Talking Unfiltered

If you’re thinking about moving to Israel — or even just visiting — welcome!!! This is where you start. In our very first episode, we’re sharing everything we wish someone had told us before landing, so you can avoid making all the mistakes we did. Shay brings the inside scoop from the Israeli perspective, while Marielle shares her raw, unfiltered first impressions as an American Olah. Whether you’re planning a big move or just curious about life here, this episode is your honest, no-BS welcome to Israel.

Everyone knows Israel is home to some of the hottest people in the world... but how do you actually date them? Culture shock is real - especially in Israeli dating culture - so let us guide you through all the dos and don'ts so you can find your hot Israeli partner.

What is it actually like to live in Israel day to day? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know to survive your first weeks — from navigating the cultural differences and understanding the pace of life, to decoding the unspoken rules no one warns you about. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you live here and you’re still figuring out how to feel at home, this conversation will help you move with that ~ Israeli confidence. ~

Join Shay and Marielle for an honest conversation about what it’s actually been like to be in Israel during a war. There are so many questions people ask — what does daily life look like? Are you scared? Does everything just stop? — and we talk about all of it. The hard parts, the weirdly normal parts, and the moments that don’t make the headlines. Shay shares what it feels like from the Israeli perspective, and Marielle opens up about experiencing it as an olah. It’s raw, it’s unfiltered, and it’s what this past year has really been like for us.

We asked. You answered. And wow… you did not hold back. From wild first-week mistakes to WTF confessions, we’re spilling the juiciest, most unfiltered stories from our community. It’s messy, it’s hilarious, it’s extremely unhinged — and it might make you feel a lot better about your own life choices. This is one episode you absolutely don’t want to miss.

Meet our very first guest: Zoe Manor — the producer, editor, and designer behind the podcast — who also happens to be a mix of both of our perspectives as an Israeli-American. In this episode, she steps out from behind the mic to share her own story — what it’s like growing up between two cultures, constantly being “the American” in Israel and “the Israeli” in America. She reflects on identity, belonging, and what it really means to live between worlds.

New year, same podcast — but this time with a sweet twist. In this episode, we reflect on what life in Israel has really looked like this past year: the growth, the chaos, the unexpected turns, and the moments that shaped us. We talk about what it means to set goals after a year that changed everything, how to stay motivated when life feels uncertain, and the kind of mindset it actually takes to build something new here. Whether you’re starting fresh, dreaming bigger, or just trying to figure out your next move, this episode is your honest reset for the year ahead. If you’re looking to celebrate any big milestones make sure to check out Marjarzz and use unfiltered10 to receive 10% cake in a jar 🎉

Shay takes us deep into Israeli pop culture and breaks down what you actually need to know to make Israel feel like home. From the hottest drama, music, slang, and social norms no one explains — this is your crash course in fitting in. Because living here isn’t just about speaking Hebrew… it’s about understanding the references and the unspoken rules of social life. If you’ve ever felt slightly out of the loop, this episode is how you catch up.

 In this episode of Israel Unfiltered, Marielle and Shay team up to share their best advice on building a strong community in Israel. Marielle brings her perspective as an American olah chadasha navigating life in a new country, while Shay offers her insider tips as a born-and-raised Israeli. From making friends to embracing cultural differences, this episode is packed with practical tips and personal stories to help you feel less overwhelmed as you navigate life in Israel

Get ready for an unfiltered gossip session!!! In this episode, Shay brings on her friend Omer, who holds nothing back. From juicy Israeli dating culture insights to hilariously bold opinions about life in Israel, Omer spills it ALL. Think late night chats with your best friend, but with that unmistakable Israeli flair. You’re welcome in advance.

At first glance, military service and sorority life might seem like worlds apart— and in most ways, they are. But beneath the surface, the two share some similarities: navigating life post high school, structured traditions, initiation processes, and lifelong loyalty. Hear from Shay about her military service and Marielle’s sorority experience, and all of their unlikely commonalities

In this episode, we unpack the deeply personal and collective reactions to seeing hostages return home—happiness and relief mixed with anguish and grief. Join us for a raw and honest discussion about navigating the fragile hope tied to the latest ceasefire deal

In this episode, we sit down with our friend Jake to talk about the LGBTQ+ community in Tel Aviv. From the city’s vibrant scene to personal experiences and challenges, we dive into what makes Tel Aviv both a welcoming and difficult to navigate space. This is a gossip session you DO NOT want to miss!!!

We’re breaking down the biggest red flags in Israeli dating — the subtle ones, the obvious ones, and the ones you only recognize after it’s too late. From cultural misunderstandings to straight-up chaos, we’re unpacking what to watch for and what to walk away from. Join us for an honest conversation about boundaries, safety, and reclaiming your agency — not just in dating, but in every area of your life. Because knowing the red flags isn’t about being cynical… it’s about protecting your peace. AMEN!

We're diving into our perspectives on modern Judaism — how traditions have evolved, how religious rules are interpreted, and how cultural identity shifts depending on where you are. With our different backgrounds, we explore how identity is shaped — not just by what you’re taught, but by where you grow up, who you’re surrounded by, and the version of Judaism you choose to carry forward.

In this week’s episode, we dive into the magic of female friendships. In one of our most open-hearted conversations yet, we reflect on the lessons we’ve learned from the women in our lives — from insights about romantic relationships to personal growth and everything in between. We talk about how these deep bonds shape who we are, hold us accountable, and empower us to grow. Tune in for honest reflections and a celebration of the connections that truly matter.

In this episode, we tried to create a judgment-free space, Israeli- non-Israeli version. The reality? we judged. mamash. Join us as we dive into the honest opinions Israelis have about Americans and vice versa.

This week Marielle and Shay invite you to explore the chaotic but rewarding journey of navigating life in your 20s. From living in Israel to the universal challenges faced during this decade, they share personal stories and lessons learned, offering advice they would tell their 20-year-old selves. Dive into this candid conversation about embracing confusion, understanding growth, and nurturing self-awareness, all while maintaining friendships and pursuing goals.

Have you ever been hit on by a creepy guy on the Tayelet or Rothschild? Have they ever delivered a one-liner that made you want to throw up? In this episode, we're uncovering Israel’s so-called “seduction courses,” where guys ~learn~ how to pick up girls using the worlds worst pick-up lines in shady online courses. Listen to us roast the hell out of them!!

For our 20TH EPISODE SPECIAL(!!!), Marielle and Zoe play The Random Game — a wild guessing game (courtesy of Shay's incredible imagination) filled with questions from past episodes! Tune in to hear who remembers what, who totally blanks, and who scores the very first pieces of our upcoming merch drop...!!!