Better Call Daddy 405. From Panic to Peace: Matana Poupko's Dynamic Familial Journey
"I want to build a relationship with God from a love way, not from fear."
"Gratitude is one of the fundamentals that my father raised us on."
Reena Friedman Watts invites Matana Poupko to the Better Call Daddy Show to explore the complexities of faith, family, and finding one's voice amidst adversity.
Matana opens up about her journey through mental health struggles, the nuances of her Jewish faith, and the powerful legacy of love and resilience passed down from her father.
Discover how Matana learned to embrace gratitude, set boundaries, and cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, all while navigating the challenges of maintaining her religious traditions.
In this heartfelt conversation, Matana shares intimate stories of her father's unwavering love and the profound impact of his teachings on her life. She delves into the importance of authenticity in spirituality, the healing power of gratitude, and the significance of creating a supportive community during times of crisis.
Matana's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-discovery. Join Reena and Matana for an inspiring episode that highlights the importance of embracing one's heritage, the courage to question and redefine beliefs, and the beauty of evolving relationships with family and faith. This episode is a reminder of the resilience we possess and the potential for growth and healing in the face of life's challenges.
Matana Poupko Jacobs was born in Peoria, Illinois, and raised in Israel. After high school, she worked as an assistant in a special needs school and later taught in Jewish schools in Hong Kong, where she had a transformative experience. Upon returning to Israel, Matana worked as a project manager for a company led by a mentor who sparked her passion for travel, taking her to places like China and Australia.
At age 25 she married Ari and moved to the United States. As she adjusted to a new culture and became a mother to three children, Her life took a turn when a sudden panic attack triggered a deep depression. Supported by her family, doctors, and unwavering determination, Matana began the journey of recovery, which included a life-changing three-month stay in Israel with her extended family.
Her healing journey inspired the Hope to Recharge podcast, where she shares stories of hope, resilience, and healing. Through the podcast, one-on-one consultations, and global speaking engagements, Matana provides support and practical tools to individuals dealing with mental health challenges. She focuses on helping those who feel stuck despite therapy and medication, guiding them toward new paths to recovery.
Matana’s work emphasizes the power of small steps and the importance of community in overcoming mental health struggles. She is deeply committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, offering hope, and guiding others from deep depression to thriving with gratitude.
(00:00) The Better Call Daddy Show features interviews with influential and controversial people
(02:35) One of the questions that we had was, what is he proud of you for
(07:01) Tell me a little bit about your legacy. The book go Legacy explores your family's unique DNA
(11:55) Only when I got older did I learn to appreciate my father
(14:09) You had your struggles with your relationship with God
(19:06) Yoga helped me heal from anxiety and depression. So yoga I did for healing
(21:59) Anxiety comes and goes, but it's the frequency, duration and intensity
(24:04) Jewish women have a time of purity when they go through a cycle
(28:19) It's important to have a rabbi that understands you during a panic attack
(30:26) You had your first panic attack when you were pregnant with your second child
(34:16) Matana says she was never ashamed to share her mental health struggle
(39:26) Would you have survived if you didn't have support
(43:24) What is your goal to eat through the day without throwing up
(46:19) How are you parenting differently or the same as your parents
(48:49) How would you feel if your children didn't choose to continue on religion
(51:20) There's something very authentic about your relationship. And you could see such a bond between you two
(55:02) For Jews to really listen to Understand. Let people know how they can hope to recharge
(55:29) You've heard from my mom. She has overcome some of this depression
(01:00:14) You talk openly about your family support during a tournament
Connect with Matana Poupko:
- Listening to Understand Podcast
Connect with Reena Friedman Watts:
- Website: bettercalldaddy.com
- LinkedIn: Reena Friedman Watts
- Twitter: @reenareena
- Instagram: @Reena Friedman Watts
- Instagram Podcast: @bettercalldaddypodcast
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