Here is where you get in touch. Work with me, share your experience or requests > this is how to reach me. Love, - Sara

Happy 10th episode, Salty Bake Club! To celebrate this milestone, I've baked us a cake and served up something different - a raw, unfiltered look at the woman behind the microphone.

When I launched this podcast, I wasn't sure anyone would listen. I simply knew I needed a space where I wouldn't be confined to the boxes people put me in - not just the yogi, the baker, or the traveler. This is my happy place where I can be both fire and doubt, where truth gets messy and is always sprinkled with salt.

Today's episode, "The Truth Is," reveals what's behind the curtain. I share how frustrating it feels to be put in boxes and my strong urge to shatter those limitations. I open up about the loneliness of building a yoga community where most people only show up when it's easy or free.

Perhaps most vulnerable is my admission about the risks I take speaking my truth on topics like Palestine and patriarchy, knowing there could be real consequences. And despite talking about vulnerability regularly, I confess that it feels physically awful - like standing outside my body with a racing heart - a sensation that practice doesn't eliminate.

I also explore my complicated relationship with capitalism's idea of success, the unseen discipline required to teach yoga without diminishing sacred teachings, and my ongoing journey to surrender control when life inevitably changes my plans.

This episode is messier, softer, and maybe even more authentically me. I invite you to join this ripple effect by sharing your own truths - not the Instagram-worthy ones, but those you hold close to your chest. DM me or use #saltytruth, and I might read them in future episodes. After all, we're just getting started.

Here is where you get in touch. Work with me, share your experience or requests > this is how to reach me. Love, - Sara

Compassion over comprehension. These words echo throughout this deeply moving conversation with my dear friend Ilav about staying engaged with the humanitarian crisis in Palestine when it's easier to look away.

"I cannot not look," Ilav repeats throughout our discussion, describing how she channels the pain of witnessing suffering into action. As the daughter of political refugees from Iraq, she shares her lifelong connection to Palestine and why she feels compelled to keep her heart open despite the emotional toll.

We explore what those of us in positions of privilege can actually do to help. From boycotting specific brands (McDonald's, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, SodaStream) to following journalists reporting from Gaza, there are concrete actions we can all take. Ilav recommends trustworthy Instagram accounts that provide verified information about which companies to avoid and how to get involved in meaningful ways. I have linked all the resources we discussed for you by the end of this text.

Perhaps most poignant is our discussion about teaching children about difficult realities. Ilav shares how she approaches these conversations with her five-year-old son, gradually introducing concepts while emphasizing love and unity rather than hate. "We need more love, we don't need more hate," she reminds us, highlighting that many Jewish people stand in solidarity with Palestinians.

We also challenge the "good vibes only" culture that has permeated wellness spaces. True connection comes from being willing to engage with hard topics and staying present for uncomfortable conversations—whether in our personal relationships or our relationship with the wider world.

As we conclude, we remind listeners that our shared humanity transcends borders and identities. "Until the people in Gaza aren't free, none of us is free," Ilav says, emphasizing that compassion doesn't require complete comprehension of a complex situation.

I'd love to hear how this episode resonates with you—share your thoughts and join this crucial conversation.

HERE ARE ALL RESOURCES AND ACCOUNTS WE SHARED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The App we talked about is called Boycat - It shows you which brands support this war in going on and HOW they are involved in it. They also show suggestions of alternative Brands that you could use instead.
• Instagram Accounts Ilaf suggests:
  • JEWISHVOICEFORPEACE https://www.instagram.com/jewishvoiceforpeace?igsh=cWN0a2tyeTJ5Zmtx
  • MORTAZ_AZAIZA https://www.instagram.com/motaz_azaiza?igsh=dTFhdjJsN2ZweDRn
  • ART_OF_RIOT https://www.instagram.com/art_of_riot?igsh=aHNqb2oybDc0cjZ4
  • WIZARD_BISAN1 https://www.instagram.com/wizard_bisan1?igsh=MWh4bDdwZzhqODl5dw==
  • HIND KHOUDARY https://www.instagram.com/hindkhoudary?igsh=MWdtdGx3ZDQ5bTg4bg==

Here is where you get in touch. Work with me, share your experience or requests > this is how to reach me. Love, - Sara

Have you ever felt that magical sensation of being truly connected with someone? That rare moment when you're completely yourself, without performance, without masks? In this deeply personal exploration of intimacy, we dive into what creates genuine connection in our relationships, and how society's emphasis on performance actually prevents us from experiencing the very thing we crave.

Many of us confuse intimacy with sex, but they're not synonymous. You can have sex without intimacy, and intimacy without sex. The fascinating statistics tell the story: only 25% of women orgasm regularly during intercourse, but that number skyrockets to 80% when emotional intimacy is present. The science behind this is equally compelling—the clitoris contains 8,000 nerve endings (compared to 4,000 in the penis), making it a neurological masterpiece that responds uniquely for each person.

Our community shared what makes them feel truly intimate with others: emotional safety, trust, feeling seen, and being understood. These aren't automatic in relationships—they require vulnerability, which as Brené Brown reminds us, "is not weakness; it is our most accurate measure of courage." When we drop the performance and embrace our authentic selves—messy parts included—we create space for the deep connection we all crave. So grab that cup of tea, get comfortable, and join us for a conversation about the courage it takes to be truly intimate.

Share your experiences with intimacy in the comments—I love hearing your stories and knowing this podcast is creating meaningful conversations in your life!