What The Frock

Welcome back to What The Frock?, where skepticism reigns, history matters, and chasing the truth is a full-time job. In this episode, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod kick off the discussion with an intriguing dive into the Holmesian string theory—no, not actual physics, but the method of relentlessly pulling at a thread of information until you uncover the real story. Whether it’s Torah study, historical myths, or media narratives, the pursuit of truth often leads to unexpected discoveries, including the shocking revelation that Adam and Eve lasted all of nine hours in the Garden of Eden before giving in to temptation (and no, it wasn’t an apple—it was a fig).

This need to chase down facts transitions seamlessly into an analysis of modern news consumption, or rather, the lack of actual investigation behind most media narratives. The discussion touches on the supposed  allegations of antisemitism—an unverified claim of MSNBC’s Joy Reid from an anonymous source. Do we simply take it at face value? And what about Joy Behar’s offhanded claim that Elon Musk is a “foreign agent” and “pro-apartheid”? The hosts question how unsubstantiated rumors and media bias shape public perception without much critical thought.

The conversation then takes a turn toward the world of politics, particularly the ongoing absurdity surrounding media narratives on figures like Donald Trump, Zelensky, and the infamous Epstein files. Why do some stories gain traction while others mysteriously disappear? How does selective reporting manipulate public opinion? The hosts dissect the baffling release of redacted Epstein documents, questioning whether the files are actually being used as leverage rather than a pursuit of justice. And while much remains unanswered, one thing is clear—far more squirrels have been arrested than Epstein’s powerful associates.

Shifting gears, the episode also covers the recent White House visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, an event that was supposed to seal a security deal with the U.S. but instead turned into a diplomatic disaster. Showing up in what was essentially a tracksuit and disregarding pre-agreed terms, Zelensky not only fumbled negotiations but managed to get himself uninvited from a state dinner. The takeaway? Even international diplomacy has a dress code.

Finally, the show wraps up with a look at Major League Baseball’s latest technological experiment—the rise of the Robo Ump. With automated strike calls being tested in spring training, the age-old art of arguing with umpires may soon be a thing of the past. Is this progress, or is something essential being lost in the push for precision? The hosts debate whether this shift will improve the game or just irritate traditionalists (including their good friend Bill, who might be having a minor meltdown over it).

From ancient biblical mysteries to modern media manipulation and baseball’s tech takeover, this episode of What The Frock? reminds listeners of one crucial lesson: Always pull on the string, because the truth is never as simple as it first appears.