Published by Barak Malkin, Ethan Lane-Miller, Rabbi David Young
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
Listen on Apple PodcastsJuly 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 - lexi@thetorahstudio.org 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
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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.
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
March 11, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 102 - SMASHBALLS: The Podcast The story of Purim is often told as a parody. A tongue-in-cheek retelling of survival. But is the original story that great to begin with? This episode is a great one for your father’s brother’s nephew’s cousin’s former roommate! It’s not a great podcast episode, or even a spectacular podcast episode, please please… it’s just a plain old podcast episode. But the kids love this one. Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-smashballs-the-podcast Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com .
February 25, 2026 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episode 101 - TS101 A Lesson in Basics In our 101st episode, we go back to the fundamentals, the level 101 we need to know about Judaism. Are there really only ten commandments? What rules do we have to know for Star Trek? What are the lessons we need to know for board games? What are the basics when it comes to comic books? You should explore new ideas and hobbies, but before you do you'll need to know the core rules. Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-101-ts101-a-lesson-in-basics Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .