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 Brains On Universe. Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best: Pikachu vs. Mario, Lollipops vs. Popcorn, Flamingos vs....
Location:
United States
Networks:
American Public Media
Description:
Smash Boom Best is a funny, smart debate show for kids and families from the Brains On Universe. 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! Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Language:
English
Episodes
Bikes vs Skateboards: A fan favorite encore
4/23/2026
Get ready to kickflip out -- cuz this debate is off the chain. It's bikes vs. skateboards! Listen to radio journalist Daniel Alarcón and Brains On! star Sanden Totten drop some gear-grinding arguments and gnarly facts...then cruise over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won. You're in for a wheelie awesome debate!Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon!April 25 - Marines Memorial, San Francisco, CA (2nd show added!)April 26 - Newmark Theater, Portland, ORMay 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NYMay 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON (2nd show added!)June 6 - Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor, MIJune 20 - Southern Theater, Columbus, OHJune 21 - Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WIClick here for a transcript of this episode.
Duration:00:39:46
Toilets vs Refrigerators: A fan favorite encore
4/16/2026
Today, we’ve got a brawl between two things we’d hate to live without. It’s refrigerators vs. toilets! Terrible, Thanks for Asking creator Nora McInerny and reporter Jill Replogle duke it out in this feisty fixture face-off. But which team will claim the throne? Stone cold fridges? Or savvy lavvies? Shimmy over to smashboom.org, and vote for the team that YOU think won! Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon!April 25 - Marines Memorial, San Francisco, CA (2nd show added!)April 26 - Newmark Theater, Portland, ORMay 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NYMay 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON (2nd show added!)June 6 - Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor, MIJune 20 - Southern Theater, Columbus, OHJune 21 - Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WIClick here for a transcript of this episode.
Duration:00:40:40
Smash Boom Best presents: Brains On - What's the deal with trends?
4/9/2026
Hi Smash Boom Besties! We are currently working on the next season of Smash Boom Best, and we cannot wait for you to hear it. In the meantime, we have this episode of Brains On to share with you. I also host Brains On, it's a show where we answer our audience's questions.
This episode is all about something I'm guessing that lots of you are curious about, which is: What's the deal with trends? Enjoy the episode and we will be back in your feed in May with new episodes of Smash Boom. Best.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:32:25
Smash Boom Presents: Forever Ago and the history of teddy bears
4/2/2026
We're busy working on a way the next season of Smash Boom Best (coming back in May!) but until then we wanted to let you know that our history show Forever Ago is back with new episodes RIGHT NOW.
Join fan favorite debater Joy Dolo and co-host Luke as they learn about the origins of the Teddy Bear and find out about a stuffed possum that should’ve been the next big toy craze, but never caught on.
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:22:33
Black Panther vs Wonder Woman
3/26/2026
Saving the world is easy compared to winning this debate. We’re pitting two heavy hitting heroes against each other. It’s Black Panther vs Wonder Woman. Fighting for the Amazonian warrior with a golden lasso, it’s actress Tiffany Smith. Stepping up for the Wakandan King with the vibranium suit, it’s comedian Aron Young Jr. Which superhero will succeed? Listen to find out and head to smashboom.org to cast your vote.
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:32:26
Turtles vs Rabbits
3/19/2026
One fast, one slow, both super cool. It’s Turtles vs Rabbits! This episode takes the famous story of The Tortoise and the Hare and turns it into a rollicking debate for the ages! Hopping in for Team Rabbit is comedian Tim Platt! And doing the slow walk for Team Turtles is comedian Fareeha Kahn! Which animal will win this time? Listen to see who our judge picks and head to smashboom.org to vote for the side that won you over!
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:35:59
Soy Sauce vs Maple Syrup
3/12/2026
Today we’re pitting two amazing condiments against each other. One is sweet, the other savory. Both are beloved. It’s Maple Syrup versus Soy Sauce. Pouring it on for Team Maple Syrup is host and reporter Jed Kim. Sharing his joy for soy is filmmaker, writer and vocalist, Jun Sekiya. Which side will win this dip-worthy debate? Listen to find out who our judge chooses and then head to smashboom.org to weigh in yourself.
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:32:39
Seaweed vs Peanuts
3/5/2026
Two savory snacks, one delicious debate. It’s Peanuts vs Seaweed! One grows on land and pairs perfectly with chocolate or jelly. The other is found in the sea and is key in soups and sushi. Which one will be deemed the best bite? We’ve got actress and Forever Ago host Joy Dolo sounding off for Team Peanuts. Actor and improviser Alsa Bruno is diving in for Team Seaweed. Tune in to see who wins and then head to smashboom.org to vote for your favorite snack.
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:36:19
Bass 🐟 vs Bass 🎸
2/26/2026
Today we’ve got a real brain buster. It’s bass vs bass. What? Well, the names are spelled the same, but they couldn’t be more different. One is a slippery, shimmery fish. The other is a boppin’, booming, guitar. Both are cool in their own way, but only one will triumph. Listen to see which bass is best and head to smashboom.org to choose your favorite!
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:30:16
Stitch vs Yoda
2/19/2026
Two creatures from a galaxy far, far away go head to head in this interstellar debate. One is a little blue force of destruction and the other is a little green font of wisdom. It’s Stitch vs Yoda! Surfing in on a wave of enthusiasm for Team Stitch is comedy writer and Lego Master Sam Suksiri. And the Force is strong with actor, comedian and Story Pirate Peter McNerney, for Team Yoda! Which alien being will be crowned the best? Listen to find out and then head to smashboom.org to vote for the side you would’ve chosen to win.
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:35:58
Rock Climbing vs Sledding
2/12/2026
This debate has its ups and downs, literally! One side is all about scaling up mountains, boulders and walls. The other side goes down hills with a woosh. It’s Rock Climbing vs Sledding! This pulse pounding episode features writer, comedian, and podcaster Tim Barnes holding fast for Team Rock Climbing and host of NPR’s It’s Been A Minute, Brittany Luse for Team Sledding. Which side will come out on top… or bottom, as the case may be? Listen and find out. Then head to smashboom.org to vote on your fav.
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:34:16
Tyranosaurus Rex vs Triceratops
2/5/2026
Get ready for an ancient throwdown of epic proportions. It’s Tyranosaurus vs Triceratops. One is a meat-eating, mega-predator and the other is a vegetarian with three horns for three times the protection. Dino experts Riley Black and Kallie Moore will duke it out to see which animal is crowned the Smash Boom Best. After the debate, head to smashboom.org to tell us who you think won.
You can find Riley's books here and Kallie's books here! Kallie also hosts PBS' Eons.
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:34:25
Moss vs. Moths
1/29/2026
We’ve got a showdown between two wonders of nature. One is a patch of perfect greenery, the other is a fluttery friend. It’s Moss vs Moths. Here to tell us why moss is boss we have actor, writer, singer and comedian Emily Olcott. And flying in for Team Moths we have comedian, writer and musician Tiz Irie. Tune in to see which one is deemed the Smash Boom Best. Then head to smashboom.org to tell us which side you think won!
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
“Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:33:46
Spaghetti vs Ravioli
1/22/2026
I hope you’re hungry, because we’ve got a heaping plate of debate for you. It’s spaghetti vs ravioli. Chef and cookbook author Julia Turshen is cooking up some arguments for Team Spaghetti. Science communicator and host Niba Audrey Nirmal is boiling a pot of cool facts for Team Ravioli. Which tasty treat will take the crown? Listen to see who our judge picks and then surf over to smashboom.org to tell us who you want to see win.
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:32:45
Camping vs Hotels
1/15/2026
It’s vacation time and you have to decide where to sleep - under the stars or in a suite? Today we’re arguing Camping vs Hotels. Two prime destinations for travellers but only one can win. Taking us to the woods for Team Camping, we’ve got artist Andy DuCett. Checking in for Team Hotel it’s doctor and actor, Stuart Bloom. To make this even more interesting, both debaters are close to our host Molly! Andy is her husband and Stuart is her dad. Who will the judge side with? Listen to find out and go to smashboom.org to crown your own winner.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:36:40
Wizard of Oz vs Mary Poppins
1/8/2026
Get ready for magic, wonder, and whimsy! We’re pitting two beloved children’s franchises against each other. Both come from popular books and were made into even more popular movies. But only one will triumph. It’s Wizard of Oz vs Marry Poppins! Casting a spell for Oz is singer, writer, actor, and comedian Andrew Barbato! And floating in on the breeze for Mary Poppins is actor and singer Alex Nader! Which side will win? Listen to see who our judge picks and go to smashboom.org to pick your own winner!
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Click here for a transcript of this episode.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:37:47
Smash Boom Best presents: Story Pirates
1/1/2026
We're taking a little break for the holidays so instead we want to share one of our favorite shows with you: StoryPirates! In this first episode of their newest season, the Story Pirates receive an intriguing invitation and meet a new adversary. Featuring two new stories: ‘The Bed’, a song about an exhausted doctor just looking for somewhere to nap, written by Bentley, a 9 year old from New York, and ‘Do Not Disturb’, a story about one girl’s unending quest to keep her family out of her bedroom, written by a 9 year old from Virginia named Mallory. We also debut our new segment ‘Story Love’ where Lee and Peter read and discuss more stories written by kids with a special guest: the incredible actor Alison Pill.
To hear more episodes, follow Story Pirates wherever you get your podcasts or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/StoryPiratesfd
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Duration:00:41:06
Smash Boom Best Presents: Brains On - Why do we laugh?
12/25/2025
We're on a little winter break and we're gonna be back with a new smash boom battle on January 8th. Today we have an episode of the other show that Molly hosts: Brains On. This is an episode about something near and dear to every fan of Smash. Boom, best laughter.
Laughter is like a language and humans are really good at understanding it.
In this episode, Molly and co-host Milla decode different kinds of laughs, from uncontrollable goofy laughter to chuckles that make others feel good.
They’ll meet laugh experts Sophie Scott and Adrienne Wood and test their knowledge in three rounds of the game show: Laugh Attack!
Plus, a new mystery sound for you to guess
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Duration:00:34:46
Brains On is coming to a city near you!
12/19/2025
The Brains On crew is hitting the road in 2026, and our first shows have just been announced. If you like fun, games, dancing, optical illusions and... Mystery Sounds, check out Your Brain is Magic.
Head to brainson.org/events to get tickets for the following shows:
1/17 Newark, NJ Victoria Theater
1/18 Red Bank, NJ The Vogel
1/23 San Diego, CA The Observitory
1/24 Aneheim, CA House of Blues
2/21 Vancouver, BC Playhouse Theater (JFL Festival)
2/22 Seattle, WA Neptune Theater
If you don't see your city listed, we're adding more dates, so keep checking back!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:01:20
Pigs vs. Frogs
12/18/2025
One’s a happy hopper and the other is a fine swine. Get ready for Pigs vs Frogs! Both animals are popular in books and movies. Both have cool features. But which is the coolest critter? Writer and archeologist Anna Goldfield will argue for Team Pig and actor, voice artist, and improviser Billy Soco will debate for Team Frogs. Listen to see which animal our judge crowns the Smash Boom Best, and head to smashboom.org to tell us who you chose.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Click here for a transcript of this episode.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:32:43