Best Elli Fischer Podcasts (2025)

1
Elli Fischer: 'The Torah ideal is for Israel to be a religious state' 1:05:54

14d ago1:05:54

1:05:54

The Torah wants Israel to be a religious state, Rabbi Elli Fischer says. Just, maybe, not right now. A historian, writer, translator, and educator, Elli Fischer extensively explores the relationship between Jewish law and the Jewish state, in the past, present, and future. Elli was a previous guest on 18Forty's Zionism series and a 3-Month Book Jou…

1
Malka Simkovich: When Did The Jewish Diaspora Begin? (18Forty Podcast Re-Release) 1:15:25

7d ago1:15:25

1:15:25

We don't have a new episode of 18 Questions, 40 Israeli Thinkers this week, but we invite you to revisit our (third) 18Forty Podcast conversation with Malka Simkovich, originally aired on November 19, 2024. Find details on how to see David Bashevkin and Dr. Simkovich live here. In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Malka Simkovich—a sc…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 15 35:00

12d ago35:00

35:00

This week, Halo & Samu dive into the thrilling weekend of softball, highlighting Liberty's stunning upset over Texas A&M and discussing the mid-major mentality in postseason play. They analyze surprising regional matchups, the standout performances of players like Jordy Ball, and the upcoming super regionals, offering predictions and insights into …

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 14 43:46

19d ago43:46

43:46

This week, Halo & Samu are joined by Emmy award-winning sports reporter Holly Rowe to discuss the current state of women's softball, insights from the recent selection show, and the growth of women's sports. They delve into the dynamics of the SEC tournament, the culture of Oklahoma softball, and the challenges faced by teams in the NCAA. Holly sha…

1
Yoav Heller: 'Israel will be in existential peril if society continues to fragment' 1:03:19

21d ago1:03:19

1:03:19

Twice in its history, Jewish sovereignty collapsed in the last quarter of its first century. Yoav Heller believes Israel must heed this warning. Chairman of the Wingate Institute and a Holocaust historian, Yoav Heller is also chairman of the Fourth Quarter movement—a grassroots movement seeking to repair Israel's civil divides and secure the Jewish…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 13 32:29

26d ago32:29

32:29

In Week 13, Samu & Halo discuss the excitement surrounding the SEC tournament, analyze team performances, and reflect on the importance of mental health in softball. They explore pitching strategies, the dynamics of mid-major teams, and make predictions for the postseason. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of the season and the joy o…

1
Mikhael Manekin: 'This is a land of two peoples, and I don't view that as a problem' 1:11:23

28d ago1:11:23

1:11:23

Wishing Arabs would disappear from Israel, Mikhael Manekin says, is a dangerous fantasy. One of the leaders of Israel's Hasmol Haemuni (Faithful Left) movement, Mikhael is a vocal religious activist for equality and peace. He is the director of the Alliance Fellowship program, an Arab-Jewish political network in Israel, and has authored two books, …

1
Megan Grant: Mental Focus & Strategy 28:25

1M ago28:25

28:25

This week, Halo & Samu interview UCLA softball star Megan Grant. They discuss her impressive athletic achievements, the transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, and her inspirations in sports. Megan shares her experiences as a multi-sport athlete, the origin of her nickname 'Chef', and her approach to social media as an athlete. The conversation …

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 12 48:07

1M ago48:07

48:07

In this episode of BH&B, Halo & Samu dive into the latest happenings in college softball, including Oklahoma's impressive performance, the selection of the USA National Team, and the dynamics of coaching and player roles. They discuss the struggles of Tennessee, the turnaround of Auburn, and the rise of Arkansas. The conversation also touches on pl…

1
Einat Wilf: 'Jews are never allowed to win, and Arabs are never allowed to lose' (Re-Release) 1:22:51

1M ago1:22:51

1:22:51

We return next week with a new episode of 18 Questions, 40 Israeli Thinkers. In the meantime, enjoy this earlier interview with Einat Wilf, recorded Nov. 25, 2024. The true enemy in Israel's current war, Einat Wilf says, is what she calls "Palestinianism." Once part of the Israeli left, Einat Wilf is a popular political thinker on Israel, Zionism, …

1
Bri Ellis: The Power of Self-Talk 27:11

1M ago27:11

27:11

This week, Halo & Samu interview Bri Ellis, a standout player from the University of Arkansas. They discuss her impressive statistics, her mindset shift towards a more relaxed approach to hitting, and the importance of self-talk and mental health in sports. Bri shares her journey through the transfer portal, her experiences at Auburn, and how she f…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 11 30:49

1M ago30:49

30:49

In this episode of Base Hits & Banter, Halo & Samu dive into the latest happenings in college softball, focusing on key matchups, standout performances, and the dynamics of the SEC. They discuss the intense LSU vs Texas series, Florida's resurgence, Oklahoma's bounce-back performance, and the implications of record attendance at a Stanford vs Cal g…

1
Taylor Shumaker: Finding The Balance 27:46

1M ago27:46

27:46

In this week's episode, Taylor Shoemaker, a standout freshman at the University of Florida, shares her journey in college softball, discussing her transition from high school to the competitive SEC environment. She emphasizes the importance of mental approach, dealing with failure, and the support from teammates and coaches. Taylor also shares her …

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 10 36:15

2M ago36:15

36:15

This week, Halo & Samu dive into the exciting world of college softball, discussing the latest games, standout performances, and coaching philosophies. They highlight Texas A&M's unexpected sweep of LSU, the importance of hard work and dedication in the sport, and the historic rivalry between Alabama and Oklahoma. The conversation also touches on t…

1
Amanda Lorenz: The Power of Passion & Determination 28:01

2M ago28:01

28:01

This week on Base Hits & Banter, Amanda Lorenz shares her journey as a professional softball player, reflecting on her experiences from college to Team USA and the new Athletes Unlimited league. She discusses the importance of passion, hard work, and the lessons learned from her coach, Tim Walton, while also emphasizing the growth of the sport and …

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 9 30:33

2M ago30:33

30:33

In this episode, hosts Sam Fischer and Haylie McCleney dive into the latest happenings in college softball, discussing thrilling matchups, standout performances, and the evolving landscape of the sport. They reflect on the Arkansas vs. Florida series, Alabama's struggles against LSU, and Iowa's impressive upset. The conversation also touches on the…

1
Anshel Pfeffer: 'The idea that you'll obliterate Hamas is as realistic as wanting to obliterate Chabad' 1:10:39

2M ago1:10:39

1:10:39

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not surprise Anshel Pfeffer over the last 17 months of war—and that's the most disappointing part. A British-born Israeli journalist, Anshel Pfeffer is the Israel correspondent for The Economist and was a longtime senior correspondent and columnist for Haaretz. Pfeffer's 2018 book, Bibi: The Turbulent Life and …

1
Karlyn Pickens: Redefining The Game 22:55

2M ago22:55

22:55

This week, Karlyn Pickens — who recently broke the record for fastest pitch in NCAA softball history — shares her journey as a standout college softball player, discussing her experiences, challenges, and aspirations. From her intense competition against teams like Oklahoma to her development as a pitcher, Karlyn emphasizes the importance of teamwo…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 8 33:24

2M ago33:24

33:24

This week, Samu & Halo recap an exciting weekend in college softball, discussing key matchups, standout performances, and the impact of technology on the game. They highlight the Tennessee vs. Oklahoma series, Alabama's resilience, South Carolina's surprising rise, Virginia Tech's sweep over Stanford, and Mississippi State's upset against Texas. Th…

1
Mosheh Lichtenstein: 'Jewish values don't celebrate might' 1:12:49

2M ago1:12:49

1:12:49

Judaism does not value power and might, Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein says—in fact, it abhors it. Co-rosh yeshiva of Yeshivat Har Etzion, Rav Mosheh is a venerated leader in Israel's Religious Zionist world who is unafraid to call out his community's shortfalls. His statements on Israel's religious-political affairs draw ire and praise—a fact-of-life tha…

1
Tracy Morgan: Community Impact in Sports 28:31

2M ago28:31

28:31

This week, Sam Fischer and guest host Amanda Lorenz welcome Tracy Morgan, the commissioner of USA Softball of Alabama. They discuss Tracy's extensive journey in softball, her community engagement through various tournaments, and the importance of giving back to the community. Tracy shares memorable moments from her experiences, advice for tournamen…

1
R. Yosef Shaul Natansohn, the Shoel UMeshiv 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

Today - 27 Adar, 5785/March 27 2025 - is the 150th yahrzeit of R. Yosef Shaul Natansohn, author of Shu"t Shoel U-Meshiv. In this podcast, we will explore a bit about who he was and the world in which he lived and operated. Here's a link to the map of Shoel U-Meshiv's responsa Link to the teshuvah on the abusive teacher: https://www.sefaria.org/Shoe…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 7 30:44

2M ago30:44

30:44

In Week 7, Halo & Samu dive into the latest happenings in the world of softball, discussing key matchups, standout performances, and the evolving landscape of women's sports. They analyze Missouri's surprising victory over Oklahoma, Alabama's competitive spirit, Liberty's quiet dominance, and the challenges faced by Auburn and Duke. The conversatio…

1
Ruby Chen: My Son is Likely a Deceased Hostage. Don't Forget Him in Gaza. 44:14

2M ago44:14

44:14

Sgt. Itay Chen was taken captive by Hamas on October 7. The IDF believes he is dead—but his family is still holding out hope. Ever since Itay was declared Missing in Action, Ruby and Chagit Chen—and the Chen family—have tirelessly fought to bring him home. Ruby and Itay are American citizens, so they hoped that would play to their advantage. In Mar…

1
Chris Sebren: Inside USA Softball 26:30

2M ago26:30

26:30

This week, Halo & Samu welcome back Chris Sebren, the Chief Sport Development and Performance Officer for USA Softball. They discuss Chris's role and responsibilities, the High Performance Program, the growth of softball internationally, the rise of men's fast pitch, and preparations for the upcoming 2028 Olympics. Chris shares insights on the sele…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 6 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

In Week 6, Halo & Samu recap the latest happenings in college softball, highlighting standout performances, team dynamics, and emerging programs. They discuss the dominance of Oklahoma, the surprising performance of Texas, and the struggles of Auburn. The conversation also touches on coaching changes, NCAA leaders, and predictions for the SEC and N…

1
Jonathan Dekel-Chen: My Son was a Hostage in Gaza for 43 Million Seconds. He Felt Every One. 1:06:56

3M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

Sagui Dekel-Chen was held hostage in Gaza for 498 days—or 43 million seconds. He came home on Feb. 15. An American-Israeli citizen who was living in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Sagui left behind a pregnant wife and two daughters when Hamas took him captive in Gaza. Sagui had no idea of their fate—until two days before his release. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, Sagui's …

1
Samu & Halo: The Pressure of Performance 22:13

3M ago22:13

22:13

Join host Haylie McCleney and Sam Fischer as they dive into the complexities of mental health in sports, particularly in softball. They discuss the pressures athletes face during the season, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and the necessity of being present in the moment. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-belief…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 5 30:32

3M ago30:32

30:32

This week, Halo & Samu discuss the latest happenings in college softball, including weekend game recaps, standout performances, and the impact of conference realignment. They analyze team dynamics, coaching changes, and highlight individual players making waves in the sport. The conversation also touches on the excitement of unpredictable game outc…

1
Kim Ng: Breaking Barriers 35:59

3M ago35:59

35:59

This week, Kim Ng, the first female general manager in Major League Baseball, shares her inspiring journey through the sports industry, her experiences in baseball and softball, and the importance of persistence and teamwork. She discusses the challenges she faced as a trailblazer, offers valuable advice for aspiring sports professionals, and highl…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 4 33:18

3M ago33:18

33:18

This week, Halo and Samu dive into an exciting week of college softball, discussing recent matchups, standout performances, and the growth of women's sports. They highlight the thrilling UCLA vs. Arizona game, the impressive start of South Carolina, and the surprising upsets in the league. The conversation also touches on Coach Tim Walton's milesto…

1
Yossi Klein Halevi: What’s Next: The Future of Liberal Zionism (18Forty Podcast Re-Release) 1:16:37

3M ago1:16:37

1:16:37

We don't have a new episode this week, but we invite you to revisit our 18Forty Podcast conversation with Yossi Klein Halevi, originally aired on Dec. 26, 2023. In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Yossi Klein Halevi, a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, about what it means to be a Zionist and a Jew post-October 7. Since S…

1
Kyla Holas: Unlocking Potential 34:26

3M ago34:26

34:26

In this week's episode, Halo and Samu interview Kyla Holas, the head coach of the USA Softball Junior Women's National Teams. They discuss her coaching philosophy, the importance of identifying intangibles in young athletes, and the development opportunities provided by the HPP program. Kyla shares insights on evaluating athletes, the mental aspect…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 3 34:22

3M ago34:22

34:22

In this week's episode, hosts Sam Fischer & Haylie McCleney discuss the latest happenings in college softball, focusing on standout performances from the Mary Nutter tournament, emerging talents, and the dynamics of top teams like Florida and Stanford. They also highlight the impressive play of mid-major teams like Coastal Carolina and analyze the …

1
Looking Back: Keanu Reeves Movies with Jenna Fischer 39:25

3M ago39:25

39:25

Ellie and Scott are joined by Jenna Fischer from "The Office" and "Office Ladies Podcast"! Jenna shares why Keanu Reeves' action films bring her a sense of calm, why she thinks we like to root for Keanu as the action hero, and the surprising connection between "The Office" and "Speed". And speaking of speed, Ellie shares her new favorite way to run…

1
Yishai Fleisher: ‘Israel is not meant to be equal for all — it’s a nation-state’ 1:27:08

3M ago1:27:08

1:27:08

Israel should prioritize its Jewish citizens, Yishai Fleisher says, because that's what a nation-state does. Yishai is the international spokesman for the Jewish community of Hebron, a flashpoint in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and a councilman for the Efrat community. His words reach audiences across the world via CNN, Piers Morgan's Uncensor…

1
Kinzie Hansen: The Competitive Mindset 34:07

3M ago34:07

34:07

In this week's episode, Kinzie Hansen, a four-time national champion and current professional softball player, shares her journey through collegiate athletics, the pressures of competition, and the importance of mental health. The discussion dives into her experiences with the Oklahoma softball team, the impact of NIL on athletes, and her competiti…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 2 34:19

3M ago34:19

34:19

In this episode, hosts Halo & Samu dive into the latest happenings in the world of college softball, discussing thrilling games, standout performances, and emerging teams. They analyze the intense matchup between Texas and Texas Tech, highlight Virginia's impressive showing, and celebrate San Diego State's undefeated streak. The conversation also t…

1
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner: 'Before Trump, I believed that Gaza had to be controlled by Israel' 1:07:59

4M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

Gaza can be leveled down or built up, Nitsana Darshan-Leitner says, and she wants Trump's plan to do the latter. An Israeli international lawyer and activist who has represented hundreds of terror victims in legal actions against terror organizations and their supporters, Nitsana is the head of Shurat HaDin—Israel Law Center, which combats terroris…

1
Megan Faraimo: Embracing the Journey 28:52

4M ago28:52

28:52

In this week's episode, UCLA standout pitcher and U.S. Women's National Team member, Megan Faraimo, opens up about her softball journey and shares her thoughts on growing in her career. She talks about how important it is to embrace failure and the hard work that fuels her success. Faraimo expresses her pride in representing Team USA and discusses …

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 1 21:38

4M ago21:38

21:38

College softball is officially back! In this episode, Halo & Samu dive into the excitement of the college softball season, discussing standout performances, the importance of base running, and the emergence of mid-major programs. You'll hear their thoughts on Oklahoma's rebuilding year and how competitive the whole landscape of softball is becoming…

1
LOST with Jenny Eckert 55:31

4M ago55:31

55:31

Ellie and Scott discuss the seminal hit TV show LOST with Born to Love’s #1 Fan – Jenny Eckert!!! Jenny is (a) a die-hard LOST fan, and (b) Scott’s sixth grade daughter. Together they plumb the depths of television’s most mysterious island, as well as Scott’s parenting habits. Ellie is transparently horrified by both. And stick around for Jenny’s r…

1
Shani Taragin: 'The ideal is for the Jewish People to live in the Land of Israel' 1:25:08

4M ago1:25:08

1:25:08

Israel is opening a Pandora's box by releasing Palestinian prisoners and terrorists, Shani Taragin says — but she still has not given up hope. A prominent religious leader and educator in Israel, Rabbanit Shani Taragin is impassioned by the State of Israel's future as the homeland for the Jewish People, despite what she sees as its pitfalls. She is…

1
Patty Gasso: A New Era for Team USA 36:15

4M ago36:15

36:15

Join Halo and Samu for a fun and insightful chat with Patty Gasso, the newly announced head coach of Team USA! They dive into her incredible journey as one of the top coaches in college softball and share some valuable lessons along the way. The trio talks about the importance of timing in life and what the transition from college softball to the i…

1
Short-Lived Obsessions with Tommy Dewey 1:00:29

4M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Ellie and Scott welcome their first returning guest – and longtime friend! – Tommy Dewey back to the show to discuss his love of Short-Lived Obsessions. From Arctic Adventures to English Titles of Nobility, Tommy takes us on a tour of some of the things he’s been obsessed with… for two weeks or less. Ellie and Scott share some of their own mini-obs…

1
Chuck Freilich: 'Netanyahu needs to step down or be voted out' 1:03:57

4M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Hamas is already beginning to rebuild, Chuck Freilich says, because Israel lacks a post-war vision for Gaza. An Israeli national security expert, Chuck is a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies and has taught at elite American universities like Harvard, NYU, and Columbia. He has spent extensive time in Israel's national secu…

1
Elementary School with Ellie and Scott 49:27

4M ago49:27

49:27

Everyone goes to elementary school — and Ellie and Scott love it! They talk about their favorite memories of 20th-century schooling, from Lunchables to tater tots, as well as their thoughts on the modern elementary school experience. Follow Ellie @elliekemper on Instagram and Scott @mescotteckert on Twitter, and get in touch at borntolovefeedback@g…

1
Rula Daood: 'We are closest to peace at times of war' 1:12:49

4M ago1:12:49

1:12:49

Take our annual survey. Until the Israeli government sets a plan for Gaza after the war, Rula Daood says, they are choosing to end up with Hamas. A speech pathologist by trade, Rula Daood is now the national co-director of Standing Together, a progressive grassroots movement of Israeli Jews and Palestinians fighting for "full equality for everyone …

1
The Movies We Watched (and Loved) in 2024 with Ellie and Scott 41:47

4M ago41:47

41:47

2024 was full of movies — as were the 140+ years prior, because film sure has been around for a long time. Ellie and Scott talk about the best movies they watched in 2024, even if those movies weren’t released in 2024, which means Scott reaches back only slightly to the summer for some Glen Powell, while Ellie takes full advantage of the freedom an…

1
Natan Sharansky: 'If you don't have faith or Zionism, your grandchildren will not be Jewish' 1:08:17

4M ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Antisemitism and assimilation are threatening the Jewish People, says Natan Sharansky, but to both Israel offers a solution. Born in the Soviet Union and imprisoned by the authorities when trying to immigrate to Israel, Sharansky experienced brutal interrogations, forced feedings, and torture — sparking international campaigns to fight for his free…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Elli Fischer Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen