On this powerful episode of The Book Club, host Ruth Klein welcomes two inspiring voices who explore resilience, purpose, and the inner strength needed to overcome life’s challenges.
Former professional boxer and 2025 martial arts Hall of Fame inductee Alan Santana shares insights from his book Unprotected: The Final Round. After experiencing bullying as a child, Alan turned to boxing at age eight—transforming adversity into discipline, strength, and purpose. He discusses how the lessons from the ring—repetition, mental visualization, structure, and resilience—apply directly to business and life. Alan also highlights the code of respect that professional fighters live by and the importance of protecting yourself when navigating partnerships, especially in family businesses.
Joining the conversation is Rebbetzin Shira Teleshevsky, founder and director of the Women's Spirit Center. She introduces the book Your Awesome Self by Sterna Ginsburg, which focuses on self-empowerment and emotional liberation. Drawing on principles from Kabbalah, Shira explains how mastering the mind over emotions can help individuals overcome guilt, blame, and resentment. She shares a powerful meditation practice centered on connecting to love as the source of life and encourages listeners to recognize their intrinsic worth and divine spark.
Together, these perspectives—from the boxing ring to spiritual wisdom—offer listeners a profound conversation about perseverance, self-belief, and discovering the strength already within.