A True Place of Welcome: The Importance of JCCs in Community Life

The Last Episode (But Not the Last Word)

In 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.

Spirituality in the Age of AI with Brett Hurt

In 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.

The Magic of Maccabi with Sam Cohen and Mark Pattis

Watch the full episode here!  [https://youtu.be/JPGvlwKXExg]   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.

A True Place of Welcome: The Importance of JCCs in Community Life

On 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.

The Ten Commandments Debate: Rabbi Mara Nathan vs. the State of Texas

Watch the full episode here! [https://youtu.be/l5PWR_mn67E] 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.