Saving the Republic: Smartphones, Russiagate, Cicero, and Slot Machines
In this episode of What The Frock?, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod explore how smartphones, streaming media, and the nonstop news cycle are reshaping the way we think. They dive into the complexities of Russiagate, political disinformation, and the historical lessons of Cicero’s Cataline speeches, revealing how the “ends justify the means” mindset can threaten a republic.The discussion blends modern politics with Roman history, highlighting the challenges of separating truth from misinformation in an age of instant updates and viral narratives. Along the way, they debate nuclear power as a solution to America’s growing energy demands and share a hilarious wedding anniversary trip to Anacortes that involves a devil-themed slot machine, improbable jackpots, and the universe “evening the score.”It’s political satire, history, technology, and humor in one unpredictable conversation, proving why What The Frock? is where smart talk meets a mischievous twist.
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Adiue, Friar Rod...
This week’s episode of What The Frock? begins with the unthinkable.Rabbi Dave takes to the mic alone, shaken and grieving, to deliver a eulogy for his friend and co-host, Friar Rod, who he believes has passed away from a sudden heart attack. He reflects on their years of friendship, their podcast journey, and the irreplaceable presence Rod brought to every episode. It is heartfelt, raw, and deeply personal.But nothing is quite as it seems.What starts as a tribute turns into one of the most unexpected and hilarious episodes in the show's history. From AI-generated death notices to submarine history, misleading supplement advice, tsunami false alarms, and Major League Baseball rain delays, the show barrels forward with the same irreverent charm listeners have come to love.Grab a pint and buckle in. It’s a ride filled with laughter, disbelief, and the kind of chaos only What The Frock? can deliver.
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Permanent Records
Good morning, America, how are ya? I’m Rabbi Dave, joined as always by the ever-caffeinated Friar Rod, and today on What the Frock? we’re opening the dusty file marked Permanent Record. You remember the threat: utter one wrong word in 7th grade and boom, your life is over. But where did that terrifying idea come from? And why has it followed us into adulthood, now repackaged as cancel culture and digital shame?This week, we trace the roots of the permanent record from Cold War classrooms to theological scrolls to the Wayback Machine. Is there redemption in a world that never forgets? Do God and Google use the same filing system? And why the frock are we not on CNN’s podcast list?Grab your beverage of choice and get ready to repent, reflect, and maybe rage a little. This is What the Frock?, and yes, this is going on your record.
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Coldplaying the News
This week on What The Frock?, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod take on the so-called top story of the week—no, not international conflict or political scandal, but a kiss cam moment at a Coldplay concert. What begins as bemused commentary quickly unravels into a deeper exploration of how news is chosen, shaped, and sold. Who decides what matters? Why do nonsense stories rise while real headlines vanish? From $20 million influencer grifts to AI-powered meme machines, the frocked duo dig into the growing influence of the digital state and the unsettling possibility that we’re all just following stories designed to distract. With signature wit and just enough theological sarcasm to sting, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod ask the question that should be on everyone’s mind—what if the news isn’t news at all? Tune in for laughs, uncomfortable truths, and a whole lot of Coldplay you didn’t ask for.
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Nobody Cares???
This week on What the Frock?, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod wade into deep moral waters with a question that’s dividing the conservative world: Does anyone actually care about the Epstein files?After President Trump declared “nobody cares,” the frocked duo takes him to philosophical task, exploring justice, trust, and the obligation to truth, even when it’s inconvenient.Along the way, they tackle everything from Supreme Court dissents possibly written by AI to their growing obsession with Major League Cricket. Yes, you read that right. It is a whirlwind of political theology, cracked cricket bats, and sanctified sarcasm.With fake sponsors like Blessed Ales and Shofar Wireless joining the fray, it is one of the sharpest and strangest episodes yet. Whether you're here for the righteous anger or the absurdist cricket commentary, this week’s show proves one thing for sure: we care. And we are not afraid to say it.
In the spirit of the Goliards, Rabbi Dave and Friar Cook bring you their irreverent and raucous views of the day.
So come, fill your mug and sing boisterously along and ask yourself the simple question: What the Frock?
South Africa