#16 | When Judaism Meets Trans Visibility

Shay and Marielle get into a the big question: is Israel still home? After the elections, they talk about family abroad, feeling torn between Israel and the U.S., antisemitism and criticizing a country you still love. Can you disagree on politics and still find common ground?

Shay and Marielle were gonna talk about politics, but then decided to dive into Israeli pop culture, from iconic Big Brother moments and celebrity gossip to Gal Gadot’s Hollywood story and Odeya’s mysterious online presence. Along the way, they talk about why reality TV is actually one of the best ways to learn Hebrew, understand Israeli humor, and feel more connected to the culture

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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”?