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
Nov 14, 2024 • 35min
Mars vs. Saturn: a celestial debate
Today’s debate features two powerful planets in a cosmic clash – it’s Mars vs. Saturn! Brains On Editor Sanden Totten will rep the red planet while astronomer Mark Popinchalk will glimmer for the gassy giant. Who will be crowned the most precious planet? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!This week’s sponsor is:Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.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.
Nov 7, 2024 • 33min
Jack and the Beanstalk vs. The Ugly Duckling: a storybook debate
In this lively debate, Adam Gidwitz, author and host of "Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest," champions "Jack and the Beanstalk," while Soman Chainani, famed for "School for Good and Evil," defends "The Ugly Duckling." They hilariously dissect each story's themes—heroic adventures versus self-acceptance—while sharing personal anecdotes like musical favorites and theatrical experiences. With a playful critique of each other’s arguments, they highlight the deeper morals behind these timeless tales, sparking laughter and insightful reflections on resilience and transformation.
Oct 31, 2024 • 33min
Ghostbusters vs. Jurassic Park: a cinematic debate
Today’s debate is full of frights and delights. Grab your popcorn and watch your backs because it’s Ghostbusters vs. Jurassic Park! We’ve got podcast producer Tracy Mumford, ready to take the call for team Ghostbusters, and journalist and author Tom Weber is eager to roar for team Jurassic Park! Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!This week’s sponsor is:Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.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.
Oct 24, 2024 • 45min
Halloween Candy Grab Bag: a decadent debate
Join Joy Dolo, host of Forever Ago, and Aron Woldeslassie, producer of Brains On Universe, in a hilarious Halloween candy debate! They pit popular treats like Twix and Snickers against each other, sharing witty banter and nostalgic memories. The competition gets intense as they engage in creative pitches and character monologues to defend their choices. They even brainstorm a new candy bar, showcasing their playful imaginations. Tune in for a sugar-filled showdown and find out which candy reigns supreme!
Oct 21, 2024 • 7min
Smarty Pass Presents: Sanden vs a Velociraptor
Can’t get enough Smash Boom Best? Here’s a bonus episode! Sign up for Smarty Pass and you’ll get a bonus episode like this every month. Usually, these episodes are just for Smarty Pass subscribers but today we’re sharing one with all of our listeners. To get more, sign up for Smarty Pass at smartypass.org How many times have you asked yourself: which is better, Sanden or a Velociraptor? On the one hand, Velociraptors hunt in packs but on the other hand, Sanden Totten is funny. Sanden has great hair but Velociraptors have been featured in several movies. It’s impossible to decide. Well, grab your Smarty Pass because, with the help of a fun game, we’ll decide which is best: Sanden or a Velociraptor!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 17, 2024 • 37min
Rollerblades vs. Scooters: a rolling debate
Grab your helmet and knee pads because it’s Rollerblades vs. Scooters! Listen as journalist and podcaster Jed Kim rolls out for team Scooters while singer, writer, and comedian Andrew Barbato slices through the competition for team Rollerblades! Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!This week’s sponsors are:Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.Let your kids' imaginations run wild and check out the new podcast Wild Interest wherever you get your podcasts. wildinterest.comAlso… 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.
Oct 10, 2024 • 32min
Vampires vs. Werewolves: a spooky debate
Today, the ultimate immortal rivals go fang to claw in a blood-thirsty debate. It's vampires vs werewolves! Who will win? Pale, blood-sucking vampires? Or supernaturally speedy, howling werewolves? Anna Weggel and Tracy Mumford debate to see which terrifying tormentor will be crowned the Smash Boom Best. After you listen, tell us who you think won by casting your vote at smashboom.org! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 4, 2024 • 2min
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Cheetahs vs. Sloths
Beloved host and sloth lover, Molly Bloom, takes on Brains On producer and cheetah enthusiast, Sanden Totten. Which team will triumph? Grab your Smarty Pass to hear and find out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 3, 2024 • 34min
Surfing vs. Ice Skating: an Olympic debate
Today’s debate is a sporty showdown between two playful pastimes. It’s Surfing vs. Ice Skating! Actor, writer and comedian Allison Reese is here to ride the waves for team surfing, and editor Nancy Yang will glide across the ice for team ice skating. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!This week’s sponsors are:Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.Let your kids' imaginations run wild and check out the new podcast Wild Interest wherever you get your podcasts. wildinterest.comAlso… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/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.
Sep 26, 2024 • 36min
Broccoli vs. Carrots: a veggie debate
Join Mary Mack, a talented comedian and voice actor advocating for team Broccoli, as she playfully battles Jada Pulley, an actor and improviser representing team Carrots. They dive into the delicious debate of which veggie reigns supreme! Expect funny arguments about broccoli's gourmet roots versus the sweetness of carrots. Witty anecdotes, culinary challenges, and imaginative mascot auditions keep listeners entertained. In the end, will broccoli secure the title, or will carrots surprise us all? Tune in for a fun culinary showdown!
