Am Yisrael Thrive
When I hit 10,000 followers and unlocked the ability to go live, I paused before jumping in. I felt the weight of that access. I knew I didn’t want to use it for outrage, performance, or endless reaction cycles. I wanted to build something genuinely positive for the Jewish community—something that added light instead of more anger.
That’s how Am Yisrael Thrive was born.
From the very beginning, this show has been deeply personal and hands-on for me. I created the concept, the name, and the visual identity. I designed the logo, shaped the aesthetic, and composed the original theme music to set the tone before a single word is spoken. I book the guests, research their work, host the conversations, and guide each episode from start to finish. It’s not just a show I appear on—it’s something I built creatively and intentionally from the ground up.
The idea itself was simple, but purposeful: use my platform to host real conversations with thoughtful, influential people across the Jewish world. Not debates engineered for clicks or viral outrage, but discussions rooted in curiosity, honesty, and mutual respect. Conversations that remind us we are allowed to think, disagree, and still stay connected. A place the community could come for a bit of coffee talk, warmth, and softness—without sacrificing truth or substance.
I remember talking the idea through with my friend Jen Hayes early on. She was exhausted—tired of the constant hostility online, tired enough that she was on the brink of deleting her account altogether. When I shared the vision, her reaction was immediate relief. She didn’t want to disappear; she wanted to be part of something constructive. Something hopeful. Something human. Her excitement helped solidify the direction of the show, and with her contribution as segment producer alongside my executive producing, we suddenly had a real show on our hands.
We intentionally chose a light “ladies’ show” format—not because the topics are light, but because the tone matters. We wanted a space where difficult conversations could happen civilly, the way they used to. Where people could speak freely without being caricatured, shouted down, or forced into ideological corners. A place where nuance is allowed to live and breathe, rather than being treated as a liability.
That approach reflects one of our core values: accurately naming reality, even when it’s uncomfortable. Being able to admit when we’re wrong. Staying open to hearing opinions we may not like. Not because we abandon our principles—but because intellectual honesty and humility are strengths, not weaknesses.
Hosting Am Yisrael Thrive has been one of the most energizing and affirming experiences of my work. Every conversation reinforces why this space matters. The Jewish community is diverse, thoughtful, and capable of holding complexity without tearing itself apart. Creating a place that honors that truth feels not just exciting—but necessary 💙
