R' Shmuel Diamond | The Rabbi Who Didn't Believe in G-d

R' Shmuel Diamond | The Rabbi Who Didn't Believe in G-d

Author: Meaningful Minute June 13, 2026 Duration: 1:18:02

In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Nachi Gordon sits down with Rabbi Shmuel Diamond for an unforgettable conversation about one of the most dramatic transformations you'll ever hear. Rabbi Diamond grew up completely secular in North London, in a world where the very idea of God was treated as ridiculous, and didn't learn the Aleph Beis until he was 21. He takes us back through his years of searching, traveling through India, chasing photography, and sinking deeper and deeper into drugs, until he hit a point so low he knew something had to change. Then came the small, almost absurd moment in a Manchester shop that he still points to as the night his teshuva truly began.

 

From there, the conversation follows his climb back, his move to Israel, and his journey to becoming religious. Rabbi Diamond shares how discovering Rabbi Manis Friedman's teachings on Tanya completely changed his approach to Yiddishkeit, taking him from a Yid who looked the part to someone who finally felt genuinely connected.

 

He also shares the story behind his "Journey to a Blessed Life" course, which is helping thousands rebuild their relationship with themselves, with others, and with Hashem.

Take Rabbi Diamond's course. Click Here

This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:



► PZ Deals

 

Download the app and never pay full price again!

 

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

 

_________________



► Colel Chabad Pushka App

 

The easiest way to give Tzedaka

 

https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful

 

_________________



► EL AL

 

From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: "ברוכים הבאים לישראל."

 

Book your next flight with EL AL:

https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm_source=meaningful&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=gcny_incoming_usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa

 

_________________



► Ness Vacation Homes

 

EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION

Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.

 

OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE

Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.

 

https://nessvacationhomes.com/

 

_________________



► Gutnick Chumash

 

The Chumash that brings Rashi to life, weaving his explanations into the text with the Rebbe's approach. A favorite in homes, shuls, schools, and Chabad Houses worldwide. Synagogue Edition now 45% off, just $49.50 through June 19.

 

Visit KolMenachem.com or call 718-951-6328

 

_________________



► UJA

 

UJA is at the center of Long Island's Jewish community with the shared purpose of strengthening our Jewish future.

 

https://ujafedny.org/five-towns

 

_________________



► Rothenberg Law Firm

 

Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!

Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation

 

https://shorturl.at/JFKHH

 

_________________



► Town Appliance

 

Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp

 

https://www.townappliance.com

https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp

 


Every week, Nachi and Momo sit down for a conversation that feels more like a discovery than an interview. Their Meaningful People podcast explores the journeys of fascinating individuals from across the Jewish world, though you don't need to be Jewish to find their stories compelling. These are artists, educators, thinkers, and community builders-people whose lives are driven by purpose. Each episode delves into the personal turning points, challenges, and inspirations that shaped them, moving beyond public personas to reveal the real human experience behind them. You’ll hear conversations that are as likely to be funny and lighthearted as they are profound and reflective, offering a genuine sense of connection. This isn't about abstract ideas, but about the lived wisdom that comes from a life examined. Tune in for a weekly dose of perspective that feels both uplifting and grounding, a reminder of the diverse paths that lead to a meaningful life. From Meaningful Minute, this podcast sits at the unique intersection of spirituality, self-improvement, and education, all through the power of personal narrative.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Meaningful People
Podcast Episodes
Are Working Guys In Shidduchim Second Class? The Truth No One Says [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:25
This episode dives into one of the most talked about trends in the Jewish world right now: Rolex raffles. Are they a creative, effective way to raise money for important causes, or are they feeding into something deeper…
Avi Schnall | "He tried Exposing Lakewood.. But Got It All Wrong" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:48
Lakewood has become one of the fastest-growing Jewish communities in America, and with that growth has come controversy, criticism, and a lot of misunderstanding. In this episode, we sit down with a key insider to break…
Zevi Samet | "No High School Wanted Me" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:52
From struggling to sit still in class to becoming one of the most impactful voices on and off the court, Zevi Samet's journey is anything but typical. In this episode, he shares how sports gave him confidence, how failur…
Yaakov Goldstein | How To Keep Jews Out Of Jail [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:44
This episode of the Meaningful People Podcast dives into a reality most people don't want to talk about. How good, well-meaning people can end up making decisions that change their lives forever. Through real stories and…
Danielle Renov: We're Running to Egypt? Really?! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:10
As war continues in Israel, daily life has completely lost any sense of normalcy. Sirens, uncertainty, and constant disruption have turned even the simplest routines into impossible challenges. In this powerful conversat…
Rod Bryant | The Non-Jewish Rabbi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:41
Rod Bryant was once a Christian pastor with a thriving congregation of hundreds. Today, he teaches Torah to a global community of Noahides. In this conversation, Rod shares the remarkable journey that led him from growin…
Exclusive: Alon Lavi From ELAL Answers Your Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:53
El Al has been getting a lot of heat lately. Canceled flights, no callbacks, passengers feeling abandoned. Our community sent in hundreds of questions and I sat down with Alon Lavi, El Al's head of customer experience, t…
Escaping Iran: A Jewish Family's Story of Survival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:16
Born in Iran in the 1970s, Sammy grew up in a thriving Jewish community in Shiraz during the final years of the Shah's rule. But when the Islamic Revolution erupted, everything changed overnight. In this powerful convers…