Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family

Brains On Universe
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Dec 11, 2025 • 34min

Harmonica vs Glockenspiel

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 this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Dec 4, 2025 • 36min

Babies vs. Puppies

In this delightful debate, producer Anna Weggle advocates for Team Babies, sharing insights on child development and the emotional bonds formed with infants. On the other side, actor Brant Miller cheers for Team Puppies, using humor to highlight dogs' trainability and their longstanding companionship with humans. The two engage in back-and-forth arguments, presenting intriguing facts about both sides, including historical anecdotes and playful secret societies for fans of babies and puppies. It's an adorable clash that keeps listeners entertained and guessing!
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Nov 27, 2025 • 36min

Monster Trucks vs. Hot Wheels

Join Marc Sanchez, co-creator of Smash Boom Best and sound designer, as he revs up for Team Monster Trucks! Sanden Totten, also a co-creator, shifts into high gear championing Team Hot Wheels. They dive into the origins of monster trucks, debate noise pollution versus imaginative play, and even showcase some outrageous fashion designs inspired by their vehicles. Who will take the crown in this thrilling showdown? Tune in for fun facts, passionate arguments, and a creative twist on car culture!
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Nov 19, 2025 • 1min

New episodes of Smash Boom Best!

Get ready for a hilarious new season packed with fascinating facts and playful debates! Teen judges will tackle outrageous topics while delivering laugh-out-loud moments. Expect clever sneak attacks and declarations of greatness that elevate the fun. Plus, keep an eye out for exclusive perks with the Smarty Pass. It's all about the joy of friendly competition and creative arguments, guaranteed to entertain families and kids alike!
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Oct 21, 2025 • 52sec

See Smash Boom Best live in Princeton, NJ!

Get tickets for Smash Boom Best live! Nothing’s better than a good debate. Except maybe a good debate -- LIVE! That’s why we’re bringing Smash Boom Best to Princeton, New Jersey. It’s gonna be a knock down, drag out brawl of words, jokes and probably some impromptu dance moves. Oh, and guess who’s judging this time? You! The audience! So join us Sunday, October 26th at the McCarter Theater in Princeton. It’s gonna be a Smash Boom Blast. See ya there!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Oct 8, 2025 • 8min

We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters

We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop us a line, head to brainson.org. The best way to keep us going is to join Smarty Pass or donate here: https://brainson.supercast.com. Thank you!See Smash Boom Best LIVE in Princeton, NJ!Join us at the McCarter Theatre for a live, in-person version of Smash Boom Best, an award winning podcast for kids and families! Each live show takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets the audience decide which is best. Host Molly Bloom moderates a debate between two performers who make their case using facts fueled by jokes, physical comedy, and the occasional song and dance. At the end, the audience votes for the winner and crowns the Smash Boom Best – all while learning how to defend their own opinions and make the strongest arguments for their case. While we are in town, we are throwing a Smash Boom Spectacular Party right after the live show and YOU are invited! This won't be just any party. You will get to meet host Molly Bloom and our debaters. They'll be playing games with you, singing songs, answering your questions, and posing for photos. Plus, you'll get to take home an awesome, one-of-a kind Smash Boom Best goodie bag. You can gain access to this SBSP (Smash Boom Spectacular Party) by purchasing a VIP ticket* when you make your purchase.  See you there!DETAILS & TICKETSMcCarter Theatre CenterOctober 26, 2025 at 3:00pm ET91 University PlacePrinceton, NJ 08540Buy Tickets HereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jun 11, 2025 • 3min

A big update about Smash Boom Best and the Brains On Universe

Exciting changes are in the air as the Brains On Universe prepares to move to a new, larger headquarters! The hosts share their humorous packing adventures and reveal upcoming live shows in Dallas and Princeton. Plus, listeners are encouraged to subscribe for updates about the new space, which promises extra bathrooms and water slides. It's a fun-filled announcement that's sure to get fans eager for what's next!
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10 snips
May 29, 2025 • 35min

Goats vs. Boa Constrictors: a curious debate

Join Latif Nasser, a science historian and Radiolab co-host, as he champions Team Goats, while Alie Ward, a science TV personality and podcaster, defends Team Boa Constrictors. The debate takes a whimsical turn with hilarious anecdotes, highlighting goats' playful nature versus the stealth of boas. They dive into the social characteristics of goats, their historical significance, and even touch on logical fallacies with a humorous twist. Listeners are invited to vote on their favorite side—who will emerge as the ultimate champion?
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May 22, 2025 • 39min

Gandalf vs. Snape: a hero debate

Today’s debate is a magical matchup between two wizards - one lives on Middle Earth, the other at Hogwarts. One’s got a pointy hat, the other’s got a pointy attitude. It’s Gandalf vs. Snape! Comedy writer and LEGO Master Sam Suksiri will wield the staff for Team Gandalf and Brains On Editor Shahla Farzan will take up her wand for Team Snape. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to www.SmashBoom.org to vote for who YOU think won!This week’s sponsor is:Experience Disney's Elio, only in theaters June 20. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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May 20, 2025 • 2min

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: And that’s how a BLANK saved my family

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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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