Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family-logo

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

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

Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies: a deadly debate

11/16/2023
Today’s debate is a poisonous, blood-sucking battle between two dangerous creatures. One hides out in a decorative shell, the other buzzes ‘round like a carousel. It’s Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies! Radiolab co-host and science historian Latif Nasser gives it his all for the stealthy, seriously poisonous cone snail and Radiolab co-host and award-winning science reporter Lulu Miller defends the humdinger of blood suckers, tsetse flies. Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won! This week’s sponsors are: IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP - To get a 20% off an IXL membership. movies.disney.com/wish - Only in theaters November 22, tickets available now. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested wondery.com/shows/the-grinch - Follow ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Talk Show on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. *** Don’t miss our virtual events! Our “Snacktacular Road Trip,” is Nov. 30 — Dec. 2. Join your favorite hosts from Brains On!, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago LIVE on YouTube for just $19.99 per family. Watch the fun, and ask them questions! Plus, Smarty Pass holders get 20% off (sign up today to get yours and the discount). Go to brainson.org/fieldtrips to get your tickets! *** 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:00:35:03

Hungry? Check out the Snacktacular Road Trip!

11/13/2023
Grab your traveling gear because Smash Boom Best and Brains On host Molly Bloom and Forever Ago host Joy Dolo are going on a road trip. Not only will this be a fun-filled video romp with two buddies cruising the highway, but this trip has a theme that everybody loves: SNACKS! Mmmmmm, yum! The third Brains On Universe Field Trip is called, what else, Snacktacular Roadtrip, and you’re invited! Molly and Joy will be joined by Sanden and Marc as they cruise through a history of sandwiches, discover what beaver butts have to do with slushies and check out a Smash Boom Best debate between ketchup and maple syrup. Whoa! Tickets are $19.99, and there’s a 20% offer if you’re a Smarty Pass member. Spots are limited, but we have multiple dates and times to choose from. Head to brainson.org/fieldtrips to get the details.

Duration:00:02:36

Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons: a creature debate

11/9/2023
Today’s debate is a fantastic face-off between a relaxed rodent and a raging reptile. We’ve got a cuddly meme, and a hissing, hunting machine! It’s Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons! Brains On producer and archaeologist Anna Goldfield reps the captivating Capybaras, while writer, actor and comedian Duck Washington defends team Komodo Dragons! Which creature will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won! This week’s sponsors are: wondery.com/shows/the-grinch - Follow ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Talk Show on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. *** Don’t miss our virtual events! Our “Snacktacular Road Trip,” is Nov. 30 — Dec. 2. Join your favorite hosts from Brains On!, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago LIVE on YouTube for just $19.99 per family. Watch the fun, and ask them questions! Plus, Smarty Pass holders get 20% off (sign up today to get yours and the discount). Go to brainson.org/fieldtrips to get your tickets! *** 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:00:31:54

Trolls vs. Leprechauns: a legendary debate

11/2/2023
It’s a mythological mashup for the ages! Will mischievous fairies prevail or will cave creatures conquer? It’s Trolls vs. Leprechauns! Circle Round host Rebecca Sheir will leap for lovely leprechauns while What if World host Eric O’Keefe will tell us why trolls should triumph. Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won! This week’s sponsors are: IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP - To get a 20% off an IXL membership. movies.disney.com/wish - Only in theaters November 22, tickets available now. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested *** Don’t miss our virtual events! Our “Snacktacular Road Trip,” is Nov. 30 — Dec. 2. Join your favorite hosts from Brains On!, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago LIVE on YouTube for just $19.99 per family. Watch the fun, and ask them questions! Plus, Smarty Pass holders get 20% off (sign up today to get yours and the discount). Go to brainson.org/fieldtrips to get your tickets! *** 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:00:33:11

Lemonade vs. Hot Chocolate: a sippable debate

10/26/2023
Today’s debate is a sippable smackdown that is sure to refresh, relax and reward your sweet tooth. One side has sour power and the other comes with marshmallow might! Grab all the glasses and mugs you can possibly handle because it’s Lemonade vs. Hot Chocolate! Listen as actor, improviser and voice artist Billy Soco brings the heat for team hot chocolate while actor and podcaster Michael Stevens fights for team lemonade! Which unbelievable beverage will come out on top — Lemonade or Hot Chocolate? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won! This week’s sponsors are: IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP - To get a 20% off an IXL membership. *** Don’t miss our virtual events! Our “Snacktacular Road Trip,” is Nov. 30 — Dec. 2. Join your favorite hosts from Brains On!, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago LIVE on YouTube for just $19.99 per family. Watch the fun, and ask them questions! Plus, Smarty Pass holders get 20% off (sign up today to get yours and the discount). Go to brainson.org/fieldtrips to get your tickets! *** 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

Lightning vs. Snowflakes: a meteorological debate

10/19/2023
Today’s debate is a meteorological mashup that is sure to make you shake and shiver. One side comes in a flash the other comes in a flurry. Be sure to grab your coats and your thickest mittens, because it’s Lightning vs. Snowflakes! Listen as writer and composer Benjamin Weiner brings the thunder for team lightning while actor, and clown Tallie Medel brings the heat for team snowflakes! Which meteorological moment will come out on top, Lightning vs. Snowflakes? Strut on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won! This week’s sponsors are: 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:00:33:15

Hot Sauce vs. Butter: a flavorful debate

10/12/2023
Today’s debate is a saucy matchup of two flavorful feasts. It’s zesty tang meets creamy dream – hot sauce vs. butter! Brains On co-creator Marc Sanchez is ready to sizzle for team Hot Sauce and podcast producer Tracy Mumford will take you from bland to grand with Team Butter. Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won! This week’s sponsors are: IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP - To get a 20% off an IXL membership. 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:00:35:20

NEW SHOW ALERT!!! What's that smell?

10/9/2023
Who’s ready for a stinkin’ good time? Join the crew from Brains On, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago on their next virtual Field Trip - What’s that smell? There’s a mighty stank a comin’ from somewhere deep inside Brains On headquarters, and Sanden Totten is going to track down the source. On his journey, he’ll encounter Marc Sanchez’s fancy new fart pants, Joy Dolo’s historic (non-flushing) toilets and witness a genuinely yuck-tastic debate between slime mold and dung beetles! You have three chances to join the adventure. Head to brainson.org/fieldtrips to pick your stinkin’ date and your stinkin’ time. But hurry - like a fart in the wind, these shows will soon be gone. Smell ’ya later!

Duration:00:03:01

Forever Ago: Where did the weekend come from?

10/5/2023
Hello Smash Boom Besties! We're going to be back with a new debate next week. Hooray! This week, we want to share with you an episode of our sister podcast Forever Ago, hosted by Joy Dolo. You may remember Joy from such debates as Mermaids vs. Bigfoot, Mustard vs. Mayo and Bubble Gum vs. Gummy Bears. She's a star, a delight, and well, a Joy. To dive into the history of the weekend with Joy, search for Forever Ago wherever you listen to Smash Boom Best. And they're going to be back with brand new episodes starting Wednesday, November 8. So you have some time to catch up on the first three seasons until then!

Duration:00:06:03

Rubik’s Cube vs. Origami a geometric debate

9/28/2023
Today’s debate is a geometric puzzler. It’s Rubik’s Cube vs. Origami! Catch producer and comedian Aron Woldeslassie going pattern-to-pattern with journalist Jed Kim and see who wins – the cutest cube or the power of the paper. Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won! This week’s sponsors are: IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP - To get a 20% off an IXL membership. 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:00:32:09

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 a 20% off an IXL membership. 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 a 20% off an IXL membership. 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 a 20% off an IXL membership. 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