New @ThisPastWeeknd Young Amish Male | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von A modern podcast dives into the Amish experience through a young man from Lanesboro, Minnesota who is on Rumspringer. Timothy, 100% Amish, speaks Pennsylvania Dutch, and lives at home in a tight-knit district where church happens in homes and Fridays are for German hymns learned from a red-edged book. He outlines the schooling: first through eighth grade in a single room with one teacher, then work or apprenticeships rather than public high school. He describes the social fabric: shared chores, meals, and community projects. He explains Rōm Springer—a youth period that can last into the early twenties—and notes that marriage often follows baptism. The conversation then shifts to modern experiences: he recently drove a Corvette during Rum Springer, flew in a plane on a weekend, and attended a wedding, highlighting how curiosity and risk coexist with tradition. They discuss technology and culture. The Amish generally avoid electricity and public media, but phones exist for business and many youths secretly use smartphones and Snapchat to connect. They describe weekend gatherings, parties, and older youths who vape or smoke, while younger ones stay more screen-shy. Non-Amish neighbors influence life through visits, markets, and tours of Amish shops, even as the economy shifts from farming to crafts, cabinetmaking, and furniture. Economically, no Social Security taxes are paid for religious reasons, and community pooling helps cover medical costs. The family and district collaborate on barn-raisings and other projects, while commerce expands with markets and tourism. Timothy discusses identity and the possibility of leaving the faith, noting that departure can lead to shunning by some families and varied reintegration. He describes pride in the culture and the central role of family and community service. The host asks outsiders' questions about dating and courtship; Timothy says dating usually follows Rum Springer, often at church events, and cross-cultural relationships are rare and complex. He shares future plans, including a final decision in a couple of years, and describes an upcoming skydiving weekend, contrasting modern experiences with a life centered on land, labor, and faith. transcripted.ai/episode/younga…