What happens when you transition from a traditional upbringing to becoming a trailblazer in the world of fashion and social media? In this episode, we sit down with Elaine Chaya, an influential fashionista from Los Angeles, to uncover her remarkable journey. Elaine opens up about her roots in a tight-knit Iranian Jewish community, her shift from conventional career paths to the glamorous realm of fashion blogging, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. From her early career in PR and event management to her rise as a social media icon, Elaine’s story is a testament to the power of following one's passion despite societal expectations.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of social media, Elaine shares her insights on the growing prominence of video content, spurred by platforms like Instagram and TikTok. She emphasizes the significance of authenticity, taking us behind the scenes of movements like "#wokeupthisway," which aim to counteract the pressure of curated perfection. We dive deep into the mental health implications of social media, the benefits of vulnerability, and how genuine connections can be a game-changer for anyone looking to grow their online presence.

But this episode isn’t just about fashion and social media. We broaden our scope to explore the rich tapestry of Iranian Jewish traditions and the challenges faced by the community, from the Iranian Revolution of 1979 to modern-day anti-Semitism. Elaine speaks candidly about the emotional toll recent events have taken on Jewish individuals and the importance of unity and support. Join us for a profound conversation that blends cultural heritage, personal resilience, and practical advice for navigating life’s complexities with grace and authenticity.

Follow Elaine Chaya:

www.elainechaya.com
instagram - @elainechaya

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Thank you for waiting for this episode. We took a bit of a break for a couple reasons that are addressed at the opening, nothing bad -- I promise, but we are excited to be back with this new batch of upcoming episodes.

This episode features an engaging discussion with a talented musician, Grammy Award Winner Joanie Leeds, who shares her journey from early musical exposure to songwriting. From creating song parodies at summer camp to more serious songwriting endeavors in college, her story is an inspiring testament to perseverance and creativity.

Joanie also takes us through her fascinating career shift from working at the legendary Bitter End music club in Greenwich Village to creating and performing children’s music at Gymboree. Discover how she found her true calling, established a successful birthday party business, and eventually became a beloved performer at various synagogues to Grammy Winner. We explore her joy of performing with her daughter on a number of her albums and how living in NYC has shaped her artistic identity. Listen in for a blend of heartfelt personal updates, music, and the unique journey of an exceptional artist.

Check out her website @:

https://www.joanieleeds.com/

Music featured in this episode available wherever you get your music:

RBG - FREADOM
Bad Girl - Soul From My Footsteps
Barchu - Challah, Challah
All The Ladies (feat. Lisa Loeb) - All the Ladies
Fauci Ouchie (feat. Joya) - Single
Banned - FREADOM
Sing It Out - FREADOM

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When the echoes of Michael Jackson's beats ignited a young Stefano Iacono's love for music, little did he know it would pave his way to becoming a cantor. Join me, Nicole Kelly, as I chat with Stefano on Shebrew in the City and share a symphony of anecdotes that illustrates how his musical zeal intertwined with a spiritual awakening. Together, we'll explore the nuances of his melodious journey, from acquiring guitar skills out of envy to finding solace in the strums that now feel like an extension of his soul, all while uncovering the serendipitous twists that shaped his path to the harmonious role he cherishes today.

In this extra packed episode of Shebrew in the City, come on a journey of discovery and heart as Stefano takes me beat by beat through his life, his conversion to Judaism, and his work in the clergy today. This episode includes musical excerpts from "Out of the Closet" A fearless celebration of queer music and the voices who inspire us that was hosted by Cantor Stefano Iacono at Congregation Rodeph Sholom. For a live video of the whole concert please visit:

https://rodephsholom.org/aiovg_videos/out-of-the-closet-a-fearless-celebration-of-queer-music-and-the-voices-who-inspire-us/

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