Watch 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.

In 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.

As 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. 

Watch 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.

Watch 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.

In this powerful episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, our hosts sit down with Crissy Eliashar, whose home was destroyed in the devastating floods in Travis County on July 5. Chrissy shares her family’s story of loss, resilience, and hope as they face a long journey of rebuilding. Together, they reflect on the extraordinary ways the Jewish community showed up in their time of need—offering not only material support, but also steadfast emotional and spiritual care. This moving conversation is a testament to the strength of community, the power of compassion, and the light that can shine through even in life’s darkest moments.

Watch the full episode here! Season 3 of The Rabbi and the Other Guy kicks off with our hosts, Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus and Dr. Matt Schocket, sitting down with Eyal Butbul and Ariella Goldstein, this year’s ShinShinim from Shalom Austin. In a lively and heartfelt conversation, they share what it’s been like spending a year in Austin—discovering American football, embracing Texas hospitality, rocking cowboy hats, and more. From comparing the realities of life for Israeli and American teens, to tackling antisemitism, to searching for the perfect Hebrew equivalent of “y’all,” this episode offers laughs, insight, and an inside look at the transformative ShinShinim experience.

Watch the full episode here!  In this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, our hosts chat with Frank Silberlicht, Executive Director of Camp Young Judaea Texas. Frank talks about the importance of Jewish summer camps in providing young people with a safe, disciplined, and diverse place to grow, as well as the state of summer camps in the wake of the Camp Mystic tragedy. Frank also discusses the increased need for personal interchanges between Jewish people in the United States and Israel, in the hopes of creating a better world for everyone. 

Watch the full episode here! In our newest episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, our hosts chat with Mo Pittle, owner of Austin’s popular Jewboy Burgers. Mo dives in to the origins of Jewboy’s success, how he got the nickname "Jewboy" growing up in a multicultural community in El Paso, and managing exploding latkes. With an attention to detail learned through years of working in advertising, Mo highlights how he went from not even knowing how to light a fryer to building one of Austin's most talked about Jewish restaurants. 

Watch the full episode here!  In this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, our hosts chat with Loui Dobin, the longtime former director of Greene Family Camp. Together, the three discuss the culture and importance of Jewish summer camps, and the significant impact they have on Jewish identity, formation, and community building. While also sharing his personal journey from New York to Texas, Loui highlights the legacy of Greene Family Camp and the importance of continued support for Jewish summer camps across the country.

In this special anniversary episode, The Rabbi & the Other Guy take a walk down memory lane to celebrate 25 incredible years of Shalom Austin and the Dell Jewish Community Campus. Join in as they chat with Harriett Kirsh Pozen and Keith Zimmerman—two visionaries who played pivotal roles in the early growth and the historic purchase of the land that would become home to so much community, culture, and connection. Through thoughtful conversation and historical insight, this episode reflects on the vision, leadership, and enduring community spirit that have guided the growth of the Dell Jewish Community Campus as well as Shalom Austin over the past quarter century. Join us as we honor the legacy and look ahead to the future of this remarkable place.

In this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus and Dr. Matt Schocket engage in a lively discussion with Rabbi Daniel Millner, a Modern Orthodox rabbi and active-duty military chaplain. Rabbi Millner shares his journey from yeshiva to the armed forces, offering a glimpse into what it means to serve both God and country and the challenges that come with balancing faith and duty. In addition to his role as an Orthodox Jewish military chaplain, Rabbi Millner dives into the evolution of modern Orthodox communities, highlighting the significance of connection and engagement within the many sects and facets of the Jewish faith.

Watch the full episode here! Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus and Dr. Matt Schocket chat with Rabbi Moshe Trepp, a rabbi at the University of Texas and a key leader with Olami Texas. Rabbi Trepp shares his experiences working directly with Jewish students at UT, offering a unique, individualized approach to spiritual guidance that meets students where they are. Rabbi Trepp discusses how he fosters meaningful connections with the students and why he believes joy is the most powerful form of perseverance. From building community to nurturing identity and resilience, this episode is full of warmth, wisdom, and a genuine passion for helping young people thrive.

Watch the full episode here! In this episode of The Rabbi and The Other Guy, Rabbi Daniel Septimus and Dr. Matt Schocket chat with Rebecca Caspi, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at The Jewish Federations of North America. Rebecca discusses her journey from growing up in a secular Jewish family in New York City to building a life and career in Israel. Together, they explore the cultural connections—and the meaningful differences—between American and Israeli Jewry, the scope of JFNA's work on the ground in Israel, and how this year’s Passover felt deeply different in a nation still healing nearly two years after October 7th. It’s a candid, heartfelt conversation about identity, resilience, and what it means to be part of a global Jewish family.

Watch the full episode here! Jeannie Opdyke Smith joins Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus and Dr. Matt Schocket to share the remarkable legacy of her mother, Irene Gut Opdyke — a Polish Catholic nurse who hid Jews in plain sight during WWII. When Irene died, Jeannie discovered 11 unfulfilled speaking invitations and decided to honor them herself. That single choice launched her own mission: delivering 150‑plus talks a year and fostering more than 60 children. Tune in for an incredible conversation about moral courage, intergenerational storytelling, and the power of small acts that can change lives.

Watch the episode here! In our newest episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus and Dr. Matt Schocket sit down with Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove — Park Avenue Synagogue’s senior rabbi and author of For Such a Time as This — to talk about Jewish identity after October 7, generational tensions around Israel, and why this might just be our modern-day "Esther moment." Rabbi Cosgrove shares the story that changed his life, challenges the way we engage Gen Z, and offers a powerful reminder: sometimes, all it takes is a simple Shabbat invitation to shift someone’s future.

Watch the full episode here! In our latest episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, Rabbi Septimus and Dr. Schocket meet with Yakir Englander, Senior National Director of Leadership Programs at the Israeli-American Council, to explore his journey from a deeply religious upbringing to becoming a leader in interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding. Yakir shares how his personal experiences shaped his commitment to fostering empathy and understanding across cultures.   Tune in as our hosts and Yakir discuss the complexities of Jewish identity in the modern world, the challenges of activism, and the power of human connection in creating meaningful change.

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Daniel Septimus and Dr. Matt Schocket sit down with Professor Gil Troy — author and Senior Fellow in Zionist Thought at the Jewish People Policy Institute. Together, they explore loss, resilience, and the enduring joy of the Israeli spirit, while debating the evolving meaning of Zionism and what it means to be both Jewish and democratic. From transformative Birthright experiences to candid discussions about family, military service, and community, this conversation offers a unique window into the challenges and hope shaping Jewish identity today.

In this episode, Rabbi Septimus and Dr. Schocket sit with Nomi Colton-Max, co-chair of the New Jewish Narrative. Nomi brings insight into the evolving landscape of Progressive Zionism. Together, Nomi and our hosts discuss what it means to be both progressive and Zionist in today’s world. They unpack Progressive Zionism ideology, equal rights, shared resources, and connection to the Land of Israel. Join us for a thoughtful conversation on what Progressive Zionism means in practice today.

In this episode of The Rabbi and the Other Guy, Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus and Dr. Matt Shocket welcome Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, Senior Physician in the Ophthalmology Department and the Deputy Director General at the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, Israel. Once considered a radical idea, its underground facilities have saved countless lives. Dr. Sheleg shares how real-time medical technology, mass casualty preparedness, and swift evacuation plans keep patients and doctors safe. He also discusses Israel’s humanitarian missions, treating wounded soldiers and refugees—proving that medicine knows no borders. Tune in for an inspiring look at resilience, innovation, and the unwavering commitment to saving lives.