The Best Of - Grief and Rebirth: Finding the Joy in Life

Discover this powerful story of a woman who reconciled the complexities of her Jewish faith with unconventional life choices, survived an abusive marriage, and reclaimed her life on her own terms. Alla Kaplan, a writer, podcaster, and host of “The Jewish Stripper: Raw and Real,” joins the conversation to share her journey as a legacy breaker, opening up about her communist Russian childhood, surviving domestic abuse in an abusive marriage, and confronting her battle with bipolar disorder and substance abuse. Alla shares the remarkable strength it took to break free from cycles of self-destructive behavior, demonstrating how she turned pain into purpose to inspire and empower others seeking their own path to freedom. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT THINGS LIKE:Immigrating from communist Russia in the 70s to the United States as a child, the culture shock of American life, and the struggle to find her Jewish identity.The lack of exposure to healthy relationships in childhood, leading to an unconscious attraction to and marriage with an abusive, narcissistic man.How an abusive partner can “groom” someone into stripping, and the internal struggle and body comparison within the strip club environment.The profound turning point to leave the abusive marriage after a life-threatening physical assault, which stripped away fear and necessitated a choice for survival.The path of self-medication with drugs and alcohol, having a nervous breakdown, seeking therapy, and receiving a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.The vital realization of needing to break free from codependent relationships to discover a sense of self-worth and identity: “Who am I by myself? Or that I’m enough by myself.”Candid discussion on the heavy stigma and misconceptions surrounding the stripping industry, and the decision to live authentically in her truth, regardless of judgment.The personal reconciliation of Jewish faith and a past life as a stripper, asserting that one’s faith and identity are separate from their profession. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: Stripping, Judaism, and Survival Inside an Abusive Marriage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvK8ZSoiTIU&list=PL7judgDzhkAWmfyB5r5WgFD6ahombBvoh --- ✨ Grief & Rebirth: Healing Resources & Tools ✨ 🎧 Irene's Books (Including a Free Audiobook!)They Serve Bagels in Heaven—Irene’s heartfelt story of love and life beyond.Listen Free on Audible as a First Time User: https://amzn.to/4dG4l4wGet the Paperback or Hard copy: https://amzn.to/3XrE995 📚 Embrace Life’s Third ChapterGood to the Last Drop—A powerful anthology on aging with purpose: https://amzn.to/3VJgEa5 🛍️ Healing & Self-Care PicksCurated books and essentials from Irene: https://kit.co/GriefandRebirth 📚 Grief & Rebirth BookshopBooks by podcast guests for healing & wisdom: https://bookshop.org/shop/griefandrebirth 🎙️ Podcast & CommunityInspiring stories of transformation on the Grief and Rebirth website: https://griefandrebirth.com 📱 Stay ConnectedSubscribe to Grief and Rebirth on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOSDru2EU1djRZaZxxFkMig?sub_confirmation=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenesweinbergFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IreneSWeinbergTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irenesweinberg 🎥 Irene’s Spiritual Awakening StoryWatch how the podcast began: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0mJWKfg5PM 🎙️ Be a Podcast GuestHave a story or healing work to share?Apply Here: https://ireneweinberg.com/be-on-the-podcast/ 📰 NewsletterGet updates, tips, and new episodes by signing up to the Grief and Rebirth Substack: https://substack.com/@griefandrebirth 💖 Affiliate DisclaimerSome links may earn us a commission. We only share trusted, personally recommended resources.