Sarah Koenig

Born in New York City, Sarah Koenig inherited a journalistic pedigree, with her father, Julian Koenig, being an advertising executive who famously penned the "Think Small" campaign for Volkswagen. While not overtly religious, her background is decidedly Jewish, giving her that inherent knack for asking a lot of questions. And then asking them again.

Koenig's career began in traditional print journalism before she transitioned to radio, eventually landing at "This American Life." It was there that she honed the narrative skills that would catapult her to global fame with "Serial." This podcast sensation not only captivated millions but also fundamentally changed the landscape of audio storytelling, proving that true crime could be both compelling and deeply ethical.

Her work on "Serial" (and its subsequent seasons) demonstrated a tenacious pursuit of truth, often highlighting systemic flaws in the justice system. This dedication to uncovering the nitty-gritty details and dissecting human behavior, while perhaps not explicitly Jewish, certainly resonates with a long tradition of intellectual inquiry and social justice. Plus, she makes good radio, which is always kvell-worthy, even if she doesn't explicitly claim it for the tribe.