This week on Restart with Debbie, I sat down with a creator whose identity itself tells a powerful story - Esco!
Born and raised in South Florida to parents from the Dominican Republic, my guest grew up at the intersection of cultures — Jewish roots, Latin heritage, and a deep connection to Israel. She described her identity as a “mishmash,” a blend that became her compass for everything she does today: connecting cultures, people, and perspectives — both online and in real life
We spoke about what it’s like to show Israel to audiences who have never truly seen it — people who thought Israel was only deserts and camels, and were shocked by the reality she shared through her content. She reflected on arriving in Israel before the war in 2021, and how representation, storytelling, and visibility shape understanding far beyond politics.
The conversation then turned deeply human. We talked about how leaders, diplomats, and public figures carry the weight of representing an entire country — and how rare it is for them to feel at home, relaxed, and seen simply as people. That’s where her idea comes in: creating intimate, human-to-human spaces — dinners, food, conversation — not as hosts or authorities, but as friends around a table
This episode is a reminder that culture isn’t built through statements or speeches — it’s built through connection. Through food. Through presence. Through opening your home and saying: you belong here.
