The Rabbi & the Other Guy

Campfires and Community: Loui Dobin on the Legacy of Jewish Summer Camps

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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.

Celebrating 25 Years of The Dell Jewish Community Campus

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.

Balancing Torah and the Military with Rabbi Dan Millner

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.

Meeting Students Where They Are with Rabbi Moshe Trepp

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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.

Building a Global Jewish Life with Rebecca Caspi

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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.

How One Person Can Make a Difference with Jeannie Opdyke Smith

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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.

Jewish Identity, Israel, and the "Esther Moment" with Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove

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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.

Bridging Divides with Yakir Englander

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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.

Reclaiming Zionism with Professor Gil Troy

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.

What Does it Mean to be a Progressive Zionist 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.