Journey with Rita Podcast: Building Resilience Together

About Journey with Rita Podcast: Building Resilience Together

I'm Rita Naffas — a wife, mother, interior designer, and women’s empowerment advocate. I’ve had the privilege of wearing many hats in life — from working in corporate America, to serving on executive boards and nonprofit organizations, to creating spaces that bring beauty and comfort into people’s lives. The greatest shaping force in my life has been the challenges I’ve overcome, and those experiences have given me a deep appreciation for resilience, growth, and the power of living authentically. I believe we have the ability to design the lives we want, to reinvent ourselves at any stage, and to pursue what truly makes us come alive. And I sincerely believe that we can all learn and grow from one another. This podcast is a reflection of all of that — a space where we explore growth, resilience, and the journeys that shape us. We will explore the many paths we walk — the messy ones, the meaningful ones, and everything in between. You’ll hear stories from incredible people who have faced challenges in both big and small ways, personally and professionally. We’ll learn how they got through it — what tools they used, what they’re still learning, and what they want to pass on. I’ll also be sharing my own reflections along the way — not as an expert, but as a fellow traveler. This is a space for wisdom, inspiration, and practical steps to guide us through life’s journey. Join Me!

Publisher

Rita Naffas

Category

education · health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Sept 2025

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Oct 2026

   E15 | Finding Your Morning Magic: The Power of an Intentional Morning Ritual

   What if the secret to a better day isn't what you do during it, but how you begin it? Before the emails, the responsibilities, the endless to-do lists, and the demands of everyone around you, there is an opportunity to set the tone for the day ahead. And sometimes, just a few intentional minutes can make all the difference. In this episode, we're exploring the magic of mornings and how simple rituals can help you feel more grounded, focused, energized, and intentional in the way you move through life. Drawing from practices I've developed over the last decade, many born out of necessity during some of life's most challenging seasons, I'll share how mindfulness, gratitude, visualization, and small daily habits can help us build resilience, find clarity, and approach each day with greater purpose. Whether you're a morning person or someone who hits snooze five times, this episode isn't about creating the perfect morning routine or adding more to your already full plate. It's about discovering what works for you and learning how to begin your day on your own terms. Because how we start our mornings doesn't just shape our days. Over time, it shapes the way we experience our lives. In this episode, I share: Why how we wake up is the very first message we send to our nervous system, and how changing my alarm to birdsong changed my mornings entirely The simple act of making my bed and why starting the day with one completed task sets the tone for everything that follows How journaling became a lifeline during my cancer journey, and why some days, three sentences is enough My meditation practice, built over nearly a decade, including mindful breathing, prayer, gratitude, and visualization How visualization continues to shape how I show up as a mother, designer, and podcast host The research behind why vividly imagining an action activates the same neural pathways as physically doing it How I set daily intentions with specificity, and why defining how you want to show up makes you far more likely to live up to it Why I end every morning ritual with cuddles with my children, and why I never take that for granted ✨Follow me on Instagram @Journey.With.Rita_ and @RitaNaffasDesign ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast #RitaNaffasDesign The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice References: Connect with Rita @journey.with.rita_ and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

2. 

   29 May 2026

   E14 | What Every Woman Needs to Know About Breast Cancer with CEO of Sharsheret, Elana Silber

   Today’s episode is about something we all hope we never face—but so many women unfortunately do: breast cancer- Cancer is a word that can feel heavy, but my goal today is to arm you with the knowledge and information you need to have. Because the truth is  the number one risk factor for breast cancer is simply being a woman. And whether you want to talk about it or not, this disease impacts 1 in 8 women.  And as you will learn today, Jewish women are more likely to carry mutations that cause Breast cancer. So I invite you to listen to this episode all the way through. I promise—it won’t feel heavy or discouraging. Instead, it will leave you with the knowledge you want to have. We are living in a time where knowledge is power. The more we understand about our bodies, our risks, and the resources available to us, the more empowered we become to take action, advocate for ourselves, and support the people around us. Today’s episode is about leaning into that power—because with knowledge comes confidence, with community comes strength, and with both, comes hope. A breast cancer diagnosis can feel like the ground has shifted beneath your feet — and navigating the medical world, the emotional weight, and the sheer volume of information can feel impossible to do alone. That is exactly why Sharsheret exists, and why this conversation with its CEO, Elana Silber, is one every woman needs to hear. The information shared on this episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a licensed medical professional for advice specific to your health. In this episode, Elana shares: Why every woman — regardless of family history, age, or background — is at risk for breast cancer, and why awareness must start at 25 The truth about self-exams: how to do them, why they matter, and why consistency is more important than technique What the BRCA gene mutation actually means, who carries it, and why Jewish women of all backgrounds — including Sephardic and Mizrahi — should pay attention Why ovarian cancer is called a silent cancer, what symptoms are often overlooked, and the latest medical advances in prevention The story of Sharsheret's founder, Rochelle Shoretz, who clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was diagnosed with breast cancer as a young mother, and built a movement from her own experience of isolation The full range of free Sharsheret services — peer support, genetic counseling, surgery preparation kits, fertility resources, financial assistance, and more Why Rita's own diagnosis at 34 — discovered while nursing a newborn — and her journey as a peer supporter for Sharsheret, reflect exactly the mission Sharsheret was built to fulfill Why you don't need to know what you need before you call — Sharsheret will meet you wherever you are ✨Follow me on Instagram @JourneyWitRitaOrg ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast References: Visit www.sharsheret.org for more information and resources Connect with Sharsheret on Instagram and Facebook Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

3. 

   16 May 2026

   E13 | Life Is Worth Living: Surviving the Holocaust and Building a Life Full of Joy with Ella Mandel

   How does a person endure the unimaginable — and still choose joy? That is the question at the heart of this profoundly moving episode, and Ella Mandel's answer will stay with you long after you finish listening. Ella Mandel is a Holocaust survivor, educator, and living witness to one of the darkest chapters in human history. Born in Poland in 1926, Ella was thirteen years old when the Germans arrived. Over the years that followed, she lost her entire family — her youngest sister, her father, her mother, and ultimately her older sister — to the Holocaust. She survived the Lodz Ghetto, Auschwitz, a German labor camp, and Bergen-Belsen, where she was liberated in April 1945 at just eighteen years old, weighing barely sixty pounds. In 2025, nearly eighty years later, Ella was honored with the Award of Courage by Holocaust Museum LA alongside supermodel Cindy Crawford, with whom she collaborated on the Borrowed Spotlight campaign to raise awareness about antisemitism and keep these stories alive for future generations. This episode is a rare and sacred gift. With Ella's permission, Rita has woven excerpts from her 1994 USC Shoah Foundation interview together with wisdom Ella shared in a personal conversation earlier this year — honoring both the depth of her story and the gift of her time. In this episode, Ella shares: Growing up in Poland and the first devastating losses her family endured in the ghetto Being separated from her mother on the selection line at Auschwitz — and the pact she and her sister made to survive The brutal reality of forced labor in a German camp through a freezing winter, and how she protected her ailing sister Contracting typhus at Bergen-Belsen and surviving because a friend who was a nurse secretly brought her medicine The heartbreak of losing her older sister to tuberculosis just weeks after liberation — and the guilt she carried for years How she met her husband Stefan in Bergen-Belsen, rebuilt her life in Minneapolis, and created a chosen family with other young survivor couples Her lifelong belief — instilled by her mother — that people are basically good and that tomorrow will be better Why she has spent decades speaking to students, and the letters she treasures from young people whose lives her story has changed Her message to all of us: life is worth living, even on the hardest days This episode is dedicated to the memory of the eleven million lives lost during the Holocaust, six million of them Jewish, and to the survivors who carry the responsibility of bearing witness so that history is never forgotten. ✨Follow me on Instagram @JourneyWitRitaOrg ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice References: Learn more about Holocaust Museum LA at www.holocaustmuseumla.org Learn more about the USC Shoah Foundation at www.sfi.usc.edu Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

4. 

   24 Apr 2026

   E12 | In Pursuit of Woman Life Freedom: A Courageous Journey with Somaya Etemad

   Some doors to freedom are forced open — through sheer will, quiet defiance, and an unshakeable belief that a better life is possible. For Somaya Etemad, that belief was planted by a father who showed her the world, and it carried her through some of the most harrowing chapters a person can endure. Somaya is an Iranian-American artist and architect whose life story unfolds like a film — one in which she is the hero. Born and raised in Mashhad, Iran, she endured the systematic oppression of the Islamic regime, an abusive forced marriage, and arrest in the aftermath of the Green Movement. At just 25 years old, she fled Iran with her dog, her architecture degree, and an unwavering belief that she deserved a free life. She arrived in Los Angeles in 2011, enrolled at the Southern California Institute of Architecture, and has never looked back. Today, Somaya is a practicing architect and fine artist whose work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, most recently at the Contemporary Museum of Japan. In this episode, Somaya shares: Growing up under the Islamic regime — dress codes, Ramadan compliance, and navigating a double life at home versus in public The profound loss of her father at age 14, and how his spirit of freedom and forward thinking became the foundation of her resilience Being forced into marriage at 22 and enduring physical abuse — and the quiet acts of courage that helped her survive Her arrest following the 2009 Green Movement elections, sparked by a political cartoon, and the trauma of imprisonment How visualization and dreaming of a free life — even with no roadmap to get there — became her most powerful survival tool Fleeing Iran for Los Angeles with her dog Nemat, navigating language barriers, financial hardship, and the unexpected challenge of learning to handle freedom Turning personal trauma into art, and her mission to be a voice for Iranian women still fighting for zan, zandegi, azadi — woman, life, freedom How her solo exhibition "SOLO" became a cathartic act of closure, allowing her to honor her scars while stepping fully into who she is today ✨Follow me on Instagram @JourneyWitRitaOrg ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice References: Connect with Somaya Etemad on Instagram Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

5. 

   10 Apr 2026

   E11 | Elevate the Everyday: Designing Spaces That Inspire Better Living

   As we welcome spring, let's also welcome fresh energy into our homes through what we choose to surround ourselves with. I truly believe our homes have the power to inspire us to live better lives—they can either hinder us or empower us. A well-designed space doesn't just look beautiful—it invites us to feel better and in turn, do better. Whether we realize it or not, the spaces we spend time in are constantly shaping our emotional experience. And for me, whether it's my own home or one I'm designing for a client, the goal is always the same: to create a sense of release, a breath of fresh air at the end of a long day. In this episode, I share insights from my work as an interior designer and the lessons I've learned about how our surroundings impact our daily lives, our mental health, and our ability to show up fully. In this episode, I share: Why our homes are not just about aesthetics—they're about feelings How hotel lobbies make stress melt away (and it's not an accident) The power of small, intentional shifts over massive renovations Why clutter isn't just physical—it's mental and emotional The family photo I removed from my fireplace and why it changed everything Elevating the everyday: stop saving things for "someday" The kitchen as the heart of the home—making it functional, not just beautiful Creating your bedroom as a sanctuary that sets the tone for your day The role of scent, texture, lighting, and color in shaping how we feel Four small shifts you can make today to transform your space ✨Follow me on Instagram @JourneyWitRitaOrg and @RitaNaffasDesign ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast #RitaNaffasDesign The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice References: Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

6. 

   20 Feb 2026

   E10 | Celebrating 10 Episodes: Stories of Wisdom, Growth, and Resilience

   Welcome to Episode 10—a milestone moment! Today I'm celebrating 10 episodes of Journey with Rita Podcast and reflecting on the incredible wisdom, courage, and resilience we've witnessed together. Journey with Rita was established in 2020 as an online platform after I came across a quote by Brené Brown that truly resonated with me: "One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will become someone else's survival guide." Having been a peer supporter to those fighting breast cancer, those words didn't just inspire me—they became my North Star. They gave me language to something I had been feeling but couldn't quite articulate: that our experiences, our struggles, our lessons can serve someone else. That our stories, when shared honestly, can become lifelines. In this episode, I reflect on: The Brené Brown quote that became my Why How Journey with Rita evolved from online platform to organization to podcast The courage it took to create something completely foreign yet deeply familiar What we've learned across 10 powerful episodes The wisdom our guests have shared about faith, community, transformation, authenticity, mental health, mom guilt, gratitude, financial resilience, manifestation, integrity, and resilience Why resilience is contagious—and how witnessing others' journeys lights a path for our own Gratitude for the guests who said "yes" when this was just a vision The power of community built through alignment, not algorithms What's next for Journey with Rita Lessons from Our First 10 Episodes: Faith & Community: We explored how community holds us up when we can't hold ourselves, and how shared experiences help us grow through hardship, not just survive it. Transformation & Authenticity: We learned that transformation begins with self-trust and the courage to release what no longer fits. Mental Health Matters: Behind every polished success story is real work and real struggle—mental health can never take a backseat. Rewriting Mom Guilt: We unpacked mom guilt and rewrote the narrative around it. Gratitude as Discipline: We explored gratitude not as a cliché but as a daily practice that reshapes perspective. Financial Resilience: We challenged the narrative that financial literacy belongs in someone else's hands and affirmed that women have the intelligence and vision to make confident financial decisions. Designing an Intentional Life: We discussed manifesting dreams by aligning actions with values, not just checking boxes. Integrity & Discipline: We heard how staying true to yourself—even when the industry rewards something else—creates meaningful success. Resilience Isn't Magic: We were reminded that resilience isn't something we access when life falls apart—it's the ability to draw from strengths we've been building all along. Key Message: Resilience is contagious. When we see someone else navigate hardship and come out stronger, it lights a path for our own resilience and growth. Our stories, when shared honestly, become lifelines for others. What's Next: This is only the beginning. More conversations, more wisdom, more tools for building resilience together. ✨Follow me on Instagram @JourneyWitRitaOrg ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice References: Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

7. 

   6 Feb 2026

   E9 | Resilience in Motion: Dancing Through MS with Courtney Platt

   What happens when the very thing that defines you—your ability to move—is threatened by a disease you can't control? How do you keep performing ten dances a night on tour when your legs go numb? How do you keep showing up when your body won't cooperate? Meet Courtney Platt: world-class dancer, actress, choreographer, and powerful voice for living fully with multiple sclerosis. Courtney started her dance career as a New York Knicks City dancer, was a top four finalist on So You Think You Can Dance, and has danced and choreographed for some of the biggest stages and screen productions of the last decade. But at the height of her career, at only 23 years old while on tour with So You Think You Can Dance, Courtney's legs went completely numb from the waist down. Doctors found plaque on her spinal cord and lesions on her brain. The diagnosis: relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Instead of letting MS define her, Courtney transformed it into her mission—using her platform to advocate, educate, and inspire others living with autoimmune diseases. Today, she's not only a celebrated performer but a mother of three, a dance teacher, and a powerful reminder that resilience isn't about never falling—it's about refusing to stay down. In this episode, Courtney shares: Going numb from the waist down while performing 10 dances a night on tour How she knew something was MS before doctors confirmed it Dancing with completely numb legs because she refused to be taken off tour The moment of clarity when diagnosis finally came—and the relief of knowing Being pissed off and disappointed in her body after diagnosis The frustration of wanting to push her baby out but needing a C-section Learning to appreciate her body's gifts instead of taking movement for granted Why giving yourself grace and compassion is essential The guilt of needing rest when you're "supposed to" be hustling Her husband's unwavering support: "Tell me you're not being lazy" Why napping like a small child is non-negotiable now Traveling with MS: Planning around energy levels and recovery time The wheelchair at the airport and dealing with judgment from strangers Teaching her kids about MS: the conversation she dreaded but handled beautifully Why surrounding yourself with the right people is everything Having a third baby through surrogacy—and why it was the right choice Her body producing breast milk even though she didn't give birth to Gianna The advice that made her angry: "Find a less stressful job" ✨Follow me on Instagram @JourneyWitRitaOrg ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice References: Follow Courtney Platt on Instagram Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

8. 

   23 Jan 2026

   E8 | Earning Your Seat at the Table: Integrity, Intelligence, and Impact with Lisa Daftari

   Some careers unfold quietly—and then there are careers built in rooms where the stakes are high, the conversations are charged, and the pressure is relentless. Today's episode is about what it takes to earn a seat at those tables and keep it. Meet Lisa Daftari: award-winning investigative journalist, foreign policy analyst, and founder and editor-in-chief of the Foreign Desk, an independent global affairs platform focused on international security, human rights, and Middle East geopolitics. She's also the host of the highly acclaimed Foreign Podcast. Lisa's expertise has taken her into some of the most influential rooms—briefing institutions like the United Nations and Congress, contributing exclusive reports for the Pentagon, and working closely with the White House during the rollout of the Abraham Accords. Her work has been recognized with the Medal of Valor, the Simon Wiesenthal Award, and the Champion of Freedom Award. But this conversation isn't just about what Lisa does—it's about who she is, how she built resilience while navigating male-dominated spaces, and how she stays grounded while working in some of the most demanding fields in the world. In this episode, Lisa shares: Growing up as a shy girl who rarely spoke unless answering a question How college opened her world: triple majoring, vocal performance, pre-med, EMT work, and falling in love with Middle Eastern studies The moment she realized her favorite thing was debating in class—and wishing she could do it as a job Being recruited by the CIA for clandestine operations (and why she didn't take it) The agent who told her, "You're too nice" to make it in the industry How integrity, loyalty, and respect became her greatest assets—not liabilities Navigating Iranian culture, studying abroad, and breaking barriers while staying conservative The challenges of being Iranian in a field where your heritage is both a blessing and an obstacle How meditation and surrender to God help her prepare for high-pressure moments Why does she see herself as a "vessel" in her work Balancing a demanding career with being a deeply present mother Waking up at 5 am and working until midnight to never miss a moment with her son Teaching resilience through modeling work ethic, just like her immigrant parents did The power of thriving on human interaction and learning from influential circles Why "only a tree can be a tree"—and why being yourself is your greatest brand The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. ✨Follow me on Instagram @JourneyWitRitaOrg ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice References: Follow Lisa Daftari on Instagram @lisadaftari Visit The Foreign Desk at https://foreigndesknews.com/ Listen to the Foreign Podcast Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

9. 

   9 Jan 2026

   E7 | No Scripts, No Armor: Sharing My Personal Journey With My Therapist, Lesley Lasker

   What does it really take to rise after life knocks you down? Not once, but twice? I’ve spent the last few months inviting remarkable women to sit on this couch with me, to be raw, vulnerable, and honest about the challenges that shaped them.  And I knew—if I’m asking my guests to go there, then I have to go there too.  In this deeply personal episode, I'm flipping the script and sitting down with someone who has walked beside me through my darkest moments: my therapist of 10 years, Lesley Lasker. Lesley Lasker is a licensed marriage and family therapist and parent education specialist who has been an anchor in my life, guiding me through breast cancer, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and the unraveling and rebuilding that came with both. Today, she interviews me about the hardest chapters of my life, the moments I haven't shared publicly, and the lessons that shaped who I am as a mother, wife, and woman. This conversation is raw, vulnerable, and honest. We talk about the fear of telling a three-year-old about cancer, the devastation of not being able to hold my seven-month-old son, the shame of needing a wheelchair, and all of the lessons along the way- including the moment I realized the universe was forcing me to stop, breathe, and just be. In this episode, I share: How I discovered my breast cancer while nursing my newborn in the hospital The moment I knew something was wrong and called Lesley Lasker to help me tell my daughter Going through double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation with a six-month-old and a three-year-old The power of gratitude during treatment: "It could be worse. Be grateful." My second diagnosis: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disorder that left me paralyzed Losing 20% of my movement every day and planning for life in a wheelchair The fear, the waiting, the misdiagnosis, and the moment I learned it had become chronic (CIDP) How my community showed up: cousins taking my kids to camp, friends taking notes at the hospital, rabbis praying with me The shame and grief of losing my identity as an active, strong woman The life-changing lessons the universe taught me through both diagnoses Why I believe things happen FOR us, not TO us How these experiences led me to launch Journey with Rita and this podcast The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy. If you are struggling with your mental health or are in crisis, please reach out to a professional for support. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7. Help is available, and you don’t have to go through it alone. ✨Follow me on Instagram @JourneyWitRitaOrg ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice References: Connect with Lesley Lasker, LMFT at Lasker & Associates: https://laskerandassociates.com/lesley-lasker-lmft/ 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

10. 

    26 Dec 2025

    E6 | Reflections From My Journey: Ditch The New Year’s Resolutions For This New Approach

    New Year's resolutions often set us up for disappointment: long lists of goals, mounting pressure, and the weight of unmet expectations. But what if there was a better way? What if instead of waiting for January 1st to give us permission to change, we embraced a process that honors our growth every single day? In this episode, I share the three powerful practices that have carried me through 15 years of personal transformation, major life challenges, career shifts, and achieving goals that once felt impossible. These aren't quick fixes or empty promises. They're intentional practices that bring clarity, strengthen belief, and reveal the ways we might be standing in our own way. In this episode, I share: Why I don't believe in New Year's resolutions and what I do instead How vision boarding creates clarity and trains your mind to recognize your desires The power of writing gratitude letters to the universe in the past tense, as if your goals have already happened Why resistance while writing reveals limiting beliefs you need to work through The importance of working hard, then releasing control and trusting the timing How manifestation isn't magic. It's about aligning your actions with your vision Why this process has been transformative for me over 15 years A challenge to replace resolutions with vision boarding, gratitude letters, and intentional action When we stop waiting for a date on the calendar and start stepping into a process that nurtures our growth, aligns with our dreams, and honors the life we're meant to live, that's when real transformation begins. ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast Follow @journeywithritaorg on Instagram to keep building resilience through proven guiding principles, practical tools, and weekly inspiration. The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice References: Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

11. 

    12 Dec 2025

    E5 | The Mindset of A Financially Resilient Woman with Roxana Maddahi

    As women, we're encouraged to be emotionally resilient, spiritually resilient—but financially resilient? We don't talk about that enough. That part of the conversation can feel intimidating or even off-limits. But not here, not today. Meet Roxana Maddahi: financial advisor, president of Maddahi Wealth, and contributor for Forbes and HuffPost. Roxana's journey isn't just about spreadsheets or portfolios. She's seen what it's like to lose everything—to watch her savings slip away when Lehman Brothers filed for the biggest bankruptcy in history. Out of that painful experience rose her dedication to help others avoid the same struggles. In this conversation, we explore what financial resilience really means—and how to build the habits, knowledge, and mindsets that help us withstand and recover from financial shocks like illness, job loss, market downturns, or divorce. Disclaimer: This conversation is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial professional for guidance tailored to your personal situation. In this episode, Roxana shares: The mindset of a financially resilient person: accepting that emergencies are inevitable Why meditation is essential for managing financial stress and making clear decisions How to build an emergency fund (and why it doesn't have to be all liquid cash) The biggest misconception about the stock market—it's not gambling Why women are as financially literate as men but 44% less likely to believe it Her story of working at Lehman Brothers during the 2008 bankruptcy Why she invested her life savings in Lehman Brothers stock—and lost it all How watching families lose everything shaped her mission to provide good guidance Why 90% of women will have to manage their finances alone at some point The importance of finding a financial advisor who truly understands you ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice References: Follow Roxana Maddahi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxana.maddahi/?hl=en Visit Maddahi Wealth for more information: https://maddahiwealth.com/ Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

12. 

    28 Nov 2025

    E4 | Reflections From My Journey: Making Gratitude a Way of Life

    Gratitude isn't meant to be a once-a-year tradition reserved for the Thanksgiving table. It's something we can weave into our daily lives—a practice that shapes how we see the world, respond to challenges, and move through each day. In this solo episode, I share my personal journey with gratitude, from hearing Oprah talk about gratitude journals as a teenager to how this simple practice carried me through breast cancer, miscarriages, and Guillain-Barré syndrome when I temporarily lost the ability to move. In this episode, I share: How Oprah Winfrey's gratitude journal practice changed my life as a teenager Finding gratitude during breast cancer—feeling lucky to have treatment options and access to incredible doctors The moment I became paralyzed and was overwhelmed not by fear, but by the kindness of those who surrounded me Why gratitude is like a pearl in the ocean—you have to dive deep through murky waters to find it The science behind gratitude: How it rewires your brain and reduces anxiety Practical ways to build gratitude daily: savoring moments, journaling, dinnertime reflections, and the gratitude shift Teaching my children to look for the good, even on hard days Why gratitude doesn't mean pretending everything is okay—it means choosing to focus on what helps you move forward When gratitude becomes part of how we live—not something we only visit once a year—life truly begins to shift. We start seeing beauty in ordinary moments, we become more resilient in hard times, and we realize that even when everything feels uncertain, there's always something to be thankful for. ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast Follow @journeywithritaorg on Instagram to keep building resilience through proven guiding principles, practical tools, and weekly inspiration. The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice References: Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

13. 

    14 Nov 2025

    E3 | The Hidden Layers of our Stories: Motherhood, Career, and Leadership with Roxana Eli

    What happens when the woman who appears to “have it all” pulls back the curtain and shares her failures, talks openly about mental health, and dispels the myth that women can have it all? Meet Roxana Eli: accomplished litigation attorney, devoted mother of two, and the first female elected president in Sephardic Temple's 100-year history. In this raw conversation, Roxana pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to break barriers while staying true to yourself. In this episode: Failing the bar exam Why "balance" is a myth for working mothers Making history at Sephardic Temple The panic attack that changed everything Being open about therapy and medication Missing her daughter's school event and breaking down Why asking for help is a superpower Mom guilt and how to handle it The power of saying no Why hiring help isn't shameful Being the only woman in the boardroom Mental health in our community This conversation is about more than success. It's about the messy, beautiful journey of becoming who you're meant to be. ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast Follow @journeywithritaorg on Instagram to keep building resilience through proven guiding principles, practical tools, and weekly inspiration. The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice. References: Follow Roxana Eli on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rox_eli/?hl=en Follow Sephardic Temple on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sephardictemple/ Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

14. 

    14 Nov 2025

    E2 | The Poetry of Life: A Conversation on Self-Discovery, Transformation, and Manifestation with Melody Godfred

    When successful litigation attorney Melody Godfred started hallucinating spiders crawling on her walls every night, she knew her body was sending an urgent message: this perfect job with the ocean-view office wasn't her path. In this transformative conversation, Melody shares how she left law to become a poet, author of five books, including "Moon Garden: Poetry for Manifestation," and a voice for women reclaiming their authentic selves. Her journey back to the 9-year-old poet she'd buried under decades of achievement offers profound lessons about listening to our bodies, trusting our intuition, and believing we deserve the life we're meant to live. In this episode: Why did she hallucinate spiders every night as a litigation attorney Following happiness vs. following expectations The art of not filling every moment with distraction Teaching kids to fail without shame Why "superwoman" is a lie we need to abandon Manifestation through moon cycles and nature Lucky girls find parking (and why belief matters) Fighting for thyroid health after years of medical gaslighting How a stranger's DM saved her thyroid Asking for help without shame Vision boarding for intuitive clarity Why vulnerability is a superpower Melody reminds us that resilience isn't just about pushing through—it's about allowing ourselves to evolve, trusting the process of transformation, and believing in what's waiting on the other side. ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast Follow @journeywithritaorg on Instagram to keep building resilience through proven guiding principles, practical tools, and weekly inspiration. The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice. References: Follow Melody Godfred on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodygodfred/?hl=en Visit Melody’s website: https://www.melodygodfred.com/ Get "Moon Garden: Poetry for Manifestation" at your favorite bookstore: https://www.melodygodfred.com/moon-garden-poetry Subscribe to Melody's newsletter for weekly inspiration Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

15. 

    14 Nov 2025

    E1 | Anchored in Belief: The Role of Faith & Community in Resilience with Rabbi Nicole Guzik

    What happens when a spiritual leader's own faith is shattered by unimaginable loss? And how does community become the thread that holds us together when everything falls apart? Meet Rabbi Nicole Guzik: Co-Senior Rabbi of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, the first woman to hold that role in the congregation's 100+ year history, licensed therapist, mother of three, and my dear friend. In this deeply personal conversation, Rabbi Guzik opens up about the role of faith in building resilience and shares the story of losing her close friend in her twenties—a loss that tested everything she believed about God. In this episode: Why faith becomes the anchor for some and a struggle for others The difference between transactional faith and unconditional love How to find your way back to faith after feeling abandoned by God The story of Abraham and the stars—your pain is real, but there is more to your story than you can imagine Rabbi Guzik's journey from small-town synagogue kid to co-senior Rabbi and therapist Losing her friend, Hannah, to a drunk driver during Rabbinical school Coming together as a community to heal How shared pain creates bonds that hold us like family Why loneliness has become a plague in our post-COVID world The role of community in healing and rebuilding faith Coffee addiction, baking as meditation, and 90210 binges Why being open and vulnerable is essential to finding strength This conversation is about more than faith. It's about the messy, beautiful journey of finding your way back to hope when life breaks your heart. ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast Follow @journeywithritaorg on Instagram to keep building resilience through proven guiding principles, practical tools, and weekly inspiration. The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice. References: Follow Rabbi Guzik on Instagram @rabbiguzik https://www.instagram.com/rabbiguzik/ Follow Sinai Temple on Instagram @sinaitemple: https://www.instagram.com/sinaitemplela/ Learn more about Sinai Temple Mental Health Center at https://www.sinaitemple.org/ Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources

16. 

    17 Sept 2025

    The Heart Behind the Podcast: My Why

    Welcome to Journey with Rita: Building Resilience Together! This is me, Rita Naffas, sharing the deeply personal story behind why I created this podcast and what it means to me to build resilience together with you.

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.