Here is where you get in touch. Work with me, share your experience or requests > this is how to reach me. Love, - Sara

Compassion over comprehension. These words echo throughout this deeply moving conversation with my dear friend Ilav about staying engaged with the humanitarian crisis in Palestine when it's easier to look away.

"I cannot not look," Ilav repeats throughout our discussion, describing how she channels the pain of witnessing suffering into action. As the daughter of political refugees from Iraq, she shares her lifelong connection to Palestine and why she feels compelled to keep her heart open despite the emotional toll.

We explore what those of us in positions of privilege can actually do to help. From boycotting specific brands (McDonald's, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, SodaStream) to following journalists reporting from Gaza, there are concrete actions we can all take. Ilav recommends trustworthy Instagram accounts that provide verified information about which companies to avoid and how to get involved in meaningful ways. I have linked all the resources we discussed for you by the end of this text.

Perhaps most poignant is our discussion about teaching children about difficult realities. Ilav shares how she approaches these conversations with her five-year-old son, gradually introducing concepts while emphasizing love and unity rather than hate. "We need more love, we don't need more hate," she reminds us, highlighting that many Jewish people stand in solidarity with Palestinians.

We also challenge the "good vibes only" culture that has permeated wellness spaces. True connection comes from being willing to engage with hard topics and staying present for uncomfortable conversations—whether in our personal relationships or our relationship with the wider world.

As we conclude, we remind listeners that our shared humanity transcends borders and identities. "Until the people in Gaza aren't free, none of us is free," Ilav says, emphasizing that compassion doesn't require complete comprehension of a complex situation.

I'd love to hear how this episode resonates with you—share your thoughts and join this crucial conversation.

HERE ARE ALL RESOURCES AND ACCOUNTS WE SHARED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The App we talked about is called Boycat - It shows you which brands support this war in going on and HOW they are involved in it. They also show suggestions of alternative Brands that you could use instead.
• Instagram Accounts Ilaf suggests:
  • JEWISHVOICEFORPEACE https://www.instagram.com/jewishvoiceforpeace?igsh=cWN0a2tyeTJ5Zmtx
  • MORTAZ_AZAIZA https://www.instagram.com/motaz_azaiza?igsh=dTFhdjJsN2ZweDRn
  • ART_OF_RIOT https://www.instagram.com/art_of_riot?igsh=aHNqb2oybDc0cjZ4
  • WIZARD_BISAN1 https://www.instagram.com/wizard_bisan1?igsh=MWh4bDdwZzhqODl5dw==
  • HIND KHOUDARY https://www.instagram.com/hindkhoudary?igsh=MWdtdGx3ZDQ5bTg4bg==

Here is where you get in touch. Work with me, share your experience or requests > this is how to reach me. Love, - Sara

Have you ever felt that magical sensation of being truly connected with someone? That rare moment when you're completely yourself, without performance, without masks? In this deeply personal exploration of intimacy, we dive into what creates genuine connection in our relationships, and how society's emphasis on performance actually prevents us from experiencing the very thing we crave.

Many of us confuse intimacy with sex, but they're not synonymous. You can have sex without intimacy, and intimacy without sex. The fascinating statistics tell the story: only 25% of women orgasm regularly during intercourse, but that number skyrockets to 80% when emotional intimacy is present. The science behind this is equally compelling—the clitoris contains 8,000 nerve endings (compared to 4,000 in the penis), making it a neurological masterpiece that responds uniquely for each person.

Our community shared what makes them feel truly intimate with others: emotional safety, trust, feeling seen, and being understood. These aren't automatic in relationships—they require vulnerability, which as Brené Brown reminds us, "is not weakness; it is our most accurate measure of courage." When we drop the performance and embrace our authentic selves—messy parts included—we create space for the deep connection we all crave. So grab that cup of tea, get comfortable, and join us for a conversation about the courage it takes to be truly intimate.

Share your experiences with intimacy in the comments—I love hearing your stories and knowing this podcast is creating meaningful conversations in your life!

say "hi" and hang out with me on IG: @saltybakeclub

Here is where you get in touch. Work with me, share your experience or requests > this is how to reach me. Love, - Sara

Dive deep beneath the surface of your emotional layers in this vulnerable exploration of what happens when we finally allow ourselves to feel. Drawing from personal experience, I share my journey from emotional armor to authentic connection, revealing how hyper-independence became my shield after heartbreak and the painful yet necessary process of dismantling those walls.

What would happen if we stopped intellectualizing our emotions and instead honored them as physical experiences living in our bodies? Science confirms what many of us sense intuitively—suppressed emotions don't simply disappear but accumulate like unpaid bills, eventually manifesting as stress, illness, and disconnection. While most adults can only name three or four emotions, researchers have identified at least 27 distinct emotional states that blend together like colors, creating the rich tapestry of human experience.

This episode offers practical guidance for expanding your emotional vocabulary beyond "tired," "stressed," or "okay," introducing tools like emotion wheels and mood meters that can transform your self-awareness and relationships. We explore the critical distinction between emotions and thoughts, the connection between trauma and physical sensation, and why feeling safe is essential for healing. Whether you're working through past wounds or simply seeking deeper connection, consider this your permission slip to be fully human—to cry, dance, shake, or scream—whatever allows your authentic self to emerge. Remember, you're not too much; you're beautifully, perfectly imperfect, just like the rest of us. Ready to peel back those layers and discover what's been waiting underneath?

say "hi" and hang out with me on IG: @saltybakeclub