018: The Art of Repair: A Conversation with Rachell Koegel

In this captivating episode of The Rest is Commentary, Shep sits down with his cousin, Rachell Koegel—a passionate writer and educator from Oceanside, New York—for a conversation that’s as moving as it is insightful. Together, they unravel the powerful influence of role models and the lifelong journey of unlearning the patterns we pick up in childhood. Rachell opens up about her experiences in the classroom and at home, sharing stories that highlight the importance of being truly present and the courage it takes to break old cycles.

Shep and Rachel dive deep into the themes of accountability, the shadow cast by fear, and the delicate dance of breaking and repairing relationships—whether with family, faith, or oneself. The episode is dedicated to Rachell’s late mother, Selma Nadboy (nee Rosenman), whose memory adds an emotional resonance to their reflections.

With the song, “You Are Here,” inspired by Psalm 9, as their backdrop, Shep and Rachell invite listeners on a journey through identity, spirituality, and personal growth. It’s an episode that promises to leave you thinking, feeling, and maybe even seeing your own story in a new light.