:01:29) Valuing coachability and attitude over long résumés(01:03:06) Philanthropic impact through College of the Desert and Eisenhower(01:07:14) On being vulnerable and embracing life's imperfections

Links

Podcast Website:

https://www.josephelishamd.com/

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

Norma Castaneda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/normacastaneda

I’ll Ask The Questions Around Here is a podcast that explores the unexpected intersections of life, from science and culture to family dynamics and mental health. Hosted by Joseph Elisha, M.D., the podcast features conversations spanning a wide range of topics—from challenging yet crucial discussions to lighter, more comforting subjects. Each episode aims to educate, inspire, and entertain by providing a unique perspective from a fascinating guest, leading to captivating and unexpected conversations.