The Journey with Gabi Koyenov - The Official Podcast of The Men's Therapy Studio

SPECIAL CROSSOVER EPISODEThis conversation originally appeared on Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious Exodus, hosted by Shalom Tzvi Shore. I felt this discussion was too important not to share with The Journey community as well.A huge thank-you to Shalom and the Beyond Belief podcast for creating the space for this honest conversation. Please check out the original show, subscribe, and send Shalom some love:Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious Exodus https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-belief-tales-of-religious-exodus/id1749161974In this episode, the roles are reversed: Gabi becomes the guest and shares his own journey through Bukharian identity, Orthodox Judaism, yeshiva, purity culture, the shidduch system, and ultimately leaving religious life.Gabi opens up about growing up in Queens, navigating his family’s faith, and trying to find his place within both Bukharian and broader Jewish communities. He discusses the divisions he encountered between different Jewish identities, his experiences with racism in yeshiva, and the mentor who gave him a different model of what religious leadership could look like.The conversation follows Gabi’s full yeshiva arc—from learning and searching for meaning to confronting the psychological consequences of purity culture. He explains why he consciously chose faith, how heartbreak and dating sent him into a spiral, and how the rules and expectations surrounding sexuality, marriage, and shidduchim affected his mental health.Gabi and Shalom examine whether the shidduch system can function as a form of high-control or cult-like social pressure. Gabi recounts the panic attacks that accompanied his departure, his final conversation with his rabbi, and an unexpected shidduch-related twist involving the woman he would eventually marry.He also shares how an ayahuasca experience opened him to a new understanding of spirituality and metaphysics—and what it meant to leave Orthodox Judaism without abandoning his search for meaning.This is a deeply personal conversation about religious deconstruction, Bukharian Jewish identity, racism in yeshivas, purity culture, dating, shidduchim, mental health, psychedelics, marriage, and finding the courage to move forward.CHAPTERS00:00 Opening Up About Leaving Orthodoxy 03:07 Bukharian Identity and Divisions Within Judaism 11:23 Growing Up in Queens and Family Faith 22:37 Racism in Yeshiva and Finding a Mentor 30:26 Representation in Yeshivas 32:06 Rabbi Kramer’s Model 35:03 Gabi’s Yeshiva Journey 38:02 The Psychological Fallout of Purity Culture 1:00:54 Choosing Faith in Search of Meaning 1:02:40 Heartbreak and the Dating Spiral 1:04:39 Ayahuasca and a New Metaphysics 1:15:49 The Shidduch System as Cult-Like Control 1:32:11 Leaving Orthodoxy and Experiencing Panic Attacks 1:33:34 The Final Conversation With His Rabbi 1:35:41 The Unexpected Shidduch and Marriage Twist 1:39:12 Coming Out of Orthodox Judaism and Moving Forward Please support Shalom Tzvi Shore and Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious Exodus. The podcast gives people from many religious backgrounds a place to tell the truth about leaving, questioning, and rebuilding their lives.This episode contains a personal discussion of ayahuasca and mental health. It is presented as personal experience, not medical advice.#LeavingOrthodoxJudaism #ReligiousDeconstruction #BukharianJewish

Manny Yosipov joins Gabi for a wide-ranging conversation about leaving frum Orthodox Judaism without losing his curiosity, spirituality, or openness to new ideas.Manny discusses the fallout from debating Rabbi Yosef Mizrachi, the nuance he discovered within biblical teachings, and why even the commandment to honor one’s parents deserves to be questioned. He reflects on Shabbat, religious community, and the gradual process that led him away from frum life.The conversation expands into economics, government regulation, oligopolies, Amazon, spirituality and drugs, and the fascinating idea that myths evolve much like genes. Manny and Gabi also explore how language shapes culture, how leaving religion affects parenting, and what it means to raise children who can think openly for themselves.Finally, Manny shares ideas from neuroscience that influence how he lives, thinks, parents, and understands the brain—including the strange and revealing world of dreams.An open-minded conversation about Orthodox Judaism, religious deconstruction, spirituality, parenting, economics, mythology, language, neuroscience, and life after certainty.

What happens when a rabbi begins questioning the religious system, political ideology, and life he once believed in?In this episode, Gabi sits down with Shalom Tzvi Shore, a former rabbi who studied and served in Israel before undergoing a profound process of religious and ideological deconstruction. Shalom opens up about life inside an intense yeshiva, the burden of religious rules, his experience with OCD, and why he now describes the form of Judaism he practiced as a cult.Using Steven Hassan’s BITE Model—behavior, information, thought, and emotional control—they examine how high-control environments shape identity, discourage questions, and influence the way people understand truth. Shalom explains why divorce became a turning point in his deconstruction and how leaving forced him to rebuild his morality, identity, and inner compass.The conversation also moves into difficult and timely territory as Shalom discusses his evolving relationship with Zionism after October 7 and makes his case for a one-state democracy. Gabi responds with her own perspective as they explore disagreement, collective identity, moral injury, and the possibility of recognizing shared humanity across deeply divided communities.Later, Shalom shares the freedom he experienced after leaving, his approach to trauma healing, and his experiences with psychedelics, hypnosis, and Existential Kink. They also discuss psychedelic risks, dosage, set and setting, antinatalism, obligation, and the search for meaning after certainty falls away.This is a candid conversation about religious deconstruction, high-control groups, Israel and Palestine, trauma, moral responsibility, and what it takes to build a life beyond inherited beliefs.Connect with Shalom Tzvi!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shalomshore?igsh=bTd2cjFvZXd4djd5Hypnotherapy https://navyahypnosis.com/landing-page/work-with-shalom/Freidom fighter https://freidomfighter.com/category/freidom-favorites/Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/7yWbv1wSD5FwQuSBhbPksF?si=6oAFbgwtQEKdgZAv_MtvfA&utm_source=copy-link&sci=spotify%3Acard-config%3A4WRGpYzoPb38oiU8Afd0shConnect with Gabi!Youtube - www.youtube.com/@gabikoyenovSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2SoydqNskaV9wOra0Yh6Z3?ssssid1891df9a822414cInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/journey_with_gabi/Book a session!The Men's Therapy Studiohttps://themenstherapystudio.com/00:00 Meet the Ex Rabbi00:47 Rabbinic Studies Reality Check02:37 Inside an Intense Yeshiva05:25 Army Service and Aish Hesder13:39 Deconstructing Zionism After Oct 718:35 One State Democracy Argument19:50 Host Responds and Shared Humanity27:27 Was Yeshiva a Cult29:03 BITE Model Explained31:40 Aish as Personal Growth Cult32:19 OCD and Rule Burden33:51 Truth Claims and Question Shutdowns36:25 Divorce Trigger and Deconstruction47:10 Moral Injury and Inner Compass01:00:58 Freedom After Leaving01:06:51 Trauma Healing and Psychedelics01:11:47 Risks Doses and Set Setting01:18:37 Antinatalism and Obligation01:21:15 Healing Tools and Existential Kink01:26:50 Hypnosis Method and Closing AdviceThis episode includes personal accounts and discussion of psychedelics. It is intended for education and conversation, not medical advice. Psychedelic substances can carry serious psychological, medical, and legal risks; consult an appropriately qualified professional before making decisions about treatment.If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe and share it with someone exploring religious deconstruction, identity, trauma recovery, or life after a high-control community.#ReligiousDeconstruction #ExRabbi #LeavingReligion

What happens when leaving is no longer a choice—but something you must do to survive?In this episode, Gabi sits down with Suri, founder of After the Burn, for an honest conversation about religious trauma, burnout, shame, autonomy, and the painful cost of leaving a high-control religious environment.Suri shares her experience leaving the Ultra Orthodox community of Lakewood, New Jersey, of going from therapist to patient, entering residential treatment, and gradually recognizing the abuse and control surrounding her. She discusses the stigma that keeps people silent, the impact of shunning on families, and why leaving a religious community is often far more complicated than outsiders understand.Together, Suri and Gabi explore the difficult process of rebuilding an identity after leaving, questioning long-held beliefs, navigating spirituality and mental health, and reclaiming personal autonomy. They also discuss psychedelic-assisted healing, including ketamine, as well as parenting, criticism, shame exposure, and what recovery can look like after religious burnout.This conversation is for anyone who has questioned their faith, experienced religious trauma, left a high-control community, or struggled to rediscover who they are outside of inherited expectations.CHAPTERS00:00 Meet Suri and Gabi00:35 Therapist Turned Patient02:33 Why She Had to Leave05:15 Stigma and Silence06:14 Religious Abuse Example09:16 Women and Burnout13:47 Truman Show Reality18:56 Truth Seeking and Labels23:53 The Cost of Leaving28:33 Faith and Mental Health33:59 Autonomy and Control35:23 Shunning and Family40:01 How Leaving Unfolded42:08 Leaving to Survive43:35 The Reality of Residential Treatment44:17 Seeing the Abuse Clearly45:56 Rebuilding Identity and Beliefs47:12 Why People Really Leave50:03 Spirituality After Leaving58:22 Ketamine and Psychedelic Healing1:02:37 Religious Trauma and After the Burn1:09:01 Shame, Exposure, and Freedom1:16:43 Handling Criticism and Parenting1:22:06 Suri’s Rooftop Message on BurnoutIf this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who may need to hear it and subscribe for more honest discussions about identity, mental health, faith, healing, and personal freedom.Connect with Suri!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aftertheburnco?Website aftertheburn.coConnect with Gabi!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/journey_with_gabi/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2SoydqNskaV9wOra0Yh6Z3?si=d1891df9a822414cBook a session!The Men's Therapy Studiohttps://themenstherapystudio.com/#ReligiousTrauma #Burnout #FaithDeconstruction

In this incredible conversation Gabi Koyenov interviews Rabbi Tovia Singer on his lifelong work countering Christian missionary efforts and helping Jews who converted to Christianity return to Judaism. Rabbi Singer explains how growing up after the Holocaust and encountering groups like Jews for Jesus pushed him to study primary Christian sources, the New Testament, church councils, and Tanakh, concluding Christianity misquotes Hebrew scripture and contains anti-Jewish themes. He discusses why Jews convert—typically due to limited Jewish education, alienation, low self-esteem, and personal crises—plus the social pull of evangelical communities, and says education can “inoculate” Jews against missionaries. Singer emphasizes he aims to strengthen faith, not create atheists, highlighting Tanakh’s message of teshuvah and God’s accessibility, contrasting it with Christian doctrines of sin and salvation. He closes urging people to return to original sources and shares outreachjudaism.com and his YouTube channel.Connect with Rabbi Tovia SingerHelp us combat aggressive Jewish evangelism in Israel: https://outreachjudaism.org/partners/Let’s Get Biblical Study Guide (Volume 1 & 2) https://outreachjudaism.org/shop/lets-get-biblical-expanded-2-volume-study-guide/Websitehttps://outreachjudaism.org/ Connect with Gabi!Youtubewww.youtube.com/@gabikoyenovBook a session!The Men's Therapy Studiohttps://themenstherapystudio.com/00:00 Meet Rabbi Singer00:45 Why He Started05:02 Studying Primary Sources08:58 Understanding Christian Belief15:03 Why Jews Convert18:29 Psychology and Community Pull25:49 Trauma and Alienation Factors30:18 Ethics of Deconversion Work34:39 Tanakh as Healing Framework40:54 Advice for Seekers in Transition42:02 Why Jews Reject Jesus44:15 Christian Antisemitism Roots49:56 Who Was Historical Jesus52:32 Jewish Messianic Guardrails55:38 Denominations and Doctrine Drift59:09 Why Religions Clash01:06:37 Starting Point Tanakh01:10:16 Why Jews Convert01:16:47 Prophecy and Modern Israel01:20:21 Education Over Assimilation01:22:53 Final Message Original Sources

In this intellectually rich episode of The Journey with Gabi Koyenov, I’m joined by Keith Kurlander, co-founder of the Integrative Psychiatric Institute (IPI), for a deep and enlightening conversation about the future of mental health and the transformative role of psychedelic therapy. Keith shares the story behind founding IPI and offers expert insight into how trauma, the nervous system, and altered states of consciousness are shaping the next frontier of healing.We dive into the use of ketamine as a legal psychedelic, explore personal and professional experiences with plant medicine, and unpack the healing potential for intergenerational trauma. Keith also discusses the spiritual side of therapy, from the intersection of yoga and mental health to the power—and pitfalls—of spiritual practice. Along the way, we reflect on yeshiva culture, emotional repression, and what authentic spiritual commitment looks like.As we wrap up, we look to the future—exploring how AI and technology may intersect with therapy and human consciousness. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of psychedelics, spirituality, neuroscience, and the evolution of healing.Connect with Keith!Email - [email protected] - PsychiatryInstitute.comNew Book!Psychedelic Therapy: A Revolutionary Approach to Restoring Your Mental Health and Reclaiming Your Life - https://a.co/d/93gdzkcConnect with Gabi!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/journey_with_gabi/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2SoydqNskaV9wOra0Yh6Z3?si=d1891df9a822414cBook a session!The Men's Therapy Studiohttps://themenstherapystudio.com/00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:41 Founding the Integrative Psychiatric Institute01:57 The Mental Health Crisis and Psychedelic Therapy03:12 Understanding Trauma and Psychedelics07:26 Ketamine: The Legal Psychedelic14:22 Personal Experiences with Psychedelics35:12 Intergenerational Trauma and Healing43:10 Yoga, Spirituality, and Mental Health48:20 Exploring the Nervous System and Trauma Release49:22 The Power and Pitfalls of Spiritual Practice52:45 Yeshiva Culture and Spiritual Commitment57:27 The Future of Therapy and AI01:02:04 Technological Evolution and Human Consciousness01:13:35 Psychedelics and Altered States of Consciousness01:16:16 Closing Thoughts and Future of Therapy

In this special collaboration episode, I sat down with my friend, mentor, and fellow therapist-podcaster Sony Perlman for a long, soulful, and expansive conversation—recorded at Sony’s studio and released on both of our platforms. We explored everything from the challenges of podcasting with purpose to what it means to show up authentically—as therapists, as creatives, and as people navigating a noisy world. We touched on community, leadership, emotional safety, and the delicate art of self-expression. Along the way, we also dove into some of our favorite topics—like marketing in private practice, building something meaningful, and the deep philosophical questions behind meditation, psychedelics, and even the mystery of consciousness itself.This episode is honest, unfiltered, and packed with moments of insight, vulnerability, humor, and depth. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like when two therapists get real about the work, the mission, and the mess of being human—this one’s for you.And make sure to check out Sony’s podcast Brainstorm with Sony Perlman for more incredible conversations like this.Connect with GabiYoutube -    / @gabikoyenov  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2SoydqN...Instagram -   / journey_with_gabi  Website - https://themenstherapystudio.com/ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------https://wig-guru.com - Use Code 'Brainstorm' For 10% Offhttps://ourvillageny.org-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For more Brainstorm go to...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aPCiuz...Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Youtube:    / @brainstormwithsony  Instagram:   / brainstormwithsony  

In this intellectually rich episode of The Gabi Koyenov Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Angela Puca—scholar, content creator, and expert on magic, shamanism, and esoteric traditions. We dive into her academic journey and groundbreaking fieldwork, exploring the complex relationship between magic, spirituality, and psychological healing.Dr. Puca breaks down the nuances of the scholar-practitioner debate, the role of psychedelics in shamanic work, and how magical practices intersect with therapeutic frameworks. We examine the cultural significance of shamanic journeys, the practice of Italian witchcraft, and the deeper purpose of magic as both a personal and communal tool for meaning-making.Our conversation also touches on hot-button issues like cultural appropriation, syncretism, and political polarization in online spaces. Plus, we explore how Jewish traditions, yeshiva learning, and mysticism connect with broader esoteric currents. Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue on magic, identity, and the mystical edges of academia.BIOGRAPHYDr Angela Puca is a university lecturer at Leeds Trinity University and holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in philosophy. In 2021, the University of Leeds awarded her a PhD in Religious Studies, published by Brill with the title “Italian Witchcraft and Shamanism”.Her research focuses on magic, witchcraft, Paganism, esotericism, shamanism, and related currents. Author of several peer-reviewed publications and co-editor ‘Pagan Religions in five Minutes’ for Equinox, she hopes to bridge the gap between academia and the communities of magic practitioners by delivering related scholarly content on her YouTube Channel and social media ‘Angela’s Symposium.’SUPPORT Dr Puca’s work on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/angelapuca or Paypal https://paypal.me/angelasymposiumFOLLOW Dr Puca: YouTube (Angela’s Symposium)  https://www.youtube.com/@drangelapuca TikTok (drangelapuca), Instagram (drangelapuca), Twitter (@angelapuca11)All of Dr Puca’s links: https://linktr.ee/angela_symposiumConnect with Gabi!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/journey_with_gabi/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2SoydqNskaV9wOra0Yh6Z3?si=d1891df9a822414cBook a session!The Men's Therapy Studiohttps://themenstherapystudio.com/

In this bold and insightful episode of The Gabi Koyenov Podcast, I’m joined by Natan Badalov—a rising Bukharian Jewish comedian—whose unique voice tackles comedy, culture, and community head-on. We dive into his journey as a Bukharian navigating the world of stand-up, the lack of authentic Jewish representation in media, and the racism and classism he’s encountered even within Jewish spaces.Natan doesn’t shy away from tough conversations. We explore generational nihilism, the challenges of modern Jewish dating, class warfare, and the use of media distraction to avoid deeper issues. He also reflects on the comedic grind, dating a rabbi during COVID, and the power of using humor to make sense of identity, politics, and pain.The episode wraps with personal reflections on faith, parenting, healing, and the responsibility of artists to speak truth and empower youth. Whether you’re drawn to comedy, cultural commentary, or conversations that push boundaries, this episode brings laughter, depth, and plenty of real talk.Connect with Natan!Youtube -  @natanbadalov  Watch his Comedy Special - https://youtu.be/j4_As3F37Kw?si=bwxgeb0TsCY0fVYuInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/natanbadalov/#Connect with Gabi!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/journey_with_gabi/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2SoydqNskaV9wOra0Yh6Z3?si=d1891df9a822414cBook a session!The Men's Therapy Studiohttps://themenstherapystudio.com/00:00 Introduction and The Unique Journey of a Bukharian Comedian01:43 Challenges of Jewish Representation in Media04:52 Experiences of Racism and Classism in Jewish Communities10:59 The Struggles of Jewish Dating19:00 Generational Perspectives and Nihilism26:29 Political Opinions and Social Commentary33:18 The Trans Issue Debate34:00 Occupy Wall Street and Media Distraction35:31 Class Warfare and Distraction Tactics38:48 The Struggle of the Middle Class39:56 Dating a Rabbi During COVID43:25 The Challenges of Stand-Up Comedy48:37 The Journey to Becoming a Comedian01:03:02 Struggles in Comedy01:03:52 A Community of Comedians01:04:34 Teaching and Encouraging Youth01:05:44 Religious Observations and Critiques01:08:01 Cultural and Religious Identity01:12:34 Generational Differences and Parenting01:25:12 Personal Reflections and Healing01:30:11 Upcoming Shows and Final Thoughts

In this deeply informative episode of The Gabi Koyenov Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Trish Leigh, a cognitive neuroscientist and educator, for a raw and science-backed conversation about the neurological and emotional impact of pornography. We start by discussing her experience filming with Jubilee and quickly dive into the science behind porn addiction, early exposure, and how compulsion rewires the brain.Dr. Leigh breaks down the benefits of neurofeedback, how to support children in the digital age, and why self-regulation is essential for mental health. We also explore tough but important topics like how pornography affects relationships, masturbation’s role in intimacy, and the parenting strategies needed to guide teens through a hypersexualized online world.This episode offers a balanced, practical approach to screen addiction, adolescent exposure, and emotional resilience. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone navigating your own journey, this is an essential conversation about neuroscience, healing, and living with purpose.Connect with Dr. Trish LeighYoutube -  @DrTrishLeigh  Website - drtrishleigh.comBook on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.trishleighprnbrainrewire/list/24C3Q6UC9ZIWE?ref_=aipsflistConnect with Gabi!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/journey_with_gabi/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2SoydqNskaV9wOra0Yh6Z3?si=d1891df9a822414cBook a session!The Men's Therapy Studiohttps://themenstherapystudio.com/00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Dr. Trish Le00:27 Discussing the Jubilee Experience01:41 The Science Behind Pornography03:56 Personal Stories and Experiences05:32 Understanding Compulsion and Addiction11:18 The Impact of Early Exposure to Pornography13:29 Challenges in Addressing Pornography in Schools33:37 Neurofeedback and Its Benefits39:12 The Journey to Finding Purpose49:05 Managing Emotions and Self-Regulation50:37 The Role of Masturbation in Relationships52:29 The Impact of Pornography on Mental Health57:33 Addressing Adolescent Exposure to Explicit Content59:25 Parenting Strategies for Digital Natives01:01:08 Balancing Screen Time and Real Life01:02:55 The Importance of Self-Regulation in Children01:06:52 Systemic Solutions to Screen and Porn Addiction01:19:05 Creating a Staycation Lifestyle01:22:01 Final Thoughts and Resources