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
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Smash DOOM Best
12/17/2024
Molly and Aron love horror movies! So to entertain them, Ruby plays small clips from some of the spookiest episodes of Smash Boom Best: We’re talking snakes! Spiders! Dragons! Vampires! Godzilla! Zombies! Then Ruby asks Aron and Molly a trivia question about each topic. Let the spooky fun commence!
Duration:00:01:41
Bluey vs. Elmo: a lovable debate
11/28/2024
Today's debate is a showdown between two lovable characters. One is a playful pup from down under, and one is a giggling, ticklish monster. It’s Bluey vs. Elmo! Writer Kathryn VanArendonk will fight for family fun with team Bluey while culture writer and podcaster Margaret H. Willison will charm you with Elmo’s curiosity and cuteness. Who 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 sponsor is:
Follow 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast and unlock weekly Christmas mystery bonus content and listen to every episode ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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
Slides vs. Swings: a playground debate
11/21/2024
Today’s debate is a beastly battle between two playground legends. It’s Slides vs. Swings! Comedian Tim Platt zooms towards glory for team slides while comedian, actor and writer Fareeha Khan soars through the sky for team swings. Who 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 sponsor is:
Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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:00:38:24
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s super casual emergency
11/19/2024
Brains On HQ is riddled with emergencies! A bowl of pudding is chasing Sanden. Marc’s piano has challenged him to a rap battle. And Rosie is out of mustard. Anna and Ruby need Molly’s help to solve these problems, but Molly is in her favorite chair so she can’t be bothered. Hopefully, a sneak attack can get her on her feet.
Duration:00:01:36
Mars vs. Saturn: a celestial debate
11/14/2024
Today’s debate features two powerful planets in a cosmic clash – it’s Mars vs. Saturn! Brains On Editor Sanden Totten will rep the red planet while astronomer Mark Popinchalk will glimmer for the gassy giant. Who will be crowned the most precious planet? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!
This week’s sponsor is:
Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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:00:35:13
Jack and the Beanstalk vs. The Ugly Duckling: a storybook debate
11/7/2024
Today’s debate throws two timeless tales into the ring for a clash of the classics. It’s Jack and the Beanstalk vs. The Ugly Duckling! In this epic showdown, author and “Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest” podcast host Adam Gidwitz climbs to the top for Jack and the Beanstalk, while author Soman Chainani helps The Ugly Duckling soar to new heights! Who 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 sponsor is:
Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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:00:33:14
Ghostbusters vs. Jurassic Park: a cinematic debate
10/31/2024
Today’s debate is full of frights and delights. Grab your popcorn and watch your backs because it’s Ghostbusters vs. Jurassic Park! We’ve got podcast producer Tracy Mumford, ready to take the call for team Ghostbusters, and journalist and author Tom Weber is eager to roar for team Jurassic Park! Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!
This week’s sponsor is:
Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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:00:32:55
Halloween Candy Grab Bag: a decadent debate
10/24/2024
Sneak attack? Try snack attack! We’re going absolutely decadent with this special, king-sized episode that will pit a whopping SIX sweet treats head to head in a candy clash for glory. Forever Ago host Joy Dolo will battle Brains On Universe producer Aron Woldeslassie in the ultimate Halloween candy showdown! Get ready for some sweet, sticky, and seriously silly mini debates and find out which treat deserves the top spot in every trick-or-treat bag. Who 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 sponsor is:
Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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:00:45:09
Smarty Pass Presents: Sanden vs a Velociraptor
10/21/2024
Can’t get enough Smash Boom Best? Here’s a bonus episode! Sign up for Smarty Pass and you’ll get a bonus episode like this every month. Usually, these episodes are just for Smarty Pass subscribers but today we’re sharing one with all of our listeners. To get more, sign up for Smarty Pass at smartypass.org
How many times have you asked yourself: which is better, Sanden or a Velociraptor? On the one hand, Velociraptors hunt in packs but on the other hand, Sanden Totten is funny. Sanden has great hair but Velociraptors have been featured in several movies. It’s impossible to decide. Well, grab your Smarty Pass because, with the help of a fun game, we’ll decide which is best: Sanden or a Velociraptor!
Duration:00:06:35
Rollerblades vs. Scooters: a rolling debate
10/17/2024
Grab your helmet and knee pads because it’s Rollerblades vs. Scooters! Listen as journalist and podcaster Jed Kim rolls out for team Scooters while singer, writer, and comedian Andrew Barbato slices through the competition for team Rollerblades! Who 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:
Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.
Let your kids' imaginations run wild and check out the new podcast Wild Interest wherever you get your podcasts. wildinterest.com
Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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:00:37:10
Vampires vs. Werewolves: a spooky debate
10/10/2024
Today, the ultimate immortal rivals go fang to claw in a blood-thirsty debate. It's vampires vs werewolves! Who will win? Pale, blood-sucking vampires? Or supernaturally speedy, howling werewolves? Anna Weggel and Tracy Mumford debate to see which terrifying tormentor will be crowned the Smash Boom Best.
After you listen, tell us who you think won by casting your vote at smashboom.org!
Duration:00:32:21
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Cheetahs vs. Sloths
10/4/2024
Beloved host and sloth lover, Molly Bloom, takes on Brains On producer and cheetah enthusiast, Sanden Totten. Which team will triumph? Grab your Smarty Pass to hear and find out!
Duration:00:01:49
Surfing vs. Ice Skating: an Olympic debate
10/3/2024
Today’s debate is a sporty showdown between two playful pastimes. It’s Surfing vs. Ice Skating! Actor, writer and comedian Allison Reese is here to ride the waves for team surfing, and editor Nancy Yang will glide across the ice for team ice skating. Who 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:
Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.
Let your kids' imaginations run wild and check out the new podcast Wild Interest wherever you get your podcasts. wildinterest.com
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:00:33:52
Broccoli vs. Carrots: a veggie debate
9/26/2024
Today’s debate pairs perfectly with dip and is better than any chip. It’s Broccoli vs. Carrots! Listen as comedian, voice actor, and writer Mary Mack battles for team Broccoli while actor and improviser Jada Pulley charges for team Carrots! Who 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:
Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.
Let your kids' imaginations run wild and check out the new podcast Wild Interest wherever you get your podcasts. wildinterest.com
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:00:36:27
Dungeons & Dragons vs. Monopoly: a strategic debate
9/12/2024
Today’s debate has lots of dice and is very nice. Get ready for a game night delight, because it’s Dungeons & Dragons vs. Monopoly! We’ve got Smash Boom Best Producer Anna Weggel ready to pass Go for team Monopoly and comedy writer Sam Suksiri is here to dominate for team Dungeons & Dragons! Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Vote below for the team YOU think won!
This episode’s sponsor:
Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.
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:00:36:54
Parrots vs. Gorillas: an intelligent debate
9/5/2024
Today’s debate is a smackdown of the smartest. It’s Parrots vs. Gorillas! Brains On Editor Shahla Farzan is ready to win parrots the prize and Brains On Producer Marc Sanchez is ready to GET IT for gorillas. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!
This episode’s sponsor:
Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.
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:00:37:07
Weekends vs. Vacation: an escape debate
8/29/2024
Today’s debate is a break from all of life’s troubles. It’s Weekends vs. Vacations! Actor and comedian Brad Milison wows us with weekend wonder, while actor, writer and comedian Melanie Johnson vies for vacations! Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!
This episode’s sponsor:
Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.
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:00:32:03
Eyebrows vs. Thumbs: a bodily debate
8/22/2024
They come in pairs, they both wiggle and they’re going up against each other in today’s debate! It’s Eyebrows vs. Thumbs! Listen as producer and writer Menaka Wilhelm raises eyebrows for team eyebrows while comedian Katie McVay declares a thumb war for team thumbs. Who will be crowned the fiercest physical feature? Vote below for the team YOU think won!
This episode’s sponsors:
Find fun and exciting podcasts for your preschoolers by searching for Nickelodeon on your favorite podcast app.
Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.
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:00:34:02
Seashells vs. Ferns: an intricate debate
8/15/2024
Today’s debate is a showdown of natural wonder. It’s a beachy beauty vs. a fabulous frond. Polish up your camera and get ready to hear all about the magic of Seashells vs. Ferns! Listen as actor and podcaster Michael Stevens sings his praise for seashells while comedian and composer Justin LoBasso fawns over ferns. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!
This episode’s sponsor:
Find fun and exciting podcasts for your preschoolers by searching for Nickelodeon on your favorite podcast app.
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:00:37:55
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Analog vs. Digital
8/13/2024
Screens are amazing tools. We use them to watch shows, send messages, get directions, and more! But they’re also good at distracting us and can get in the way of having fun IRL! So this August, we’re launching an initiative called ANALOG AUGUST. It’s a challenge to step away from your screens and spend more time device-free!
In honor of the cause, we’ve whipped up an iconic Smash Boom Smarty Pass special: ANALOG vs. DIGITAL starring Smash Boom Best producers, Anna Weggel and Aron Woldesslassie! Handwriting vs. Typing. Zoom vs. Classroom. Book vs. E-reader. Which ones are best? Tune in to find out and decide for yourself!
Duration:00:01:40