The G.O.C. Podcast

In this episode of the Growth Oriented Chevra podcast, we sit down with Rav Judah Mischel, Director of Camp HASC, for a deeply grounded conversation on shifting our generational mindset from consuming to contributing. In a world hyper-focused on what we can take, Rav Judah explores how stepping out of our comfort zones to actively give—chesed—is the ultimate antidote to modern consumerism.

As artificial intelligence becomes capable of answering complex questions instantly, the Yeshiva world faces a profound paradigm shift. If a machine can provide immediate answers, the human focus must return to the intrinsic value of ameilus—the relentless toil and productive struggle of learning. This episode explores why the ultimate metric of success is not just raw intellect, but the willingness to sit through confusion and break your teeth over a difficult sugya. Ultimately, it highlights how this deep, persistent effort builds a spiritual connection and character that technology can never replace.

Can a boys' yeshiva thrive on lessons from the founder of Bais Yaakov? Rav Ben joins the Chevra to break down a new initiative targeting a critical gap in modern Jewish education. By shifting away from test scores and adopting a Sarah Schenirer inspired model, this program combines daily cheshbon hanefesh, third person journaling, and mandatory space for personal reflection. Join us for an honest discussion on Kelm style introspection, healthy Rabbe talmid boundaries, and helping students cultivate a lasting, self driven relationship with Hashem.

In this episode of the G.O.C. Podcast, Rav Joey Rosenfeld unpacks the psychological and spiritual roots of modern anxiety. Exploring why so many of us feel constantly overwhelmed by endless possibilities and the need for control, Rav Joey Rosenfeld shares profound insights on how to shift from a state of fear to a life grounded in Emunah. Tune in to learn how to transcend overthinking, quiet the continuous noise of a chaotic world, and find true, baseline stillness by trusting the Creator.

Life can feel heavy. Daily responsibilities, relationships, and the sheer reality of existence weigh us down, and without a spiritual anchor, that weight becomes exhausting. In this episode of the G.O.C. Podcast, Rav Glanz explains how Tefillah is designed to lift that exact burden. We discuss the profound idea that while physical objects have weight, a genuine connection with Hashem through the Siddur brings lightness to our lives. Discover why treating God like a vending machine leaves us feeling empty, and how stepping into the true "mode of Tefillah" can completely change your daily reality.

In this episode we dive into the profound shift in modern Yeshiva culture, exploring the recent push to remove smartphones from the Beis Medrash to foster genuine connections. This episode breaks down the struggle to be authentic in a digital age, and how disconnecting allows us to truly hear ourselves and build real relationships with our Chevra and Hashem.

Rav Hirschel shares a deeply vulnerable account of the most difficult months of his life. Following his wife's sudden diagnosis and medically induced coma, he found himself making unimaginable decisions in the ICU. This episode is a profound look at holding onto emunah when the stakes are absolute life and death, and what it actually means for a chevra to carry you when you cannot carry yourself.Please continue to daven for a refuah shleimah for Ariella Chava bas Chana Malka.

In this episode, we sit down with therapist and educator Rav Richards to unpack a challenge many face during Elul: the tension between genuine, self-reflective growth and the paralyzing pressure of guilt, shame, and perfectionism. We explore how to move away from an anxious, "all-or-nothing" approach to Teshuva and cultivate a relationship with Hashem grounded in unconditional love and compassion.

To kick things off, we sit down with the Rosh Yeshiva to talk about the story behind the GOC and a struggle we all face: the tension between real, internal growth and just blending in with the crowd. We get into the modern temptation of taking shortcuts, why building genuine character is tough but necessary, and what it actually takes to stay true to yourself.