Why Chicagoans Will Love Israel Story
Written By: Becky Brothman
Israel Story is one of the most popular national radio shows in Israel and the country’s first storytelling podcast of its kind. We’re delighted to welcome the Israel Story team to Chicago this month as part of their live podcast US tour. They will be performing their show ‘That’s What She Said’ on November 15th at the Laugh Factory in Lakeview and on November 16th at SPACE in Evanston.
Tickets
November 15: Lakeview
November 16: Evanston
So why go to the show? Let’s take a closer look at what makes Israel Story LIVE a must-see event.
1. It’s been called the Israeli ‘This American Life’ – and Ira Glass has given it his blessing!
Israel Story started as entertainment for a small group of family and friends. However, it quickly became apparent that this show was meant for a much larger audience and the Hebrew-language version of Israel Story was given a prime-time slot on Galay Tzahal, one of Israel’s most popular radio stations. The English version of the podcast was launched soon after and now it seems the sky is the limit. Israel Story’s refreshing storytelling has garnered hundreds of thousands of listeners, critical acclaim, and the moniker of the Israeli ‘This American Life.’ As if the comparison wasn’t enough of an honor, the Israel Story team was ecstatic that Ira Glass himself wanted to be featured on the English-language version’s very first episode. Listen to the episode here: http://israelstory.org/en/episode/faking-it/
2. Israel Story brings stories to life from all facets of Israeli society, agenda-free
Israel Story’s goal is to bring fascinating stories of regular Israelis to life in an entertaining and exciting way. There is no discussion about Iranian nuclear talks or UN resolutions here. Episodes are made up of real people’s stories from all walks of Israeli life: young/old male/female, Jewish/Muslim/Christian, gay/straight, Ashkenazi/Mizrahi/Druze/Arab and everything in between. Israel Story is not about political statements, it’s about telling people’s own personal truths. Laugh, cry, and rejoice along with these everyday, yet extraordinary storytellers. It’s time to fall in love with Israel Story: http://israelstory.org/en/episode/15-love-revisited/
3. Israel Story is getting a lot of love from all over the globe
NPR has featured Israel Story on its broadcasts and the team has collaborated on some amazing nationally-syndicated shows, including ‘Radiolab,’ ‘Snap Judgment,’ and ‘99% Invisible.’ The podcast gained the attention of Tablet Magazine and the show is now produced in partnership with the leading Jewish publication. Recently, Israel Story was listed as one of the best Jewish podcasts by Times of Israel. From east to west, Israel Story has captured the hearts of listeners around the globe – even Steven Spielberg has said he’s a fan! So be like Spielberg and get your tickets to see Israel Story perform LIVE!
Originally from Chicago, Becky Brothman is a writer/editor currently based in Tel Aviv. She spends her free time missing the CTA and volunteering with Israel Story.