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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“I couldn’t have my child bearing years end with a dead baby” with Taliya Corbett

This is a messy, complicated truth of what it means to carry both heartbreak and hope.

After the devastating stillbirth of her daughter, Ora, all Taliya could think was—“The only thing that will make me feel okay again is another baby.” But the road to pregnancy wasn’t simple. And even when she finally conceived, she didn’t feel joy. Or hope. Or love.

This episode is for anyone who's been told that a new baby will "fix it"—and then finds themselves drowning in guilt when it doesn’t feel that way at all.

Because love after loss is not always immediate. And healing isn’t always linear. And sometimes you need some medicine to help with the anxiety too

More about Taliya Corbett:

Homeschooling mom of five and one angel always in her heart. Taliya is a stillbirth warrior turned storyteller who shares her wild, sacred, and unfiltered journey through motherhood, faith, grief, and healing. From iced coffee-fueled chaos to deep spiritual reflections, she invites you into a life that’s messy, meaningful, and magnetic.

Connect with Taliya:

- Follow her on Instagram

Connect with us:

-Check out our Website

-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message

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Renowned Jewish matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom joins us for a raw and honest conversation about the intersection of egg freezing and dating. We get into the pressure, the judgment, and the impossible choices many women face—whether they want to freeze, don’t want to, or simply can’t. Aleeza also shares how this shows up in the dating world: men asking about egg freezing before a first date, when (or if) to bring it up in the dating process, and what real support looks like from friends and family. Whether you’re navigating this yourself or walking alongside someone who is, listen with an open heart…people are struggling and we don’t need to add pressure to this already difficult time in people’s lives.

More about Aleeza Ben Shalom:

Aleeza Ben Shalom is the renowned globe-trotting Jewish Matchmaker, who captivated audiences worldwide with her highly popular Netflix show, "Jewish Matchmaking," reaching millions of viewers across 130 countries. She continues to wow audiences worldwide with her in-person and virtual appearances and has recently published her third book, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Find Me A Love That Lasts.” To date, she has successfully helped thousands of people get married, and has trained over 350 matchmakers and coaches

Connect with Aleeza:

- Follow her on Instagram

- Check out her website

Connect with us:

-Check out our Website

-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message

-Watch our TikToks

-Follow us on Facebook

-Watch us on YouTube

-Connect with us on LinkedIn