Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
American Public Media
Smash Boom Best is a funny, smart debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! from APM Studios. 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!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 28, 2021 • 34min
Moon vs. Sun
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 only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate. Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Jan 21, 2021 • 32min
Armadillos vs. Porcupines
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 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 smashboom.org/donate. Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Jan 14, 2021 • 35min
Helium vs. Neon
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 on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate. Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Jan 7, 2021 • 34min
Deserts vs. Swamps
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 smashboom.org/donate and follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Dec 17, 2020 • 34min
Ants vs. Bees
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, 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 smashboom.org/donate and follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Dec 10, 2020 • 35min
Rats vs. Pigeons
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 season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate and follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Dec 3, 2020 • 36min
Teleportation vs. Telekinesis
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 Literati Kids. 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 smashboom.org/donate and follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Nov 26, 2020 • 35min
Pandas vs. Penguins
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 the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate and follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Nov 19, 2020 • 36min
Ice Cream vs. French Fries
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 episode, which is only available to donors. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate and follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Nov 12, 2020 • 42min
Avengers vs. Star Wars
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 Learning and Purple, makers of the Purple pillow and mattress. Go to Purple.com/smash10, and use promo code smash10 for 10% off any order of $200 or more. And 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 smashboom.org/donateFollow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
