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.

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.

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.