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Tattoos and Torah

Tattoos and Torah

By Igael Gurin Malous

Tattoos And Torah is a podcast dedicated to creating a new voice in recovery. Containing original thinking and practicality which often leads to greater understanding of the human condition and increased gratitude. The focus may be on addiction and recovery but the wisdom is universal. Integrating elements that seemingly don't go with each other the podcast explores recovery, spirituality, wisdom, human connection, lgbtqi+ issues, music, art, fashion and ancient jewish text ( and tattoos too ).
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Contemplative Action

Tattoos and Torah Feb 19, 2021

00:00
01:07:19
Marla Aaron: Redefining Jewelry with Individuality

Marla Aaron: Redefining Jewelry with Individuality

In this episode of Tattoos & Torah our host, Rabbi Iggy, will explore the fascinating world of Marla Aaron, a visionary jewelry designer who is redefining the concept of jewelry with her eponymous collection. Launched in 2013, Marla's collection showcases her passion for bridges, hardware, and jewelry, captivating individuals worldwide. Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Marla Aaron and explore how she is reshaping the boundaries of jewelry design.

What started with a single lock has evolved into a diverse collection that can be worn in limitless ways, serving as "jewel tools" to complement and redefine the concept of "precious" in jewelry. While the collection boasts a sleek, industrial aesthetic, its inspiration is deeply rooted in the emotional and personal jewelry of the Victorian and Georgian eras. Over time, Marla Aaron has skillfully incorporated various elements to expand the collection's artistic range.

Marla Aaron's rebellious approach to jewelry led to an innovative milestone in December 2017—the installation of their first jewelry vending machine at the renowned Brooklyn Museum. Embracing their pioneering spirit, Marla and her team are currently in the process of building additional machines to make their unique pieces even more accessible.

The collection received further recognition in 2016 when it was showcased at the Museum of American Finance in New York City as part of the exhibition "Gold: Worth its Weight." This exhibit celebrated the collection's distinctive blend of artistry and craftsmanship, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

Embracing the power of social media, Marla and her team regularly unveil new designs on Instagram, providing followers with an exclusive first look. With an unstructured approach to releases, each design is a surprise, adding an element of excitement and anticipation for fans of the collection.

Marla's philanthropic initiative, the #lockyourmom Project, is a testament to her compassionate nature. Single moms are gifted sterling silver Baby Heartlocks, specially created for them. This heartwarming project has touched the lives of hundreds of deserving single moms across the nation, showcasing Marla's commitment to making a positive impact.

Prior to launching her collection, Marla accumulated over 25 years of experience in marketing and advertising. Notably, she played a pivotal role in the launch of Cosmopolitan Magazine in Spain and orchestrated unique marketing campaigns, including one that involved sending British sports cars home with recipients. However, her true passion lay in designing jewelry, and she pursued this calling wholeheartedly.

Marla is an alumna of Syracuse University and holds a graduate degree in journalism from Columbia University. She currently resides in New York City with her husband, where she indulges in knitting and eagerly awaits visits from her children who are away at college. When not immersed in these activities, Marla devotes her time to designing jewelry and enthusiastically shares her creations and musings on Instagram, inviting others into her imaginative world.

Follow on Instagram @marlaaaron

Shop at https://marlaaaron.com

Find us at www.tshuvahcenter.org

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Please subscribe, rate, review and share.

Jul 07, 202344:22
Dr. Kien Vuu : Empowering Health and Performance

Dr. Kien Vuu : Empowering Health and Performance

Dr. Kien Vuu, widely known as Doctor V, is an accomplished assistant professor of Health Sciences at UCLA, esteemed speaker, renowned media expert, and the founder of Vuu MD Performance and Longevity. He is also the bestselling author of "Thrive State: Your Blueprint for Optimal Health, Longevity, and Peak Performance." With over 14 years of medical practice under his belt, Dr. V combines his expertise as a physician with his personal journey of overcoming chronic disease.

Initially trained in Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology, Dr. V became an authority in utilizing cutting-edge medical imaging and non-invasive surgery for disease diagnosis and treatment. However, his dissatisfaction with the conventional, disease-centered model of modern medicine compelled him to seek additional training from global experts in nutrition, personal development, spirituality, and performance and longevity medicine. Driven by his passion for a more comprehensive approach to well-being, he pursued fellowship training and obtained board certification from the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.

On the captivating podcast, Tattoos and Torah, join Rabbi Iggy and Dr. V as they delve into a captivating discussion on all things health and wellness. Together, they will explore intriguing topics that span the realms of medicine, spirituality, and personal growth, offering listeners a unique perspective on achieving holistic well-being.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. V is a highly sought-after health media expert and an engaging speaker, consistently sharing his knowledge to elevate health consciousness on various esteemed platforms. His expertise has graced ABC News, TEDx stages, The Doctors, Access Hollywood, and many other influential media outlets, where he passionately advocates for empowering individuals to take charge of their own health.

With his dedication to the advancement of human performance and well-being, Dr. Kien Vuu continues to inspire countless individuals to unlock their full potential and live their lives to the fullest. Tune in to Tattoos and Torah for a captivating conversation that will leave you motivated and informed about the path to optimal health and personal growth.

thrivestatebook.com

thriveto105.com (Free e-book on Epigenetics)

kienvuu.com/accelerator (Coupon Code: PODCAST25 for 25% off)

Find us at www.tshuvahcenter.org

Follow us @tshuvahcenter on Instagram

Say hi at info@tshuvahcenter.com

Please subscribe, rate, review and share.

Jun 17, 202340:06
Katie Silcox : Key to a Balanced and Vibrant Life

Katie Silcox : Key to a Balanced and Vibrant Life

Katie Silcox : Key to a Balanced and Vibrant Life

Give a warm welcome to our friend Katie Silcox, M.A. is the New York Times Best-Selling author of the book Healthy Happy Sexy – Ayurveda Wisdom for Modern Women and the founder of The Shakti School, a premier online certification school for women-centered holistic wellness. Her business focuses on the convergence of ancient holistic medicine, modern science and heart- centered spirituality.

On this week’s episode of Tattoo and Torah with Rabbi Iggy we talk to Katie as she shares her process and depth of knowledge. Katie’s ability to present the complexities of ancient wisdom in a practical, empowering manner, and is an internationally sought-after teacher and mentor who was named one of “San Francisco’s Best Yoga Teachers” by Common Ground Magazine in 2009, one of “70 Yogis Changing the World” by Origin Magazine in 2014, and one of “100 Trailblazers in Yoga and Ayurveda” by Spirituality and Health Magazine in 2015.

Katie’s signature style is known as Body Yantra, incorporating Tantric Vinyasa, restorative yoga, dance, sound, breath, emotion processing, manifestation technology, holistic biomechanics and structural trauma-release methods. Katie’s experiences, along with her academic credentials, position her as an exceptional mentor for women looking to heal, become the best version of themselves, and connect with their Divine Feminine.

After traveling around the world and learning from renowned gurus, Katie’s professional career has been shaped by her personal journey of healing and self-discovery. She holds a master’s degree in Hinduism and the Ayurvedic Sciences and has written extensively on yoga, Ayurveda, sexuality, herbalism and women’s health and has been featured in Yoga Journal, Common Ground Magazine and Origin Magazine and more.

Follow on Instagram @theshaktischool

www.theshaktischool.com

The Shakti School

Find us at www.tshuvahcenter.org

Follow us @tshuvahcenter on Instagram

Say hi at info@tshuvahcenter.com

Please subscribe, rate, review and share.

Jun 05, 202344:47
Bryant Wood : Breathwork for Stress Relief and Relaxation

Bryant Wood : Breathwork for Stress Relief and Relaxation

Your body is an instrument, and this week on Tattoos and Torah with Rabbi Iggy we meet with Bryant Wood. Bryant Wood is a Master Breathwork Instructor, Healer, and co-founder of Modern Nirvana. Previously featured on Women’s Health, PeopleTV, Forbes, Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Spotify, United Nations, Discovery Inc., and Daily Yoga App.

In this episode we explore breath, sound, and movement to open yourself up, feel, and express. In with the new and out with the old stuck emotions that have been holding you back.

Bryant shares the benefits of breathwork and how it can help anyone regulate their stress levels and achieve deeper relaxation. This extraordinary tool is made even more powerful by its accessibility. Paired with meditation, exercise and mindfulness practices it can help get your practice to the next level.

Follow on Instagram @bryantwood

Get Your Modern Oracle Deck Here

Modern Nirvana

Find us at www.tshuvahcenter.org

Follow us @tshuvahcenter on Instagram

Say hi at info@tshuvahcenter.com

Please subscribe, rate, review and share.

Apr 28, 202345:05
Charlie Engle : Suffering That Led to Extraordinary Growth

Charlie Engle : Suffering That Led to Extraordinary Growth

In this episode of Tattoos & Torah, Rabbi Iggy talks to global ultra-endurance athlete and the founder of the 5.8 Global Adventure Series, Charlie Engle. Charlie shares his story of extreme resilience – which includes running across the Sahara Desert – and how suffering can lead to extraordinary growth.

Charlie offers tangible steps toward recovery so you too can practice more mindfulness and not just check the AA Meeting box for the sake of it. He gets real about his relationship with running and how important it is to lessen the noise, so you can connect with your true self.

Charlie’s memoir, Running Man, became a bestseller shortly after it was published in 2016. While the book details his inspiring life story, it is about more than just running. It is about facing demons, overcoming impossible odds, keeping your sense of humor, and discovering the redemptive power of putting one foot in front of the other, even when you feel like you can’t keep going. His motivation to run and tackle extreme adventures stems from his battle with addiction to drugs and alcohol. Charlie has been in recovery since July 23, 1992, and he credits a large part of his recovery to the purposeful devotion and emotional release he experiences while running. He has said that “Drugs and alcohol were my way out. Running was my way through.”

Charlie is a dynamic speaker who has enthralled audiences around the world, from keynotes at the Boston Marathon and Google to the National Geographic Society, the United Nations, and the deck of a nuclear-class U.S. Naval aircraft carrier. He’s been featured in the New York Times, National Geographic Weekend, Outside, Runner’s World, NPR’s All Things Considered, Men’s Journal, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He lives with his wife, Astacianna Hatcher, in Durham, North Carolina. Charlie’s Areas of Expertise: Ultra-endurance athletics, addiction, and recovery overcoming adversity.

Follow on Instagram @charlieengle

www.charlieengle.com

Author of RUNNING MAN

Find us at www.tshuvahcenter.org

Follow us @tshuvahcenter on Instagram

Say hi at info@tshuvahcenter.com

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Apr 03, 202356:47
Life-Changing Sound; Spiritual Recovery : Susy Markoe Schieffelin

Life-Changing Sound; Spiritual Recovery : Susy Markoe Schieffelin

Season 4 / Episode 1

Susy Markoe Schieffelin : Life-Changing Sound; Spiritual Recovery

This episode of Tattoos and Torah with Rabbi Iggy features such a kind heart, Susy Markoe Schieffelin aka The Copper Vessel. Susy is an LA-based Sound Healer, a Reiki Master, a Kundalini Yoga Teacher, a sobriety coach, and the founder of The Sounder Healer’s Academy.

Rabbi Iggy explores the conversation around sound as an instrument for healing, as Susy offers a plethora of inspirational tips and practices that drive her own recovery journey. Susy shares her struggles with alcoholism and self-worth issues to heal herself, following her dreams and creating a successful business as a sound healer.

Susy is known for her light-filled presence and ability to guide people towards radiant and empowered lives characterized by self-love, serenity, abundance, and joy. Susy has brought healing to employees at companies such as Google, Pandora, and Nordstrom, has played crystal bowls with notable artists including Leann Rimes and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. and has been featured in publications such as WSJ, VOGUE, USA TODAY, and Los Angeles TimesShe is the founder of the Sound Healer's Academy, an innovative Crystal Alchemy Sound Healing and Spiritual Business Mentorship training, serves as a self-love advocate for brands, has created custom product lines, and offers deeply restorative crystal alchemy sound bath ceremonies and healing rituals both in-person and online.

Follow on Instagram @thecoppervessel

www.thecoppervessel.com

The Sound Healers Academy

Find us at www.tshuvahcenter.org

Follow us @tshuvahcenter on Instagram

Say hi at info@tshuvahcenter.com

Please subscribe, rate, review and share. 

Mar 17, 202341:58
Life Transitions

Life Transitions

While summer can be a period of rest and joy, it can also signal that life changes are coming. 

How do we make the most of transitional periods? How can we feel comfortable letting go?

In the final episode of this season of Tattoos & Torah, Rabbi Iggy addresses these questions - and shares approaches in Jewish tradition to embracing and making meaning at the end of something.

Listen to this episode for some practices to try out this summer - so you can feel ready for next “season”! 

See you in the fall!

Jul 08, 202220:01
Fighting Spirit

Fighting Spirit

What do you say to yourself when you want to quit? 

How do you flip that script?

This week, Rabbi Iggy sits down with Eddie Arrazola, a boxing coach who created the acclaimed anti-bullying and self-confidence building youth program, “The Wolf Pack”.

Together, they discuss the value of grit and determination - and how to always move forward, even in the moments where you could get stuck.

Listen to this episode to learn tools to persevere through hardship - and how to gain the most out of the challenges you face

Jul 01, 202259:27
Pride 2022

Pride 2022

In this episode, Rabbi Iggy discusses the healing power of embracing tensions as queer people: in our spirits, in our bodies, and in taking and making space.

Rabbi Iggy examines the constant mediation of space we partake in, by being loud and proud, but ensuring we create space for others. 

He covers a range of topics that touch these themes, from the spiritual principle of tzimtzum (the reduction of self), to the both/and of life.

If you’re curious about how these tensions are functioning in your life, this episode is for you!

Jun 25, 202220:57
Deeper Than You thINK

Deeper Than You thINK

How can tattoos help us heal when reclaiming an identity we were taught to hide?

In this week’s episode, Rabbi Iggy and graduate research assistant, Lilah Doris, discuss the cultural and historical importance of tattoos and body augmentation as a practice that is not just skin deep. 

Together, they explore the role of tattoos in their own lives; as liberating tools for queer bodies and identities, as a representation of spirit, and as a vehicle for expressing and healing emotional wounds.

Tune in to hear more about how tattoos and body modifications can offer an individual power, freedom, and bodily sovereignty.

Jun 17, 202255:59
Soul Spa

Soul Spa

What is the soul? How (and why) should you nourish it?

This week, Rabbi Iggy takes us through theories of the soul in an episode that draws from the wisdom of the ancient philosophes, to the Talmud, to a socialite-turned-nun.

In this episode, Rabbi Iggy invites us to build our own relationship to our soul - and reveals how we can nurture it like we do our bodies.

Jun 10, 202223:45
Are The Kids Alright?

Are The Kids Alright?

What can you do as a parent when your child is struggling with addiction?

This week’s guest, Richard Capriola sits down with Rabbi Iggy to discuss addiction in youth and adolescents. 

As a mental health and addiction counselor for over two decades, Richard's recent book, “The Addicted Child”, offers a roadmap on adolescent substance abuse for parents. 

Their conversation digs into the need for expanded addiction education and resources for families, and how we can support loved ones experiencing addiction.

If you want to learn more about navigating adolescent substance abuse as a parent, this episode is for you.

Jun 03, 202245:00
Give It A Rest

Give It A Rest

How do we find nourishment in rest?

This week, Rabbi Iggy discusses different types of rest: spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical, and asks us to take an honest account of what rest looks like for us.  For some, it may look like going on a hike, or going to the gym, but for others, it may be reading a book or laying on the couch.

Listen to this episode to learn how to change your relationship with rest in a world that often undervalues it.

May 27, 202224:33
Radiance And Beauty

Radiance And Beauty

The Talmud says that beautiful things expand a person’s heart. But what makes something beautiful?In this week’s episode, Rabbi Iggy talks about beauty and why it matters. 

While some philosophers think beauty is objective and universal, Rabbi Iggy argues that we have the power to make the world around us beautiful; and in doing so we exercise our sovereignty over and connection to the world around us.

If you want to discover the power of beauty in your own life, this episode is for you.

May 20, 202220:36
The Spectrum Of Healing

The Spectrum Of Healing

What are some of the root causes of anxiety and stress, and how can we address them?

This week, Rabbi Iggy talks with Dr. Laxmi Naik, a board-certified emergency medicine physician. After practicing acute care medicine at the busiest trauma centers in New York, she pursued holistic medicine for her own healing journey.

 Together, they discuss the many approaches one can take to find integrated and holistic spiritual and physical healing.If you’re interested in learning about new approaches to your own healing, this episode is for you!

May 13, 202252:13
Shadow Work

Shadow Work

Shadow work is a Jungian idea that is an essential part of the work we must do to create more peace and equanimity in ourselves and our lives.

Creativity, joy, authenticity and recovery are enhanced when we commit to exploring our actions, motivations and values. In this episode, Rabbi Iggy explores different approaches to shadow work and explains his spiritual interpretation of it.

If you ever wondered what shadow work is or how to start engaging in it, this episode is for you!

May 06, 202220:07
What Is Mindfulness Really?

What Is Mindfulness Really?

How can you practice mindfulness when meditation is not for you?

This week Rabbi Iggy sits down with Certified Mindfulness Coach and Mindful Living author Melissa Maxx.  Melissa's book “Mindfulness for People Who Suck at Being Mindful” was the #1 New Kindle release in five categories.  In this episode, she shares the tips, techniques, and practices she learned after suffering from an emotional breakdown as a result of hard-partying, hardly sleeping, work-addicted, rock radio Disc Jockey and TV host.Ready to start your own mindfulness practice? 

Even if you struggle with meditation and aren't sure where to start this podcast is for you.  Learn more about the tools you need to change your life for the better.

May 01, 202248:57
Counting To Transformation

Counting To Transformation

We count so many things in life: money, possessions, real estate, other material things. We also count sobriety and recovery time. But, how do you count the immaterial things that matter?

In this episode, Rabbi Iggy discusses the mitzvah of counting the Omer. This thousand year-old tradition reminds us to improve, change, grow and focus on our individual selves. By counting the 49 days of the Omer, we create space to focus on the values we hold dear, the things we treasure in ourselves and others, and engage in profound spiritual growth

.If you're interested in enhancing your recovery, join us in counting the Omer.

Apr 23, 202227:36
Season Of Liberation

Season Of Liberation

How can we find our own liberation this coming spring? By trying to understand what in our own lives serve as our "mitzrayim", our obstacles.  

In this episode, Rabbi Iggy gives us the tools to identify these obstacles within ourselves. By looking inward, at the people close to us, and at the world around us, we can then decide what we will engage with and what we will disengage from. 

Listen to this episode if you want to learn how you can reclaim Passover to support your own recovery.

Apr 16, 202224:28
From Pills To Pulpits

From Pills To Pulpits

This week, Rabbi Iggy is joined by Rabbi Michael Perice, the Senior Rabbi at Temple Sinai in Cinnaminson, New Jersey who made waves in 2021 when he opened up about his opiate addiction recovery journey. 

They discuss the defining moments of life, how we recognize and honor them, and the expansive impact they can have.

Together, these two spiritual leaders open up about ripple effects of their advocacy and vulnerability - and uncover how important (and common) their stories actually are.

Apr 11, 202201:01:51
Tshuvah Principles

Tshuvah Principles

What does it mean to live t’shuvah?

This is the question that drives T’Shuvah Center’s unique approach to integrated, personalized recovery. In this episode, Rabbi Iggy digs into the concept of t’shuvah and how powerfully it can transform your wellbeing. By engaging in this daily act of living in truth, repair, and strength, we can become empowered to understand the roots of our behaviors and unlock the capacity to establish new habits, rituals, and ways of living.

This is an episode for anyone who wants to learn more about - and integrate the powerful tool of t'shuvah into your life.

Apr 01, 202242:32
Spiritual Spring Cleaning

Spiritual Spring Cleaning

As we enter spring, the season of renewal, how can we plant seeds in the areas of our lives where we’d like to foster more growth?

This week, Rabbi Iggy explores what it takes to build habits. In recovery, there is a basic concept of the first 90 days, a phase where old habits are challenged and new behaviors take their place. Rabbi Iggy discusses the ways we hold ourselves back from growth, and reveals that with intention and compassion, change is possible.

If you want to audit your own spiritual life and learn simple tools to put goals into action, this episode is for you!

Mar 25, 202226:30
Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition

Why are contradictions so present in Judaism, and how can they inform our recovery?

This week, Rabbi Iggy ruminates on the many tensions written into Jewish text. With so many conflicting expectations, we are constantly asked to live in the grey areas; to mediate the in-between. For many of us in recovery, learning to embrace dualities is essential.

If you’re interested in building harmony between your internal contradictions (and understanding yourself outside of a binary), this episode is for you!

Mar 18, 202219:22
Doctors Guide To Spirituality

Doctors Guide To Spirituality

How can the medical field better address patients with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental illness? That’s the central focus of Dr. Jonathan Avery’s work, the Director of Addiction Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. 

This week, Dr. Avery joins Rabbi Iggy to discuss the challenges many patients with substance use disorders face when interacting with the medical community - whether it be inadequate training, existing stigma, or limiting psychiatric approaches. Through his research, Dr. Avery advocates for how greater connectivity and compassion in clinical practice can lead to better outcomes. 

Together, Dr. Avery and Rabbi Iggy discuss the importance of therapeutic recovery communities like T’Shuvah Center, and the lessons that can be learned from integrated models of addiction treatment.

Mar 11, 202255:44
Wants vs. Needs

Wants vs. Needs

How can we move beyond labels to find unity? In order to move beyond labels, we must first understand our own identities. Rabbi Iggy asks us to develop an awareness of ourselves by understanding the difference between what we need and what we want.  Knowing that we all share this human condition can push us to connect with those around us and find unity in times of crisis. How does this relate to the current state of affairs in the world.. Tune in..


Mar 04, 202218:29
Holding Hands

Holding Hands

Since she got a camera, Diane Conn started taking pictures of strangers. She never stopped, and her collection now stands at over 200,000. 

This week, Diane sits down with Rabbi Iggy to discuss her recent book, Holding Hands, an uplifting collection of strangers holding hands.  

Diane and Rabbi Iggy discuss the therapeutic benefits of Diane’s unique art practices, the nexus of art and spirituality, the rewards of staying true to your vision, and the relationship between art and recovery.

Feb 25, 202259:50
Leaving Victim-hood

Leaving Victim-hood

What’s the difference between being a victim and living in victimhood?  This week, Rabbi Iggy ruminates on the problem of victimhood in an episode that synthesizes insights from ancient Jewish history to contemporary culture.  Rabbi Iggy invites us to take stock of our own role in creating our lives.  By identifying our patterns and habits and rethinking our response to life’s tribulations, we can leave victimhood behind and reclaim our sovereignty.

Feb 18, 202223:56
Flower Power

Flower Power

How does trauma manifest itself in the body? That’s a question for anyone with a body—anyone whose stomach might drop at a painful reminder, whose back might ache around the time of a bad anniversary. It’s also the question that drives the work of Amy Lee Flowers, a trauma-informed Kripalu Yoga and Mindfulness educator. 

This week, Rabbi Iggy sits down with Amy to discuss the relationship between our physical existence and our psychological and emotional trauma. Their wide-ranging conversation is full of wisdom for anyone attempting to manage their physical ailments. By finding techniques to check-in with our bodies, like using mindfulness as a recovery tool, we can achieve a more grounded recovery.

Feb 11, 202201:03:01
Making Happiness

Making Happiness

There is an old Jewish teaching about the month of Adar, which is just beginning: when Adar begins, we make more joy.  But how do we make more joy?  

This week, Rabbi Iggy imparts his wisdom on how to better manage our relationship with happiness and joy.  Along the way, he drops deep meditations on what it means to be happy, but also many practical tips on how to squeeze more joy

Feb 04, 202217:29
Spiritual Winter

Spiritual Winter

What kind of wisdom can be gleaned from the dark, slow days of Winter? 

This week, Rabbi Iggy encourages us all to find rest, recovery, and our own pace of growth through "Spiritual Winter." Through ritual, deep listenings, observation, and meditation practices, Rabbi Iggy guides us to find opportunity in our current moment. 

This episode is a call to find vitality, interest, and beauty for the remaining winter days.

Jan 28, 202217:43
Hit The Rabbi

Hit The Rabbi

What does Rabbi Iggy really think?  

This week, for the first time ever, Rabbi Iggy is not the host of Tattoos and Torah but the guest.  Acclaimed artist (and previous guest) Naama G interviews Rabbi Iggy to dive deep on his mystifying and esoteric past.  This conversation will take you from India to old New York, from Rabbi Iggy’s early misadventures to the roots of his faith and sexuality.  

If you’ve been curious to hear Rabbi Iggy tell some of his own story, you’ll find it here

Jan 21, 202201:05:10
The Space between Tensions

The Space between Tensions

Why is it that our foundational stories are so often about brokenness?  

This week, Rabbi Iggy ruminates on the origins of our major tensions, from the story of Cain and Abel to his observations as a father.  These original schisms, breaks, and polarities can create trauma and pain, but they are also core elements of our humanity.  

This is an episode for anyone interested in navigating the things that pull them apart — or, as Rabbi Iggy puts it, learning how to walk.

Jan 14, 202216:22
Intuition And Insight

Intuition And Insight

Acute trauma—in the form of a sudden injury, accident, or the death of a loved one—can change our lives in an instant.  How can we transcend that trauma and find meaning in our pain?  

This week, Rabbi Iggy sits down with Travis Taylor, a healer and Reiki Master Teacher, for a fascinating conversation on the parallels between physical and emotional recoveries, identity, and Travis’s own remarkable journey.  

Together, Rabbi Iggy and Travis present a guide for how to adjust to the world through your trauma.

Jan 07, 202253:37
Bookend

Bookend

If you’re holed up in quarantine, or maybe you just have some downtime, you might be wondering, what should I read?  This week, Rabbi Iggy offers his long-requested book recommendations.  The list is a window into Rabbi Iggy: the major influences on his thinking, the making of his spirituality, and the friends he found in books.

Dec 31, 202122:37
Breathe In Courage

Breathe In Courage

How can we become the person we want to be while finding the romantic partner we deserve? That’s the work of Brandon Groux, a breathwork facilitator and life coach who focuses on helping people get back on their feet after breakups. This week, Brandon sits down with Rabbi Iggy to talk about love and the value of heartbreak. Their conversation ties together the fascinating threads that make up Brandon’s life, from van life to training men how to slow down and learn to emote.

Dec 24, 202101:07:12
Fasting Spiritually

Fasting Spiritually

The Jewish tradition is full of prescribed fasts: breaks from food, drink, and speech.  How might these intentional fasts cultivate a richer spiritual life?  In this episode of Tattoos & Torah, Rabbi Iggy considers the merits of brief and purposeful deprivations.  Paradoxically, Rabbi Iggy explains, creating room for silence can amplify the voice of our inner souls.  If you’re interested in finding intentional space for your inner dialogue, this episode is for you!

Dec 17, 202117:52
Acceptance Commitment Therapy

Acceptance Commitment Therapy

Through the pandemic, lines between physical trauma and emotional trauma have seemed especially blurred.   

This week, Rabbi Iggy and Dr. Gulick, a neuropsychologist and fellow at Clinical Neuropsychology Associates, explore questions of trauma and identity.  How can conversations around brain plasticity and neuroscience thoughtfully converge with questions of the human condition? This fascinating conversation finds the synthesis of both science and spirituality, guided by Dr. Gulick’s expertise and Rabbi Iggy’s rabbinic wisdom.  They discuss Dr. Gulick’s recent research around brain fog from Covid-19 and the long-term effects of anxiety, depression, disconnect, and addiction on the brain.  

This is a discussion that will leave you with real tactics for how to retain as much brain plasticity (and humanity) despite what happens to us.

Dec 10, 202101:08:49
Spiritual Leftovers

Spiritual Leftovers

After Thanksgiving, our fridges are full of Turkey and our hearts are full of gratitude.  We can eat turkey sandwiches throughout the week, but what do we do with our spiritual leftovers?  How can we navigate the crash of our emotional outpourings and find ways to sustain gratitude beyond a single day?  This week, Rabbi Iggy ponders the more painful and confusing elements of gratitude.  He draws from the emotional diversity of his family and ancient Jewish traditions  to offer lessons in carving out spiritual leftovers for the days and weeks after Thanksgiving.  This is an episode for anyone interested in reclaiming gratitude from performance and living a more spiritually sustainable life.

Dec 03, 202119:02
Real (Dharma) Talk

Real (Dharma) Talk

What does it look like to mature into our recoveries?In this episode of Tattoos and Torah, Rabbi Iggy is joined by Gary Sanders, mindfulness and meditation expert and founder of SCV Mindfulness.  Rabbi Iggy and Gary explore approaches to recovery that deviate from Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on the use of meditation, mindfulness, and buddhism in sustaining recovery.  Their riveting and honest conversation touches on the role of trauma, loss, and grief in the recovery process.  If you are interested in applying the tools of recovery to the rest of your life, this episode is for you!

Nov 26, 202101:07:02
What Life Mandates

What Life Mandates

Our lives are full of mandates, orders, and obligations.  This week, Rabbi Iggy wonders, how can spirituality guide us through these mandates?  Rabbi Iggy’s ruminations weave through hot-button issues like the Covid-19 vaccines along with his personal history, all with an eye toward finding freedom through our burdens.  Ultimately, this is a brief and instructive guide to reclaiming responsibility, agency, and sovereignty through the things that make us feel powerless.

Nov 19, 202119:55
Wellness Activated

Wellness Activated

What is the relationship between wellness and self-sovereignty?  This week, Rabbi Iggy hosts Ceasar Barajas, an award-winning singer, dancer, actor, yoga teacher, and Navy Veteran.  Their conversation pulls from Ceasar’s wide-ranging skills and experiences, meandering through complex themes of activism around mental health, recovery, and gender.  Ultimately, this is a conversation focused on liberation.  Rabbi Iggy and Ceasar wonder together, how we can free ourselves by creating internal wellbeing?

Nov 12, 202101:11:33
A Case For Spiritual Counseling

A Case For Spiritual Counseling

Modern life sometimes has a way of disconnecting us from the complexities of our deeper feelings, emotions, and truths.  How can we prevent this erosion of ourselves?  How can we unearth our more authentic selves?  This week, Rabbi Iggy makes the case for spiritual counseling, a process that can help us examine who we are, why we are here, how we make meaning, and how we understand our pain.  Rabbi Iggy synthesizes wisdom from his decades as a practicing spiritual counselor as well as the most recent empirical studies on spiritual counseling.  This episode is for anyone interested in asking the bigger questions and pushing their personal growth.

Nov 05, 202113:55
Bipolar/Spiritual

Bipolar/Spiritual

How can we overcome our shame and guilt through spirituality? 

This week, Rabbi Iggy sits down with Rabbi Alfredo Borodowski, “The Bipolar Rabbi,” a trained philosopher, personality type interpreter, and therapist who specializes in the blending of spirituality and mental health.  Together, the two rabbis grapple with change and growth, personality types, and mental health.

If you’re interested in connecting spiritual wisdom with mental well-being, this conversation is for you.

Oct 29, 202101:09:29
Spiritual Bypassing And Toxic Positivity

Spiritual Bypassing And Toxic Positivity

How can spiritual bypassing limit our ability to provide each other support?

This week, Rabbi Iggy ruminates on toxic positivity and spiritual bypassing. By acknowledging that spirituality includes all aspects of life, not just the positive, we can learn to more fully support ourselves and each other.

If you want to discover tools to be supportive without engaging in spiritual bypassing, this episode is for you.

Oct 22, 202121:60
Teaching Belonging

Teaching Belonging

How are mindfulness and recovery practices informed by culture, heritage, race, and gender?

This week, Rabbi Iggy speaks with Meghan Stewart-Wills, a renowned mindfulness coach with Unified Mindfulness. A multi-racial Black woman based in Ottawa, Canada, Meghan's work in local school boards supports youth in anti-discrimination and wellness initiatives. Together, Rabbi Iggy and Meghan map out the nexus of personal recovery and addiction recovery. They explore complex issues of race, the whiteness of recovery spaces, and the role of privilege in recovery.

If you are interested in the intersections of self-restoration, restorative justice, and recovery, this episode is for you!

Oct 15, 202101:16:35
Know God / No Masters

Know God / No Masters

Have you ever wondered where god resides?

This week, Rabbi Iggy discusses imminence and transcendence, and how to make sense of these concepts in our own lives. By investigating why some people believe god is near and others don't, he illuminates the role the divine can play in your recovery. In this short episode you can expect many questions... and maybe a couple of answers along the way.

If you're interested in exploring your own relationship to god and how this examination can enhance your recovery, this episode is for you!

Oct 08, 202118:49
Chance And Choice

Chance And Choice

How can someone build a meaningful, enriching life out of adversity, trauma and hardship?

Rabbi Iggy speaks with T'Shuvah Center's Director of Counseling, Jeremy Pool about building a life of meaning through addiction, incarceration, and family challenges. In this episode you'll learn about forgiveness: how to ask for it, how to be able to offer it, how to forgive the world and most importantly, yourself.

If you want to learn how to rise above challenges by leveraging the power of forgiveness and acknowledging the joy and gifts life has brought, this episode is for you!

Oct 01, 202158:17
Heart To Heart

Heart To Heart

How can meditation and community guide us to the wisdom of our hearts?So much of what we do flows from our heart. HeartRise Movement founder Jessie May Wolfe has made this spiritual truth the center of a movement, focused on building a community that engages in active meditation to awaken the inner intelligence of their hearts. In this episode, Rabbi Iggy and Jessie have a heart to heart on spirituality, connection, creativity, and meaning. As Jessie puts it, “a universal call to ignite the radiant heart power in all of us”.If you are interested in finding purpose, strength, and integrity through wellness and connection, this episode is for you!

Sep 24, 202154:46
Amend Not Apologies

Amend Not Apologies

What is the difference between an apology and an amends? In this episode of Tattoos & Torah, Rabbi Iggy discusses the amends process, and how taking this step strengthens our connections with others (and profoundly enhances our recovery!) If you want to learn how to approach this process, from setting intentions to making plans to get started, this episode is for you!

Sep 17, 202121:41
Its Funny Cause Its True

Its Funny Cause Its True

What happens when a comedian and a rabbi meet during the ten days of awe?In this midst of the "10 Days of Repentance", Rabbi Iggy and comedian Alex Edelman discuss the intersection of comedy, social commentary, art, and general Jewish angst. They explore the complex relationship between Jewish identity, humor, and remorse, and how it informs their own approach to the high holy days.If you like to find humor in the darker side of life, this episode is for you!

Sep 10, 202101:00:51