Podcast
The Rabbi & the Other Guy
Hosted by Shalom Austin · EN
Welcome to ”The Rabbi & the Other Guy,” where Shalom Austin CEO Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus and Dr. Matt Schocket dive headfirst into the vast ocean of Jewish curiosity. Join us as we tackle every question under the sun about being Jewish, from the profound to the playful. From exploring religious and cultural nuances to confronting intense conversations, and even delving into the classic age-old question - what really IS the best type of challah?
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Last Episode (But Not the Last Word)
Feb 1900:50:03Tap to summarizeIn our final episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, our hosts reflect on the journey of the podcast—how it began, how it evolved, and how their own personal and professional lives changed along the way. They look back at the remarkable growth of the Jewish community in Austin, Texas, exploring demographic shifts, the influx of young families, and what it means for the future of Jewish life in the city. The conversation tackles both challenges and opportunities—from the urgent need for early childhood educators to the essential role Jewish camps play in building lasting community. As Rabbi Septimus prepares to step into a new role with the JCC Association of North America, our hosts share hopes for what’s next, the importance of staying connected, and why investing in Jewish community remains more vital than ever.
Transcribe →Spirituality in the Age of AI with Brett Hurt
Feb 1200:53:34Tap to summarizeIn our newest episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, our hosts sit down with entrepreneur, author, and CEO of Love Conquers Fear, Brett Hurt, for a wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of technology, spirituality, and the future of humanity. Together, they explore the rapid rise of AI and emerging technologies, the philosophical questions surrounding consciousness, and why choosing love over fear may be the key to navigating an uncertain future. From global collaboration to spiritual wisdom, this episode invites listeners to rethink what progress really means—and what kind of world we want to build next.
Transcribe →The Magic of Maccabi with Sam Cohen and Mark Pattis
Feb 600:57:45Tap to summarizeWatch the full episode here! In this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, Rabbi Septimus flies solo as he discusses the popular Maccabi Games with Sam Cohen, the Senior VP of the JCC Association, and Mark Pattis, Senior Experience Director of Shalom Austin. Both former Maccabi athletes, Sam and Mark talk about their previous and current experiences with the games and how transformative they can be. Among other great moments, Sam shares a memory of how ’The Maccabi Magic’ transformed a diverse team of strangers into a gold medal-winning team and what the JCC does for athletes at the games.
Transcribe →A True Place of Welcome: The Importance of JCCs in Community Life
Dec 1800:37:45Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, our hosts are joined by Barak Hermann, President and CEO of the JCC Association of North America, for a thoughtful conversation about the vital role JCCs play in Jewish community life. Together, they explore how JCCs support Jewish families at every stage of life, from early childhood through adulthood, and why they remain one of the most powerful entry points into Jewish connection and belonging. Barak also reflects on what it means for a JCC to be a true place of welcome—one that opens its doors to all members of the community while strengthening Jewish identity and shared values. Insightful, practical, and deeply rooted in community, this episode highlights why JCCs matter now more than ever.
Transcribe →The Ten Commandments Debate: Rabbi Mara Nathan vs. the State of Texas
Nov 1300:46:40Tap to summarizeWatch the full episode here! In this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, Dr. Matt Schocket and Rabbi Daniel Septimus sit down with Rabbi Mara Nathan, Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth-El in San Antonio. Rabbi Nathan is the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the state of Texas challenging a new law that would require public schools to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms. She discusses why the separation of church and state is vital to protecting both religious freedom and public education, how morality can be taught without religious doctrine, and what inspired her to take up this cause. It’s a powerful conversation about conviction, courage, and the ongoing fight to preserve religious liberty in Texas and beyond.
Transcribe →What Jew Wanna Eat? Amy Kritzer Becker on Food, Fun, and Jewish Joy
Nov 600:38:01Tap to summarizeWatch the full episode here! In this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus and Dr. Matt Schocket sit down with Amy Kritzer Becker—founder of ModernTribe, cookbook author, and creator of the beloved blog What Jew Wanna Eat. Amy shares how she infuses Jewish culture with a modern twist through food, design, and humor. From reimagining traditional recipes to building a vibrant online community, Amy celebrates Jewish joy in creative, accessible, and delightfully delicious ways. It’s a conversation filled with laughter, nostalgia, and plenty of love—for food, family, and Jewish life.
Transcribe →Learning Together in Jerusalem: Breaking Barriers at JMC with Prof. Ariela Gordon-Shaag
Oct 900:44:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, Dr. Matt Schocket and Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus learn from Prof. Ariela Gordon-Shaag, the President of Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College. Ariela discusses JMC's integrated form of education, where Jewish and Arab students learn alongside each other and challenge the world’s preconceived notions of Jerusalem. She also discusses how the school teaches dealing with people undergoing trauma, how to care for those displaced after October 7th, and JMC’s workshops aimed at decreasing tension. She also highlights two interesting students as examples of the school’s success.
Transcribe →Embracing Discomfort with Rabbi Brian Leiken
Sep 1800:48:24Tap to summarizeAs the new year approaches, Rabbi Brian Leiken of Congregation Beth Israel sits down with The Rabbi and the Other Guy to share his journey from New York to Texas and the fresh perspective that came with the move. Together, they dive into the meaning of Rosh Hashanah and the power of leaning into the uncomfortable. With warmth, humor, and honesty, Rabbi Leiken reminds us what it means to live with intention and embrace new beginnings.
Transcribe →Building Jewish Futures One Book at a Time with Jessica McCormick
Sep 1100:45:41Tap to summarizeWatch the full episode here! In this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, Dr. Matt Schocket and Rabbi Daniel Septimus sit down with Jessica McCormick, Director of Family Experience for PJ Library at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Jessica shares the story and mission of PJ Library—how it began, how it continues to grow like a startup, and how it succeeds in putting Jewish books into the hands of children and families across the country. She also highlights the Library’s innovative microgrant program, its creative approach to expanding reach and impact, and how her role provides insight into Jewish migration patterns across the U.S. in the wake of major events. It’s a fascinating look at how stories shape communities—and how PJ Library is helping to write the next chapter of Jewish life.
Transcribe →After the Storm: Jewish Values in Action with Rabbi Yossi Marrus & Matt Smith
Aug 2800:48:55Tap to summarizeWatch the full episode here! In this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus sits down in a one-on-one with Rabbi Yossi Marrus from Chabad of Boerne to discuss the recent Central Texas floods. Rabbi Marrus reflects on the urgent aid efforts, why he sees himself as an ambassador of Israel, and the Jewish values that guide him in times of crisis—emphasizing the importance of helping, healing, and rebuilding. Rabbi Septimus also chats with Matt Smith, Chair of the Shalom Austin Flood Relief Task Force. Together, they explore the lessons learned from mobilizing a task force, the complexities of distributing funds, and the powerful and surprising ways the community has stepped up to support those in need.
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