Best Jack Zaientz & John Baltisberger Podcasts (2025)

1
Best Protect Yosef Lest You Wreck Yosef 1:13:50

16d ago1:13:50

1:13:50

This week the boys are back with some practical advice. Jews have been engaging in protective ritual since as long as we had things to protect. From hamsa to Mezuzah our practices know no limits, and in today's climate you can't be too careful! So gather round and learn how to protect yourself and your home today! Send us a text -------------------…

1
Don't Go Chasing Water Demons 58:59

2M ago58:59

58:59

Jack and John are back in the water horse saddle again! Riding those Sheydim across the sunset and into the river! That's right this week we discuss WATER DEMONS! Well... not so much water demons as water AND demons. Demons in water? Look, here's the thing... bathrooms are dangerous y'all. Here's a link to the rabbinic essays Jack talks about: http…

1
Omens and Portents of Future Past 1:06:41

5M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

This week we talk about Omens! Hilariously this episode was supposed to go up before Hannukah but John has been through the ringer. ALSO hilariously Jack talks about how its okay that John is not good about hitting posting deadlines. But here's your episode! Do not take this as an Omen that John will miss the next episode deadline! Send us a text -…

1
I Wish the Goblin King Would Come and Take this Menorah! 1:02:16

7M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

This week we discuss CHANNUKAH! That's right, the reason for the season is latkes, dreidels, candles, and of course goblins! But what are goblins in the Jewish tradition? Why are they involved in Channukah? Why is Channukah a punk rock and metal holiday? All this and more in this very special CHANNUKAH EPISODE of Wayward Children! Send us a text --…

1
Talking about Talking Animals 1:08:51

7M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

This week Jack and John try to take it a bit easy and then argue about animals! Listen as we describe a terrible frog, a clever ass, and of course how fables modern and ancient fit into the fabric of sacred mythology. Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter or his Website Find John on Twitter or his…

1
We Don't Need No Man, and Neither Does Lillith 52:44

9M ago52:44

52:44

This week we talk about the sexiest figure in Jewish mythology. The queen of demons, a woman who looked the archetypal man in the eyes and said. "No, I will not be subservient. I am woman, and I would rather be a queen of demons than serve anyone." John may be really excited to delve into this one... Send us a text ---------------------------------…

1
The Curses We Yell 1:03:35

9M ago1:03:35

1:03:35

This week Jack and John throw curses around like it's nobody's business! Listen to Jack read off traditional Yiddish curses. Did you know we tried to curse Hitler? Check out the storied history of curse prevention, and watch as Jack puts John on the spot to make curses up just for you! Send us a text ------------------------------------------------…

1
The Giant Wars and Warring Giants 1:16:29

10M ago1:16:29

1:16:29

John and Jack delve into one of their favorite topics, THE GIANT WARS. This is an insane topic as it's rife throughout both the Tanakh and the Talmud. There is ample liturgical evidence of giants and the Jewish people fighting them. So let's delve into our biggest fans, be the Nephilim, Raphaim, or just Yao Ming. (To our knowledge, Yao Ming is not …

1
Debonair Dybbukim 1:05:16

10M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

This week John and Jack meet up in person in sunny oppressive Austin, Texas to discuss which ghosts have the most in this episode of Dybbuk-Centric episode of Wayward Children. Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter or his Website Find John on Twitter or his Website or his Patreon GET OUR READING L…

1
Chassidic Magic 1:20:26

11M ago1:20:26

1:20:26

An amazing special episode, we bring on a descendent of the Rebbe to discuss his storied and near-mythic family history, Story of Rabbi Menachem Tzvi of England (Rabbi with an Earring #2) https://ascentofsafed.com/cgi-bin/ascent.cgi?Name=1148-11 The wedding memento of Pessi and Dovie Levy (Rabbi with an Earring #3 and other family stories) https://…

1
The Gnashing of Our Gnoshers 1:07:25

1y ago1:07:25

1:07:25

There are few things that bring a group of Jews together faster than and better than food. This episode Jack and John dive into the culinary traditions of Judaism is more specifically those traditions' place in mysticism. Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter or his Website Find John on Twitter or…

1
Sticks and Stones can Break a Sheyd's Bones 1:12:35

1y ago1:12:35

1:12:35

John and Jack talk about speaking quietly and carrying a big stick, while speaking very loudly. This episode is all about canes, staffs, and staves, magic and meaningful throughout Jewish history and mythology! Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter or his Website Find John on Twitter or his Websit…

1
Messianic Manics: Cataclysmic and Prolific 1:30:19

1y ago1:30:19

1:30:19

Jack and John discuss messianic myths of Judaism as well as various messianic figures that have existed through our history. Prophets Joseph Della Reina Story Overgrowth by John Baltisberger Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter or his Website Find John on Twitter or his Website or his Patreon GET…

1
Pesach Myths and Drunken Jewish Santa 1:06:26

1y ago1:06:26

1:06:26

Happy Passover everyone! This week we cover myths and folklore surrounding the seder plate and legends of the Exodus from kaiju to angels! a few extra links: Roman Prostitute Elijah! Elijah: Private Dick (checker) Miriam's Well Marti's Kaiju Frog Shirt Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter or his …

1
Five Finger Clay Punch - Golems 1:05:46

1+ y ago1:05:46

1:05:46

We're doing it, okay. You can stop yelling at us. We are finally covering the legend of the Golem on Wayward Children. All this really means is that Jack and John are going to yell and rant at each other for roughly an hour. But it's all in good fun... I promise. A couple of extra links this week: https://www.jmberlin.de/blog-en/2016/12/bread-and-g…

1
They Put a Spell on You 1:24:03

1+ y ago1:24:03

1:24:03

This week John and Jack discuss witches, but with the added super cool bonus of a full-fledged interview with New York-based cultural critic, playwright, and teacher of Everyday Ashkenazi Magic, Rokhl. Aunt Taiblele Link https://www.yiddishbookcenter.org/language-literature-culture/yiddish-translation/aunt-taibele You can also get artist Marti's sh…

1
Wayward Unicorns 1:06:42

1+ y ago1:06:42

1:06:42

Did you know there were Jewish unicorns? Like several different types and styles of Jewish unicorns? And they aren't Jewish just because they like Challah and klezmer music! Join John as he gets educated by Jack on the vast lore of Jewish unicorns including how they are STILL represented today in Jewish culture and decor! Send us a text -----------…

1
Let's Talk About the Future That We See 1:03:47

1+ y ago1:03:47

1:03:47

In case you didn't guess from the convoluted title, this week we are talking about divination practices. (You really should have seen that coming.) What is it about knowing the future that gets us all hot and bothered? Why are there so many methods of divination when divination is ruled as an abomination in Dueteronomy? The only way to know for sur…

1
Biblically Not-So-Accurate Angels 1:03:13

1+ y ago1:03:13

1:03:13

As much as we love when you stick a bunch of googly eyes to a kitten and say it's a biblically accurate cat (and we do love that), biblically accurate angels aren't all that... well biblically accurate. Jack and John discuss angels in folklore, writing, and liturgy. Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on T…

1
Jewish (Magical) Protective Services 1:14:30

1+ y ago1:14:30

1:14:30

This week John and Jack teach you how to protect yourself from the evils that infuse the world! From magical charms to keep demons away, burning incense, to actions you can take to put the kaibosh on evil spells from people, we got it all for you! Don't forget to check out: THREE CHARMS FOR KILLING ADOLF HITLER Send us a text ----------------------…

1
Rolling to Jerusalem 1:36:24

1+ y ago1:36:24

1:36:24

This week Jack takes over the show to share his presentation "Rolling to Jerusalem" on Jewish customs and beliefs surrounding death. You can catch the slides here. Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter or his Website Find John on Twitter or his Website or his Patreon GET OUR READING LIST! GET THE …

1
Magic Swords of Jewish Legend 1:07:31

1+ y ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Not every Jewish legend involves outsmarting opponents, sometimes a hero just has to pick up a sword and start swinging it about until all the demons leave you alone! Let's talk about magic swords, swords that become magic, and the swords of giants! Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter or his Web…

1
Jewish Wise Women: Opshprekherkes 55:46

1+ y ago55:46

55:46

A special treat this week as Jack interviews the descendant of a Jewish wise woman and healer. We talk about the traditions of Jewish healing and more specifically, women's place in the rich tapestry of Jewish mysticism and sacred practice. Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter or his Website Find…

1
Ashmandai - King of Demons 53:59

2y ago53:59

53:59

This week John and Jack discuss the king of Sheydim, Ashmandai. John has written books about this figure and the two basicly nerd-boy/fangirl out for the handsome (literal) devil. Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter or his Website Find John on Twitter or his Website or his Patreon GET OUR READIN…

1
Ghosts! 56:20

2y ago56:20

56:20

This week Jack and John peer into the misty here-after to discuss the afterlife and those that want no part of it, ghosts! Hot topics include: Cool Ghosts Less Cool Ghosts Ghosts vs Dybbukim How to handle hauntings Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter or his Website Find John on Twitter or his We…

1
Jewish Letter Magic and the Sefer Yetzirah 53:24

2y ago53:24

53:24

This week Jack and John dive into actual Jewish ritual magic and touch on meditation, golems, spells and commanding angels to do supernatural tasks. Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter or his Website Find John on Twitter or his Website or his Patreon GET OUR READING LIST! GET THE WAYWARD CHILDRE…

1
Leviathan: God's Kaiju 1:01:40

2y ago1:01:40

1:01:40

This week we dive into our the giant beasts that make up the Torah Cinematic Kaiju Universe. We argue about what is and isn't a kaiju, we wax romantic about what we would like to see, and most importantly, we discuss how we would eat these big lovable beasts! Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter …

1
Blood Sucking Vampires 1:05:08

2y ago1:05:08

1:05:08

This week the boys get into it over Vampires. Of course, the term vampire could mean a lot of different things, we delve into what sort of blood drinking fun we can get into in a religion that is very strictly anti-drinking blood. Send us a text ----------------------------------------------------- Find Jack on Twitter or his Website Find John on T…

1
Sheydim Part 1 59:52

2y ago59:52

59:52

This week we discuss Sheydim! The first chapter in what will likely be a million-part saga. Jack and John discuss the legends surrounding the creation of Sheydim, some of the most popular creatures like Lillith and Na'ama, and of course stories as to why humans are afraid of them! Send us a text -----------------------------------------------------…

1
Monster Hunting Kits 1:21:00

2y ago1:21:00

1:21:00

Welcome to our first episode! Jack and John discuss monster hunting kits. Not just what they might contain but the sorts of people who might carry them about! We discuss Baal Shems, Ibburim, Dybbukim, Black Weddings, Sheydim and so, so much more! This episode's book recommendations: Jewish Magic and Superstition -A Study in Folk Religion by Joshua …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Jack Zaientz & John Baltisberger Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Wayward Children: Jewish Monsters, Magic, and the Stories We Tell

Jack Zaientz & John Baltisberger

1
Best Protect Yosef Lest You Wreck Yosef 1:13:50

1
Don't Go Chasing Water Demons 58:59

1
Omens and Portents of Future Past 1:06:41

1
I Wish the Goblin King Would Come and Take this Menorah! 1:02:16

1
Talking about Talking Animals 1:08:51

1
We Don't Need No Man, and Neither Does Lillith 52:44

1
The Curses We Yell 1:03:35

1
The Giant Wars and Warring Giants 1:16:29

1
Debonair Dybbukim 1:05:16

1
Chassidic Magic 1:20:26

1
The Gnashing of Our Gnoshers 1:07:25

1
Sticks and Stones can Break a Sheyd's Bones 1:12:35

1
Messianic Manics: Cataclysmic and Prolific 1:30:19

1
Pesach Myths and Drunken Jewish Santa 1:06:26

1
Five Finger Clay Punch - Golems 1:05:46

1
They Put a Spell on You 1:24:03

1
Wayward Unicorns 1:06:42

1
Let's Talk About the Future That We See 1:03:47

1
Biblically Not-So-Accurate Angels 1:03:13

1
Jewish (Magical) Protective Services 1:14:30

1
Rolling to Jerusalem 1:36:24

1
Magic Swords of Jewish Legend 1:07:31

1
Jewish Wise Women: Opshprekherkes 55:46

1
Ashmandai - King of Demons 53:59

1
Ghosts! 56:20

1
Jewish Letter Magic and the Sefer Yetzirah 53:24

1
Leviathan: God's Kaiju 1:01:40

1
Blood Sucking Vampires 1:05:08

1
Sheydim Part 1 59:52

1
Monster Hunting Kits 1:21:00

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