Irina talks to Santa Clara business school professor Jo-Ellen Pozner and Scottish scientist Benjamin Zeitlin about how they found each other two decades ago the old-fashioned way: on JDate. They discuss the infamous Chicago Art Institute smoked fish incident, their resolution of the two-body problem, and their move into their California marital home after never having lived in the same city at all. The couple shares their thoughts about antisemitism across their lifetime, media depictions of Jewish relationships, and the recipe to a happy marriage. You won't want to miss this joyful episode about love, culture, and communication!

Jo-Ellen’s website

Benjamin’s LinkedIn

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In this episode, Irina welcomes writer and professor Kelly Foster Lundquist who recently published the book "Beard: A Memoir of a Marriage." Raised as a pastor's daughter in Mississippi, little did Kelly know that the man with whom she fell in love as fellow counselors at a Christian camp would deceive her and himself about his sexuality. Their story largely unfolds in Chicago, while Kelly is--of all things--a PhD student in queer studies. Suspicious events begin piling up, including with Kelly finding suspicious pictures of men on her husband Devin's computer. Subjected to conversion "therapy" when younger, Devin becomes both victim and cheater, until the marriage inevitably crumbles. Kelly narrates her tale of survival and ultimately rekindled friendship with Devin, also commenting on what LGBTQ+ populations still face in America today. Come hear a tale that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster replete with love, food, alcohol, and redemption!

Kelly Foster Lundquist’s website

Kelly’s book “Beard: A Memoir of a Marriage”

Kelly’s faculty profile

Article in The Times about Kelly’s story and book

Article in People that Kelly authored about beards

SOTI ep. 84: Pride Month Special (Part 1)

SOTI ep. 85: Pride Month Special (Part 2)

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Irina welcomes on this episode Natalie Licini, a photographer and business owner whose rags-to-riches story will make your head spin. Natalie grew up poor and at times on food stamps in Staten Island, where she sometimes lacked a coat in winter and physical fights in school were the norm. Taking on every odd job she could find from flipping burgers to running a manicure operation from her dorm room, Natalie hustled her way through high school and the five colleges she attended. While it took her nine years to finish her bachelor's degree at NYU due to all that life threw at her, she became a respected executive assistant at a major Wall Street firm. How the mom of three took on a top New Jersey divorce lawyer by herself to fight for her rights and now runs a photography business out of a castle, along with other ventures, is part and parcel of this episode. Come hear about how not to be afraid of start over, again and again if needed, and thrive with your head kept high!

Natalie Licini’s website

Natalie’s IG

SOTI ep. 22: Dating and Mental Health

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