Smut, Sobriety and Staying Sane through it all with Megan Birkel

Feeling a little anxious? Wondering what's going to happen tomorrow or worried about next month or next year or even life after death? Join me for a conversation with Rabbi Mendel Mintz as we dive into Jewish wisdom that helps us navigate fear of the unknown and abounding complex dynamics within our country. In this episode, we discuss: Election Day Life after death according to Judaism Why what we do here on earth really matters What we can do every day to lift feelings of depression and anxiety Jewish wisdom for mourning the loss of a loved one Navigating antisemitism

This week, I sit down with designer and entrepreneur David Peck, whose story has roots in churches associated with the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) — yes, the same fundamentalist Christian organization made famous by the Duggar family. Known for its rigid beliefs around patriarchy, authority, and gender roles, IBLP shaped a very particular worldview for those who grew up in its teachings. David and I dive deep into our personal journeys, moving beyond the beliefs we were raised with and reflecting on the eye-opening experiences highlighted in Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets. We’ll explore how our political and personal views have shifted and how our evolving perspectives on faith, society, and politics have informed the lives we lead today. Whether you've seen the documentary or are simply curious about how early beliefs can change over time, you’re in for a thought-provoking conversation.

It's not every morning I feel like I need to grab my microphone as quickly as possible so I can tell everyone who will listen about a new line of skincare products that I'm obsessed with...but this morning was that morning. After coming across some very persuasive instagram ads for Prequel Skincare that featured videos of their founder, Dr. Samantha Ellis, raving about their Multi Quench serum, I was finally convinced and knew I had to try the product out for myself. But, here's the thing: because I live in such a dry climate, serums routinely cause my skin to get rashy and bumpy. Something about this serum in particular made me want to take the risk... In this episode, I'm talking about TWO new holy grail skincare items that are both part of the Prequel skincare line, and my new unadulterated love for Dr. Samantha Ellis, which is officially at the top of my list of most wanted guests on this podcast! Featured in this episode (but NOT sponsored, just adored): Prequel Skincare - the full website Prequel Multi Quench Serum Prequel Gleanser Farmacy Honey Halo Moisturizer OGEE Contour Sticks Prequel at TARGET Prequel on AMAZON

In this solo episode, I lighten things up with a fun comparison between Botox and Dysport before diving into something more profound—Yom Kippur. I share my own miraculous story from last year and unpack the true meaning of atonement for anyone who feels weighed down by guilt or shame. Whether you're Jewish or not, tune in for a fresh perspective on how to approach the year ahead with hope, real possibility, and a plan to make time for what matters most (even if you're juggling kids and a career).

Megan Birkel - a fan-favorite guest of mine and a fan-favorite in general - is used to asking her followers if they have any questions for her throughout the week. There's a reason for that: there's practically nothing this woman can't sell me, and following her has totally eliminated my need to spend hours scrolling through product reviews as Megan has proved herself as one of the most reliable sources for everything homegoods and homemaking (among many, many other things.) Her followers are used to watching her go through her day to day with fierce organization and that sort of magnetism that makes you search her profile just to see what she's up to if her stories aren't coming up first thing in your feed. Recently, there's been no doubt followers are watching and curious about one major change in Megan's life: she's stopped drinking alcohol. In this highly-anticipated podcast, I'm asking Megan all of the questions about her alcohol-free journey: what prompted her decision to put down the booze, how it's changed her day-to-day and what she wants other moms to know about stress and the way we carry it. We also get into a great conversation about Smut, "Romantasy" and all the books we can't stop reading. Don't miss this hour-plus long candid conversation that you won't want to end!

A few weeks ago, my mom got me one of the best presents I've ever received: an Oura Ring! If you don't know what the Oura Ring is, it's a smart ring that serves as a wellness tracker and helps you understand vital info about your sleep patterns, daily readiness, fertility + cycle, stress levels + more, and in this episode I'm talking about all of the ways in which mine has truly CHANGED MY LIFE! This episode is NOT sponsored (I just genuinely love this ring), but if you want to get one after listening, this is my affiliate link: https://amzn.to/47AIpX3

Tune into this episode for my thoughts on several AMAZING recent reads, including: Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica (Mystery) Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan (Romance, Mystery) The Things we Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros PLUS: I've read all 24 books written by Colleen Hoover. Tune into this episode for the five books you MUST read by her!

Yep, you read that right: I have three daughters, and each of them is in a different school. I spent a long time this summer thinking about how I would make it work, and this morning, I pulled off the first drop off succesfully and have so much to share with you on how I'm doing things differently this year. Links I mentioned: The Five Minute Journal (if you buy nothing else this year, buy this.) My episode on David Peck's podcast about the Justin Baldoni/Blake Lively Drama + Book Review of "Verity"

I've been waiting to see the movie adaptation of "It Ends With Us" starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni for what feels like forever and last night, I finally got to see it on the night it came out! In this episode, I'm sharing my completely candid and detailed review (spoiler alert!) as someone who has read all 24 of Colleen Hoover's books. Watch the movie, then listen to this episode and send me a DM with your thoughts - I would love to hear them!

It's a widespread millennial parenting hack: kids who won't sleep? Give them some melatonin. But is it good for them? Is it bad for them? Does anyone know the answers? In this week's episode of IJHTS, Dr. Josh Tal, a sleep psychologist, is weighing in on the role melatonin can play in our sleep cycle and habits, plus how to build healthy sleep habits for yourself and your family members. This episode was inspired by the article "Passed Out on Gummies" in The Cut. You can read the article here. Click here to visit Dr. Josh Tal online.