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
Jan 29, 2026 • 34min
Moss vs. Moths
Tiz Irie, comedian/writer/musician, champions moths with fun facts about night vision, echolocation tricks, and pollination. Emily Olcott, actor/writer/singer/comedian, defends moss with lively takes on water-holding power, ecosystem benefits, and soil protection. They trade witty rebuttals, invent nature superheroes, and debate surprising micro facts about survival and ecosystem roles.
Jan 22, 2026 • 33min
Spaghetti vs Ravioli
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 Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 15, 2026 • 37min
Camping vs Hotels
It’s vacation time and you have to decide where to sleep - under the stars or in a suite? Today we’re arguing Camping vs Hotels. Two prime destinations for travellers but only one can win. Taking us to the woods for Team Camping, we’ve got artist Andy DuCett. Checking in for Team Hotel it’s doctor and actor, Stuart Bloom. To make this even more interesting, both debaters are close to our host Molly! Andy is her husband and Stuart is her dad. Who will the judge side with? Listen to find out and go to smashboom.org to crown your own winner. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here to read a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 8, 2026 • 38min
Wizard of Oz vs Mary Poppins
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 winner! 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.
Jan 1, 2026 • 41min
Smash Boom Best presents: Story Pirates
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, written by a 9 year old from Virginia named Mallory. We also debut our new segment ‘Story Love’ where Lee and Peter read and discuss more stories written by kids with a special guest: the incredible actor Alison Pill.To hear more episodes, follow Story Pirates wherever you get your podcasts or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/StoryPiratesfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 25, 2025 • 35min
Smash Boom Best Presents: Brains On - Why do we laugh?
Dive into the delightful world of laughter! Discover why we laugh and the unique types of laughs we share, including the uncontrollable giggles that can transform any moment. Meet experts who explain how laughter connects us, and enjoy a fun game show, Laugh Attack! Challenge yourself to identify different laughter sounds from animals and humans alike. Unearth the social meanings behind laughter and why it's essential for building relationships. Join the joy of laughter and learn what makes it such a universal language!
Dec 20, 2025 • 1min
Brains On is coming to a city near you!
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 your city listed, we're adding more dates, so keep checking back!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 18, 2025 • 33min
Pigs vs. Frogs
This debate brings together Anna Goldfield, a writer and archaeologist, advocating for Team Pig, and Billy Soko, an actor and improviser, representing Team Frog. Anna highlights pigs' cleanliness, intelligence, and loving nature, while Billy counters with frogs' incredible jumping abilities, colorful species, and amphibious superpowers. They spar over topics like mirror self-recognition and domestication, trading quick facts and creative roommate ads for both animals. In the end, hilarity ensues as their arguments culminate in a surprising verdict!
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.
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!
