Molly is paging through piles of maps, trying to pick the ideal spots to visit during the Brains On Spring Break Road Trip. Marc and Shahla both have fabulous and funky destinations in mind – who will be the one to convince Molly that their roadside attraction reigns supreme?
Today’s debate is a fun-filled face-off between two timeless playground favorites. It’s Tag vs. Hide and Seek! Story Pirate, improviser and motion capture actor Nick Kanellis will demonstrate speed and agility for Team Tag while Story Pirate Peter McNerney will use stealth and strategy for Team Hide and Seek. 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: Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and inve...
In this episode of Smash Boom Best, Meghan Wolff and Maria Bartholdi debate the merits of Eclipses versus the Aurora Borealis. The debaters present arguments, rebuttals, and creative scenarios to convince judge Lily of their chosen sky spectacle's superiority. Ultimately, the Aurora Borealis is crowned the Smash Boom Best in a close competition.
In a saucy debate, Davon Bland defends ranch dressing against Merck Nguyen's advocacy for ketchup. They present arguments, rebuttals, and creative challenges, judged by Caroline, who ultimately crowns ranch the Smash Boom Best. The episode explores the history, versatility, and cultural significance of both condiments, featuring puns and musical theater references.
In this episode of Smash Boom Best, clowns and magicians face off in a debate filled with humor and surprising insights. Gregory Parks champions the comedic and emotionally powerful aspects of clowning, while Sandin Totten highlights the wonder and intellectual stimulation of magic. Judge Elliot ultimately crowns magicians as the Smash Boom Best, citing the energetic sneak attack round as the deciding factor.
Let’s celebrate Spring Break! Rosie and Marc are getting ready to take a long drive to their favorite destination – The Troll Hole Museum in Alliance, Ohio. But in a terrible twist they need to play 3 new road trip games to see who gets to sit up front.
In this episode of Smash Boom Best, Jump Ropes and Hula Hoops face off in a high-energy debate. Jed Kim argues for the jump rope, highlighting its health benefits, versatility, and ability to bring people together. Andrew Barbato champions the hula hoop, emphasizing its joy factor, creative potential, and timeless simplicity. The debaters engage in rounds like the Declaration of Greatness, Micro-Round, Sneak Attack, and Final Six Words, with Eloise from Heartland, Wisconsin, judging the winner.
In this episode of Smash Boom Best, siblings Delia and Mickey Bloom engage in a spirited debate over cake versus pie. They present arguments highlighting the merits of each dessert, from cake's celebratory nature and artistic potential to pie's versatility and historical significance. Judges Tessa and Andrew ultimately have a split decision, sparking a lively discussion about their reasoning and the debaters' persuasive skills.
In this episode of Smash Boom Best, debaters Nora McInerny and Marcel Malekebu go head-to-head arguing for the superiority of hamsters versus goldfish. The debate covers the cuteness, intelligence, and calming presence of each pet, with judge Marlo awarding points based on arguments and rebuttals. Ultimately, goldfish are crowned the Smash Boom Best in a close and funny competition.
Today’s debate is a showdown between two beloved stories — Matilda vs. Alice in Wonderland! Author and “Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest” podcast host Adam Gidwitz defends Roald Dahl’s tale of brainpower and rebellion, while filmmaker and rapper Jun Sekiya sings the praises of Lewis Carroll’s whimsical world of wonder. 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: Experience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters Mar...
We’ve all heard of a sneak attack, but have you heard of a “Squeak Attack”? Well, Brains On Producer Marc Sanchez has and he’s ready to dish it out! Grab your Smarty Pass to hear how Producer Aron Woldeslassie fares against the squeak attack!
Today’s debate zooms out to the farthest reaches of space then back in to the tiniest details of life on Earth. It’s Telescope vs. Microscope! Astronomer Mark Popinchalk will leave you starry-eyed for Team Telescope, while writer and producer Menaka Wilhelm will fill you with marvel for Team Microscope. Who will reign supreme in this ultimate battle of magnification? Head 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 j...
Today’s debate is a matchup between two musical marvels. It’s viola vs. keyboard! Vying for the viola’s rich, velvety tones it’s violist Sam Bergman, and repping the keyboard’s versatility and funky beats is musician Katie Drahos! Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head 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 $5/month (or $45/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episo...
Smash Boom Best is back on Thursday, February 1st with 16 new epic episodes! And we’re kicking it all off with our 100th episode! We've got a whole new pile of exciting matches coming up such as Hippopotamus vs. Dragonfly, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vs. My Little Pony and Pegasus vs. Centaur. Which sides do YOU think will come out on top? There’s only one way to find out! Tune in on February 1st for the first of 16 new sizzling smackdowns. See you soon, smash boom besties!...
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!
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 Grinc...
In a spirited debate, comedians Tim Platt and Fareeha Khan champion slides and swings, respectively, in a battle for playground supremacy. Judge Henry evaluates their arguments through rounds like Declaration of Greatness, Pundemonium, and a Sneak Attack challenge, ultimately awarding the win to Team Swings in a close decision based on the final six-word summaries. The episode also features listener submissions, shout-outs, and a Renaissance Fair interlude discussing logical fallacies.
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.
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. Als...
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 e...
In a frights and delights debate, Tracy argues for the iconic Ghostbusters with their style and problem-solving, while Tom champions Jurassic Park's real science, CGI innovation, and inspiring music. Judge Eleanor declares Jurassic Park the winner after a debate filled with creative arguments, rebuttals, and humor.
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 ...
This bonus episode from the Smarty Pass features a debate about whether Sanden Totten or a velociraptor is better. Molly discovers a 3D-printed vegan velociraptor has escaped, leading to a playful argument among friends, culminating in a 'Sneak Attack' game of alternative names and a humorous ending.
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. ...
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 !
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!
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 te...
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...
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 an...
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 ...
