4.5.8: Tom Shachtman on BoA:Audio preview

Note: Due to some slight technical issues, the release of this episode has been delayed to Monday afternoon / evening. 1000 apologies.

THIS WEEK: Tom Shachtman, "Rumspringa: To Be or Not to Be Amish"

BoA:Audio goes off the beaten path as we explore the Amish culture with our guest Tom Shachtman, author of Rumspringa: To Be or Not to Be Amish. We'll be discussing Shachtman's in-depth research into the Amish and their rite of passage known as Rumspringa, how it serves to strengthen the Amish community, why 80% of those going through Rumspringa end up joining the religion, their unique educational system, their use of banning as a means of discipline, how farming by the Amish is diminishing which has resulted in their mixing more with the mainstream, how the Amish feel about the tourism that surrounds their enclaves, Rumspringa's evolution over the years and how Shachtman sees it changing going into the future. And, of course, tons more.

It's a rare glimpse into the mysterious Amish world that exists within America's borders.


NEXT TWO WEEKS : No episodes

It's our Spring Break from the show.

New episodes will resume either on April 26th or May 3rd.

Stay tuned to BoA for details as April unfolds.