March 26, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 77 - God Plans, Man Laughs

There’s a new episode of Torah Smash! Yes, and… the Jewish tie in is a story from Genesis! Yes, and… the hosts find more ways to comment about muppets. With a topic like improv, anything can happen! Let’s talk about laughter and where it can be found in the world and in our work as Jewish professionals. We also explore how laughter is utilized in Jewish holidays, even in the darkest of times.

00:02:40 Genesis 17:17
00:05:31 Improvisational Acting and Comedy
00:07:07 The 3 main rules of improv
00:09:40 Yes, And-ing Judaism
00:20:29 Laughing in the face of tragedy
00:25:40 Celebrating after redemption
00:27:32 Argumentative improv
00:30:19 Does comedy need darkness?

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March 12, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 76 - Separating the Nerdy from the Mundane

After last episode’s connection to Shabbat, there was only one logical topic for the next conversation: havdalah! We learn about the ritual objects of havdalah and the meaning behind this short, weekly celebration. We discuss when we keep our nerdy parts of our lives separate, we find some sweetness in nerd culture, and we also talk about the bad body odor of gamers, for some reason. Once we’ve gotten to that point, how can we separate ourselves from that space?

00:00:41 Torah Smash Live!
00:01:32 Part II: Havdalah (Separation)
00:08:46 What are the nerdy things we do that we want to keep separate?
00:13:56 What are the spaces you wish were ceremoniously separated?
00:17:17 Sacred symbols of separation that bring us joy
00:21:51 Taking in the sweetness of nerd culture
00:28:13 Symbols of light in nerd culture
00:32:45 Ritual moments

Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-76-separating-the-nerdy-from-the-mundane

Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

February 26, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 75 - Shabbat: There’s A Nap For That

Shabbat is a way for us to reflect on the week and reset ourselves. We power ourselves down and find ways of interacting with our loved ones and our community in ways that can really nourish our soul. So, this is a reminder to download that special app on your smartphone that will help you appreciate and recognize shabbat. And, while you’re at it, don’t forget to organize your apps and delete the ones that just fill up the space without any significance. After that, go take a nice shabbat schluff.

00:00:37 Torah Smash! Live! Coming to Austin, March 2025
00:01:14 Let’s talk about Shabbat
00:03:00 Observing Shabbat in our own ways
00:10:01 What 3 apps would you keep?
00:15:14 What you need is… more Shabbat
00:18:12 Cutting back on Apps
00:23:00 Categorizing
00:25:33 Using apps unexpectedly
00:27:55 Intentional usage and intentional feeling
00:36:14 What changes are you going to make now?

Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-75-shabbat-theres-a-nap-for-that

Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.