Marielle, an “Olah Hadasha” that came from Florida straight to Ramla, and Shay, a native Israeli that used to work with (and look after) Olim, share crazy stories about all the ways naive, wide eyed Americans (and Olim in general) clash with Israeli culture and real life Israel. They talk about dating Israeli boys and recognizing red flags, dealing with “Misrad Hapnim” and living to tell the tale, share awesome music real Israelis listen to, and give you the uncensored inside look at Israel you’ve been waiting for - Now in their new home All•in.
It’s Never Too Late to Reset: Yom Kippur, Faith & Fresh Starts | #17
Marielle and Shai talk about what it really means to reset, from clearing your space and rebuilding routines to reflecting on the year, forgiveness, faith and Yom Kippur. They open up about complicated relationships with religion, the emotional weight of the holidays in Israel, life after years of war, and why real change starts with small, intentional steps.
18 Sept 2026
#16 | When Judaism Meets Trans Visibility
In this episode of Talking Unfiltered, we sit down with Madison Werner, content creator and the first trans face of Covergirl for an honest conversation about being Jewish, LGBTQ+, and finding your place between different worlds. Madison shares her experiences in Israel, online activism, and the tension between identity, community, and politics, along with plenty of lighter moments about friendship, life and Israeli men.
4 Aug 2026
Can Pop Culture Be the Best Form of Advocacy? | #15
Michael, the creator behind Hot Jewish Energy, joins Talking Unfiltered for a conversation about Jewish identity, life between New York and Israel, online antisemitism, and advocacy in the age of social media. Together with Marielle Israel and Shay Shterit, they explore whether pop culture, music, and celebrity voices can reach audiences more effectively than traditional advocacy, and how humor and storytelling can spark meaningful conversations.
28 Jul 2026
Hot Takes, Hard Truths, and Zero Filters | #14
Nothing is off limits in this episode. Shay and Marielle challenge common beliefs about life in Israel, dating, politics, friendships, and modern relationships, sharing the opinions they're sure won't be everyone's favorite. Expect bold takes, unexpected debates, and the kind of honest conversation that only works when there are zero filters.
21 Jul 2026
Kosher Sex | #13
This week, Marielle and Shay are joined by Hannah Boteach, founder of Kosher Sex, for one of their boldest conversations yet. They dive into what Judaism actually says about sex, intimacy and female pleasure, challenge common misconceptions about modesty, masturbation and relationships, and explore why modern dating culture leaves so many people feeling disconnected. Plus, can religion and sexual empowerment coexist? And is Tel Aviv really the city that needs kosher sex the most?
7 Jul 2026
Identity, Community, and Life in Israel | #12
Join hosts Shai (a born Israeli) and Marielle (an "Ola") on "Talking Unfiltered" as they dive into candid conversations about life in Israel and beyond. In this episode, they're joined by special guest Blake Fonberg, founder of Geisha Bot – a vibrant community for LGBTQ+ Jews.
2 Jul 2026
Let Go, Trust More & Find Your Blueprint | #11
Marielle and Shay explore how the weekly Parsha offers a blueprint for modern life. From welcoming experiences at Chabad Houses in India to learning how to let go of apartments, relationships, and other expectations, they reflect on faith, trust, and personal growth. They also discuss why detachment isn't about giving up, but about creating space for something better to arrive.
8 Jun 2026
Talking Unfiltered | Meet Me Halfway To The Kerem | #10
Kayla is back, and with her comes another semester at the Kayla Dating University. The girls dive into the wild world of dating in Tel Aviv, from men who ask women to meet them “halfway” for a first date, to guys who disappear all day and somehow still expect a romantic evening.They discuss the differences between Israeli and American dating culture, why curiosity is the most underrated dating skill, and whether women have become too independent for their own good. Kayla shares the unbelievable story of a man who begged for a second chance, promised not to end up on the podcast, and somehow managed to do exactly that within a few hours.Why are so many women dating men for their potential instead of who they actually are? Is being on dating apps really “double dipping”? And what happens when a guy confidently describes his English level as “ABC, CFD”?
21 May 2026
Hezi Hezi | #9
What does it mean to feel half-and-half in every room you walk into? In this episode, Marielle and Shay are joined by Zoe Manor for a conversation about growing up between cultures, languages, mentalities, and identities.
From awkward American small talk versus brutal Israeli honesty, to dating, humor, family dynamics, and the constant feeling of being “too much” of one thing and “not enough” of the other, the girls unpack the strange beauty of living life in-between. Zoe shares what it’s like being both Israeli and American, and how that duality shaped the way she moves through the world.
14 May 2026
Sparkles, Signs & Main Character Energy | #8
What makes life feel magical again when everything around you feels chaotic? In this episode, Marielle and Shay dive into the art of being “whimsical”, from edible glitter on watermelon and disco-ball dance parties during missile attacks, to crystals, guardian angels, angel numbers, and the very Jewish experience of trying to romanticize life in Tel Aviv during wartime.
The girls discuss why being spiritual doesn’t have to look a certain way, why cringe might actually be freedom, and how Israelis somehow make being weird feel cool. Shay opens up about the signs she believes the universe sends her, while Marielle explains why logic simply “doesn’t make sense” to her brain.
Can math be whimsical? Is retail therapy a spiritual practice? Why are Israelis so shameless? And how do you stay playful when the world feels terrifying? All this and more in this week’s episode
30 Apr 2026
From Survival Mode to "Normal" Life | #7
After a long break, Shai and Marielle return to the studio for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the jarring transition from war to everyday routine.
They explore the mental toll of living in a country where "resilience" is often the only option and discuss how the system's shock leads to some truly unhinged—yet relatable—coping mechanisms.
23 Mar 2026
Cool girl Judaism | #6
In an episode taped before the latest conflict with Iran, Marielle and Shay discuss why American Jews find Judaism charming, while secular Israelis (sometimes) find it intimidating. Is a reform Bat Mitzvah with a golden kippah legit? And what about reading Tehillim while wearing a bikini on the beach?
Marielle shares her experience in Israel as a patrilineal Jew that isn’t recognized as Jewish by the Rabanut establishment, and Shay opens up about her own experience with religiosity (including the differences between her parents) and its evolution through her meetings with Olim.
Why did Hashem break up Marielle and her boyfriend? Do all jews in the diaspora go bald? And what does Shay think about American classifications regarding race? All this and more in this week’s episode.
16 Mar 2026
Self care and Lashon hara | #5
Sleep deprived Shay and Marielle decide to forget about the war, buy overpriced coffee, and focus on a more important issue - Israeli men. Are “Arsim” hot? Should you text your ex? And why getting a tattoo is not such a big deal? Grab your ginger lemon tea, put cucumber slices on your eyes, and treat yourself to a spa day podcast.
9 Mar 2026
Warantine (War Quarantine) Special | #4
While Iranian and Hezbollah missiles are zooming past their apartment windows, Marielle and Shay remain undeterred and give you an exciting wartime video call podcast. They start with a game of Green flag Red flag - Miklat (Bomb shelter) edition, that will teach you what to put in your go bag, and all the etiquette needed to keep calm and civil under fire. How to deal with exes getting in touch when war breaks out? What does Shay miss most in Miluim and how to help her? And what does Marielle consider essential services? All this and more, in an episode that is sure to help you pass the time when you’re stuck in the Miklat.
2 Mar 2026
Olim Survival Guide for Iranian Missile Attacks (and life in Israel) | #3
In an episode taped less than a day before the war with Iran flared up again, Marielle and Shay give you the best (and probably only) survival guide for Olim in Israel. All the lessons learned from the previous war with Iran are still extremely relevant, so if you cherish your mental health and general well being, make sure to listen and learn why you shouldn’t download Telegram? What is “warantine” and how to live through it without losing your sanity? And for when the rockets stop, how do you face the true final boss of Life in Israel - Misrad Hapnim?
23 Feb 2026
Sleep with a soldier, feel the Ruach | #2
In a special belated Valentine’s day episode, Marielle and Shay play a game of “red flag, green flag” that will educate you on Israeli men and dating culture, and wonder if Birthright is a scheme to make Jewish babies? Later, they discuss the importance of building a community of friends for Olim (especially during missile attacks from Iran) and give tips on making friends - don’t be afraid to be cringe. What is the mindset of Kibbutz Tel-Aviv? And why you shouldn’t put Israelis on a pedestal? All this and more, in today’s episode.
15 Feb 2026
Getting a star of David tattoo on my bikini line | #1
Marielle, an “Olah Hadasha” that came from Florida straight to Ramla, and Shay, a native Israeli that used to work with (and look after) Olim, share crazy stories about all the ways naive, wide eyed Americans (and Olim in general) clash with Israeli culture and real life Israel. They talk about dating Israeli boys and recognizing red flags, watching Israeli reality TV and knowing what not to repeat in public, share how to stop a girl from doing a very explicit lip tattoo on whim, explain the Israeli obsession with Facebook groups (and why you should join the fun) and more - Now in their new home All•in.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
30 ratings
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