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!
We're moving the Brains On Universe Headquarters, and that means we have to stop putting out new episodes until we get settled. We know: not cool. But, our new home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit. In the meantime, we still have some live shows planned this fall. Brains On Live will be in Dallas, TX on September 13. And Smash Boom Best will bring the debate heat to Princeton, NJ on October 26. Head over to brainson.org/event...
Today’s debate pairs a nimble climber with a silent slitherer – it’s Goats vs. Boa Constrictors! Radiolab co-host and science historian Latif Nasser is here to give us the goods for Team Goats and writer, podcast host and TV personality Alie Ward will bring the squeeze for Team Boa Constrictors. 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: Experience Disney's Elio, only in theaters June 20. Rated PG, parenta...
Get ready for a magical debate as two iconic wizards face off: Gandalf from Lord of the Rings and Snape from Harry Potter. Comedian Sam Suksiri argues for Team Gandalf, while editor Shahla Farzan champions Team Snape. The episode features various debate rounds, including declarations of greatness, micro rounds, and a sneak attack, all judged by a young fan of both series to determine who is the Smash Boom Best.
Molly, Aron and Anna W. are grabbing ice cream after a live show and having a nice, cozy chat. Aron and Anna W.’s families have been through a LOT. In fact, there were several times their families were saved by one odd object/animal/place! Who’s got the better tale of danger and salvation? Only a sneak attack will decide!
This episode of Smash Boom Best pits Forts against Puzzles in a fun, imaginative debate. Debaters argue the merits of each, from the freedom and creativity of building forts to the cognitive benefits and diverse types of puzzles. The debate includes creative rounds like 'Rant and Rave' and 'Sneak Attack' bedtime stories, judged by kid judge Petra.
Today’s debate is a mouthwatering showdown between a colorful sweet treat and the goon of legumes. Put your hands together because it’s Jelly Beans vs. Beans! We’ve got actor and writer Mike Cabellon here to fight for Team Beans and comedian and photographer Ali Horman is here to defend the colorful confection for Team Jelly Beans! 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 ...
Today’s debate is a majestic musical showdown – it’s accordions vs. bagpipes! Singing the praises of the squeezebox is comedian, voice actor and writer Mary Mack, while Brains On Universe Producer Aron Woldeslassie will try to snag a win for the windy warbler. Which instrument will strike the right chord and win the day? 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 episod...
This episode of Smash Boom Best debates the merits of Frankenstein's Monster versus Frosty the Snowman. Debaters Shannon and Kate, a mother-daughter duo, present arguments for their chosen character in several rounds, including declarations of greatness, rebuttals, a micro-round challenge, and a sneak attack. Tiger, the judge, ultimately decides that Frankenstein's monster is the Smash Boom Best.
Join host Joy Dolo, a self-proclaimed mayo hater, as she reluctantly dives into the history and mystery of mayonnaise, prompted by a listener's suggestion. Explore the origins and theories behind the name, learn about the rise of commercial mayo brands and their rivalries, and hear from food expert Francis Lam on why mayonnaise is a fundamental sauce with surprising uses, including a game-changing grilled cheese hack.
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?
In a fun-filled debate, Nick and Peter argue the merits of Tag versus Hide and Seek. They present creative arguments, rebuttals, and even invent sound-based versions of their games. Judge Truman ultimately crowns Hide and Seek as the Smash Boom Best, but listeners are encouraged to vote for their favorite.
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 March 2...
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 Grinch Holida...
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.
