Confessions of Two Reformed Friariyot

In this episode, Ariel and May sit down with Alexa Schnaid to talk about a journey that has taken her from California to Israel, from serving in the IDF to finding her place in the kitchen.

Alexa opens up about making Aliyah, navigating life in Israel, her experience serving in the army as an olah, and how food and cooking became an important part of her story and sense of home.

They dive into Alexa’s journey as a cook, Sofash Chef, and what it was like preparing for and stepping into the world of משחקי השף (Game of Chefs), from the audition process and cooking under pressure to standing in front of the judges and hearing their feedback.

The conversation also gets personal as Ariel and Alexa discover just how much their stories overlap. Both grew up in California, moved to Israel, served in the IDF, and even found unexpected connections through mutual friends along the way.

Together, Ariel, May, and Alexa talk about Aliyah, identity, army life, food, ambition, and what it means to build a life and a sense of home somewhere new. 🇮🇱🍴

In this episode, we sit down with Havneh Feder-Haugabook, a San Francisco native, former lone soldier, current miluimnik and CEO of Kol HaAdama ("Voice of the Earth"), to hear the story behind a mission that's redefining what recovery can look like for veterans.

From leaving San Francisco to serve in Israel, to navigating the invisible wounds of combat, Havneh shares the experiences that inspired him to create Kol HaAdama, a place where healing begins through community, nature and the art of winemaking.

Together, we talk about PTSD, the stigma surrounding mental health, what true healing looks like, and why some of life's hardest moments can become the catalyst for something far greater than ourselves.

This is a conversation about resilience, purpose and finding hope in unexpected places. Whether you've served, know someone who has, or simply want to better understand the journey of healing after trauma, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

Learn more about Kol HaAdama ("Voice of the Earth") and its mission to support veterans through healing, community and winemaking.

Havneh Feder-Haugabook

kolhaadama.org

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Elon Penn to explore the story behind TorahTLV, a growing community that is making Torah learning engaging, welcoming, and relevant for people from all walks of life.

We talk about building meaningful connections, creating spaces where different types of Jews can come together, and how TorahTLV is breaking down barriers through open conversation, learning, and community. Whether you’re deeply connected to Jewish learning or simply curious about what brings people together, this episode offers an inspiring look at the power of shared values and authentic community.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about identity, belonging, and finding connection in an increasingly divided world.

In this week’s episode, we’re keeping things light, fun, and a little too honest as we dive into our biggest red flags, green flags, and everything in between. From relationship habits and first impressions to the traits we admire (and the ones that make us run the other way), we share our unfiltered opinions, personal stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.

It’s a chance to get to know us better, hear some of our funniest takes, and maybe even decide whether we’d pass each other’s own red-flag test. Tune in for a fun conversation filled with honesty, humor, and a few surprising confessions. 🎙️🚩💚

In this episode, we sit down with Sigahl Silvera to hear the powerful story behind her family's foundation and the experiences that shaped her journey. From growing up in New York to witnessing the impact of 9/11 abroad, Sigahl reflects on how moments of tragedy, resilience, and community influenced both her personal and professional life.

We discuss the lasting effects of September 11th, the importance of giving back, and how one family's commitment to helping others grew into a foundation dedicated to making a meaningful impact. Along the way, Sigahl shares lessons on leadership, purpose, and finding ways to create positive change in the face of adversity.

This conversation is a reminder of how personal experiences can inspire a lifetime of service, connection, and community building.

And for one of our hosts, this conversation was a little more personal than listeners might expect, but you'll have to tune in to find out why.

This week, Ariel and May sit down with Stacie Stufflebeam, Executive Director of the Michael Levin Lone Soldier Foundation, for a conversation about service, sacrifice, and the people who support soldiers behind the scenes.

As both a lone soldier mother and a leader within one of the organizations making the greatest impact for lone soldiers, Stacie shares her unique perspective on what it was like watching her Lone Soldier sons serve, the challenges and emotions that come with supporting lone soldiers, and how those experiences eventually led her to a career helping thousands of soldiers far from home.

From personal stories and difficult moments to the importance of community, resilience, and finding purpose, this episode offers a side of the lone soldier experience that isn't often discussed—the families, parents, and support systems standing behind the uniform.

https://michaellevinlonesoldier.org/ 

After kicking off Season 3 with life updates and chaotic catch-ups, Ariel and May are back with a conversation about modern female burnout. This episode dives into the pressure women face balancing careers, relationships, social expectations, and the nonstop reality of wedding season. Honest, funny, and slightly overstimulated — this episode is for anyone trying to keep up while secretly needing a nap.

Plus, a special guest may be making an appearance next week…🤔

Did you miss us??? Because we’re back and feeling even less like friars than ever !! (Okay, lies... that feeling never really goes away.)

We’re so excited to be back for Season 3 with more conversations, random rambles, lots of laughs, and a whole lineup of guests we already know you’re going to love listening to.

This season, we’re diving into new insights, sharing experiences, and hopefully giving you the kind of advice that makes you feel a little less alone in whatever you’re going through.

New episodes every Thursday.

See you next week!

In this episode, we sit down with Cid Carver, an Olah Hadasha that first came to this country with only a backpack. We talk about settling in Israel, the experiences that shaped her along the way, and how her Ironman journey became a space for growth rather than pressure. The conversation goes deep into starting over as an adult, staying motivated without burning out, and learning to be kinder to yourself while chasing big goals.

It’s an honest discussion about resilience, women empowerment, and trusting that small, consistent steps can lead to something much bigger.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ron, a Modern Orthodox Jew who moved to Israel from Switzerland. Ron shares how the spectrum of Judaism is much wider here than it often feels when living abroad, and how encountering Israel’s diverse Jewish landscape has shaped the way he navigates daily life.

He also talks about building a life in Israel beyond religion, including his decision to open and invest in his production business, Ron Karger Production, and what it’s like to balance work, identity, and everyday realities.