A Chinese Movie Star & Puerto Rican Wall Street Analyst’s Journey

This is the incredible true story of Matt and ‪Yael Trusch —a Chinese movie star from Houston, Texas, and a Wall Street analyst from Puerto Rico—who each found their Jewish identity in the most unexpected places… and ultimately found each other. Once a rising actor in Chinese television, Matt was living a life of glamor and fame. But a chance encounter with a Chabad rabbi in Shanghai turned his life upside down — or rather, right-side up. Yael, a powerhouse in the world of finance, was climbing the corporate ladder in New York and Miami, until a deeper calling led her to explore Torah, Shabbat, and building a meaningful Jewish life. This is not just their story — it’s a story for every Jew. A story of purpose. Of teshuva. Of love. Of divine design.

You can reach Yael and Matt Trusch via email: yael@yaeltrusch.com or matttrusch@gmail.com

This episode was brought you in part by:

►PZ Deals

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► Better than a Segulah

When one is faced with life challenges, the merit of Torah learning can effect miraculous salvations. Whatever your need – shidduchim, parnassah, zera kayama, health, nachas from one’s children – the merit of Torah study is a segulah you will want to rely upon. We understand your needs and provide a wide range of options to meet those needs. Whatever the circumstance, we can guide you to an appropriate course of Torah study to be completed by our team of elite Torah scholars. Let us help you help yourself.

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► Meaningful Minute Plus

Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return.

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► Live Better Academy

🎉 To celebrate 52 episodes of Stories of Hope, enjoy 80% off Live Better Academy!

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From Divorce to Destiny: Sara & Shlomo’s Unbelievable Love Story

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, we sit down with Sara and Shlomo Izekovitz to hear a love story that defies all expectations. Sara shares her powerful journey from becoming religious at age nine, navigating the challenges of being a ba'alas teshuva in the dating world, enduring a difficult marriage and divorce, and raising three children as a single mom. Just when she thought her path was set, everything changed.

Enter Shlomo—six years younger, never married, and heading to Harvard Law School—who met Sara by chance and saw not a complicated past, but an extraordinary woman and her beautiful family. Together, they built a new life grounded in friendship, faith, and fierce determination.

This episode is filled with honest conversation about stigmas in the frum dating world, blended families, trusting in Hashem, and the power of showing up with curiosity and compassion. It’s a story of resilience, love, and the magic that happens when you trust that Hashem is writing your script—even when it doesn't look like anyone else's.

This episode was brought you in part by:

►PZ Deals

Download The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Again

https://app.pz.deals/install/soh

___________________________

► Raquel Couture: Your destination for exclusive bridal gowns, evening gowns, and ready to wear dresses. Offering a wide range of prices to suit every budget without compromising on quality or style!⁠ ⁠⁠Follow @raquel_couture on instagram for behind the scenes and to be updated on daily new arrivals!

5% off ready to wear and evening-wear when you mention Stories of Hope*

*Promotion is valid at time of purchase

Valid on ready to wear dresses and gown purchases

https://www.instagram.com/raquel_couture/

Or visit their website https://www.raquelcouture.com

___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

https://www.pizzabiza.com

__________________________

► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka

https://pushka.cc/

__________________________

► Better than a Segulah

When one is faced with life challenges, the merit of Torah learning can effect miraculous salvations. Whatever your need – shidduchim, parnassah, zera kayama, health, nachas from one’s children – the merit of Torah study is a segulah you will want to rely upon. We understand your needs and provide a wide range of options to meet those needs. Whatever the circumstance, we can guide you to an appropriate course of Torah study to be completed by our team of elite Torah scholars. Let us help you help yourself.

Order your personalized Torah Study program today.

https://betterthanasegulah.org/

________________________________

► Lalechet

We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.

https://www.lalechet.com

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► Woodmont College

If you're exploring a practical, high-paying career path, consider getting your BS in Computer Programming from Woodmont College — a frum, accredited online college that teaches real, job-ready skills. You can start anytime, transfer credits, graduate quickly, and it’s affordable with scholarships available. Perfect for those who want to support a frum family with a solid, six-figure career.

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Editor: Sruly Saftlas

Michael and Esther Bogart shared their inspiring life stories. Michael, a former Navy musician and substance abuse counselor, recounted his journey from addiction to spiritual awakening, including his conversion to Judaism and his work with the Lubavitcher Rebbe's teachings.

Esther, a neuroscientist, discussed her experience of singlehood and the challenges of ambiguous loss, emphasizing the importance of community and resilience.

They met unexpectedly through mutual friends and quickly realized their connection. Their story highlights the power of faith, community, and perseverance in overcoming life's challenges.

This episode was brought you in part by:

►PZ Deals

Download The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Again

https://app.pz.deals/install/soh

___________________________

► Raquel Couture: Your destination for exclusive bridal gowns, evening gowns, and ready to wear dresses. Offering a wide range of prices to suit every budget without compromising on quality or style!⁠ ⁠⁠Follow @raquel_couture on instagram for behind the scenes and to be updated on daily new arrivals!

5% off ready to wear and evening-wear when you mention Stories of Hope*

*Promotion is valid at time of purchase

Valid on ready to wear dresses and gown purchases

https://www.instagram.com/raquel_couture/

Or visit their website https://www.raquelcouture.com

___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

https://www.pizzabiza.com

__________________________

► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka

https://pushka.cc/

__________________________

► Lalechet

We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.

https://www.lalechet.com