Schmuckboys

Marla Friedson, Libby Shayo
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  • JUDAISM
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Schmuckboys is the hottest new jewish podcast in town. Hosted by the dynamic duo, Libby Shayo and Marla Friedson, this show will take you on a journey through the complexities of Jewish identity and how it affects our everyday lives. Whether you're a young professional trying to navigate your career path or struggling to find love in the Jewish dating world, this podcast is for you. Expect to hear juicy personal updates from the hosts about their dating lives and get insider tips from a diverse range of guests from various Jewish communities. So buckle up, grab a drink, and get ready for some real talk on all things Jewish, dating, career, social media, and more! This is "Schmuckboys," and we're bringing the heat. New episodes every other Wednesday! Brought to you by the Jewish Journal.

  1. 5 FEB

    Nourishing Our Neshamas ft. Tav Hariri

    Marla and Libby kick things off with life updates after a brief scheduling delay, including Marla getting snowed in on the East Coast and unexpectedly staying long enough to celebrate her sister's engagement party. Marla shares details about helping to plan her sister's surprise proposal, the fun of her whole family being together and what she knows so far about the upcoming wedding timeline. Libby reflects on nearly one year of working for herself and opens up about her recent experiences with TikTok, including being invited to Jewish American Heritage Night. She talks about attending creator events, speaking on a panel about Judaism and social media, and what it meant to feel genuine support for Jewish creators in person. The conversation turns reflective as Marla and Libby discuss the emotional weight of recent events in the Jewish community, the relief of having all hostages home, and the importance of continuing to share stories while also making space for Jewish joy. They lighten things up with Valentine's Day plans, Marla shares plans for a weekend getaways. The episode wraps with a thank-you to listeners and a teaser for a special upcoming conversation with Tav Gross focused on Jewish culture, food, and matchmaking. Marla and Libby sit down with Tav Hariri, a registered dietitian and familiar face from Jewish Matchmaking, to talk love, food, faith, and finding "your person" in unexpected ways. Tav shares how a casual coffee with matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom led to her appearing on the show — and how the series ultimately played a role in meeting her now-husband. Tav walks through her real-life love story, from long-distance FaceTiming to him flying to Israel for their first in-person date, a fast-paced engagement, and planning a wedding in just a few months. She opens up about married life, relocating, and the sense of security that comes with commitment. The conversation expands into what it's been like being visibly Jewish online, navigating virality, antisemitism, and finding confidence in sharing Jewish identity post-October 7. Tav also dives into her career journey, explaining why she founded Nourish Neshama, her approach to nutrition, and how food, culture, and family dynamics intersect — especially in Jewish households. The episode wraps with advice around food guilt, wedding pressure, parenting and eating habits, a round of "cute or cringe" dating and food scenarios, and Tav's definition of a true "schmuckboy."   You can follow schmuckboys @schmuckboysofficial on Instagram and submit your questions or stories there or email us at schmuckboys@jewishjournal.com You can find more information about Tav's business at https://www.nourishneshama.com/.

    1h 21m

  2. 8 JAN

    "Today, it's me. Next time, it'll be you." ft. Shai Davidai

    Happy New Year Schmuckboys! Your co-hosts start of 2026 giving you the lowdown on their holiday festivities. Libby and Jack fostered an adorable puppies, learned some lessons about parenthood and had a wholesome trip with their friends. Marla and Josh spent a memorable week in Hawaii with his family and together celebrated his big 28th birthday. Libby and Marla then welcome the guest for this week, professor and activist, Shai Davidai. Starting off, Shai shares a bit about growing up in Israel and how him and his wife met. The trio discuss the differences between dating in the US vs in Israel and how friend groups often mirror whatever is happening in each other's relationships. He also shares his advice for success in marriage but emphasizes that he can only speak to his personal experience. The group then talk about some of the difficulties young Jews face nowadays trying to date on the apps when they can often see antisemitism on people's profiles. Shai then talks about how life changed for him and his wife after October 7th, describing the moment they discussed why they felt they had a responsibility to speak up, even though he knew it could come with serious professional and personal consequences. The conversation moves into what Shai has observed within universities since then, including how Jewish students have been treated and how antisemitism has been minimized or excused in academic spaces. He breaks down the distinction between legitimate criticism of Israeli policy and antisemitism, explaining how that line is often intentionally blurred. Marla and Libby ask for Shai's advice on what college students should do when facing antisemitism. As the episode continues, Shai reflects on how he copes with the stress and pressure, emphasizing the importance of consistency, moral clarity, and staying grounded in one's values. He talks about the role social media has played in amplifying his message, while also acknowledging the challenges of being constantly visible and misunderstood online. The group talks about in-fighting within the Jewish community and how they think people need to focus more on that they all have the same goal even if they have different ideas of how to achieve it. Toward the end of the episode, the group talks about his podcast, "Here I Am With Shai Davidai," and what keeps Shai going despite the obstacles. The episode wraps up with final thoughts, reflections, and a classic Schmuckboys sign-off.   You can find Shai Davidai on Instagram @shaidavidai, his podcast @hereiamwithshaidavidai and Schmuckboys @schmuckboysofficial.

    1h 31m

  3. 18/12/2025

    Nice Jewish Girls Have Anxiety Too ft. Carrie Berk

    This week on Schmuckboys, Marla and Libby bring on author and content creator, Carrie Berk. She starts off sharing about her own relationship journey and the inspiration behind her book "My Real-Life Rom-Com," which chronicles her dating life during the pandemic. Carrie shares some of her dating disaster stories and how she has now fear about sharing all the details in her books, she just changes names for privacy. The girls then discuss Carrie's newest book "Mindfire" which combines personal experiences about anxiety and OCD, aiming to help others feel understood and less alone. Carrie highlights the need for relatable content in mental health literature and the importance of vulnerability in sharing personal struggles. The girls talk about the different ways people deal with anxiety and touch upon dating while dealing with OCD, suggesting that people lead with education rather than expecting immediate understanding from others. Carrie discusses her Jewish background and how it influences her storytelling, emphasizing the importance of prayer and faith during difficult times. Carrie also addressed the challenge of balancing sharing her Jewish identity online with appealing to a broader audience, advocating for authenticity and self-confidence. The girls then talk more about Carrie's writing journey, revealing she has written approximately 22 books, including children's books with her mother and solo works. She shared that her writing process is organic, often writing in spontaneous moments, and her proudest career moment was the successful launch of her solo book Rom-Com. They play a quick game of cute or cringe and end off with Carrie defining a "schmuckboy."   You can find Schmuckboys on instagram @schmuckboysofficial, Carrie Berk @CarrieBerkk and her books "My Real Life Rom Com" and "Mindfire" are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and more!

    1h 8m

  4. 04/12/2025

    This is Why I Don't Do Podcasts ft. Elon Gold

    Marla and Libby are thrilled to start off Season 5 with the hilarious Elon Gold! Before they bring him on though, they update you on all the things in their lives. Marla shares about celebrating her one-year anniversary with Josh and their families meeting over a memorable Shabbat dinner. She offers advice for how to best prepare for big milestones like that. Libby's shares about the recent loss of her grandmother and how that's affected her, especially as it came at the same time as the hostage release. She also talks about how she's been focused on getting into a good routine. They then touch upon the significance of studying in Israel, with a spotlight on a their new partnership with 'The Future is Calling' encouraging American Jewish students to consider Israeli universities for their academic and personal growth. They then welcome the episode's centerpiece - an in-depth interview with the iconic Elon Gold—comedian, writer, actor, and passionate advocate for Jewish causes. Starting off the trio discuss Elon's hatred for podcasts, even though he does have his own (Stars of David) and how he prefers to focus more on stand-up comedy than other content. He shares about a recent trip to Israel with his family and how he has learned to really cherish the time he has with kids. He talks about his journey from performing the purim shpiel at his high school to finding success in Hollywood and how he realized he loved making people laugh. He opens up about the challenges of balancing a career in Hollywood with a deep commitment to faith, family, and Shabbat, and how these values have shaped his choices both personally and professionally including a time he got fired from a show for not wanting to film during Shabbat. Elon offers candid insights into the realities of rejection and resilience in show business and talks about how he believes in the power of manifesting dreams like how he met his wife at 15 and knew he wanted to marry her right away. The discussion then delves into Jewish dating, marriage, and the evolving expectations of relationships, with Elon sharing wisdom from his own long-term marriage and family life. He talks about what actually matters in choosing a partner and the trio discuss why it sometimes feels like there are more eligible Jewish women than there are men nowadays.  In a surprise turn of events, their podcast gets interrupted by a FaceTime from Marla's sister - Sarah, who is engagement ring shopping with their mom. Coincidentally, Sarah is friendly with Elon, so the group has a hilarious reunion conversation, including a few words from Marla's mom. And Elon and Sarah discuss that sometimes someone from your past can actually end up being your future.  Marla and Libby along with Elon, end off by sharing their definitions of a Schmuckboy. You can find Elon Gold on Instagram @ElonGold. And Schmuckboys on Instagram @SchmuckboysOfficial.  ___ Are you or a friend interested in taking your college experience to the next level? Because your future is bigger than you think — and Israel might be the place it truly unfolds. If you've ever considered studying abroad or reconnecting with your roots, this is your sign. Learn more and take the next step at thefutureiscalling.org.

    1h 53m
  5. Jewish Dating and Identity ft. Dovi Neuburger

    05/10/2025

    Jewish Dating and Identity ft. Dovi Neuburger

    Starting off the last episode of season 14, the Schmuckgirls share their updates of the week. Libby discusses celebrating her 1 year wedding anniversary and gives some tips she's learned in her first year. Marla talks about busy work transitions and holidays with Josh. Both Libby and Marla talk about Rosh Hashanah and its cultural significance, including the abundance of holidays that offer numerous opportunities for reflection and forgiveness.  The girls welcome their last guest of the Season, the hilarious Dovi Neuburger! They start of talking a little bit about dating and the preference for drinks or activity on a first date. They then get into Dovi's childhood, growing up Jewish and how that led him to his comedy career with a focus on religious audiences. He emphasizes the importance of producing his own shows as a stepping stone in the competitive New York comedy scene and reflects on his love for stand-up, sparked by long car rides during his childhood. The discussion also touches on the similarities between creating stand-up comedy and video content, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and creativity across different formats. Additionally, Dovi talks about his project, the Poolside series with Lizzie, inspired by the Jewish community and modeled after Zach Galifianakis's "Between Two Ferns."  The next chapter navigates the intersection of modesty and modeling within the Orthodox Jewish community, where Dovie shares his opinions on the notion of a "modest model" and examining how this concept can sometimes feel contradictory to him. The conversation then touches upon the complex issues of anti-Semitism on social media, specifically on platforms like Instagram, and how this affects influencers who aim to combat these narratives. The discussion further reflects on the motivations and perceptions of Jewish influencers, considering the fine line between advocacy and personal branding. They then transitions to a lighter note with a deeper discussion on dating, especially in "single communities." They explore the complexities of identifying with religious labels, particularly within the Jewish community, as well as the cultural and social nuances of dating in New York City. The conversation then shifts to the unique challenges and dynamics of the singles scene in New York, especially on the Upper West and East Sides. The three discuss how the vibrant singles communities offer fun and a thriving social calendar but can also hinder the focus on marriage and settling down.  Libby, Marla, and Dovi discuss the frustration of attending the same events and seeing the same faces, often without achieving the desired outcome of meeting a new partner. The conversation shifts to the comparison between traditional matchmaking systems and casual dating, highlighting a preference for more structured dates that foster meaningful connections. Additionally, they talk about the growing trend of non-religious and non-Jewish individuals turning to matchmakers, emphasizing the importance of intentionality in seeking marriage and starting families in a world that often lacks focus on these goals. The conversation then shifts a bit more serious to comedy and how the Jewish community could find laughter again in a post 10/7 world. They explore the complex emotions and responsibilities of being a comedian during challenging times and discuss how comedy served as a form of relief and unity for many who felt guilty about enjoying themselves amidst turmoil. The chat about the finding the balance between being entertaining and handling sensitive topics, including the pressures of being seen as an advocate.  The group then shares in some hilarious comparisons revealing that there are no unique experiences in this life, especially when it comes to families and moms.  And to close out season 4, they end with a classic game of "Cute or Cringe." Dovi then shares about some of his upcoming projects and shows.  You can find Schmuckboys on social media @schmuckboysofficial and Dovi @dovineuburger.

    1h 28m
  6. Confessions of a Bukharian Comedian ft. Natan Badalov

    11/09/2025

    Confessions of a Bukharian Comedian ft. Natan Badalov

    Marla and Libby are back with another episode of Schmuckboys. This week the duo start with their updates of the week. Libby shares about how her and Jack are celebrating one year of marriage. And the two talk about the exciting news of having a Schmuckboys billboard in Nashville. The two then welcome their guest, comedian Natan Badalov! Things get off to a deep start, Natan sharing about a recent break up and how he's grown from it and the importance of knowing what you're looking for. The group talks about dating in NYC, and the trouble with comparing your relationship to others. They then chat a bit about the Bukharian Jewish communities and the cultural differences between different types of Jews.  Natan then talks about how he got into his comedy career and kept going even when it was difficult. He shares about being grateful for his family's support. The group talks about the societal expectations for careers, especially with immigrant parents.  They then chat about Natan's upcoming comedy special which released on September 2nd! They continue on talking about Judaism and the pressure to marry Jewish, and the lack of representation of certain types of Jews in comedy.  The group then talks about combatting misinformation and antisemitism online and how to find the balance between voicing community support while still focusing on bringing comedy to the space.  They end with a quick game, and asking Natan what he thinks his definition of a  Schmuckboy is. You can find Natan on all social platforms @natanbadalov and his comedy special CONNECT THE DOTS is out now on YouTube!

    1h 14m

  7. 14/08/2025

    Finding Mental Fortitude ft. Parker Yablon & Sam Panitch aka Elevation Nation

    Libby and Marla are back this week with their usual updates, what they've been up to the last couple weeks, Marla shares about her birthday and the two of them jokingly remind the audience that Marla isn't single anymore even though it's talked about in the episode since it was recorded before her and Josh got back together. They then welcome their guests, Parker and Sam from Elevation Nation. Parker shares about how him and his wife met and then shift to how him and Sam met and started working together. They share a funny story about how they didn't actually like each other at first. The duo then share about their Jewish identity growing up and how it's evolved post October 7th as well as navigating having public profiles that double as their professional ones. The group then talks a lot about modern dating, how girls should approach guys at a bar and the struggle men face of how to settle down when they don't feel financially stable. The group ends with a game where Parker and Libby take turns asking their respective co-host (Sam and Marla), why they think they are still single.    You can find Parker and Sam on instagram @_elevationnation.

    1h 18m
  8. Influencing the Creator Economy ft. Gigi Robinson

    30/07/2025

    Influencing the Creator Economy ft. Gigi Robinson

    After a brief summer hiatus Marla and Libby are back with some very exciting updates. Marla shares a huge turn of events in her relationship updates and how a canceled trip to Israel turned into spontaneous decision to explore France instead. Libby shares about a fun cruise and an unexpected meaningful conversation with strangers.  The girls introduce Gigi Robinson, a dynamic digital creator and personal branding expert. Gigi shares her humorous and unexpected love story that began during a last minute New Year's celebration , illustrating how love can find you when you're least prepared. She also explores the journey of building a personal brand through platforms like LinkedIn, sharing practical advice about creating authentic online presences. They also talk about antisemitism in social media and how they've dealt with it. Gigi shares tips on how to help empower individuals to become influential in their fields, emphasizing the impact of meaningful work over mere metrics.  You can find Gigi on social media @itsgigirobinson and Schmuckboys @schmuckboysofficial.

    1h 16m
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About

Schmuckboys is the hottest new jewish podcast in town. Hosted by the dynamic duo, Libby Shayo and Marla Friedson, this show will take you on a journey through the complexities of Jewish identity and how it affects our everyday lives. Whether you're a young professional trying to navigate your career path or struggling to find love in the Jewish dating world, this podcast is for you. Expect to hear juicy personal updates from the hosts about their dating lives and get insider tips from a diverse range of guests from various Jewish communities. So buckle up, grab a drink, and get ready for some real talk on all things Jewish, dating, career, social media, and more! This is "Schmuckboys," and we're bringing the heat. New episodes every other Wednesday! Brought to you by the Jewish Journal.

Information

  • Creator
    Marla Friedson, Libby Shayo
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    Schmuckboys

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