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.

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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.