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

May 2, 2024 • 30min
Trains vs. Planes: A transporting debate
Today’s debate is more about the journey than the destination! It’s a match-up between the winged wonders of our skies and the locomotives that love making tracks. It’s Trains vs. Planes! In one corner we’ve got Forever Ago producer Nico Gonzalez Wisler ready to roll for team Trains, and in the other we’ve got actor, director, and teacher Allison Vincent here to take off for team Planes! Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!Also… 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!

Apr 25, 2024 • 32min
Blobfish vs. Naked Mole Rat: a wild debate
Today’s debate has some real skin in the game. It’s a wild matchup between two creatures of the depths. It’s Blobfish vs. Naked Mole Rat! In one corner we’ve got actor and comedian Mike Cabellon ready to put on the pressure for team Blobfish! And donning the mantle for team Naked Mole Rat is comedian Comrade Tripp. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!Also… 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!

Apr 18, 2024 • 32min
Pogo Sticks vs. Unicycles: a playful debate
In a playful debate, actor Sean Holloway backs unicycles while pogo sticker Nick Ryan supports pogo sticks. They discuss the thrill and challenges of each activity, sharing personal experiences and humorous arguments. The chapter highlights the rise of extreme sports in both hobbies and emphasizes the joy and benefits each brings to enthusiasts.

Apr 16, 2024 • 2min
2 Nice 2 Handle: A Smarty Pass Sneak peek
Producers Rosie duPont and Ruby Guthrie engage in a compliment-off to see who can say the nicest thing. Discussion on kindness, generosity, and the perks of a Smarty Pass subscription for exclusive content.

Apr 11, 2024 • 34min
Sand vs. Grass: an earthy debate
Sand vs. Grass debate with Sanden Totten and Billy Soco. They discuss the environmental impact of grass lawns, creativity of sand, and eco-friendly alternatives. The lively debate concludes with grass as the victor, followed by shout-outs and a teaser for the next debate.

Apr 4, 2024 • 31min
Elevators vs. Escalators: an uplifting debate
Comedian Devohn Bland reps team Elevators while singer Andrew Barbato champions Escalators in a hilarious debate. Topics include convenience, safety, historical significance, and creative holiday songs dedicated to these transportation modes.

Mar 28, 2024 • 13min
Smash Boom Best presents Forever Ago - Superman: An immigrant's story
Guest Molly shares the origin story of Superman, exploring the impact of Superman on the superhero genre, the high school beginnings of two friends in Cleveland, their early collaborative comic strip efforts, and the birth and struggles of Superman's creation by Joe and Jerry.

4 snips
Mar 21, 2024 • 34min
Hippopotamus vs. Dragonfly: a sizeable debate
A funny and smart debate between a powerhouse hippopotamus and a nimble dragonfly, discussing size, agility, and unique abilities. Team captains lead the lively discussion, exploring misconceptions, contacting a 'dragonfly professor,' playful banter, roommate scenarios, and a fun tongue twister challenge.

Mar 14, 2024 • 34min
Soup vs. Sandwiches: a delicious debate
A funny debate between soup and sandwiches, with Taj Ruler championing soup and Rita Boersma defending sandwiches. The debate covers nutritional benefits, waste reduction, and the versatility of sandwiches. Humorous misunderstandings, false equivalencies, and a playful battle highlight the rivalry between the two delicious dishes.

Mar 12, 2024 • 2min
Cereal vs. Toast: A Smarty Pass Sneak Peek
Debate on whether champions should eat toast or cereal for breakfast, with the hosts discussing the merits of each. Learn about the $4 Smartypants subscription offering with bonus game featuring a breakfast battle between cereal and toast