Podcast Teaching Relatable Daily Tanya Gains Following

By Sarede Switzer

Two years ago, I launched a podcast devoted to teaching the daily Tanya portions in a format that I felt would be accessible and engaging to listeners from all walks of life, regardless of prior Jewish education or affiliation.

I begin each podcast episode referencing worldly phenomena, such as current events or personal anecdotes, in the hopes of illustrating the Tanya portions in a more relatable way. I find that making these connections allows me to really internalize the teachings of the Tanya.

I am pleased to see that this style speaks to my listeners as well, who send me testimonials and give me a lot of encouragement to continue this work.

The depth of my own personal appreciation for the Tanya’s teachings has grown tremendously through this process, as I experience firsthand the truth of the idea that the best way to learn is
to teach. Through the practice of learning the Tanya in order to teach it in this way, I also experience the effect this has on my own daily living, in regards to my relationship with myself, with others, with the world around me and ultimately with Hashem.

Below you can read a sample of some of the testimonials I’ve received about the podcast. If you aren’t a current listener but would like to give it a try, you can find the podcast on Youtube,
Itunes, Spotify or any platform that you listen to podcasts. Just search for “It Is Taught Tanya Podcast” or check out my website www.itistaught.com.

Apple Itunes
Spotify
Youtube

What people are saying about the It Is Taught Tanya Podcast
Hi Sarede! This is Chaya
I just wanted to let you know how much your podcast has changed my life for the better. About a year ago, I was scrolling through collive and I came across an ad for your podcast. I’d been
wanting to learn the daily tanya since it was my first year out of school, but I didn’t really know where to start. It takes me some time to read Hebrew, and even if I’d learn it in English, it never really clicked with me; it was hard to understand it and apply it to my daily life. I LOVE podcasts so I figured why not habit stack and give the show a listen.

Let’s just say I never looked back.
I listen to It Is Taught (almost) every single day and I love it! I relate to your examples and the lessons are so easy to listen to and to understand. Thank you so much for taking the time to
record these episodes and share them with the world, because you are impacting so many people’s lives, even those you don’t know.

Thank you!! Keep spreading the light!!!
—–
Sarede’s Tanya podcasts have expanded and crystalized my understanding of Tanya. Her work brilliantly synthesizes complex and esoteric concepts with relatable examples and practical application. These intellectually engaging and well-crafted lessons make chassidic concepts clear and understandable in everyday life. – Tziry

—-
I’ve tried many Tanya lecturers, and your style, from the very first words, is very clear, penetrating and humble. Such a wonderful gift! – Mark

—-
Hi Sarede, this is Rivkie Melamed. I don’t think you know me but I wanted to reach out to tell you how much I’m appreciating your Tanya podcast. I’m so in awe of how you don’t shy away from the more complicated, esoteric parts of Tanya which I always kinda skimmed through. I also love all of your practical examples and mashalim which make everything so relatable. I can only imagine the amount of time and prep goes into every episode. I’d love to sponsor an episode.

Thank you so much, Hashem should send you an outpouring of revealed good brachos in your life.
– Rivkie

— This is the best Tanya class I’ve ever had. You bring the concepts so down to earth and it’s very easy to follow and understand. Thank you, Gut Chodesh and Happy Chanuka. – Julie
—-
I started listening to the It Is Taught podcast right from the beginning and I’ve been hooked ever since. Sarede has a gift for breaking down deep concepts within Tanya and making them relatable and accessible to those who don’t have a background in Chassidus. She is clear and concise and will share other concepts that are connected to bring you a very rich teaching of the
daily portion of the Tanya. – Chani
—-
Started listening to your Tanya podcast this morning. I love it!! My 6 year old daughter loved listening while she was getting ready for school – Deena

—I love Sarede’s Tanya Podcast – she knows how to explain the daily learning clearly and concisely! I also love the modern day Meshalim and connections to current events. The analogies really help paint a clear picture and understanding about what the Alter Rebbe is saying in the Tanya – R Cohen
—
Over the years I’ve enjoyed at least seven different wonderful teachers online who teach Tanya in English. That said, when I came across your podcast on YouTube, I found it to be exceptionally clear, down to earth, and enjoyable! This is how, I believe, the author, the Alter Rebbe, intended us to learn his work, as a real practical, personal instruction manual!

Thank you so much for making these lessons available to the masses in such a down to earth and relatable way! – Josh

— Sarede makes the Tanya, not just understandable, but meaningful by her extraordinary teaching skills. Her heavy use of interesting mashalim (parables) keep me coming back for more. These mashalim include vignettes from her own personal life, plots from books that she has read, movies she has seen and current fads from pop culture. I’m often thinking, “Wow! That’s a great way to explain it!” Keep up the good work, Sarede! – Chaya Miriam T.
—-
Hey – Started listening to your podcast. I know about it from your WhatsApp status. I’m really enjoying it, you speak clearly and love your recap at the beginning and end of each one – and boy is it lofty!!! – Yael

This podcast, as well as a related book which I am in the process of editing, is dedicated inloving memory of my maternal grandfather, Avraham Yitzchok ben Binyamin HaKohen Z”L.