Buckle up for a brawl between two of the most iconic video game characters of all time. It’s Pikachu vs. Mario!! Radio producer and Pokemon trainer David Zha goes up against podcast pro and Mario maven Kristina Lopez in this electrifying debate. Which character will win? The mighty, mustachioed plumber known for giant jumps? Or the yellow thunder mouse known for packing an electrified punch!? Zip over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won. Support Smash Boom Best with a donation...
Sep 23, 2021•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today’s teams are in it to spin it. It’s chess vs. ping pong! Comedian and writer Joon Chung goes up against podcast producer Elyssa Dudley in this classic competition, but which team will smash their way to victory? Ping over to smashboom.org and vote for the team YOU think won -- and get ready for an epic battle, mate! Support Smash Boom Best with a donation and get automatic access to our live, interactive Halloween themed event in October. Head to smashboom.org/donate and donate today! This ...
Sep 16, 2021•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Saddle-up, because today’s debate is the dolphinition of awesome. It’s horses vs. dolphins! Terrible, Thanks for Asking producers Marcel Malekebu and Jeyca Maldonado-Medina go hoof to flipper in this fin-pressive debate... but which team will win? Handsome horses or dreamy dolphins? Splash over to smashboom.org and vote for the team YOU think won! Support Smash Boom Best with a donation and get automatic access to our live, interactive Halloween themed event in October. Head to smashboom.org/don...
Sep 08, 2021•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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! Support Smash Boom Best with a donation and get automatic access to our live, interactive Halloween themed event in October. H...
Sep 02, 2021•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Pack your bags, cuz today’s episode is a trip. It’s spaceships vs. submarines! Too Beautiful to Live co-host Andrew Walsh and comedian Brandi Brown travel from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space in this daring debate -- but which travel-craft will triumph? Vote for the vessel YOU think won at smashboom.org ! Support Smash Boom Best with a donation and get automatic access to our live, interactive Halloween themed event in October. Head to smashboom.org/donate and donate to...
Aug 26, 2021•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Two iconic foods go jar-to-jar in today’s fearsome flavor feud. It’s honey vs. pickles! Million Bazillion host Jed Kim goes up against comedian and journalist Anna Weggel in this sweet and salty showdown. Which team dill prevail? Vote to tell us who YOU think won at smashboom.org ! Plus, we’ve got a special State of Debate segment this week, featuring actors Greg Cipes and Tara Strong, the voices behind Beast Boy and Raven on Teen Titans Go! , available on Cartoon Network. Which character do you...
Aug 19, 2021•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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! Support Smash Boom Best with a donation and get automatic access to our live, interactive Halloween themed event in October. Head to smashboom.org/donate and donate toda...
Aug 12, 2021•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re stomping into season four with a debate of mythic proportions. One team is the size of a green bean, while the other towers over the whole magic beanstalk. It’s fairies vs. giants! Journalist Tarkor Zehn and comedian Katie McVay serve up some fee-fi-fo-fabulous arguments in this one... but which fabled figure will triumph? Vote to tell us who YOU think won at smashboom.org -- and get ready for some fairy GIANT laughs! Support Smash Boom Best with a donation and get automatic access to our ...
Aug 05, 2021•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast This August 5th, Smash Boom Best is back! We’re staging some very controversial debates this season, including Skateboards vs. Bikes, Godzilla vs. King Kong, Horses vs. Dolphins, and Minecraft vs. Lego! We’re also planning a live, virtual, Halloween-themed debate this October. It’s going to have sneak attacks... costumes... and interactive voting, so YOU’LL get to be the judge! We’ll be releasing tickets for this spooktacular event in the coming months, so stay tuned. In the meantime, download a...
Jul 22, 2021•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re coming back! Smash Boom Best is coming back on August 5th. New merch While you wait for fresh episodes to drop, check out our awesome new merch at smashboom.org/shop . We’ve got t-shirts, phone grips, face masks... everything you need to see your way through to the bright, beautiful days of summer. Follow us on social! And if you haven’t yet, follow us on Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter ! Thanks again for listening to and supporting our show. We couldn’t do it without you, smash boom be...
Apr 29, 2021•47 sec•Transcript available on Metacast Meep Meep! Our bonus episode has arrived. That’s right, folks. It’s coyotes vs roadrunners!! In this season’s Debate Club exclusive, Brains On! producer and coyote lover, Marc Sanchez, takes on podcast producer and roadrunner enthusiast, Elyssa Dudley! Want to listen? Join the Debate Club at smashboom.org/debateclub by making a donation of any amount, and we’ll send you the episode.
Feb 26, 2021•1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Two marvelous, mythical legends make an appearance in this week’s episode. It’s mermaids versus 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 around 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 ! Also… this is our last episode of th...
Feb 11, 2021•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we’re going to tickle your tastebuds with two mouthwatering flavors. It’s sugar versus salt! Which fabulous flavor will win? The savory mineral we like to lick off pretzels, or the sweet ingredient we like to sprinkle on our cereal? American chef and children’s book author Kenji Lopez-Alt goes up against author and photographer Nik Sharma in this tasty face-off. Who do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org ! If you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this seaso...
Feb 04, 2021•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, we’re heading to space for a celestial debate. It’s moon versus sun! Which legendary orb will win? The queen of the night sky? Or the star of our solar system? Comedian Katie McVay and Million Bazillion host Jed Kim take sides in this epic debate battle. Who do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org ! In the meantime, check out the Smash Boom Best Listening Party Kit here! And if you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is o...
Jan 28, 2021•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Two courageous critters take the stage for today's debate. It’s Armadillos versus Porcupines! Which brave and beautiful beast will claim the crown? Will it be the master of armor repped by Phyllis Fletcher? Or will Tracy Mumford sway our judge in favor of the queen of quills? Which team do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org ! Today's episode is sponsored by Headspace ( headspace.com/smash ). In the meantime, check out the Smash Boom Best Listening Party Kit here! And if you d...
Jan 21, 2021•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we’re letting the science rip in a seriously gassy showdown. It’s helium versus neon! One is famous for making balloons float and voices squeaky -- the other is prized for its beautiful glow. Brains On star Sanden Totten and science writer and comedian Kasha Patel go head to head in this elemental debate. Which team do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org! In the meantime, check out the Smash Boom Best Listening Party Kit here! And if you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote o...
Jan 14, 2021•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, two treacherous terrains take the stage. It’s deserts versus swamps! Marc Sanchez and Anna Weggel defend these exceptional environments with humor and pizzaz, but only one team will take home the title of Smash Boom Best… Who do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org! Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning . If you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smas...
Jan 07, 2021•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast One’s in the sky, one’s underground. One makes a buzz, the other? Not a sound. It’s ants versus bees! Comedians Ian Abramson and Tim Barnes take sides in this rollicking bug brawl. Which insect do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org! We’re taking a short break over the holiday, but we’ll be back with more Smash Boom Best on Thursday, January 7th, 2021! Three cheers for a new year! Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning , Headspace and Literati Kids . If you donate to the show...
Dec 17, 2020•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we’re switching it up -- Smash Boom Best is going full on Smash Boom Pest . Two misunderstood critters go head to head in today’s debate battle. It’s rats vs pigeons! Podcast producer Elyssa Dudley takes on journalist Tom Weber in this whisker-twitching, feather-filled showdown. Which cunning creature do YOU think won? Head to smashboom.org and cast your vote! Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning and Headspace . If you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this...
Dec 10, 2020•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s time for another superpower showdown! Challenger one is teleportation, the ability to instantly zap yourself to any place in the world. Challenger two is telekinesis, the power to move things with your mind. Which tele-power will take the crown? Million Bazillion host Jed Kim and Brains On producer Menaka Wilhelm make some mighty arguments in this smash boom battle! Who do you think won? Head to smashboom.org and cast your vote! Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning , Purple , and...
Dec 03, 2020•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today’s debate is between two totally adorable, extremely popular animals known for their fashionable fur and frolicsome feathers. It’s pandas vs penguins!! Comedians Katie McVay and Brandi Brown defend these charming cuties in an intense, delightful debate. Who are you going to vote for? Cuddly, bamboo-munching pandas? Or waddling, water-loving penguins? Head to smashboom.org and cast your vote! Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning . If you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on t...
Nov 26, 2020•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’ve got a tasty debate for you today -- it’s ice cream vs french fries!! This is going to be a tough one for everybody, because let’s face it: we all scream for ice cream and we freak out over french fries! Comedians Tommy McNamara and Brittany Carney take sides in this scrumptious debate, and they want to know who YOU think won! Cast your vote at smashboom.org ! Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning . If you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus ...
Nov 19, 2020•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, two of the biggest movie franchises EVER go head-to-head in a blockbuster-worthy battle. It’s Avengers vs. Star Wars! Which team will win? The Marvel -ously superhuman Avengers saga? Or the space story from long ago, in a galaxy far, far away… Star Wars? Merk Nguyen and Nyge Turner, co-hosts of the podcast “Adult ISH” from Radiotopia and YR Media, take sides in this intense debate battle. Who do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org ! Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Le...
Nov 12, 2020•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’ve got a deep-sea debate for you today, so put on your scuba gear and jump on in! It’s Giant Squid vs. Blue Whales. Journalist Tom Weber goes up against science writer and stand-up comedian Kasha Patel in a fearsome debate battle. Which of these large and legendary beasts will take home the title of Smash Boom Best? After you listen, tell us who you think won by casting your vote at smashboom.org ! And if you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, ...
Nov 05, 2020•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’ve got a musical matchup to get your toes tapping: guitars versus drums! Smash Boom Best producer Rosie DuPont goes up against comedian Tommy McNamara in this raucous (and rocking) showdown. After you listen, tell us who you think won by casting your vote at smashboom.org! You can support the show at smashboom.org/donate
Oct 22, 2020•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re launching season three with a burst of color of delight. It’s flowers vs rainbows! Brains On star Sanden Totten goes up against Forever Ago host Joy Dolo in a breathtakingly beautiful battle. Who do you think will win? Cast your vote and get your own score sheet at smashboom.org ! Plus… if you’re looking to host a virtual listening party with friends, check out our super cool Spotify playlist : https://spoti.fi/3nLC8jT It’s an awesome way to get active during every epic showdown this fall!...
Oct 15, 2020•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Smash Boom Best is back on October 15th! We’ve got 16 new epic debate battles, including Vampires vs Werewolves, Ice Cream vs French Fries, and Avengers vs Star Wars! Tune in for debates filled with shocking facts, laser-fine logic, and pithy puns -- all judged by a listener like you. Want something to listen to now? Check out episodes from S1 and S2 and vote for the teams YOU think are the smash boom best at www.smashboom.org!
Oct 01, 2020•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Smash Boom Best is back with 16 new debate battles this summer! But before we kick off the season, we need your help choosing two debate match-ups. Cast your vote below before Monday, March 9th! Which debate do you want to hear? Which debate do you want to hear? Got a great idea for a debate? Send us your debate ideas here ! In the meantime, stay tuned for more details about the upcoming season....
Feb 04, 2020•1 min•Transcript available on Metacast We made a special bonus episode just for our Debate Club members! To join and get access to the episode, head to smashboom.org/debateclub and make a donation in any amount. The bonus episode features our beloved host and sloth lover, Molly Bloom, in a debate battle with Brains On producer and cheetah enthusiast, Sanden Totten. It’s cheetahs vs. sloths! Want to listen now? Join the Debate Club at smashboom.org/debateclub
Sep 26, 2019•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast NPR’s Sam Sanders and Elise Hu go head to head in this futuristic faceoff! Sam is repping the extraterrestrial neighbors we’re still searching for. And Elise is here to defend those helpful machines we call robots. Who do you think won? Head to smashboom.org to cast your vote. This episode is sponsored by Candlewick Press, publisher of Judy Moody Book Quiz Whiz, available wherever books are sold, and Mathnasium (mathnasium.com/boom or call 855-912-MATH).
Sep 11, 2019•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
