Between Cultures

In this episode of Between Cultures, we sit down with a special guest, Yael Oken, who also grew up as an olah chadasha, but with a twist — she was raised in the US with a converted mom, yet she embraced religion voluntarily. We talk about what it was like growing up outside of Israel while still being connected to Israeli culture, and how that shaped her identity when she eventually made Aliyah. We dive into everything from cultural mentality and astrology beliefs to dating, army experiences, and media influences, exploring how her story reflects yet another side of living between cultures.

In this episode of Between Cultures, we dive into two of the biggest expressions of culture, food and fashion. We talk about how style and taste differ between the countries we grew up in and the ones we have adapted to, from Israel’s laid back streetwear to the diverse fashion scene abroad. We also explore how food connects us to home, comparing the richness and healthiness of Israeli cuisine with the comfort and nostalgia of the meals and coffee we miss from abroad. This episode is all about how what we wear and what we eat reflect where we come from and who we have become.

In this episode of Between Cultures, we explore the ups and downs of growing up with different parenting styles and how culture shapes the way parents raise their kids. We compare Israeli parenting to styles from other countries, sharing stories about curfews, home rules, punishments, and rewards, and reflect on how these approaches shaped our identities as Third Culture Kids. We also talk about moments when our parents tried to protect us from feeling different, but sometimes made us feel even more in between, and the lessons we carry from those experiences today. This episode is all about understanding how upbringing across cultures affects identity, freedom, and the ways we connect with the world around us.

In this episode of Between Cultures, we are joined by our fellow student, Ella Newell, to explore how mental health is understood across the different cultures we have lived in and how those norms shape the way we talk about stress, emotions, and therapy. We share our experiences from growing up in the US, Australia and Israel, including the way mental health is often brushed off, the pressure to toughen up in the army, the different types of media we each consume, and the mantras we use to ground ourselves. We also reflect on how living through conflict, moving between countries, and balancing different expectations has shaped the way we cope and communicate. This episode is all about understanding the cultural roots of our mental health and the strategies we have learned as Third Culture Kids.

In this episode of Between Cultures, we share our ultimate TCK bucket list, the experiences, achievements, and adventures that reflect growing up between cultures. From celebrating major Jewish holidays in different countries, learning Hebrew, making Aliyah, and army service, to traveling, camping, and exploring local food and music, we cover it all. We also dream about road trips, college experiences, dating, and the iconic adventures we have always imagined. This episode is all about chasing the experiences that shape who we are as Third Culture Kids.

In this episode of Between Cultures, we talk about what it’s like to adapt to a new culture and navigate the subtle meanings behind people’s mannerisms, slang, and language. We share experiences of figuring out authenticity, from the friendliness of Americans that can suddenly turn distant to the blunt honesty of Israelis that can feel rude at first but also genuine. We discuss how cultural gaps show up in school, work, and daily life, from job interviews to army slang, and how living in multicultural spaces forces us to blend different languages, expressions, and behaviors while staying true to ourselves.

In this episode of Between Cultures, we open up about dating in a multicultural world and how values, boundaries, and language all play a role in modern relationships. We talk about navigating love across cultures and faiths, the impact of language barriers, and the differences in dating styles between Israelis and people abroad. We also explore the ideas from The Five Love Languages and how understanding them helps us connect better while staying true to who we are.8

In this episode of Between Cultures, we dive into what it really means to live between being an ola hadasha and a tzabar. We talk about the process of becoming “Israelified,” from army food to everyday slang in both Hebrew and English, and how these small cultural details shape our sense of identity. We reflect on the challenges of adapting to life in Israel and vice versa, the mix of local and foreign influences, and how growing up in one culture while being drawn to another affects the way we see ourselves and connect with others.

In this episode of Between Cultures, we talk about what it’s really like to balance student life with work, family, and friends. From navigating independence to managing expectations, we share our experiences studying at Reichman University’s RRIS Communication program, why we chose it, how we found our people, and what it’s like studying in English in a multicultural environment. We open up about learning to stand on our own, juggling family ties, roommates, and identity shifts across different spaces, from home to university and beyond.

In this episode of Between Cultures, we dive into our personal connections to religion and spirituality. From growing up in different Jewish communities to rediscovering faith through life experiences, whether it’s army service, TikTok spirituality, or manifestations. We share how belief, flexibility, and self-discovery shape our journeys between cultures.