Interview with Jessie Asya Kanzer

Jessie Asya Kanzer, author of "Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky: Lessons We Can All Learn from an Unexpected Leader"

Jessie Asya Kanzer's Website

Jessie was born in the Soviet Union as Asya Bronfman, a descendant of Holocaust survivors living in a communal apartment with four households, one toilet, and a rickety old bathtub in the middle of the kitchen. Her family sought asylum in the U.S., and after awaiting their fate in Austria and Italy, they finally made it to Brooklyn in 1989. 

As an 8-year-old refugee who only spoke Russian, Jessie (or “Asya” then) yearned to fit in. She changed her name and much about herself. Later though, she experienced depression, an eating disorder, and all sorts of existential problems. She pursued Hollywood fame, men, and the American Dream, but always fell short. Until she stopped. 

With the help of the Tao Te Ching she rediscovered herself and her innate power, and she learned to chill. Her book, Don’t Just Sit There, DO NOTHING, will help others do the same. 

Jessie lives with her husband and daughters in Dobbs Ferry, NY. She considers herself an expert in Doing Nothing.Jessie lives with her husband and daughters in Dobbs Ferry, NY. She considers herself an expert in Doing Nothing.

Volodymyr Zelensky captivated the world when his country was invaded by Russia in February 2022. His appearances were accompanied by countless inspiring statements. But there’s a single one that informs Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky: “We are all simple people.”

Jessie Kanzer sees Zelensky as a Spiritual Leader for Our Times. As a native Russian speaker (like Zelensky himself), she picks up on the deep philosophical ramifications behind his words. Rich and yet easy-to-read, the life lessons in Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky are accessible and wise, and are more about starting where you are than about war.

Kanzer herself has a bit part in Zelensky’s life story, acting in one of his movies filmed in the States. She’s a self-described “spiritual nerd” who followed Zelensky long before he stood before a blue and yellow backdrop on the national stage. She writes, “What is so incredible about our man Volodymyr is that his belief in himself stems not from seeing himself as special, but from seeing himself as ordinary and from knowing there is great power in this ordinariness.”

Michael Carter, Co-Host

Michael Carter's Website