230. Through Darkness to Light: Elizabeth Smart on Healing and Hope

230. Through Darkness to Light: Elizabeth Smart on Healing and Hope

Author: Monica Berg and Michael Berg December 16, 2025 Duration: 48:43

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry Podcast, we are joined by Elizabeth Smart for a powerful and deeply human conversation. She opens up about the realities of grief, healing, and choosing peace in the aftermath of unimaginable darkness. Together, we explore why healing isn’t linear, why some wounds echo long after the moment has passed, and how it’s possible to build a meaningful life even while carrying the imprint of loss. We also dive into the profound importance of support, connection, and community—and how none of us are meant to heal alone.


In a world that often feels fragmented and fast-paced, many of us are left with a deep, unnamed yearning for more meaningful connection and understanding. Spiritually Hungry is a conversation born from that shared feeling, hosted by authors Monica and Michael Berg. This isn't a lecture, but a dynamic dialogue between partners who bring distinct, deeply researched perspectives to life's universal challenges. Monica, who calls herself a Change Junkie, draws from her international work as a teacher and author, focusing on personal transformation and practical application. Michael, a rabbi and scholar of Aramaic, contributes nearly two decades of writing on Kabbalah, offering the historical and spiritual depth of this ancient wisdom. Together, they tackle listener questions that span relationships, societal pressures, cultural shifts, and the inner work of self-improvement. Each episode feels like sitting with two thoughtful guides who aren't afraid to disagree, laugh, and explore the messy intersections of ancient spiritual principles and contemporary living. You'll hear nuanced discussions that refuse simple answers, instead offering layered insights on how to navigate complexity with more grace, intention, and awareness. The podcast thrives on the genuine chemistry of this husband-and-wife team, making profound concepts accessible and immediately relevant to your daily decisions and long-term growth. It’s for anyone who suspects there’s a richer layer to their experiences and is eager to explore it through a lens that is both timeless and urgently modern.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 239

Spiritually Hungry
Podcast Episodes
28. Time – The Most Valuable Thing You Can Spend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:59
In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael Berg discuss time while posing the question, how are you spending your days? Listen as they discuss the science that supports long-standing kabbalistic beliefs ab…
27. Seeking Yourself: 3 Tools to Identify Who You Really Are [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:08
In the final episode of Spiritually Hungry for 2020, Monica and Michael explore the possibilities the new year brings and how we invite lasting transformation when we first examine what we really think, or “know,” about…
26. Family Matters: 3 Tools to Grow Relationships with Loved Ones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:16
In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael share insights into how to heighten our relationships with our families who, on a spiritual level, are in our lives to show us the things that we need to outgrow.…
25. Loving Yourself: How to Live Your Potential [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:16
In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael explain how each of us are powerful beings who are aspects of the energetic force that created this universe. Tune in to discover how to grow our appreciation for…
24. Religion vs. Spirituality: How to Become Better People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:36
In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael examine the difference between religion and spirituality and how both are meant to help us, as individuals and as a collective, change and grow. Listen as they ex…
23. Transformational Giving: The True Power of Sharing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:07
In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael delve into the transformative energy of true giving – sharing from the heart without conditions or judgment – and its tremendous benefits not only for the recipie…
22. Challenging Relationships: How to Transform Them [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:20
In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael examine relationships and their immense ability to assist us in growing into the person we are meant to be – for even a challenging relationship is a mirror that…
21. Live Inspired: This Is What Inspires Us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:22
In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael explain why inspiration is one of the most important parts of life as it awakens our desire and pushes us closer to reaching our potential. Tune in to discover to…
20. Chasing Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:35
In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael delve into the unique power of change to help us reach our potential in life. Whether it’s thrust upon us or we plan for it, change will come – it’s up to us to s…
19. Reducing Stress: How to Grow Free from its Damaging Impact [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:40
In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, join Monica and Michael as they unravel the mysteries of stress and its capacity for pushing us to transform our self and our reality. Tune in to discover the positive aspects of st…