Our Story

“It’s Who You Know! Lessons and Insights from My Podcast Conversations with Jewish Professionals” – eJewish Philanthropy, May 5th, 2017

“How and Why I Launched a Jewish Podcast” – ReformJudaism.org Blog, December 28th, 2017

“24 Nuggets of Wisdom from 24 Jewish Community Leaders” – eJewish Philanthropy, January 11th, 2018

Michelle W. Malkin’s Story – 2016

For 10 years, I worked in over 20 Jewish organizations in the Los Angeles and New York area, networking and partnering with dozens more. In June 2016, my husband got a new job in New Jersey and we relocated to the east coast, leaving my jobs as Executive Director for a progressive synagogue, Director for a Jewish professionals organization, and Board Member of our family temple. Now I have a whole new winter wardrobe (i.e. I had to buy socks), a great job, and a lovely home in New Jersey.

So now what? How do you go from a community where you know practically everyone to a community where you know practically no one? And with an hour and a half commute and no car, is my new community in NYC or in NJ?

I began listening to podcasts in 2012 when I started graduate school (shout out to HUC!). Attracted to podcasts of all kinds (a list of my favorites is below), my commute became colored with interviews and stories from people all over the world with all sorts of experiences. When I thought about my next step, while enjoying staying still, I wanted to start talking with Jewish leaders in NYC- hearing their stories, and learning about the community. Starting this podcast allows me to reach beyond NYC and broadcast my “meetings” with these professionals to help us all better understand how and why our community is progressing, falling short, or meeting the challenges of the day.

2023 Update

I can’t believe that it has been seven years since I moved to New Jersey and started a podcast that now has over 35,000 downloads! I was fortunate to have interviewed 60+ Jewish community leaders and consultants about this deeply meaningful work we’ve all, for some reason, chosen to dedicate our lives to during the first two years of this project.

In 2018, I recorded a personal conversation with my husband Barak and me as we talked about my own path into this work. As the last lingering episode for almost 5 years, it amassed over 4,500 downloads. After recovering from having our first son and feeling comfortable in my new position as the inaugural Executive Director of Temple Ner Tamid, I was ready to relaunch! With 5 interviews in the can and a relaunch episode posted, March 2020 changed everyone’s plans.

With the world re-emerging into normalcy in mid-2022 (and my kids being able to get vaccinated), I started to think about what was next for my career. I applied to and was accepted to be part of the first cohort for Leading Edge’s Leading Executives training program. Part of the experience was being given a professional coach, Beth Gansky, who highly encouraged me to relaunch the program.

So here we are today! My life is FULL with two small boys, a multi-faceted, high-level job with LOTS of drama (thank you, synagogue life), a robust social calendar filled with quality friends and family time, and serving on non-profit boards and committees. These conversations fill my soul with so much goodness as I connect with and share with my listeners all the wonderful people who have dedicated their lives to making the Jewish community a robust, intricate, exciting, vibrant, meaningful, and ever-lasting presence for others.

Michelle W. Malkin’s Resume

Michelle W. Malkin’s Leadership Philosophy

Michelle W. Malkin’s Leadership Philosophy Word Cloud

If you have suggestions for people you would like me to interview or want to support the program, let me know! Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play.

Michelle’s Favorite Podcasts