Nicole Esther Daghighian
- From:
- NYC, raised in Los Angeles, (now back in NYC)
- Age:
- 30
- Career:
- Sales and Training for a medical device company, Jewish nonprofit work
The Interview
Nicole, how have you dealt with the rise of antisemitism following October 7th?
When I was visiting family in LA over Pesach, we went to the counter-protest at UCLA to show solidarity.
Solidarity! Can you tell us your family's Jewish story?
My grandparents are from Hamedan, Iran, and my parents were born in Tehran, Iran. My parents met and got married in Brooklyn, NY. I was raised in a progressive yet traditional Persian Jewish family.
How did you hear about The Podcast Fellowship?
I heard about the podcast fellowship through my Olami SOULED mentor, Dani Sudwerts.
Would you have done TPF without the stipend?
It’s hard to say. I say that because there are lectures from rabbis like Rabbi Farhi, who is not affiliated with TPF, that I listen to. However, I am more motivated to listen to these podcasts specifically because of the stipend.
Tell us about your experience with TPF:
This experience is incredible for many reasons. I am an auditory learner, so it builds a great sense of havruta. It's especially accessible. Listening to the podcasts was incredible; for me it replaced listening to meaningless things like reality TV as background noise. These podcasts lifted me spiritually and left me inspired.
Who is your favorite podcast speaker and/or topic?
My favorite podcast series is by Charlie Harary about finding optimal flow and the true meaning of significance.
How has TPF helped you grow as a Jew?
The Podcast Fellowship has applied real life lessons with Jewish practices, guidance and how they are intertwined. Some of the podcasts talk about ritual and how if rituals are not done with kavanah (heart/mindfulness), they won't count as much as those that are done with kavanah. This brings fresh meaning to the traditional practices I grew up with.
Where do you stand in your connection to Jewish observance?
I have worked on my ways of thinking, and also on respecting parents/elders and refining how I talk to them. I also put up a Mezuzah on my new apartment with a lot of kavanah, with the help of my mentor.
Nicole, can you sum up your experience with The Podcast Fellowship in one quote?
"I love The Podcast Fellowship and everything it offers. It has changed my life for the better, and I love referring my friends to it."