

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
Brains On Universe
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!
Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 22, 2026 • 36min
Attics vs Basements
Neil Olstad and Bryan Atchison, the high-energy musicians behind Koo Koo, face off in a playful battle of floors. Bryan champions basements as creative hangouts, music studios, shelters, and party zones. Neil rallies for attics with views, quiet, cozy charm, and quirky wildlife. Expect hidden treasures, ghostly dance moves, and a close final vote.

5 snips
Oct 15, 2026 • 34min
MarioKart vs Candy Land
Marcel Malekebu, a podcast producer and creative media professional, champions Candy Land, while actor and comedian Brad Milison races for Mario Kart. They debate imaginative worlds, accessibility, skill, family fun, history, multiplayer mayhem, and what each game teaches. Along the way, they invent hilarious new characters, explore surprising facts, and make the case for their colorful contender.

Oct 8, 2026 • 39min
Hiking vs Gardening
Mahayla Laurence, a theatermaker and Story Pirate, champions gardening’s food, community, and feel-good powers. Alex Nader, a singer, actor, and Story Pirate, takes hiking to new heights with trails, adventure, and scenic rewards. Expect quirky facts, comic theme songs, a debate lesson, and a lively showdown over the best way to enjoy the outdoors.

Oct 5, 2026 • 9min
Sneak peek: The history of pineapple pizza
Why does pineapple belong on pizza? Travel back to the 1960s to meet the restaurateur who paired the tropical fruit with cheesy, savory slices. Along the way, hear passionate listener opinions, wild topping ideas involving pickles, olives, and kimchi, and the surprising international drama sparked by one divisive pizza creation.

Oct 1, 2026 • 43min
Moana vs Elsa
Delia Bloom, a comedy writer and recurring debater, champions Elsa. Mickey Bloom, a writer-director and fellow recurring debater, makes the case for Moana. They clash over self-acceptance, sisterly love, bravery, empathy, leadership, iconic songs, representation, and magical powers. Snowy gestures and heart-restoring handshakes add playful flair before the judges crown a winner.

Sep 18, 2026 • 1min
Smash Boom Best Live + New Season Alert!!!
October brings a brand-new season, two live shows, and plenty of spirited debating! Hear about upcoming stops in Toronto and Dallas, a sold-out Minneapolis performance, and how audiences get to judge the action themselves. Plus, find out where to grab tickets and when new debates return to your feed.

Aug 20, 2026 • 38min
Waterparks vs Trampoline Parks
This debate is park vs park. One is a splashy place with slides and waves. The other a bounce house with games and obstacles. Get ready for waterparks vs trampoline parks! Making a splash for the wonderful world of waterparks is actor Marina Squerciati. And leaping into action for Team Trampoline Parks, is lawyer and former competitive debater, Eli Kay-Oliphant. Which park will prevail? Listen then vote for your pick at www.smashboom.org.
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!

Aug 17, 2026 • 7min
Sneak Peek: Hoax Hunters explain the Pokemon Shock
This is a sneak peek of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass subscribers. It’s a follow up to the Forever Ago episode about the history of Pokemon. This time, Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters to investigate a phenomenon known as the Pokemon Shock. It was an event where a TV show apparently made thousands of people feel sick. To hear the full episode, sign up for Smarty Pass and support the Brains On Universe.

Aug 13, 2026 • 39min
King Arthur vs Robin Hood
Today it’s a battle of iconic British folk heroes! One is a King who loves justice, peace and a little bit of magic. And on the other a hero who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. It’s King Arthur vs Robin Hood! Swinging his sword for Team King Arthur, is the host and creator of Greeking Out and History Snacks, Kenny Curtis! And bringing a quiver full of good arguments for Team Robin Hood is Greeking Out writer and History Snacks host, Jillian Hughes! Which side will live happily ever after? Listen and then head to smashboom.org and vote for whichever side you think won!
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!

9 snips
Aug 6, 2026 • 38min
Vanilla vs Mint
Gregory Parks, clown and improviser, champions mint with humor and examples of its history, freshness, and practical uses. Sam Suksiri, writer and Lego builder, defends vanilla with historical and culinary facts about its complexity and cultivation. They trade rapid-fire facts, playful rebuttals, a mystery-sounds game, and six-word closers as the debate heats up.


