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!
Spider-Man vs. Batman: A super debate
Our final debate of the season is a superpowered smackdown between two heroic icons: the spunky web-slinger from Queens and the brave guardian of Gotham. Ne'er-do-wells beware, because it’s Spider-Man vs. Batman! We’ve got actor, writer, and Story Pirates co-host Peter McNerney ready to give it his all for team Spider-Man! And rapper extraordinaire Matt Allen better known as NUR-D here to defend the caped crusader– Batman! Which side will step up to the win? The red and blue web-head or the Dark Knight? Adjust your mask, tighten your tool belt and swoop on over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won! Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days 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!
|
34:30 | 20/04/2023 | |
Story Pirates: How Do You Scare a Mermaid?/Chickening (feat. Busy Phillips)
Hi Smash Boom besties! We have a special treat for you today. We're sharing an episode of the Story Pirates podcast. Our good friend Peter McNerney from the Story Pirates has debated on Smash Boom Best many times, and we're so excited to have him back later this week in our sizzling superhero smackdown, Spider-Man vs. Batman. You won't want to miss it. Until then, we hope you enjoy this awesome episode of Story Pirates. This episode features an adaptation of 9-year-old Lainey's "How Do You Scare a Mermaid?" into a total bop of a song, and 11-year-old Camilo's "The Chickening" teaches us the newest dance craze appropriate for any time, place or reality! To read the original stories behind the episode and hear more from Story Pirates, visit storypirates.com/podcast! Enjoy the show!
|
31:10 | 17/04/2023 | |
Narwhals vs. Jellyfish: A marine debate
Today’s debate is a marine dream! One side has a giant tooth that's brought it acclaim, while the other wobbles on without a brain. Get ready to dive into this debate because it’s Narwhals vs. Jellyfish! Actor and writer Allison Reese is here to defend notable narwhals, while podcast producer Tracy Mumford gets jiggy for team jellyfish! Which side will swim to victory? Team horn or team tentacle? Float on over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won! Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days 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!
|
35:02 | 13/04/2023 | |
Million Bazillion: Money Mania Game Show
Hi Smash Boom Besties! We want to share an episode from a podcast we know you’ll like — Million Bazillion! It’s a show that asks and answers questions about money. In the episode we’re sharing today, Million Bazillion hosts its inaugural “Money Mania” game show, where five lucky listeners compete in an elaborate obstacle course to get their questions answered. This week, they’ll tackle questions like: What is profit? Why do receipts have so many words? And, what do stores do with all their leftover holiday stuff?If you enjoy the show, we hope you’ll listen to all the other great episodes they have to offer!
|
28:30 | 10/04/2023 | |
Baths vs. Showers: A bubbly debate
Turn on the tap, and grab your shower cap… cuz it’s baths vs showers! Moment of Um producer Anna Weggel bubbles for baths in this soapy smackdown with writer, producer and shower-lover Boen Wang! Which splashy past-time will win? Sprinkling showers or bubbly tubs? Slip and slide over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won! Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days 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!
|
34:06 | 06/04/2023 | |
Tap Dancing vs. Kung Fu: A graceful debate
Stretch out those muscles, because this week’s debate is a movement match-up for the ages. One side keeps the beat from the start, while the other is an age-old martial art. Lace up your shoes and get ready to kick it up a notch, because it’s Tap Dancing vs. Kung Fu! Smash Boom Best producer Aron Woldeslassie is jazzed for tap dancing, while actor, improviser, and voice artist Billy Soco is kickin’ it for team kung fu! Which side will step up to the win? Shuffle, slide, or swing on over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won! Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days 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!
|
34:59 | 30/03/2023 | |
Roses vs. Sunflowers: A flowery debate
Today’s debate stars two sweet and sunny plants that will surely make you smile. So stop a while and take in this fragrant debate– it’s roses vs. sunflowers! In one corner we’ve got editor and Brains On! co-creator Sanden Totten repping radiant roses. In the other, it’s writer and performer John Ross here to sing the praises of sweet, sweet sunflowers! Which team will be crowned smash bloom best? Put the petal to the metal and head on over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won! This week’s sponsors is: Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days 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 super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!
|
33:15 | 23/03/2023 | |
Smarty Pass sample: Smash Boom Best Appeals
Today, we're sharing a sample of our most recent bonus episode, available only with Smarty Pass: Smash Boom Best Appeals! Get your Smarty Pass 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 smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today! Have you ever lost at something? Well, it looks like Anna Weggel has lost six - sorry five Smash Boom Best Debates and is looking to appeal those losses. What’s worse, she’s forcing Molly to hear why she should be declared the Smash Boom Best. Grab your Smarty Pass and help us convince Anna that not winning doesn’t make her a loser.
|
02:24 | 17/03/2023 | |
Kraken vs. Cyclops
Are you ready for a mythological match-up between two mighty yet misunderstood creatures? Check the horizon and batten down the hatches because it’s Kraken vs. Cyclops! Writer, actor and creator of Reverend Matt’s Monster Science Matt Kessen is here to get things kraken, while Brains On producer and archaeologist Anna Goldfield fans the fires of fandom for the cyclops! Which team will take the crown– a monster squid who’s hundreds of feet tall? Or a giant with one eyeball? Splash on over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won! This week’s sponsors is: Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days 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!
|
30:12 | 16/03/2023 | |
Tardigrades vs. Elephants
Today’s debate is an extreme animal face-off. One team is large, in charge, and loves to eat peanuts, the other is smaller than a peanut but stronger than steel! It’s tardigrades vs. elephants! Actor, director, and playwright Duck Washington reps team tardigrade, while actor, writer, instructor Lauren Anderson trumpets for elephants! Which team will triumph– tardigrades or tusks? Don’t be tardy to the party! Stomp on over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won! This week’s sponsors is: Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days 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!
|
32:51 | 09/03/2023 | |
Pancakes vs. Waffles
Today’s debate is all about the breakfast of champions. Batter up, because it’s pancakes vs. waffles! Podcast producer and pancake promoter Marcel Malekebu goes griddle to iron with Terrible, Thanks for Asking host, author, and waffler Nora McInerny. Who will win this breakfast battle? Fabulous flapjacks or golden grids? Pass the syrup and head over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won! This week’s sponsors are: HelloFresh.com/smashboom65 - for 65% off + free shipping Headspace.com/SMASHBOOM - try Headspace free for 30 days 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!
|
35:11 | 02/03/2023 | |
Nail Polish vs. Sunglasses
Put on your finest frills because today’s debate is an accessory argument for the ages. It’s nail polish vs. sunglasses! Forever Ago producer Nico Gonzalez Wisler fights tooth and nail polish for magnificent manicures, while Articles of Interest producer and host Avery Trufelman reps ray-reflecting sunglasses. Which team will take the crown? Don your most exceptional eyewear, check your nails, and head over to smashboom.org and vote for the team YOU think won! Today’s episode is sponsored by: Disneyplusoriginals.disney.com - Disney Plus Originals' Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur HelloFresh.com/smashboom65 - for 65% off + free shipping 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!
|
33:48 | 23/02/2023 | |
Scuba Diving vs. Skydiving
Ready to take a whirling, twirling plunge into the unknown? Then this splashy smackdown is for you. It’s scuba diving vs. skydiving! Comedy writer and lego master model builder Sam Suskiri dukes it out with writer and co-host of the podcast Million Bazillion Ryan Perez in this diving debate. Which awesome activity will win? Jump over to smashboom.org and vote for the team YOU think won! Today’s episode is sponsored by: Disneyplusoriginals.disney.com - Disney Plus Originals' Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur HelloFresh.com/smashboom65 - for 65% off + free shipping 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! Vote for the debate you want Molly and Sanden to tackle here.
|
32:39 | 16/02/2023 | |
Sneezing vs. Farting
Today’s debate is a nightmare for the polite and uptight, starring trumpeting rumps and shouting snouts! Open a window and grab your hankie because it's sneezing versus farting! Actor, educator and sneeze queen Siri Hellerman goes up against comedian, health care worker and fart captain Brant Miller in this gaseous gameshow. Which bodily broadcast will win? Hoot and toot over to smashboom.org and vote for the team 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! Vote for the debate you want Molly and Sanden to tackle here.
|
36:15 | 09/02/2023 | |
Death Valley vs. Mount Fuji
Ain't no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough to keep us from smash boom besting. It’s Death Valley vs. Mount Fuji! Journalist and podcast host Gloria Riviera defends sizzling Death Valley, while editor and podcast host Mary Harris fights for massive Mount Fuji. Which legendary landscape will take the win? Hike on over to smashboom.org and vote for the team 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! Vote for the debate you want Molly and Sanden to tackle here.
|
30:26 | 02/02/2023 | |
Mustard vs. Mayo
The queens of condiments go jar to jar in today’s yummy rumble. Give it up for mayo vs. mustard! In one corner, we’ve got comedian, actor and host of Forever Ago Joy Dolo defending mustard! In the other, it’s comedian, actor and writer Becky Abrams muscling it up for team mayo! Which sandwich sidekick will take home first prize? There’s no telling. Spread your way over to smashboom.org and vote for the team 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! Vote for the debate you want Molly and Sanden to tackle here.
|
33:58 | 26/01/2023 | |
Black Holes vs. Meteors
Grab your telescopes, cuz you’re in for a celestial smackdown. It’s black holes vs. meteors! Comedian and writer Max Maliga goes to bat for black holes against improvisor, writer and meteor maven Anupa Otiv.Which cosmic celebrity will take home the crown? Massive black holes, or magical meteors? Shoot over to smashboom.org to vote for the team 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! Vote for the debate you want Molly and Sanden to tackle here.
|
33:26 | 19/01/2023 | |
Axolotls vs. Flamingos
Today’s ani-melee features an amphibian with frilly gills and a pink bird with a bent bill. It’s axolotls vs. flamingos! Comedian, puppeteer and podcaster Tim Platt champions axolotls in a wild face-off with writer, comedian and flamingo fan Katie McVay. Which side will take home first prize? Fabulous flamingos or awe-inspiring axolotls? Splash over to smashboom.org to vote for the team 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! Vote for the debate you want Molly and Sanden to tackle here.
|
35:45 | 12/01/2023 | |
Birthday Parties vs. Trick-or-Treating
Today’s debate is a face-off between yearly sensations that rock the nation. Both involve candy and cake for eating, so grab your costumes and birthday suits for… birthday parties vs. trick-or-treating! Editor, reporter, writer and birthday enthusiast Jed Kim goes up against podcaster, improviser and trick-or-treating fiend Michael Stevens in this celebratory smackdown. Which pastime will win? Breathtaking birthdays? Or tasty trick-or-treating? Slip on a costume and strut over to smashboom.org to vote for the team 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! Vote for the debate you want Molly and Sanden to tackle here.
|
34:01 | 05/01/2023 | |
Dogs vs. Cats
Check out another one of our classics: dogs vs. cats! Which furry friends are you most fond of? Playful pups or frisky felines? Listen to find out which team comes out on top!
|
24:42 | 22/12/2022 | |
Books vs. Movies
Listen to one of our first smash boom best debates ever: books vs. movies! Who are you rooting for? The printed word or the silver screen? Listen to bibliophiles and film buffs duke it out in this awesome smash boom battle!
|
32:26 | 08/12/2022 | |
We're back on January 5th!
Smash Boom Best is back on Thursday, January 5th with 16 new episodes of chatty, fact-y fun! You’re in for some massive new matchups like Birthday Parties vs. Trick-or-Treating, Spiderman vs. Batman, and Mayo vs. Mustard! Who do YOU think will win? Listen and judge for yourself. You’ll hear veteran debaters like Jed Kim and Joy Dolo duke it out with newbies like Ryan Perez and Avery Trufelman. We’re so excited, debate-heads. Until then, keep on being the smash boom best!!
|
01:17 | 03/12/2022 | |
Introducing Smarty Pass: Your ticket to the Brains On! Universe
Become a Smarty Pass subscriber today to access bonus episodes and ad-free episodes of Brains On!, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago -- all right here in your favorite podcast player. Visit smartypass.org/smashboombest to get your Smarty Pass! It's $4/month or $36/year (a three-month discount!) Don't worry: This feed will stay free and we’ll be posting new episodes just like we always have. Whether you choose to subscribe, or keep listening in our free feeds, we so appreciate you listening to our shows and being a part of the Brains On universe. Thank you so much for your support!
|
04:15 | 28/10/2022 | |
Kangaroos vs. Platypuses
You’re in for some bouncy, duck-billed fun from “down undah!” It’s kangaroos vs. platypuses! Comedian and writer Allison Reese reps kangaroos in a beastly brawl with platypus-fan and Brains On! co-creator Sanden Totten. Which creature will come out on top? Paddling platypuses? Or kickin’ kangas? Hop over to smashboom.org and vote for the team YOU think won! This episode was sponsored by: Outschool.com/smashboom – To save $15 on your child’s first class and Everyplate.com - enter code "smashboom149" to get your first box for $1.49 per meal
|
33:39 | 29/09/2022 | |
Goldilocks vs. Little Red Riding Hood
Today’s debate is not too hot, not too cold, but just right! It’s Goldilocks vs. Little Red Riding Hood! Audio producer extraordinaire Tracy Mumford goes for gold in this fairytale face-off with writer, comedian and cape enthusiast Utkarsh Rajawat! Which character will take the crown? The one with lovely locks? Or the one with the crimson cloak? Wander your way over to smashboom.org and vote for the team YOU think won! This episode was sponsored by: Outschool.com/smashboom – To save $15 on your child’s first class and Everyplate.com - enter code "smashboom149" to get your first box for $1.49 per meal
|
31:51 | 22/09/2022 | |
Peanut Butter vs. Marshmallows
Today’s debate is fluffy, crunchy, and extra delicious. It’s peanut butter vs. marshmallows! Writer and producer Jeff Nucera champions the power of creamy, dreamy peanut butter in this salty smackdown with writer and marshmallow lover Tea Ho! Which snack will succeed? The crunchy spread that packs a punch? Or the plump white puffs we love to roast? Chomp your way over smashboom.org and vote for the team YOU think won! This episode was sponsored by: Outschool.com/smashboom – To save $15 on your child’s first class and Everyplate.com - enter code "smashboom149" to get your first box for $1.49 per meal
|
31:22 | 15/09/2022 | |
Chefs vs. Veterinarians
Kitchen wizards and kitten whisperers take the stage in today’s career-off. It’s chefs versus veterinarians! Comedy writer and LEGO Master Model Builder, Sam Suksiri, defends chefs in a sizzling smackdown against comic, writer, and animal lover, Kasha Patel. Which profession will triumph? Chop and hop over to smashboom.org and vote for the team YOU think won! This episode was sponsored by: Outschool.com/smashboom – To save $15 on your child’s first class and Everyplate.com - enter code "smashboom149" to get your first box for $1.49 per meal
|
34:51 | 08/09/2022 | |
Roller Skating vs. Bowling
Looking for a rolling, bowling ballyhoo? Tune in for roller skating vs. bowling! Writer, actress, and roller skating maven Ashley Jaye dukes it out with actor, comedian, writer, director, and bowling fan Max Maliga in one slippery smackdown! Which team will win? Baller bowling, or radical roller skating? Glide over to smashboom.org and vote for the team YOU think won. This episode was sponsored by: Outschool.com/smashboom – To save $15 on your child’s first class and Everyplate.com - enter code "smashboom149" to get your first box for $1.49 per meal
|
32:44 | 01/09/2022 | |
Redwood Tree vs. Prickly Pear Cactus
Today’s debate is all about roarin’ flora. It’s redwood tree vs. prickly pear cactus! Tobin Mitnick – actor, writer, and creator of internet phenomenon jewslovestrees – rages for redwoods against comedian, writer, and actress Becky Abrams, who makes some pointed arguments in favor of prickly pears! Which photosynthesizer will take it all? Radical redwoods or persuasive pricklies? Stroll over to smashboom.org and vote for the team YOU think won. This episode was sponsored by: Outschool.com/smashboom – To save $15 on your child’s first class and Everyplate.com - enter code "smashboom149" to get your first box for $1.49 per meal
|
34:13 | 25/08/2022 | |
Opossums vs. Raccoons
Today’s debate is quite the creature feature. It’s opossums vs. raccoons! Theater teacher, improv sensation and marsupial maven Roy Rodriguez dukes it out with super producer and raccoon-lover Rosie duPont in this nocturnal neighborhood scuffle. Which critter will take the crown? Awesome opossums, or ravishing raccoons?! Scamper over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won. This episode was sponsored by: Outschool.com/smashboom – To save $15 on your child’s first class and Everyplate.com - enter code "smashboom149" to get your first box for $1.49 per meal
|
35:37 | 18/08/2022 |