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Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews

Advertise on podcast: Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews

Rating
★★★★★
5
from
18 reviews
This podcast has
118 episodes
Language
English
Date created
2022/05/23
Latest episode
2026/10/07
Average duration
47 min.
Release period
14 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 117 - A New Quest
2026/10/07
October 07, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 117 - A New Quest The best “Star Trek movie” of 1999 is coming back around to teach us a good lesson about Simchat Torah. Never give up. Never surrender. And know that the words stay the same, but it's you that changes.  Also, Barak is starting a new quest of his own. Learn more about his upcoming adventure by visiting www.thetreasuredrealm.com. But, what does it mean for the podcast? Listen to find out! Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-117-a-new-quest Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 116 - Hi-Torah-Deedo, Neighborino
2026/09/23
September 23, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 116 - Hi-Torah-Deedo, Neighorino In this episode, Ethan has us take a look back at Homer’s good-hearted next-door neighbor, Ned Flanders, and the surprising change he experienced under our very eyes. Okily dokily, we know he’s super friendly and over nice, but did you know that he wasn’t always so… Flanders-y? We’ve seen other characters face this over-dramatization of their personalities, but have we experienced it in Judaism? Well, gosh-diddly-darn-it. Put on your best green sweater and join us, won’t you neighborino? Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-116-hi-torah-deedo-neighborino Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 115 - Spider-Man: Brand Jew Day
2026/09/09
September 09, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 115 - Spiderman: Brand Jew Day Barak seems to have a lot of issues with the newest Spider-Man movie. Maybe he shouldn’t have spent so much time thinking about it by himself. We’re social creatures and shouldn’t be isolated. It’s not good to be alone and who we are is shaped by the people around us. Ohh… I see, just like Spider-Man, right? He was alone, too. Jews don’t think people should be isolated and alone. Will Spider-Man learn his lesson? Or was this movie just a stepping stone for a different franchise? Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-115-spider-man-brand-jew-day Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 114 - Project Hail Neighbor
2026/08/26
August 26, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 114 - Project Hail Neighbor In this episode, RDY helps us travel across the stars as we discuss Project Hail Mary (mostly the movie, but a little of the book as well). We explore the unexpected relationship at the heart of the story between Ryan Gosling’s astronaut, Grace, and his surprise neighbor, Rocky.  What begins with two strangers who can’t even communicate, turns into a story of curiosity, trust, and figuring out just how far you’re willing to go for someone else. It’s a story of doing something nice for someone else, and learning that a good neighbor is someone who is willing to watch you sleep. Amaze. Amaze. Amaze.  Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-114-project-hail-neighbor  Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 113 - As Jew Wish ...With Special Guest Joel Swedlove
2026/08/12
August 12, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 113 - As Jew Wish …With Special Guest Joel Swedlove If you’re not feeling well, you should curl up to this nice podcast (in my day, they were called books)! We adventure into the topic of gemilut chasadim, which are acts of loving kindness. Whether you visit the sick to read them a story or fetch a pitcher for them, these acts can really show someone that you love them. And when you find that love, twue wuv, that’s something worth fighting for! So, if you ask us to do an act of kindness for you? Of course. As you wish. Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-113-as-jew-wish Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 112 - But That's How We've Always Played ...With Guest Host Lexi Kohanski
2026/07/29
July 29, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 112 - But That's How We've Always Played ...With Guest Host Lexi Kohanski Judaism's history and laws have been passed down through the generations. In the earliest days, this was passed down by word of mouth until it was written down. How do we know which rules and laws we should follow or change? Should we? Our guest host, Lexi Kohanski, joins us as we realize that it's exactly that kind of thinking that gets us things like Monopoly's "free parking jackpot" of the more recent "usage dice" in Dungeons & Dragons. Did we make these rules up? And if we did, is that really so bad? Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-112-but-thats-how-weve-always-played Lexi Kohanski - [email protected] https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kohanski/worlds-to-come Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com
Episode 111 - Feeling TORn
2026/07/15
July 15, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 111 - Feeling TORn Ethan was saddened by news that was shared recently that hit close to home for him and it got us thinking about how we react when things that we love change. When temples change homes, when programs alter and they are not what we remember, when we fear our childhood memories won’t be shared by the next generation. And, yeah of course, we talk about some nerdy stuff too. Nerd stuff changes all the time, and that’s also a bummer. Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-111-feeling-torn Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 110 - Again and Again and Amen
2026/07/01
July 1, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 110 - Again and Again and Amen In this episode, RDY guides us on the topic of liturgy. These are the familiar prayers and words that guide our worship services and we talk about why we return to them again and again. You know the lines, you know what comes next, and yet, you keep coming back. Because sometimes, the words, the songs, and the emotional moments are worth experiencing again and again. Repeat? Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-110-again-and-again-and-amen Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 109 - The Next Generation Remembers ...With Guest Host Lou Feldstein
2026/06/17
June 17, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 109 - The Next Generation Remembers …With Guest Host Lou Feldstein In this episode, our guest host Lou Feldstein reminds us of his favorite episode of ST:TNG titled “The Inner Light” in which Captain Picard finds himself settled on a strange planet with a name and life unknown to him. He shows us, over the span of decades, that it’s not always about the life that you lead, but that sometimes it’s important to reflect on the lives that are lived by others. Oh, and RDY thinks Lou has the exact perfect voice for himself. Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-109-the-next-generation-remembers Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 108 - Yesh, And!
2026/06/03
June 3, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 108 - Yesh, And! In this episode, RDY helps us explore the world of Jewish folktales and the surprisingly familiar rules that have guided storytellers for generations. With unique characters and surprising stories, we learn that listening to each other and embracing the unexpected is what makes the stories so great! After all, every good story starts when someone accepts the premise and asks, “what happens next?” Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-108-yesh-and Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 107 - 4th Anniversary Special: Welcome to Chelm
2026/05/20
May 20, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 107 - 4th Anniversary Special - Welcome to Chelm A brand-new group of adventurers come across a strange village in the middle of the woods: the land of Chelm. The town is facing a terrible problem: a dangerous monster is stealing townsfolk and scaring away the stars. Can our heroes solve Chelm’s many urgent problems before the sun sets and the monster returns once more? Can they place all the cakes on top of the bakery roof? Can they find the proper hats for all the lamp posts? Have you ever heard such ridiculous questions asked? You can expect even more ridiculousness, because in this town and this podcast, everything makes sense.   Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-107-welcome-to-chelm  Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com. Character Information: S.A.M (played by Ethan Lane-Miller) - 5’6’’ Silver and Metallic Robot Fungle, Friend of the Many Teeth (played by RDY) - Goblin Druid Pella (played by Rabbi Emma Gottlieb) - A 7 ft Loxodon with Light Gray Skin, a Silvery Sheen, and Accents of Pink. Oysher (played by Cantor Ross Wolman) An Elf Bard, “babe.” Dungeon Master (Barak Malkin) Narrator, Ruleskeeper, and Every Resident of Chelm.
Episode 106 - Mislabeled Things ...With Guest Host Micol Zimmerman
2026/05/06
May 6, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 106 - Mislabeled Things ...With Guest Host Micol Zimmerman In this episode, we’re joined by guest host, Micol Zimmerman, who promises a fun smash for Stranger Things. Really, she came on to talk about Stranger Things and so we absolutely talk about Stranger Things. No secret motive or hidden agenda. Hey, speaking of Stranger Things, do you wanna talk about the latest season? How about that ending?! Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-106-mislabeled-things Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 105 - Pokemon: Blue and White
2026/04/22
April 22, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 105 - Pokemon: Blue and White Good Eevee-ning, pokemon fans. In this episode, we catch all the connections between Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen. Some of them may be a bit Onix-pected, but we’re sure you’ll enjoy it as much as a Magikarp-et ride. You should have no Fearow about our conversation, because we Exeggcute this episode perfectly. If you weren’t a fan before, this will Seel the deal. You won’t believe what comes out of our Meowths. Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-105-pokemon-blue-and-white Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 104 - Captain Gideon
2026/04/08
April 8, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 104 - Captain Gideon In this episode, we dive into the book of Judges and the unlikely rise of a hesitant leader called to something greater. Gideon struggles and doubts himself with taking on the mantle of leadership, but he gets the courage to step up and lead. We explore this ancient story of courage and transformation and the marvel superhero whose character faces similar doubts about leadership and who shares a strategic mindset. Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-104-Captain-Gideon Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Episode 103 - Wonder-Name
2026/03/25
March 25, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 103 - Wonder-Name What’s in a name? In this episode, we explore the story from Genesis when Jacob’s name is changed to Israel. We look at a recent superhero show in which the characters discover new versions of themselves, and that is often accompanied by some new type of recognition. From the stories of our ancestors to the stories of today’s superheroes, we explore how these groundbreaking moments in our lives define us.  Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-103-Wonder-Name 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!
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