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Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews

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Rating
★★★★★
5
from
18 reviews
This podcast has
101 episodes
Language
English
Date created
2022/05/23
Latest episode
2026/02/11
Average duration
42 min.
Release period
15 days

Description

Where our lives of Jewish learning collide with our love of Nerd Culture. Join us as we explore Jewish texts, history, and values and the apparent and invisible connections to your favorite movies, characters, and hobbies. www.torahsmash.com

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Check latest episodes from Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews podcast


Episode 100 - Opening Our Time Capsule
2026/02/11
February 11, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 100 - Opening Our Time Capsule Listen to what we found! Before we ever recorded our first episode, the three of us got together to test the audio. That footage was never released to the public… until now! Listen to us predict the future… I mean our present… from the past, but also about multiverse timelines. It’s not that confusing, we promise. We talk about the guests we hoped to have, the topics we thought we would cover, and our predictions for some of the more popular nerd franchises. Some of them were spot on! Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning, or joined us more recently, thank you for being part of our journey! This episode is for you.  Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-100-opening-our-time-capsule Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 99 - The Torah League
2026/01/28
January 28, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 99 - The Torah League In this episode, we explore why the heroes from the Torah always seem to be told as a solo story. They have friends don’t they? Are they really the only “super” people at that time? As we contemplate and wish that someone would yell “assemble” we try and identify the groups of heroes from the Torah. We also decide which Torah heroes would be part of our Jewish Super Friends group. Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-99-the-torah-league Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 98 - Something Phishy ...With Special Guests Rabbi Benjamin David, Rabbi Eric Linder, Rabbi Stephen Wise
2026/01/14
January 14, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 98 - Something Phishy… With Special Guests Rabbi Benjamin David, Rabbi Eric Linder, Rabbi Stephen Wise In this episode, we’re join by not one phish, not two phish, three phish (jew phish) guests! We dive into the world of the band Phish and the one-of-a-kind community that has grown around the band. Phrom the music to the culture, we explore what makes the Phish phandom so devoted, so joyphul, and so unlike any other phan base. We also reflect on what it means to belong to something bigger than yourselph and how community can turn concerts into connections. It’s also loaded with so many phish jokes, so there’s that. Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-98-something-phishy Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 97 - Ted Blessings
2025/12/31
December 31, 2025 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 97 - Ted Blessings It should be said: Fun is serious business. In this episode, we look at the comedy and heart-filled series, Ted Lasso. We discuss the title character’s impact on the world around him and the Jewish practice that he may be unknowingly doing regularly. From character growth to internal gratitude, this episode is a nice reminder to slow down, recognize the good that surrounds you, and maybe say thank you a little more often. And we hope you do, because this episode is filled with sports ball jokes. So, you’ve been warned. Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-97-ted-blessings Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 96 - Not Alone for Hallmark Hanukkah…With Special Guest Tamar Laddy
2025/12/17
December 17, 2025 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 96 - Not Alone for Hallmark Hanukkah…With Special Guest Tamar Laddy In this episode, we’re joined by special guest, Tamar Laddy, who helps us better view the less frequently made Hanukkah Hallmark movies. We explore assimilation, belonging, and choosing to stand out instead of blend in. And then, we do that again and again and again. Not because it’s a time loop, but because we loved this conversation! 00:03:38 Exodus 12:49 00:05:22 Jewish or Nerdy Cultural Assimilation 00:07:06 Unapologetically Jewish 00:09:50 Time Traveling Comic Book Nerds 00:11:48 When do we assimilate and when do we choose to be outwardly Jewish? 00:18:30 Jewish Hallmark Movies 00:19:49 Rudolph: The first Jewish superhero 00:21:12 That old joke about a tie shop 00:22:13 The Stranger in a Land of Hallmark Movies 00:25:21 Jews and Nerds together 00:26:23 A peek behind the scenes 00:32:26 Time Loop Movies 00:35:01 Are Jewish movies popular yet? Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-96-not-alone-for-hallmark-hanukkah Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 95 - MagicHeart
2025/12/03
December 3, 2025 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 95 - MagicHeart The Torah says they no sorceress shall live, but what is its take on scientists? In this episode, we explore the tension between magic and science and the thin line that can exist between our understanding of both. Using a certain marvel metal hero, we dive into what counts as “magic” in the first place. From Shabbat science to Pharoah’s magicians, we examine faith’s role in magic and that sometimes the strongest force in the world isn’t magic or tech… it’s heart. 00:00:43 Exodus 22:17 00:06:55 Ironheart 00:08:50 The tension between magic and mythology 00:11:06 The science that’s allowed on Shabbat 00:15:39 Defining magic in Jewish text 00:20:44 Decisions around death 00:27:46 Rir’s decisions with science and magic 00:30:45 Sorceresses in Talmud and Firefly 00:33:46 The Pharaoh's sorcerors 00:37:40 Favorite moments from Ironheart Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-95-magicheart Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 94 - The Cube of Babel ...With Guest Host Cantor Ross Wolman
2025/11/19
November 19, 2025 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 94 - The Cube of Babel …With Guest Host Cantor Ross Wolman In this episode, our guest host, Cantor Ross Wolman, helps us take a look back at the ambitious building of the Tower of Babel. We explore what happens when humanity’s drive causes their humanity to disappear. The answers to our questions may be revealed as we look up to the heavens, past the stars, and possibly where no man has gone before. 00:03:23 The Tower of Babel 00:09:23 The Borg 00:13:05 Seven-of-Nine and Assimilation 00:17:57 Dispersion and Disconnecting from the Collective 00:22:56 Assimilation in modernity 00:25:29 The Borg Queen’s Individuality 00:33:06 The Borg helped get Obama Elected Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-94-the-cube-of-babel Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 93 - Um, Actually
2025/11/05
November 5, 2025 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 93 - Um, Actually With a world of fun facts all around us, we all sometimes get the irresistible urge to push up our glasses, tap that person on the shoulder, and say, “Um, actually…” In this week’s episode, we correct each other while reading Proverbs 16:16. We explore the differences between knowledge and wisdom, but you know that already. We debate when education turns toxic, which you already know. And why not everyone wants to hear your favorite obscure fact, except yours though. Your trivial knowledge is important though, we know that. In fact, you may not even learn anything new from this episode, but it couldn’t hurt to check it out just in case.  00:01:13 The new vibe 00:02:12 Proverbs 16:16 00:04:56 Trivia 00:06:15 Well, Actually 00:10:33 Other people don’t care about it as much as you 00:14:38 The line between education and toxic 00:18:43 Correcting in Judaism 00:21:43 Knowledge and Wisdom 00:29:01 Favorite Facts 00:32:53 Pub Trivia Team Names Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-93-um-actually Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 92 - Huntrix, Honmoon, and Holy Scrolls
2025/10/22
October 22, 2025 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 92 - Huntrix, Honmoon, and Holy Scrolls This episode takes us to the Honmoon protected world of the K-Pop Demon Hunters movie. We explore the protection spell cast by Huntrix and find similarities with Jewish cultural symbols that could possibly have the same effect? We discuss what it means to create a barrier that keeps something out and what does that also then keep contained inside? Turns out physical and spiritual boundaries can shield us from the darkness, if you know what the blessings sound like.  00:00:38 K-Pop Demon Hunters phenomenon 00:02:13 Initial thoughts 00:05:07 The mezuzah and its customs 00:14:51 Is the Honmoon a mezuzah? 00:21:17 Demon hunting 00:22:38 Unique mezuzot 00:30:19 Soul created mezuzah 00:32:07 Other Jewish culture protection items 00:36:27 Other notes from K-Pop Demon Hunters Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-92-huntrix-honmoon-and-holy-scrolls Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 91 - Not Heroes. Not Alone. ...With Guest Host Rabbi Emma Gottlieb
2025/10/08
October 8, 2025 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 91 - Not Heroes. Not Alone. Psalm 23 talks about walking through the shadow of death. Let’s walk into it together. In this episode, we dive into one of the newer Marvel movies to hit the big screen through the lens of one of the most popular Psalm versus. We explore fear, trust, and the power of being alone. But the people who will guide us through this conversation are not heroes… far from it. 00:03:06 Psalm 23 00:06:11 The Thunderbolts 00:09:12 The pros and cons of being alone 00:17:37 The psalms are meant to give comfort 00:22:29 Who is You? 00:25:04 Not Giving Up 00:29:38 Heroes in our Sukkah 00:34:26 Favorite parts of The Thunderbolts Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-91-not-heroes-not-alone Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 90 - Brave New Mindset
2025/09/25
September 25, 2025 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 90 - Brave New Mindset As we reflect during this High Holy Day season, we’re diving into the Jewish concept of teshuva—turning, returning, and transforming. What does it mean to change, to repair, and to not be wholly defined by your past? In this episode, we look at some truly marvelous characters wrestling with their pasts and the people they want to become. Along the way, we’ll apologize, we’ll grow, and then—depending on our emotions—we may grow just a little bit more. 00:00:40 Teshuva 00:04:24 Captain America: Brave New World 00:11:33 Changes to character 00:16:28 Apologizing 00:19:21 Final Battle Debate 00:26:08 Don’t be defined by your past  Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-90-brave-new-mindset Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 89 - Fantastic Four: First Tests
2025/09/10
September 10, 2025 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 89 - Fantastic Four: First Tests Finally, there was pretty strong Jewish representation in a Marvel movie! In this episode, we venture through Marvel’s newest movie, Fantastic Four: First Steps, with a look at this tale of sacrifice, testing, and trust. From cosmic children with unimaginable power to the silence of those around them, we explore how stories can sometimes wrestle with what it means to be called to give up what matters most. 00:01:34 Fantastic Four: First Steps Recap 00:02:36 Akedah - The binding of Isaac 00:07:21 Responding to the call for a sacrifice 00:10:49 An absolutely fantastic movie 00:11:24 Let’s look at who’s not talking now 00:13:57 Not Nathaniel, but Franklin, is all powerful 00:15:34 Silver Surfer as a Herald 00:17:43 Tests and Choices 00:20:13 Marvel’s Movie Judaism 00:31:06 Other movie nods Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-89-fantastic-four-first-tests Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 88 - The Game Over People
2025/08/27
August 27, 2025 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 88 - The Game Over People In video games, a “game over” isn’t the end, it’s just another chance to start again. In this episode, we explore how failing, restarting, and building resilience are just as much a part of Jewish life as they are of gaming culture. From gratitude and kindness to perseverance and play, we unpack what it means to keep going even after listing a level (or three). After all, sometimes the best prize of winning is the fun we had along the way. 00:00:58 Hiring Video Gamers 00:04:11 Game over levels of Jewish stories 00:08:11 Resilience is gratitude and kindness 00:12:31 The book of Ruth 00:15:38 Other video game qualities 00:24:04 Other game over moments 00:31:48 Win or Lose or Have Fun 00:35:07 Pass the Parcel Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-88-the-game-over-people Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 87 - Clone Force Kilayim
2025/08/12
August 13, 2025 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 87 - Clone Force Kilayim Let’s talk genetics. Yes, let’s talk genetics. Is there an echo in here? Yes, there is now. In this episode, we take a closer look at Kilayim, the Torah’s prohibition against mixing species. We inspect it and how it shows up in a tale from a long, long time ago, of a squad of soldiers unlike any other. What does Jewish tradition say about rewriting the building blocks of life? What happens when fictional characters are made in a way they didn’t choose? What about real people? And how do asian pears fit into all of this? 00:01:32 Kilayim 00:05:03 Star Wars The Bad Batch 00:07:05 Human Cloning and Gene Editing 00:10:27 Perspective - Gift or a Defect 00:14:54 Genetic Engineering 00:21:25 The grey line 00:33:20 Science Fiction and Genetics Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-87-clone-force-kilayim Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 86 - Pirkei Avigilante
2025/07/30
July 30, 2025 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 86 - Pirkei Avigilante Time to suit up as we take a daring dive into Pirkei Avot 1:10. From the streets to the courtroom, we unpack some of the tensions between working within the system or outside of it. We also discuss a certain red vigilante’s path and how it sometimes struggles when faced by its towering opposing force. If this topic gets too heated, it may be time you left the streets of the kitchen.  00:01:46 Pirkei Avot 1:10 00:05:42 Daredevil: Born Again 00:14:02 A little too real 00:21:17 Out of Character Arc 00:25:15 Season Two Predictions 00:30:36 The System or the Leader 00:34:30 Barak’s biggest issue with the ending 00:38:47 Pirkei Avot 1:11 00:44:27 The Safe Streets Initiative  Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-86-pirkei-avigilante Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

Podcast reviews

Read Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews podcast reviews


5 out of 5
18 reviews
★★★★★
MrsBloom21 2023/08/02
Super fun and super Jewy
I’m a proud nerd (math major, middle school math teacher, lover of superhero movies, and board games of all kinds) and rebbitzin so this podcast is pe...
★★★★★
Player815 2023/02/10
Excellent Torah…and geekiness
I can’t overstate how much I love this podcast. Transparency: I’m friendly with all 3 hosts. And that definitely contributes. But, honestly, it’s Supe...
★★★★★
RealBarak 2022/09/19
This podcast is exactly what I was looking for!
This combination of nerdiness and Jewish conversation feels like the first time I watched the avengers fight each other or when the muppets create the...
★★★★★
BarbaraHaimov 2022/06/22
Great Podcast!
Insightful AND fun; a great combo that makes for very entertaining listening. I learn and I laugh and frankly I’m enjoying it far more than I thought ...
★★★★★
Cookiemonster1219 2022/06/09
Entertaining and thought provoking
The hosts’ casual conversational demeanor melds perfectly with their passion for the subject matter. They clearly have a live for both “nerd culture” ...
★★★★★
Flatter_you 2022/05/25
Jewish Nerds Look No Further
Jews and nerds of all stripes, this is where it’s at for conversations on your favorite pop culture topics and their relationships to Jewish life, rel...
★★★★★
WhiteEyes19 2022/05/25
Excellent introduction
Very much enjoyed episode 1 and learning about the hosts. As a self-proclaimed nerd but non-Jew It was interesting to hear how much of an important ro...
★★★★★
Rabbiyoung 2022/05/25
It’s a smash!
These guys are super fun to listen to. It’s like everything I grew up with merged with Jewish life and teachings. Definitely subscribing!
check all reviews on apple podcasts

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