None of Your Business Podcast

What if the way you’re loving your child is actually making things worse?In this episode, Rabbi Ezra Max reveals why modern parenting advice is failing and how saying yes to everything can quietly destroy your child’s future. Drawing from years of working with struggling teens and high-performing families, he explains why most kids don’t want to die, they just want to escape pain, and how parents unintentionally enable that cycle.This conversation breaks down the difference between real love and destructive enabling, why boundaries are essential for trust and growth, and how one simple shift in your approach can completely change your relationship with your child.If you’re a parent, leader, or entrepreneur trying to support others without losing control, this episode will challenge everything you think you know about connection, discipline, and emotional strength.0:00 Introduction & Welcome 2:01 Panic Attack & Vulnerability 7:04 Who Is Ezra Max? 11:52 9/11: A Near-Death Experience 13:14 Working With Struggling Youth & At-Risk Teens 20:03 Teens, Overdose & the Cost of Enabling 23:50 Parenting, Boundaries & Unconditional Love 26:10 The Executive Coaching Story 26:43 Ezra as Executive Coach 35:55 Psychedelics, Ayahuasca & the Dangers of Shortcuts 39:34 The Living Room & Our Place 43:49 Business Entanglements & the Spaghetti Principle 46:24 3 Keys to Relationship 56:22 Networking With Purpose 1:03:25 Family Mission, Values & Knowing Who You Are 1:04:57 Social Media-Why It's Destroying Us 1:12:39 Michael's Panic Attack 1:20:16 Breathwork & How to Calm a Panic Attack 1:31:16 Goal Setting: Who Are You Becoming? 1:34:35 Closing Reflections & Wrap-Up

What happens when an outsider is brought in to run one of the most trusted emergency organizations in the Jewish world?In this episode of the None of Your Business Podcast, Michael sits down with Yehiel Kalish, former CEO of Hatzalah, for a raw and eye-opening conversation about leadership, pressure, and the realities behind the scenes of lifesaving work.Yehiel shares how a political loss unexpectedly led him into the world of emergency medicine, what it was like leading Hatzalah without ever being a responder himself, and why he ultimately made the difficult decision to step down after five years.From lightning-fast response times to the unseen emotional toll on volunteers, this episode pulls back the curtain on an organization most people only see in moments of crisis.Together, Michael and Yehiel dive into:• The inner workings of Hatzalah — how it’s structured, funded, and why it operates so differently from other organizations• Response times that can be under a minute — and the pressure that comes with it • Who gets accepted into Hatzalah (and why it’s not about money or connections)• The emotional and psychological toll on responders — and how they cope with trauma • The challenges of expanding into new communities like Lakewood and Jackson• Women in Hatzalah — how real-life situations are handled with sensitivity and urgency • Leadership lessons from stepping into a role you’re not fully prepared for00:00 Not A Hatzalah Guy 02:03 Outsider Perspective Matters 03:36 Podcast Intro And Retirement 04:36 How He Became CEO 16:02 Response Times And Expectations 21:50 Women Responders Protocols 28:54 Personal Background Origins 32:49 Chicago Culture Of Caring 36:19 What the Agudath Israel of America Does 38:43 Abuse Laws Defense 48:38 Agudah Camping Legacy 50:11 Leaving for Private Sector 56:21 Legislating in Office 01:06:30 Parnassa and Responsibility 01:12:46 Future Plans Lobbying 01:19:32 Health Lessons from Calls 01:28:37 Suicide and Mental Health 01:33:07 Closing and Guest Picks

What does it mean to truly invest in a child's future?In this episode of the None of Your Business Podcast, Michael sits down with Rabbi Chezky Sherman a dedicated educator, camp director, and founder of the Monsey Camp Fund for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond summer camp.Rabbi Sherman opens up about turning down a six-figure job offer to stay in chinuch, the unmatched fulfillment of watching a student grow up, and why every rebbi in the classroom is driven by passion — not a paycheck. From his own unconventional school journey in Chicago to sleeping on floors in Eretz Yisrael, Rabbi Sherman shares the pivotal moments that shaped who he is today.Together, Michael and Rabbi Sherman tackle:The Monsey Camp Fund — how one kid with a hoverboard sparked a movement that helped 850+ children attend camp last summerParenting in today's world — setting boundaries, building confidence, and why the word "no" has gone missingBar Mitzvah pressure — are we doing it for the kid or for ourselves?The "Thank You Hashem" debate — is Jewish music inspiring a generation or bypassing real growth?Finding your passion — practical wisdom for young men figuring out their path after yeshivaWhether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who cares about the next generation, this episode will challenge you, inspire you, and remind you: every kid deserves a summer.00:00:00 Introduction: Why Rabbi Sherman Chose Teaching Over a Six-Figure Salary00:09:17 The Fulfillment of Being a Rebbi: Why No Amount of Money Can Replace It00:13:18 How to Find Your Passion and Purpose as a Young Jewish Adult00:16:22 Parenting in Today's World: Building Confidence, Setting Boundaries, and Saying No00:28:00 Rabbi Sherman's Personal Journey: From Struggling Student to Dedicated Rebbi00:36:12 The Thank You Hashem Debate: Music, Inspiration, and the Path to Torah00:51:35 The Monsey Camp Fund: How One Kid on a Hoverboard Sparked a Movement01:01:01 How the Monsey Camp Fund Works: Helping 850+ Kids Get to Camp Every Summer01:01:29 The Bowling Tournament: Building a Successful Nonprofit Fundraiser from Scratch01:08:32 The Power of a Rebbi Who Cares: The Reb Moshe Feinstein Phone Scam Story01:23:50 Bar Mitzvahs, Anxiety, and Putting Kids First: What Parents Get Wrong01:36:25 Final Thoughts: Partnerships, Giving Back, and Connecting with Your Kids

In this episode of the None of Your Business Podcast, Michael and Ushy sit down with Elliot Kohn for a raw and honest conversation about business, relationships, and personal growth.Elliot shares his unconventional journey from cooking in a yeshiva kitchen and working in the culinary world to building a career in healthcare, business development, and networking across the nursing home and senior care industry. Along the way he explains why he does not consider himself to be in sales at all. Instead, he believes his success comes from focusing on relationships, genuine connections, and helping people without an agenda.The conversation dives into what it really takes to build trust in business, the value of conferences and networking events, and how strong relationships can create opportunities that traditional sales tactics cannot.Elliot also opens up about the personal side of his journey. He discusses the realities of going through divorce, navigating community expectations, and how major life changes can force someone to rediscover who they are as a person, a parent, and a professional.This episode explores topics including entrepreneurship, career pivots, networking strategy, healthcare business development, divorce in the Jewish community, personal resilience, and the importance of curiosity when building a meaningful life and career.If you are interested in business growth, relationship building, entrepreneurship, Jewish life conversations, and honest discussions about personal challenges, this episode delivers powerful insights and real life lessons.00:00 “I’m Not Happy… Figure It Out”00:22 Introduction and the Story Behind the Socks01:47 The Hat That Became Elliot’s Personal Brand03:42 From Chef to Healthcare: An Unconventional Career Path05:28 Growing a Business from 24% to 82% in Six Months14:54 The Art of Building Genuine Connections22:07 Opening Home Care Agencies Across the Country25:00 Conference Networking Without an Agenda28:27 Going Through Divorce and the Reality Behind the Smile47:40 Breaking the Silence: Finding Support and Resources52:30 Friends, Couples, and Community Reactions57:40 The Power of Having a Choice1:05:56 Trusting Your Gut and Staying Curious1:07:25 Live Cold Call: Booking the Next Podcast Guest1:11:20 Closing Thoughts and Prime Source Sponsor Message

In this powerful episode of None Your Business, Eliyahu Pereira shares his remarkable journey of Jewish identity, faith, and personal transformation.Born in Miami to a Brazilian father who rediscovered his Spanish Portuguese Jewish roots, Eliyahu grew up between South Africa, the UK, Brazil, and the United States. By high school he was lost and heading in the wrong direction. At 17, desperate for change, he was sent to Israel, a move that would completely redefine his life.From culture shock in Tzfat to spiritual awakening in a Jerusalem yeshiva, and later serving in the Israeli army, Eliyahu opens up about drifting from Shabbat, struggling with loneliness, and wrestling with faith in a secular environment. He shares what it feels like to know who you want to become while living far from it.This episode explores Jewish identity, spiritual growth, army life in Israel, and the challenge of holding onto faith without community. It is an honest conversation about losing your footing and finding your way back.If you have ever struggled with faith, searched for meaning, or felt caught between worlds, this story will resonate.0:00 Introduction & Welcome 0:22 Meet Eliyahu Pereira 1:32 Family Heritage: From Brazil to Israel 3:26 Moving to Israel at 17 5:53 Army Service & Keeping Shabbat 12:45 Finding Torah & Getting Married 14:38 The Power of Amen in Jewish Law 17:35 Living in Tzfat & Divine Providence 19:31 Two Tzadiks in a Pod Podcast 24:02 Shabbat & the Challenge of Observance 30:35 Running Away from Depression 43:28 Teaching Torah56:35 Introducing Tzfat Winery & Wine Partnership 60:30 The 20+ Mitzvot of Agriculture in Israel 65:45 Thank You Hashem Movement Origins 78:25 Shalosh Seudos - The Third Meal of Shabbat 87:48 Bringing Jews Closer: Relationship Before Law 97:08 Purim: The Nine - Year Story 102:50 The Power of Blessings - Wellspring Story 106:30 Opening Your Home for Shabbat 108:46 Final Thoughts & Resources

In this episode of The None Of Your Business Podcast, Michael sits down with Sarah Rivkah Kohn, founder of Links Family, an organization supporting kids and teens who have lost a parent. Sarah Rivkah shares her story of losing her mother at age nine, going back to school instead of sitting shiva, and how the grief hit hard years later shaping her passion to build peer support for children who feel alone. Sarah Rivkah explains how Links began in 2006 as a small magazine for bereaved teens and quickly grew into Shabbatones, year-round programming, and global services. The conversation also explores what it really takes to run a nonprofit like a business fundraising, marketing, leadership, and learning to let go of roles as you scale. They discuss Links fundraising approach, including the high-end “Strings Concert” on February 22 benefiting a Pesach gift card program for about 450 families, and “Opportunities” WhatsApp model that raises urgent needs through small, fast donations. The episode closes with a message of hope for those in grief. If you or someone you know has lost a parent and needs support, you are not alone. Reach out to Links Family to connect with a community that truly understands➡️ https://linksfamily.org ➡️ 718-305-6080 ➡️ [email protected]

Are We a Bumper Sticker Nation? When Opinions Replace Understanding! In this episode of the None Of Your Business Podcast, Michael sits down for a one on one conversation with Moe Rabi to talk about social media, authenticity, confidence, and what real success actually looks like behind the scenes. This is a deep, honest discussion about modern culture, personal growth, and navigating life with awareness in a world driven by appearances. Moe Rabi shares his journey from being one of the earliest creators in WhatsApp status culture to building a successful career in the healthcare industry. They explore how social media has shaped identity, why so many people confuse visibility with value, and how genuine relationships are being replaced by surface level validation. The conversation dives into confidence, attention, parenting, leadership, and responsibility, especially within the Jewish community and professional world. Moe speaks openly about materialism, using your voice, raising children in a culture of pressure, and balancing faith, business, and enjoyment of life. They also discuss why introspection matters more than trends, and how staying authentic becomes harder as platforms and influence grow.

In this episode of the None Of Your Business Podcast, Michael and Ushy sit down with Yitzchok Aharon Pinkesz, author of Kosher Astrology and a leading voice in the revival of astrology through a Torah lens. From growing up in the heart of Boro Park to uncovering a spiritual tool that would reshape his life, Yitzchok shares how a random phone call sparked a five-year deep dive into ancient wisdom merging cosmic science, Torah, and purpose.0:00 Introduction 0:32 Welcome to None of Your Business Podcast 1:27 Subscriber Thank You & Show Updates 2:30 Meet Yitzchok Aharon Pinkesz 4:25 What is Astrology? Breaking Down the Misconceptions 5:52 The Torah Connection to Astrology 8:47 How Yitzchok Discovered Astrology 12:00 The Birth Chart Explained 15:00 The Five Personal Planets 19:30 Donald Trump's Birth Chart Analysis 25:00 Understanding Uranus & Unprecedented Energy 29:00 The Three Types of People & Finding Your Purpose37:00 How Astrology Reveals Your Life's Blueprint 42:00 Overcoming Self-Doubt & Saturn's Lessons 49:30 Is This Just a Pep Talk or Real Science? 59:00 Closing Thoughts & Final Reflections

In this episode of the None of Your Business Podcast, we sit down with Beri Weber for an honest and deeply personal conversation about faith, music, identity, and the price of not fitting into a system that was not built for you.Beri shares what it was like growing up with a powerful spiritual connection to music at a time when singing was not considered a respectable path. From being punished in school for listening to Reb Shlomo Carlebach, to feeling that music was treated as second class, to being told directly and indirectly that this was not what success was supposed to look like, Beri opens up about the tension between conformity and calling. We talk about choosing meaning over money, soul over status, and why walking away from a higher paycheck does not always feel like a sacrifice when you are aligned with who you truly are. Beri reflects on the difference between external success and internal fulfillment, the challenges of being too spiritual for structured systems, and how faith shaped every major decision along the way. This conversation will resonate with anyone who has ever felt boxed in, misunderstood, or pressured to become someone they were not meant to be. It is a powerful reminder that purpose is not always loud, and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stay true to yourself even when it costs you. If you have ever struggled with identity, faith, creativity, or choosing the harder but more honest path, this episode is for you.

Shmuel Sackett doesn't shy away from controversy. A student of Rabbi Meir Kahane, founder of the civil disobedience movement Zo Artzeinu, and a convicted felon for sedition in Israel—he's proud of every arrest, every protest, and every stand he's taken for Jewish strength.In this raw conversation, Shmuel takes us from his days in the Jewish Defense League fighting Soviet Jewry in 1970s New York, to blocking roads at the Russian Embassy, to moving to Israel and getting arrested 15 times fighting the Oslo Accords. He explains why he believes Jews can never afford to be weak again, why Rabbi Kahane was misunderstood, and what it means to fight for redemption instead of waiting for it.We discuss the fine line between self-defense and national strength, why he thinks every Jew outside Israel is "broken," his vision for a Jewish state following Torah law, and how he's raising over $1 million annually through The Dream Raffle to fund IDF widows, orphans, and Israeli farmers.This isn't about politics. It's about identity, destiny, and what Jewish pride actually means in 2025.

In this special year-end episode of None Of Your Business Podcast, Michael and Ushy revisit the most powerful moments from 2025 the conversations that stopped us mid-recording, the stories that challenged how we think, and the guests who reminded us what resilience really looks like. From Jonathan Pollard digging graves on Mount Herzl the night of October 7th, to Noiky Roberts watching a painfully shy student cry tears of joy over a test score. From Ellie Cohanim's family escaping Iran on one of the last flights out, to Yossi Green's 12-hour plane conversation that brought two strangers back to Judaism. From Shlomie Zionce's breakthrough after years of rejection, to Shimmy Jay getting fired from a pizza shop lunch and turning it into his biggest break. From Fally Klein learning Gemara despite reading difficulties, to Abby Wolin opening her business books to the world when everything felt like it was falling apart. These aren't just success stories. They're pivots, failures, moments of clarity, and the decisions that came after. The conversation covers October 7th, Jewish identity, entrepreneurship, mentorship, grief, faith, career transitions, knowing your worth, and what it takes to rebuild when everything changes. Episode Sponsor: ►Prime Source This episode is powered by Prime Source, the partner senior care facilities trust for real savings and smarter spending. With years of industry experience, Prime Source guides operators to use best-practice purchasing methods, identify hidden opportunities, and stretch every dollar without compromising care. For a free spend analysis, call 877-8PRIME8 or visit https://www.primesourcex.com

In this episode of None Of Your Business Podcast, Michael and Ushy sit down with Major Joshua Zager a former U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot who now flies for United Airlines. Joshua shares his journey from a teenage dream of serving Israel, to flying combat missions after 9/11, to navigating faith, leadership, and responsibility in both military and civilian life. The conversation touches on elite training, the emotional weight of high-stakes decisions, keeping Shabbat while flying commercially, and the realities of transitioning from war zones to the airline industry. None Of Your Business is a podcast about growth learning from people who’ve been through real journeys. We explore where they started, what they’re building now, and how they think about what’s ahead. No scripts. No filters. Just real stories, real lessons, and perspectives you can grow with.Episode Sponsor: ►Prime Source This episode is powered by Prime Source, the partner senior care facilities trust for real savings and smarter spending. With years of industry experience, Prime Source guides operators to use best-practice purchasing methods, identify hidden opportunities, and stretch every dollar without compromising care. For a free spend analysis, call 877-8PRIME8 or visit https://www.primesourcex.com

In this episode of The None of Your Business Podcast, Michael and Ushy are joined by actor, podcaster, and Jewish advocate Jonah Platt for an open and thoughtful conversation about identity, purpose, and taking up space.Jonah shares his journey from Broadway and Hollywood, including his time in Wicked and Jewish projects like Menorah in the Middle, to becoming the host of his own podcast, Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. He talks about how October 7th reshaped his focus, why staying quiet has never protected us, and why Jewish visibility, dignity, and self respect matter now more than ever.The discussion touches on antisemitism in Hollywood and online, the pressure many Jews feel to keep their heads down, and the importance of unity across different levels of observance. Jonah also reflects on Jewish summer camp, intentional parenting, philanthropy, and what it means to live Jewishly in everyday life.This episode blends humor, honesty, and uncomfortable truths into a conversation that goes far beyond fame or labels. It is about choosing meaning, leaning into identity, and being unapologetically authentic in a complicated world.00:00 Welcome to The None of Your Business Podcast 02:15 Meeting Jonah Platt and why this conversation matters 05:30 Jewish leadership, philanthropy, and the work of the JDC 10:10 Hostages, visibility, and the cost of being thrust into the spotlight13:30 From Hollywood to Broadway and landing Wicked 18:45 Fame, fulfillment, and being a “J list celebrity” 22:10 Menorah in the Middle and telling Jewish stories on screen25:40 October 7th and the shift from reacting to leading 30:10 Launching Being Jewish with Jonah Platt 34:45 Creating a safe space to talk honestly about Jewish identity39:30 Jewish summer camp and building identity early 43:50 Intentional parenting and raising the next generation Jewishly47:30 Silence versus visibility and why keeping your head down does not work 52:10 Unity across observance and breaking down Jewish silos56:40 “They don’t like us when we’re small or when we’re big” 59:50 Authenticity, self respect, and taking up space1:03:30 Choosing meaning over applause 1:06:45 Final reflections on purpose, pride, and being unapologetically yourselfEpisode Sponsor: ► Prime SourceThis episode is powered by Prime Source, the partner senior care facilities trust for real savings and smarter spending. With years of industry experience, Prime Source guides operators to use best-practice purchasing methods, identify hidden opportunities, and stretch every dollar without compromising care. For a free spend analysis,call 877-8PRIME8 or visit https://www.primesourcex.com

In this special episode of the None of Your Business Podcast, we sit down with the legendary Rabbi Edgar Gluck, joined by his son Zvi, for a conversation unlike anything we’ve ever had before. At nearly ninety years old, Rabbi Gluck has lived through history, shaped communities, changed laws, rebuilt cemeteries, stopped autopsies, stood up to communists, helped form Hatzalah, and carried the weight of Jewish responsibility on his shoulders for decades. Together with his son, Zvi brings an added layer of insight, humor, memory, and behind-the-scenes stories that paint a full picture of what it means to live a life of service.From surviving post-war Germany and building a new life in the Bronx, to blowing shofar on Hitler’s balcony, to navigating danger, politics, loss, and miracles, this episode captures a father and son who have dedicated everything to saving lives and preserving Jewish dignity. Their stories are raw, emotional, hilarious, and deeply inspiring. Whether you’re here for history, faith, community, or simply to hear two generations reflect on a lifetime of purpose, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.Watch, share, and let us know which moment moved you most.00:00 Episode Intro00:28 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests01:20 Sponsorship and Branding01:55 Memories and Nostalgia05:40 Rabbi Gluck's Early Life and Education11:49 Journey to Poland and Holocaust Remembrance17:17 Challenges and Adventures in Communist Poland25:37 Family Stories and Personal Anecdotes31:25 Antisemitism in the Fire Department32:39 The Founding of Hatzalah34:23 A Story of Bravery and Dedication38:44 The Fight Against Autopsies40:10 Changing the Law for Religious Rights43:08 Meeting with Mario Cuomo58:43 Balancing Public Service and Family01:04:50 Collaborations with the Vatican01:06:28 A School Project Uncovers a Mass Grave01:06:59 Negotiations with the Priest and the Pope01:07:22 Discovering Another Mass Grave01:09:35 Challenges in Acquiring the Property01:10:10 Meeting with Pope Benedict01:19:03 The Scandal of the Dancing Rabbi01:36:07 Reflections on Antisemitism and Voting01:38:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell►Episode Sponsor: Prime SourceThis episode is powered by Prime Source, the partner senior care facilities trust for real savings and smarter spending. With years of industry experience, Prime Source guides operators to use best-practice purchasing methods, identify hidden opportunities, and stretch every dollar without compromising care. For a free spend analysis, call 877-8PRIME8 or visit https://www.primesourcex.com

In this engaging episode of the 'None of Your Business' podcast, Michael and Ushy Schwartz welcome the multifaceted Shloime Zionce. Broadcasting on Thanksgiving night, the discussion covers Shloime's rich tapestry of experiences from his global travels, journalistic pursuits, and life reflections. As a White House correspondent for Ami Magazine and an influential social media personality, Shloime shares personal anecdotes about navigating the complexities of living a public life, maintaining authenticity, and the significance of his work. The conversation also delves into Shloime's insights on tipping culture, the challenges and responsibilities within the Jewish community, and how to balance personal aspirations with community obligations. This episode is a testament to embracing life’s spontaneity, resilience, and making an impact in ways both big and small.00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:41 Guest Introduction: Red Shloime Zionce00:52 Travel Mishaps and Thanksgiving Night02:09 The Power of Social Media and Influence09:29 Life in Texas and Community Exploration11:05 Journey to Finding a New Home15:28 The Diamond Crater Adventure35:21 Reflections on Jewish Identity and Safety40:04 Reluctant Singer and Universe's Timing40:39 Early Jobs and Moving to Borough Park42:55 Security Guard and Return to Yeshiva44:16 Marriage and Life in Israel44:41 Struggles with Employment50:03 Pursuing Writing and First Breakthrough55:50 Travel Writing and Social Media Growth01:12:30 Entering Washington Politics01:21:43 The Role of Ami Magazine and Social Media01:22:30 The Importance of Jewish Representation Online01:24:16 Challenges and Opportunities in Social Media01:32:19 Debating Tipping Etiquette01:40:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections