Cult Following

This week on the show: Nazis, Taylor Swift, and cats—the Unorthodox trifecta.

Our Jewish guest is Chicago native Jeff Aeder, who founded the online Jewish Baseball Museum. The Cubs fan tells us about some lesser-known Jewish figures throughout America’s national pastime, why he thinks we need an institution dedicated to Jews in baseball, and when we can expect a brick-and-mortar museum.

Our Gentile of the Week is Carrie Poppy—writer, actress, and co-host of the podcast Oh No Ross and Carrie, which investigates fringe science and religious groups (there’s a seven-part Scientology series) and alternative medicine. She tells us about the wackiest movement she’s encountered and what she thinks draws people to these kinds of groups. She also brings a bunch of very good questions about Judaism—including, naturally, Kabbalah.

We love to hear from you! Send comments, questions, and complaints to [email protected]. We’ll share our favorites on air.

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Unorthodox is a smart, fresh, fun weekly take on Jewish news and culture hosted by Mark Oppenheimer, Stephanie Butnick, and Liel Leibovitz. You can listen to individual episodes here or subscribe on iTunes.