Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
American Public Media
Smash Boom Best is a funny, smart debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! from APM Studios. Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best: Pikachu vs. Mario, Lollipops vs. Popcorn, Flamingos vs. Axolotls, Mermaids vs. Bigfoot, Cats vs. Dogs, Spiderman vs. Batman, Refrigerators vs. Toilets, Minecraft vs. Lego… the list goes on. Our star-studded line-up of debaters use facts and passion to make their case, teaching listeners how to defend their opinions along the way! Past debaters include Tim Platt, cast member of the comedy narrative play podcast Rude Tales of Magic, comedian and writer Jenny Yang, Minneapolis-based rapper NUR-D, comedian and creator of the Story Pirates Peter McNerney, Radio Ambulante’s Daniel Alarcón, journalist and host of Into It Sam Sanders, host of Terrible, Thanks for Asking Nora McInerney, food-writer Kenji Lopez-Alt and many, many more. To top it off, our State of Debate segment shows listeners how to identify logical fallacies in the wild. Ad hominem attacks and bandwagon fallacies, be gone! So if you’re looking to ignite a funny, feisty debate on your next roadtrip, or just want some amusing arguments for your kids to consider while they fall asleep… tune into Smash Boom Best, where we make debate – a blast!
Location:
United States
Networks:
American Public Media
Description:
Smash Boom Best is a funny, smart debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! from APM Studios. Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best: Pikachu vs. Mario, Lollipops vs. Popcorn, Flamingos vs. Axolotls, Mermaids vs. Bigfoot, Cats vs. Dogs, Spiderman vs. Batman, Refrigerators vs. Toilets, Minecraft vs. Lego… the list goes on. Our star-studded line-up of debaters use facts and passion to make their case, teaching listeners how to defend their opinions along the way! Past debaters include Tim Platt, cast member of the comedy narrative play podcast Rude Tales of Magic, comedian and writer Jenny Yang, Minneapolis-based rapper NUR-D, comedian and creator of the Story Pirates Peter McNerney, Radio Ambulante’s Daniel Alarcón, journalist and host of Into It Sam Sanders, host of Terrible, Thanks for Asking Nora McInerney, food-writer Kenji Lopez-Alt and many, many more. To top it off, our State of Debate segment shows listeners how to identify logical fallacies in the wild. Ad hominem attacks and bandwagon fallacies, be gone! So if you’re looking to ignite a funny, feisty debate on your next roadtrip, or just want some amusing arguments for your kids to consider while they fall asleep… tune into Smash Boom Best, where we make debate – a blast!
Language:
English
Episodes
Scorpions vs. Butterflies: a critter debate
9/21/2023
Today’s debate is a colossal critter competition! One of them stings, the other has wings. It’s scorpions vs. butterflies! We’ve got standup comedian and health educator Khadijah Cooper ready to sing the praises of the snazzy scorpion and writer, actor and comedian Becky Abrams here to tell us why butterflies are breathtaking. Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!
This week’s sponsors are:
Pawpatrol.movie - Catch PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE in theaters on September 29th!
IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP - To get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.
Greenlight.com - The banking and investing app for kids and teens.
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
Duration:00:37:52
Top Hats vs. Flip Flops: a stylish debate
9/14/2023
We hope you’re ready for some fashion bashin’, because today’s debate is a rumble between the tips of your toes and the top of your head! One protects us from the sun and the other makes tan lines that are so much fun. It’s Top Hats vs. Flip Flops! Top-notch editor and Brains On! co-creator Sanden Totten will be repping top hats, while comedian and writer Max Maliga will defend flip flops. Which adorable adornment will come out on top, Top Hats or Flip Flops? Strut on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!
This week’s sponsors are:
Pawpatrol.movie - Catch PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE in theaters on September 29th!
IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP - To get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.
Greenlight.com - The banking and investing app for kids and teens.
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
Duration:00:38:18
Join us at the Big Dig!
9/11/2023
Wow, wow wow have we got some big news! Brains On!, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago are coming together for the Big Dig - an archeological, paleontological extravaganza that you can participate in through YouTube.
The show has it all: Megaladons vs Giant Sloths, dinosaurs covered in cake AND lemonade being slurped through a straw!
Go to brainson.org/fieldtrips to secure your space and check out the other events we have planned this fall. Plus, Smarty Pass members can take 20% off!
Duration:00:03:10
Palm Trees vs. Pine Trees: a tree-mendous debate
9/7/2023
Today’s tree-mendous debate is between two prolific plants. One side towers tall with fancy fronds, while the other amazes with needles and cones. It's Palm Trees vs. Pine Trees! Writer, comedian, and improviser Andy Hilbrands will sing the praises of palms, while writer, actor, and @jewslovetrees creator Tobin Mitnick will tell us why pines are oh-so fine. Which tree will take the win? Playful palms or pleasant pines? Branch out to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!
This week’s sponsors are:
Pawpatrol.movie - Catch PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE in theaters on September 29th!
Greenlight.com - The banking and investing app for kids and teens.
IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP - To get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
Duration:00:35:50
Frisbees vs. Yo-yos: a toy debate
8/31/2023
Today’s debate playdate decides the fate of two terrific toys. It’s Frisbees vs. Yo-yos! Actor, writer and improviser Lauren Anderson is ready to soar for team frisbee, while comedian Comrade Tripp is jumping up and down for team yo-yos! Who will win? Fabulous frisbees or the oh-so-fun yo-yos? Spin on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
Duration:00:32:27
Tooth Fairy vs. Sandman: a fairy special debate
8/24/2023
Today’s debate is a mythic mashup. Fluff your pillows and brush your teeth, cuz it’s Tooth Fairy vs. Sandman! In a never-before-seen matchup between husband and wife – comedian and animator Brant Miller defends the Sandman from Tooth Fairy lover and Moment of Um producer Anna Weggel! Who will win? The queen of teeth or the sultan of sand? Sleepwalk over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
Duration:00:32:57
Bubble Gum vs. Gummy Bears: a yummy gummy debate
8/17/2023
This week’s debate is a tasty tussle between a chewy champion and a gummy grizzly. Grab your lunch boxes and protect your hair, because it’s Gummy Bears vs. Bubble Gum! Actor, improvisor, and creative extraordinaire Alsa Bruno is all in for glorious Gummy Bears and Forever Ago host Joy Dolo is here to hype the hubbub for team Bubble Gum! Which side will stick it out for the win? Gleeful Gummy Bears or beloved Bubble Gum? Chew your way to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
Duration:00:35:35
Electric Eels vs. Tasmanian Devils: A nocturnal debate
8/10/2023
Today’s debate is chock full of shocks. It’s electric eels vs. Tasmanian devils! Comedian, puppeteer, and podcaster Tim Platt reps electric eels in this scream-worthy smackdown with science journalist, Brains On! editor and Tasmanian devil defender Shahla Farzan. Which beast will triumph? Supercharged fish or misunderstood marsupial? Scramble over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
Duration:00:35:36
We're back on August 10th!
7/13/2023
Smash Boom Best is back on Thursday, January 5th with 16 new episodes of chatty, fact-y fun!
You’re in for some massive new matchups like Birthday Parties vs. Trick-or-Treating, Spiderman vs. Batman, and Mayo vs. Mustard!
Who do YOU think will win? Listen and judge for yourself. You’ll hear veteran debaters like Jed Kim and Joy Dolo duke it out with newbies like Ryan Perez and Avery Trufelman.
We’re so excited, debate-heads. Until then, keep on being the smash boom best!!
Duration:00:01:00
Molly vs. Sanden: An Epic Debate
6/15/2023
Hey, Smarty Pal, want more Smash Boom Best? Check out this sneak peek of Sanden and Molly going head to head! It’s a tussle between folks who love to fly high and those who prefer to lay low. Whether you live to swing, or bouncing’s more your thing, you’re going to flip for this debate, because it's hammocks vs. trampolines! In one corner we’ve got the co-creator and host of Brains On! and Smash Boom Best, the one and only Molly Bloom. And in the other corner we’ve got the co-creator and editor of Brains On! and Smash Boom Best, Sanden Totten!
Duration:00:02:58
Join us for Smash Boom Best LIVE!
6/6/2023
On Sunday, July 23rd – we’re doing Smash Boom Best, Live! at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis.
Host Molly Bloom will be joined by two of your favorite debaters: Forever Ago host and seriously funny person, Joy Dolo – and actor and comedian, Brant Miller!
They’ll be duking it out in not one, but TWO smash boom smackdowns – topics top secret! Members of our audience – that means YOU – will judge the debate.
We hope to see you there! Get your tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/sbblive
Duration:00:01:03
Spider-Man vs. Batman: A super debate
4/20/2023
Our final debate of the season is a superpowered smackdown between two heroic icons: the spunky web-slinger from Queens and the brave guardian of Gotham. Ne'er-do-wells beware, because it’s Spider-Man vs. Batman! We’ve got actor, writer, and Story Pirates co-host Peter McNerney ready to give it his all for team Spider-Man! And rapper extraordinaire Matt Allen better known as NUR-D here to defend the caped crusader– Batman! Which side will step up to the win? The red and blue web-head or the Dark Knight? Adjust your mask, tighten your tool belt and swoop on over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won!
Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
Duration:00:34:30
Story Pirates: How Do You Scare a Mermaid?/Chickening (feat. Busy Phillips)
4/17/2023
Hi Smash Boom besties! We have a special treat for you today. We're sharing an episode of the Story Pirates podcast. Our good friend Peter McNerney from the Story Pirates has debated on Smash Boom Best many times, and we're so excited to have him back later this week in our sizzling superhero smackdown, Spider-Man vs. Batman. You won't want to miss it. Until then, we hope you enjoy this awesome episode of Story Pirates.
This episode features an adaptation of 9-year-old Lainey's "How Do You Scare a Mermaid?" into a total bop of a song, and 11-year-old Camilo's "The Chickening" teaches us the newest dance craze appropriate for any time, place or reality! To read the original stories behind the episode and hear more from Story Pirates, visit storypirates.com/podcast! Enjoy the show!
Duration:00:31:10
Narwhals vs. Jellyfish: A marine debate
4/13/2023
Today’s debate is a marine dream! One side has a giant tooth that's brought it acclaim, while the other wobbles on without a brain. Get ready to dive into this debate because it’s Narwhals vs. Jellyfish! Actor and writer Allison Reese is here to defend notable narwhals, while podcast producer Tracy Mumford gets jiggy for team jellyfish! Which side will swim to victory? Team horn or team tentacle? Float on over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won!
Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
Duration:00:35:02
Million Bazillion: Money Mania Game Show
4/10/2023
Hi Smash Boom Besties! We want to share an episode from a podcast we know you’ll like — Million Bazillion!
It’s a show that asks and answers questions about money. In the episode we’re sharing today, Million Bazillion hosts its inaugural “Money Mania” game show, where five lucky listeners compete in an elaborate obstacle course to get their questions answered. This week, they’ll tackle questions like: What is profit? Why do receipts have so many words? And, what do stores do with all their leftover holiday stuff?
If you enjoy the show, we hope you’ll listen to all the other great episodes they have to offer!
Duration:00:28:30
Baths vs. Showers: A bubbly debate
4/6/2023
Turn on the tap, and grab your shower cap… cuz it’s baths vs showers! Moment of Um producer Anna Weggel bubbles for baths in this soapy smackdown with writer, producer and shower-lover Boen Wang! Which splashy past-time will win? Sprinkling showers or bubbly tubs? Slip and slide over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won!
Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
Duration:00:34:06
Tap Dancing vs. Kung Fu: A graceful debate
3/30/2023
Stretch out those muscles, because this week’s debate is a movement match-up for the ages. One side keeps the beat from the start, while the other is an age-old martial art. Lace up your shoes and get ready to kick it up a notch, because it’s Tap Dancing vs. Kung Fu!
Smash Boom Best producer Aron Woldeslassie is jazzed for tap dancing, while actor, improviser, and voice artist Billy Soco is kickin’ it for team kung fu! Which side will step up to the win? Shuffle, slide, or swing on over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won!
Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
Duration:00:34:59
Roses vs. Sunflowers: A flowery debate
3/23/2023
Today’s debate stars two sweet and sunny plants that will surely make you smile. So stop a while and take in this fragrant debate– it’s roses vs. sunflowers! In one corner we’ve got editor and Brains On! co-creator Sanden Totten repping radiant roses. In the other, it’s writer and performer John Ross here to sing the praises of sweet, sweet sunflowers! Which team will be crowned smash bloom best? Put the petal to the metal and head on over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won!
This week’s sponsors is:
Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
Duration:00:33:15
Smarty Pass sample: Smash Boom Best Appeals
3/17/2023
Today, we're sharing a sample of our most recent bonus episode, available only with Smarty Pass: Smash Boom Best Appeals!
Get your Smarty Pass today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
Have you ever lost at something? Well, it looks like Anna Weggel has lost six - sorry five Smash Boom Best Debates and is looking to appeal those losses. What’s worse, she’s forcing Molly to hear why she should be declared the Smash Boom Best. Grab your Smarty Pass and help us convince Anna that not winning doesn’t make her a loser.
Duration:00:02:24
Kraken vs. Cyclops
3/16/2023
Are you ready for a mythological match-up between two mighty yet misunderstood creatures? Check the horizon and batten down the hatches because it’s Kraken vs. Cyclops! Writer, actor and creator of Reverend Matt’s Monster Science Matt Kessen is here to get things kraken, while Brains On producer and archaeologist Anna Goldfield fans the fires of fandom for the cyclops! Which team will take the crown– a monster squid who’s hundreds of feet tall? Or a giant with one eyeball? Splash on over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won!
This week’s sponsors is:
Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
Duration:00:30:12