Talking Unfiltered

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 ~ Isra...

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 a...

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 t...

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 yo...

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 ...

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 o...

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 fla...

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 c...

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 ...