Shows
Dizi Friends PodcastFrom Emir to Eşref: The Journey of Çağatay UlusoyEpisode Notes
In this premiere episode of our new Career Deep Dive series, we explore the evolution of Çağatay Ulusoy’s journey — from his breakout role as Emir in Adını Feriha Koydum to becoming a leading figure in Turkey’s streaming revolution with projects like The Protector, Yeşilçam, Kübra, and The Tailor. We unpack the turning points, image shifts, acting style, and the impact of his latest drama Eşref Rüya. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about one of Turkey’s most intriguing actors, this episode dives deep into what make...2025-07-2754 min
Dizi Friends PodcastEşref RüyaEpisode Notes
This week's episode is about Eşref Rüya. Eda and Maha explore the mafia romance genre, take a look at the main characters and do some analysis on each. They also make some predictions about the second season. Let us know what are your thoughts about Eşref Rüya in general. Did you enjoy the season finale? What are your expectations? Dizi Friends is on X and Instagram as well as Tiktok and Bluesky. Reach out to us, we're always excited to hear from you :)
Here's a link to Eda's essay abou...2025-07-131h 25
Dizi Friends PodcastSpotlight Chat with Rachel and Janina: A Group Chat gone live!Episode Notes
This week Eda and Maha have two special guests, Rachel and Janina. Rachel is from New Zealand and Janina is from Estonia. They are Eda's first dizi friends and therefore have a special place in Eda'a heart.
Highlights from the episode:
03:18 - 05:39 Rachel introduces herself.
05:39 - 07:08 Janina introduces herself.
07:08 - 11:54 Janina's first dizi is "No 309". "Benim Tatlı Yalanım" also gets a mention.
11:54 - 13:17 Rachel's first dizi is "Sen Çal Kapımı".
13:17 - 18:20 How they would describe the dizi community during the pandemic
18:20 - 22:35 How different is the dizi community now
22:35 - 22...2025-06-2256 min
Dizi Friends Podcast10 Dizis To Get You Out Of A SlumpEpisode Notes
In this week's episode Eda and Maha have great recommendations for those of you who kind of feel like they are in a dizi slump. Even if you aren't make sure you check out these dizis that are probably lesser known gems. Here's the the list of dizis they discuss with the actors who star in them.
Rom Coms
"Ulan İstanbul" (Bandits) is an action comedy drama starring Uğur Polat (Deha, Yargı), Erkan Kolçak Köstendil, Kaan Yıldırım, Şebnem Bozoklu (Kızılcık Şerbeti)
Benim Tatlı Yalanım (My Sw...2025-06-0856 min
Dizi Friends PodcastWhat's Happening in the Dizi WorldEpisode Notes
Hey Friends,
Maha and Eda are back after a long break — and they're thrilled to return! In this episode, they catch up with each other and dive into the latest dizi buzz. Tune in as they discuss:
Kuma (Second Wife) – their first impressions of this new YouTube dizi
“The Daughters of Buket” – unpacking the buzz around this famous manager and her unique approach to spotlighting the actors she represents
Why Hudutsuz Sevda fans are upset
Uzak Şehir – what’s working and why they think it’s holding strong
Eşref Ruya – why the chemistry wo...2025-05-2551 min
Dizi Friends PodcastSpotlight Chat with Daphne MacLeodEpisode Notes
Disclamer: Unfortunately because we record on Zoom and are in different locations we have some internet delay issues. We are working on a solution for this and we hope to have it resolved starting from our next episode. Thank you for your patience.
Hi friends, in this week's episode our lovely guests is Daphne MacLeod, an author who reached out to us online and that's how we became friends. She was so inspired by dizis that she even wrote a book called Queen Bee and the Turk. We discuss many things in this...2025-03-231h 12
Dizi Friends PodcastSeason 4 Premiere: Current Dizi LineupEpisode Notes
Hey friends, it feels so good to be back! As we start our new season all we wanted to do first was to give you a summary of the weekly lineup and our opinions about the new projects that have started. Here are all our notes to keep you informed. We hope you enjoy the episode and don't forget to follow us here and on our social media. Also let us know you thoughts, what are some projects you recently started and liked? Thank you for listening and see you on our next episode!
2025-03-081h 01
Dizi Friends PodcastSeason Three Finale: Dizi Friends Podcast Unwrapped & ReflectionEpisode Notes
In the final episode of 2024 and also the last episode of the third season of Dizi Friends, we really want to take a look back at the second half of the year especially starting from September and give you an update on all the new dizis that started. We also want to give you our version of Spotify’s Wrapped list and share a few numbers with you to give you an idea of the impact dizis have left on us this year.
We look back at the dizis of 2024 in three categories an...2024-12-291h 12
Dizi Friends PodcastUzak ŞehirEpisode Notes
There is a new dizi in town and this week Maha and Eda discuss the hype around "Uzak Şehir" (remake of the Arabic series "Al-Hayba") and why it might be such an instant favorite.
The iconic Lebanese singer mentioned in the episode is Fairouz (also known as Fairuz). Her song "To Beirut" is the one that the theme song is based on- take a listen to her amazing voice here:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ayX6ZSpBgg
Join us for a fun discussion on this new dizi and don't forget to send u...2024-12-1533 min
Dizi Friends PodcastSpotlight Chat with Derin Universe: The Dizi Industry and WomenEpisode Notes
This week, Maha and Eda have a guest on the podcast; we get to speak with the person behind Derin Universe.
Derin is a Turkish blogger who lives abroad and studied business in France and is starting her Masters in Creative Industry which includes TV and Films in London. She mostly writes in English so you can follow her writing easily. Interestingly, Eda discovered her blog through an article where she wrote about dizis and why there were not enough female producers.
Join us for this interesting chat and we hope you will...2024-12-011h 39
Dizi Friends PodcastDizi Therapy: Venting About Kızıl Goncalar, Bahar, Bir Gece MasalıEpisode Notes
In this episode Eda and Maha are doing some dizi therapy and are sharing some things that are bothering them about the dizis they are watching. We know for many people who watch dizis it's a way to let off steam but lately dizis have been causing Eda and Maha some stress too so if you are interested in why join us for an engaging conversation between two dizi friends.
Some things we discuss during the episode:
-Why we are not happy with love stories now
-Writers being over-confident and ruining...2024-11-171h 02
Dizi Friends PodcastSpotlight Chat with Sofia: Discussing Çukur, Maraşlı and Can YamanEpisode Notes
In this episode Maha and Eda get to interview a friend, Sofia, also known as @BayanSofia on X. Sofia is from Italy and in her spare time she makes wonderful edits on dizis. The girls have some questions for her as they get to learn how dizis are perceived though the eyes of their friend. Many things are discussed and we get to learn how Çukur, Can Yaman and Maraşlı have something in common. :)
Some of the things that are mentioned:
-The first dizi Sofia watched: "Erkenci Kuş" (starring Can Yama...2024-10-131h 21
Dizi Friends PodcastKızıl Goncalar Characters and ThemesEpisode Notes
This week Maha and Eda take a look back at the last season. The day after this episode airs, on the 30th of September, the first episode of the new season will grace our screens. That's why we wanted to discuss and analyze the last 19 episodes, some themes and the main characters. Please let us know your thoughts and feelings about this episode as well as the new season of Kızıl Goncalar.
You can find us on social media through the links below:
https://linktr.ee/dizifriendspodcast
Time Stamps:...2024-09-291h 28
Dizi Friends PodcastReturning Dizis in Fall 2024Episode Notes
Hi friends! This week Maha and Eda are talking about the most popoular dizis which are returning to our screens this fall season. They discuss new additions to the cast and summarize briefly where they left off last season and what's to expect from their new season. This episode is a bit longer than previous ones but we think our listeners will find it useful to start the new dizi watching season on the right foot.
Time Stamps:
00:00 - 01:07 Introduction
01:07 - 09:05 Kızıl Goncalar
09:05 - 14:26 Bahar
14:26 - 23:37 Kızılcık Şer...2024-09-151h 31
Dizi Friends PodcastS3 Premiere: Spotlight Chat with Dizilah FounderEpisode Notes
In the Season 3 premiere Eda and Maha spend time talking to Haley- the founder of Dizilah. The first online English platform tracking news of dizis, provides english summaries, and ratings. Dizilah recently also started going on Dizi sets to interview and photograph everyone's favorite stars. Join us for this fun conversation as Haley gives us the çay (tea) on all things Dizilah and Dizis!
Some Haley Stats:
First Dizi: Binbir Gece
Favortie Dizi: Kiralik Ask
Celebrity she wants to meet: Kerem Bursin
Favorite Dizi currently airing: Hudutsuz Sevda
You c...2024-09-0851 min
Dizi Friends PodcastS2: Season Finale Upcoming Fall Dizis 2024Episode Notes
Are you as excited as we are? A whole new season of new dizis is upon us and TV channels have started to launch plot summaries, share cast members and even teasers. This week in our season finale of the Dizi Friends Podcast Season 2-Maha and Eda talk about these new projects, share some details you might have missed, and share which ones they are excited for.
"Leyla" (previously known as Hayat Hırsızı) is directed by Hilal Saral (known for Kara Sevda, Fatmagül'ün Suçu Ne, Aşk-ı Memnu, Kuzey Güney...2024-08-231h 16
Dizi Friends PodcastThe Rise of Romantic FantasyEpisode Notes
Maha and Eda welcome you to the podcast after a long pause with a different subject than usual. With the lack of summer dizis this year they have been enjoying some reading time and this episode is all about their latest favorite genre: fantasy romance or "romantasy".
Join them for a fun adventure as they talk about the history, favorite sub-genres and also psychological and sociological reasons why it's been so popular these past few years. Some of the things mentioned throughout the episode:
"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley
"Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer
"...2024-08-1155 min
DJ Tex on SoundCloudOnyeka Onwenu Tribute Mix - Naija ThrowbackTickle Me (2024 Remaster) Alex Zitto
Ife Christy Essien Igbokwe
Reincarnation The Lijadu Sisters
One Kilometer Evi Edna Ogholi
Sodom and Gomorrah Onyeka Onwenu
African Unity Majek Fashek
Gimme Likkie Sugar Ras Kimono
Choices (feat. Onyeka Onwenu) King Sunny Ade
Dancing in the Sun Onyeka Onwenu
Without You Majek Fashek
Daniel Wilson Mr Raggamuffin (naija music)
You and I Onyeka Onwenu
Taking My Time Christy Essien Igbokwe
Wait for Me (feat. Onyeka Onwenu) King Sunny Ade
Baby Walakolombo Alex Zitto
Bia Nulu Onyeka Onwenu
Seun Rere Christy Essien Igbokwe
One Love Onyeka Onwenu
Banana Alex O'
Iya Mi Ranti Christy Essien...2024-07-311h 42
Dizi Friends PodcastYalı Çapkını Part TwoEpisode Notes
On this week's episode we finish the conversation we started on Yalı Çapkını's success. We also let you know about our plans about future episodes.
Time Stamps:
00:00 - 00:19: Intro music
00:19 - 01:23: Introduction
01:23 - 03:38: What makes Yalı Çapkını work?
03:38 - 05:00: Why we think it's a well-calculated production
05:00 - 08:30: Memorable characters - Kazım - a fan favorite
08:30 - 14:49: Memorable characters - İfakat - a missed opportunity
14:49 - 21:00: Some similarities we noticed with other series
21:00 - 24:00: Missed Opportunities - Ferit's psychological journey
24:00 - 27:27: How Pelin's characters could be used better
27:00 - 31:50: W...2024-06-0247 min
Dizi Friends PodcastYalı Çapkını Part OneEpisode Notes
On this week's episode we are coming at you with our thoughts on a highly acclaimed dizi, Yalı Çapkını (Golden Boy) and why we think it's successful. This episode is part 1 of a two parts discussion. In this part we include some comments from our listeners as well as some ideas from other resources we found online. Join us while we explore the success of this dizi phenomenon. We will continue our discussion about Yalı Çapkını on our next episode, so make sure you are signed up to be notified. If there are parts yo...2024-05-1225 min
Dizi Friends PodcastBahar and Dizi News RoundUpEpisode Notes
On the second episode of our second season of Dizi Friends we discuss one of this year's best projects, Bahar. We initially discuss why we think Bahar is an important project and why we like it. Later we do a mini analysis of Bahar's relationships and why the focus of self realization is a refreshing theme. This episode also includes a new segment we want to implement where we discuss some important news from Diziland. We hope you enjoy it and we are also looking forward to hearing from you.
Things mentioned:
...2024-04-1459 min
Dizi Friends PodcastSeason Two Premiere: Kızıl GoncalarEpisode Notes
Dizi Friends is back for a new season where we talk about dizis we are currently watching. This episode is about Kızıl Goncalar which we initially discuss alongside some dizis with similar themes about conservative people in Turkey such as Ömer, Kızılcık Şerbeti and Netflix's Kübra. If you are already watching Kızıl Goncalar you'll find some commentary on what we think of the characters and the plot. If you haven't started watching it yet, the episode might give you an idea about what to expect. Second half of the epi...2024-03-311h 10
Dizi Friends PodcastSeason One Finale: Dizi Friends Podcast UnwrappedEpisode Notes
The sixth episode of the podcast is also the last episode of Season 1 and the year we are leaving behind. We say goodbye to 2023 by trying to summarize our faves of the dizis we have seen and try to provide some statistics a la Spotify Wrapped style. As always we share a piece of our minds and share our wishes for 2024.
Things mentioned throughout the episode:
Eda’s Unwrapped
Most Watched Dizis: Kızılcık Şerbeti, Yabani, Aldatmak, Ömer, Ya Çok Seversen
Minutes Spent Watching Dizis: 250 days x 120 minutes = 30K minutes
...2023-12-311h 13
Dizi Friends PodcastDizi Kisses, Intimacy, and RomanceEpisode Notes
In the fifth episode of Dizi Friends, Eda and Maha discuss kissing and intimate scenes in dizis. They talk about how kissing scenes and intimacy has evolved over the years and also how censorship has affected the way these scenes are portrayed. As usual there’s equal parts criticism and admiration, as it should be. Things that are mentioned in the episode and order of dizis mentioned throughout the episode:
-RTUK (Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council)
-Kızılcık Şerbeti
-Sen Çal Kapımı
-Kiralık Aşk
-Bay Yanlış
-Maraşlı
-Emanet (2014...2023-12-101h 07
Dizi Friends PodcastOur Favorite Dizi VillainsEpisode Notes
In the fourth episode (which is our longest episode yet but we promise it’s a fun one!) Maha and Eda talk about their favorite villains in dizis whether they are female or male. They also mention some ways in which villains are portrayed, which turns into a bit of a rant but we think listeners will relate to most of it. The rant goes from Freud to the Bechdel test and to many other areas about film-making but we think it’s important that the message goes out to writers about how women are port...2023-11-261h 22
Dizi Friends PodcastOur Favorite Dizi FemalesEpisode Notes
In the third episode Eda and Maha talk about their favorite female dizi characters in the same manner they have done for their favorite dizi men in the previous episode. Here are the dizis and characters that are mentioned throughout the episode:
Zemheri (Firuze), Son Yaz (Canan and Yağmur), Menajerimi Ara (Dicle and Feris), Kadın (Bahar), Adım Farah (Demet Özdemir), Vatanım Sensin (Hilal), Yargı (Ceylin), Kara Melek (Yasemin), Aşk-Memnu (Bihter), Ufak Tefek Cinayetler (Merve), Erkenci Kuş (Sanem), Yasak Elma (Yıldız), Hayat Şarkısı (Hülya), Baht Oyunu (Ada), Avrupa Yakası...2023-11-1237 min
Dizi Friends PodcastDizi Men with RightsIn our second episode Maha and Eda discuss their favorite dizi men. Each have different criteria but they agree on most of the dizi men with rights. Give the episode a listen and don’t forget to share your favorite dizi men with us on social media.
As promised we share with you the dizis and characters being discussed throughout the episode;
Son Yaz (Selim & Akgün), Bir İstanbul Masalı (Selim), Fazilet Hanım’ın Kızları (Yağız), Vatanım Sensin (Leon), Sen Anlat Karadeniz (Tahir), Aşk Yeniden (Fatih), Senden Daha Güzel (Emir), Doğduğun Ev Kaderindir (Barış...2023-10-2959 min
Dizi Friends PodcastOur Connection To DizisEpisode Notes
In this episode we talk about why we decided to make a podcast and how we became friends. We also talk about our connection to dizis and why we think watching dizis is a great way to make friends. We share a small (we want to say small but it ends up being half an hour!) summary of dizi history mentioning some memorable ones. Here are the dizis mentioned throughout the episode:
Aşk-ı Memnu (1975), Çalıkuşu (1986), İkinci Bahar, Gümüş, Ihlamurlar Altında, Asmalı Konak, Kurtlar Vadisi, Ezel, Aşk’ı Memnu, Yaprak Dökümü...2023-10-0650 min