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!
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Get ready for a debate worth celebrating! It’s balloons vs candles. One floats festively toward the sky, the other brightens the dark. Both are popular at parties. But which one is the best? We’re about to find out! We’ve got podcast producer Anna Weggel lifting spirits for Team Balloon. And actor and improvisor Alsa Bruno lighting the way for Team Candles. Listen to the debate and then tell us who should’ve won at smashboom.org. Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support t...
Get ready for a craft-tastic debate. One side serves up cuddly, cozy creations. The other, hardy, handy homeware. It’s knitting versus pottery! Both are fun, useful crafts that have been loved for centuries by countless people. So which will come out on top? Yearning for yarn, it’s comedian Katie McVay for Team Knitting. And craving the kiln, it’s science writer Menaka Wilhelm for Team Pottery. Find out who wins, and vote for your pick at smashboom.org. Click here to read a transcript of this ep...
I hope you are hungry, because today’s debate is serving up two staples of the dinner table. Grill ‘em, saute ‘em, mix ‘em in salads. They’ll both taste great. But only one can take the trophy. It’s Onions vs Corn. Here to slice and dice for Team Onions is Brian Kvitko. He’s an Associate Professor of Molecular Plant Bacteriology at the University of Georgia and an actual Onion researcher! Sounding the horn for corn is Jason Wallace. He’s also at the University of Georgia where he’s an Associate ...
In this critter clash, debaters advocate for alligators, highlighting their ancient survival and apex predator status, versus otters, celebrated for their tool-using intelligence and environmental impact. The episode covers fascinating facts about both animals, from alligator gender determination by temperature to otters' intense eating habits and unique social behaviors, culminating in a judge's decision on the ultimate winner.
Set out these two playthings on a table and see which one your kid grabs first. Is it the gooey, squishy, surprising slime? Or the springy, wiggly, wonderous slinky? Both are fun, one will triumph! Smooshing the competition for Team Slime, it’s RadioLab host Latif Nasser. And stretching toward victory for Team Slinky, it’s podcast producer Hans Buetow. Listen to see which terrific toy takes the top prize. And don’t forget to vote for your favorite at smashboom.org. Click here to read a transcrip...
Today we’ve got two toys that spur creativity and imagination. One’s a fashion icon for the ages and the other one is a bulbous blank slate! That’s right, it’s Barbie vs Mr Potato Head. Story Pirate Alex Nader is boosting Barbie and comedian Comrade Tripp is a proponent for the potato! Who will win? 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 list...
Two marvelous, mythical legends make an appearance in this week's episode. It's mermaids vs Bigfoot! Which elusive creature will win this smash boom battle? Mermaids, the mysterious sirens that haunt our oceans? Or Bigfoot, the sneaky creature that lurks in forests aound the world? Comedian Joy Dolo and "Adult ISH" podcast host Merk Nguyen go foot-to-fin in this knock-down, drag-out debate. Who do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org. Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably comin...
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 compl...
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 probab...
Join Molly and Harlan as they answer the question, "What's the deal with trends?" They dive into how trends start with innovators and spread through early adopters to the majority, eventually becoming part of everyday life. The episode also uncovers the social reasons behind trends, their potential downsides, and surprising examples of trend-following behavior observed in animals like songbirds and orcas.
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 liste...
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 Woldeslassie. 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? Jo...
Comedians Tim Platt and Fareeha Kahn go head-to-head debating whether turtles or rabbits are superior. Fareeha champions turtles for their ancient survival skills and unique butt-breathing, while Tim highlights rabbits' adorableness, speed, and widespread presence. The debate includes rapid-fire facts, creative acceptance speeches, and an explanation of logical fallacies, all judged by Teo from Montclair, New Jersey. Ultimately, one animal is crowned the Smash Boom Best, decided by charm, facts, and a surprising pop culture reference.
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? Joi...
Hosts Molly Bloom and Axel judge a spirited debate between Joy Dolo (Team Peanuts) and Alsay Bruno (Team Seaweed). The debaters present arguments on their snack's nutritional value, historical importance, and versatility through various rounds, including a "Declaration of Greatness," a "Micro Round" of quick facts, and an improvised "Sneak Attack" newscast. Ultimately, Judge Axel crowns seaweed the winner, particularly highlighting its environmental benefits.
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. On the side of the bass guitar we have Zak Rosen, host of the podcasts Weirdly Helpful and Care and Feeding. And repping the bass fish is Science Friday host Flora Lichtman. Listen to see which bass is best and head to smashboom....
Get ready for an interstellar showdown as Stitch, the chaotic yet lovable alien, debates Yoda, the wise Jedi Master, to determine who is truly the best. Debaters present declarations of greatness, engage in micro-rounds of fun facts, and run mayoral campaigns for their chosen side. Listeners will enjoy the humor, learn about logical fallacies, and discover which iconic character Frankie, the judge, ultimately crowns the winner.
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 you...
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 transc...
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...
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 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 S...
This episode features a fun and spirited debate between a husband and his father-in-law on whether camping or hotels offer the best vacation experience. Arguments cover comfort, amenities, cost, connection to nature, and unique travel possibilities like robot-run or underwater hotels. Ultimately, the judge makes a surprising decision based on personal preferences for outdoor cooking and swimming.
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 w...
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,...
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 m...
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 you...
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...
This debate is sure to be sweet music to your ears. It’s Harmonica vs Glockenspiel! Two harmonious instruments but only one can win! Wailin’ away for Team Harmonica, it’s comedian Aron Woldeslassie! Making melody for Team Glockenspiel, it’s voice actor Merk Nguyen! Which tune-maker will triumph? Listen to see who our judge picks and head to smashboom.org to vote for your favorite. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here for a transcript of t...
In this adorable debate, Anna Weggle champions babies, highlighting their incredible learning capacity, inherent cuteness, and future potential. Brant Miller defends puppies, emphasizing their role in human history, immediate playfulness, and trainability. The episode explores arguments through declarations, micro-facts, and a "secret society" challenge, culminating in judge Coco's decision on which cute creature reigns supreme.
This episode pits the colossal power of Monster Trucks against the miniature marvels of Hot Wheels in a lively debate. Arguments for Monster Trucks highlight their monstrous size, thrilling stunts, and sheer horsepower, while Hot Wheels champions their role in fostering imagination, affordability, collectibility, and portability. Judge Archer weighs in on each round, considering everything from noise levels and carbon footprints to fashion lines and six-word summaries, leading to an exciting reveal of the Smash Boom Best.
