From Secrets to Self-Acceptance with LCSW Rikki Herbst

This week’s episode features Faigy Wachsman, a talented singer, songwriter, and voice coach. Faigy shares how growing up in a larger body delayed her journey to going public with her music, how school challenged her, and why she believes every child deserves to shine—especially those who don’t fit the traditional academic mold. Faigy also shares her journey with the struggles of infertility. She shares the pain, frustration, and heartbreak of unexplained infertility, as well as the things not to say to someone going through it and how you can be there for your friends and family who are navigating the journey of infertility. @faigywachsman Click here to grab your favorite beauty products and support women's healing and empowerment. Defiancebeauty.com  To read more about our mission and how we support healing from Domestic Violence, please visit our website: Defiancebeauty.com Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @defiancebeautybn @Nechamit

Kathy Kleiner, a survivor of Ted Bundy, joins me today to share her remarkable journey of resilience and healing. Kathy opens up about her life, starting with her battle as a teenager against the physical and emotional toll of lupus, enduring chemotherapy, and later surviving a harrowing attack by one of history’s most infamous criminals, Ted Bundy. In this episode, Kathy recounts the terrifying night she survived Bundy’s violent attack and the powerful steps she took to rebuild her life in the aftermath. She offers invaluable insights for family and friends on how best to support trauma survivors, emphasizing the vital message that the victim is never at fault. Kathy also shares heartfelt advice on what to say—and what to avoid saying—when supporting someone who has experienced trauma. We also touch on a profoundly emotional topic: Kathy’s experience with miscarriages, how they shaped her life, and why, in some ways, their pain has run deeper than her encounter with Bundy. Before we begin, a gentle reminder: this episode contains discussions of violence and trauma. Listener discretion is advised. Buy her book: “A Light In The Dark." Click here to follow Kathy on Facebook Click here to grab your favorite beauty products and support women's healing and empowerment. Defiancebeauty.com  To read more about our mission and how we support healing from Domestic Violence, please visit our website: Defiancebeauty.com Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @defiancebeautybn @Nechamit  

This episode continues my conversation with Malky B. If you haven’t listened to part 1 yet, I recommend starting there before joining us for the rest of her story. In this segment, Malky explains why she chooses not to discuss her dating life publicly and shares her thoughts on the concept of attraction. She also addresses how she responds to curiosity about her preferences and discusses the idea of sexual fluidity. We also touch on her unique perspective on religion and how it intertwines with her journey of self-discovery and authenticity. If you’re ready for an honest, raw, and enlightening discussion, this episode is for you. Note: This episode contains sexual references and is not suitable for children. https://www.malkyb.com/ @malkybtalks Click here to grab your favorite beauty products and support women's healing and empowerment. Defiancebeauty.com  To read more about our mission and how we support healing from Domestic Violence, please visit our website: Defiancebeauty.com Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @defiancebeautybn @Nechamit

Single Mom and Entrepreneur Malky B. joins me in this episode. Malky opens up about her journey of self-discovery, starting with how she felt different as a child and how that sense of being "different" ultimately shaped her mission—a mission that applies to everyone, no matter who you are. We dive into the power of stepping into your authenticity, why doing so is crucial, and how her story resonates far beyond the queer community. Malky explores reframing fear and using it as a stepping stone, what it takes to make bold decisions—like leaving a community or embracing change—and how to break down your goals to figure out what you truly want. Malky also shares practical advice on becoming financially independent and her approach to raising awareness about misconceptions surrounding her lifestyle, why she doesn’t hold it against those who misunderstood her, and why awareness matters so much. So, whether you’re navigating your own path to authenticity, facing tough decisions, or just looking for a fresh perspective, this episode is for you. Note: This episode contains sexual references and is not suitable for children. https://www.malkyb.com/ @malkybtalks Click here to grab your favorite beauty products and support women's healing and empowerment. Defiancebeauty.com  To read more about our mission and how we support healing from Domestic Violence, please visit our website: Defiancebeauty.com Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @defiancebeautybn @Nechamit

Shana Aaronson, the director of Magen, joins me in this episode. Magen is an organization based in Israel that advocates for and supports victims of sexual abuse. Shana is doing extraordinary, vital work—guiding victims through their incredibly challenging journeys and giving them the advocacy they deserve. During our conversation, Shana opens up about her own journey and explains how she first got involved in the fight against sexual abuse, starting with her early exposure to activism as a child. We cover critical topics, including: How to educate children about personal safety and physical boundaries. Red flags to watch for if you’re concerned about a child. Empowering kids to trust their instincts and protect themselves. What to do—and what not to do—if someone confides in you about abuse and asks you to keep it private. The long-term impact of sexual abuse and how we can support survivors. We also delve into sensitive and complex issues, such as cases involving incest, the challenges of helping victims who don’t want to leave their abuser, and practical ways that family and friends can provide support. Shana shares the impactful work her organization is doing to combat sexual abuse and highlights ways you can get involved in this important fight. This is a powerful and eye-opening conversation. Content Warning: This episode discusses the sensitive topic of sexual abuse. @shana_aaronson @magenforcommunities https://magen-israel.org/en/ Click here to grab your favorite beauty products and support women's healing and empowerment. Defiancebeauty.com  To read more about our mission and how we support healing from Domestic Violence, please visit our website: Defiancebeauty.com Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @defiancebeautybn @Nechamit

Amy Devan, Founder of the Naveda jewelry line and the NAVEDA Edit joins me in this episode. During this episode, Amy shares her journey and the challenges that have gotten her to where she is today.  In this episode, Amy opens up about her unique journey as a child of immigrant parents and how it shaped her identity and adulthood. We explore the relationship between striving for perfection and the sacrifices modeled by her parents, as well as the challenges of being a fiercely independent woman learning how to receive in a world that often conditions us only to give.   Amy shares the transformative lessons she’s learned post-divorce, from setting healthy boundaries and practicing self-love to completely reinventing herself as a single woman. You'll also hear some great insights she’s gained from working with her clients—advice we can all apply to our own lives.   If you’ve ever felt the pressure of perfection, the struggle to balance independence with vulnerability, or the need to find yourself again after life’s storms, this episode is for you. @Amydevan Click here to grab your favorite beauty products and support women's healing and empowerment. Defiancebeauty.com  To read more about our mission and how we support healing from Domestic Violence, please visit our website: Defiancebeauty.com Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @defiancebeautybn @Nechamit

In this episode, Dina Presser—a family lawyer and influencer known for her candid discussions on topics ranging from mental health to sexuality—shares an unfiltered look into her life and career. Starting with a childhood marked by frequent school changes and academic challenges, Dina reflects on how these experiences affected her self-worth. She discusses what she wishes her educators had done to support her, highlighting the powerful role schools play in shaping young people. Despite initially struggling with self-esteem and completing her GED, Dina eventually thrived in law school, driven by a passion for family law. She offers insights into her career choice and heartfelt advice for parents, informed by both her legal experience and her perspective as the child of divorced parents. Dina also opens up about her journey with sexuality, addressing topics like letting go of shame, managing friends-with-benefits relationships, and navigating anxiety and depression. She emphasizes that it's possible to be grateful for life’s blessings while still grappling with mental health challenges, underscoring the coexistence of gratitude and struggle. @dinnawithdina Click here to grab your favorite beauty products and support women's healing and empowerment. Defiancebeauty.com  To read more about our mission and how we support healing from Domestic Violence, please visit our website: Defiancebeauty.com Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @defiancebeautybn @Nechamit

Rikki Herbst, LCSW, MSEd joins me in this episode and shares her story regarding her religious journey, sexuality, and more. We have an incredibly thought-provoking conversation about sexuality, identity, and the hidden challenges that many women face in close knit or ultra-orthodox communities. Rikki vulnerably shares her unique journey—from her early struggles to express herself to the complex and transformative experiences that shaped who she is today. In this episode, we explore themes that might challenge our assumptions and expand our understanding of love, empathy, and acceptance. Rikki opens up about her healing journey, her dissertation topic of exploring the gendered religious experiences of women who leave the orthodox community, and how she discovered her own sexuality and came to terms with it. She sheds light on what it was like to be with a female partner in secret for over a decade while publicly dating men, the burden of carrying secrets, and the liberation she felt when she finally decided to live openly. We also talk about the pressures she faced to “fit in,” the offensive questions she faces, and the freedom she’s discovered in living authentically. This conversation is an invitation to listen with an open heart and mind. It’s not about agreeing or disagreeing—it’s about understanding and cultivating empathy for the diverse ways we each find our path to happiness and wholeness. @Rikkitytikkity Click here to grab your favorite beauty products and support women's healing and empowerment. Defiancebeauty.com  To read more about our mission and how we support healing from Domestic Violence, please visit our website: Defiancebeauty.com Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @defiancebeautybn @Nechamit  

Dr. Lahana Vigliano, Doctor of Nutrition, joins Nechami Tenenbaum on this week's episode. Dr. Lahana focuses on helping women balance their hormones and improve their gut health.  Dr. Lahana shares her journey and why she decided to get a doctorate in nutrition and establish a private practice for functional medicine nutrition. She discusses why she focuses on the gut and how it's often the root of many issues. She shares how stress affects the gut, tips, and tricks on managing stress, and how anyone can manage it without fancy supplements or complex treatments. She also talks about creating a healthy sleep routine and why it's essential for your health and productivity, the correlation between our food choices and stress and hormones, how chronic stress affects our hormones and overall functioning, and more!  @Nuvitruwellness Click here to grab your favorite beauty products and support women's healing and empowerment. Defiancebeauty.com  To read more about our mission and how we support healing from Domestic Violence, please visit our website: Defiancebeauty.com Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @defiancebeautybn @Nechamit

Lauren Behringer, celebrity esthetician based in New York, wellness expert, and founder of Behrhaus, joins Nechami Tenenbaum on this episode. Lauren launched Behrhaus with her hero product of best-selling and award-winning magnesium products and all-natural and nontoxic skincare essentials. Lauren shares how her childhood playtime choices foreshadowed her adult career choice, how she discovered the benefits of magnesium, how she found natural ways to balance her hormones, and how topical magnesium helps women sleep and regulate. She talks about how your acne breakouts tell a story of what’s going on inside your body, how to figure out and heal the root cause of your acne, the importance of drinking water, and how it affects more than you might think. Lauren also shares why she has become an advocate for women making their own decisions during their pregnancy and birth and so much more. @laurenbehringer Shop Lauren's Brand, Behrhaus and use code: Nechami for 15% off sitewide Click here to grab your favorite beauty products and support women's healing and empowerment. Defiancebeauty.com  To read more about our mission and how we support healing from Domestic Violence, please visit our website: Defiancebeauty.com Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @defiancebeautybn @Nechamit