Rachel Goldfarb and Eric Pachman meet for the first time on Just Press Record in an extraordinary conversation about grief, awareness, and reclaiming soulfulness. Matt Zeigler brings these two together—each transformed by loss and purpose—to explore how we find meaning, reconnect with our humanity, and turn pain into growth. From policy and data to parenting and purpose, this episode is a raw, thoughtful journey through how awareness heals and connection grounds us.

Topics covered:
• Eric’s path from drug pricing reform to data visualization and awareness
• Rachel’s journey through public service, motherhood, and redefining the Chief of Staff role
• How grief and loss became catalysts for both guests’ personal and professional transformation
• Reclaiming “soulfulness” in an increasingly divided and digital world
• The connection between awareness, empathy, and leadership
• Why we need to hold our beliefs lightly and focus on human connection
• Finding hope, meaning, and purpose through service and presence

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and setup
00:30 Guilt, gratitude, and loss
01:30 Defining soulfulness and awareness
03:00 Matt’s introductions: Eric Pachman and Rachel Goldfarb
07:00 Eric’s background in data visualization and healthcare reform
11:00 Rachel’s background in policy, the White House, and the CFPB
15:00 The 46Brooklyn story and connecting data to change
20:00 Rachel’s experiences at the Gates Foundation and loss of her mother
25:00 Shared stories of grief and transformation
35:00 Awareness, choice, and meaning after loss
43:00 Reclaiming soulfulness and the impact of technology on empathy
50:00 The role of nuance, awareness, and understanding in leadership
58:00 Balancing awareness with mental health and media overload
01:06:00 Channeling energy into positive impact and community
01:12:00 Final reflections on meaning, awareness, and connection

Same Loss, Same Guilt, Same Impossible Truth | Rachael Goldfarb & Eric Pachman