Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
Brains On Universe
<p>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!</p> <p>Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media <a href="https://lemonadamedia.com/" data-stringify-link="https://lemonadamedia.com/" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://lemonadamedia.com/</a> </p>
Recent Episodes
20 episodesSeaweed vs Peanuts
Two savory snacks, one delicious debate. It’s Peanuts vs Seaweed! One grows on land and pairs perfectly with chocolate or jelly. The other is found in the sea and is key in soups and sushi. Which one will be deemed the best bite? We’ve got actress and Forever Ago host Joy Dolo sounding off for Team Peanuts. Actor and improviser Alsa Bruno is diving in for Team Seaweed. Tune in to see who wins and then head to smashboom.org to vote for your favorite snack.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.
Bass 🐟 vs Bass 🎸
Today we’ve got a real brain buster. It’s bass vs bass. What? Well, the names are spelled the same, but they couldn’t be more different. One is a slippery, shimmery fish. The other is a boppin’, booming, guitar. Both are cool in their own way, but only one will triumph. On the side of the bass guitar we have Zak Rosen, host of the podcasts Weirdly Helpful and Care and Feeding. And repping the bass fish is Science Friday host Flora Lichtman. Listen to see which bass is best and head to smashboom.org to choose your favorite!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.
Stitch vs Yoda
Two creatures from a galaxy far, far away go head to head in this interstellar debate. One is a little blue force of destruction and the other is a little green font of wisdom. It’s Stitch vs Yoda! Surfing in on a wave of enthusiasm for Team Stitch is comedy writer and Lego Master Sam Suksiri. And the Force is strong with actor, comedian and Story Pirate Peter McNerney, for Team Yoda! Which alien being will be crowned the best? Listen to find out and then head to smashboom.org to vote for the side you would’ve chosen to 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.
Rock Climbing vs Sledding
This debate has its ups and downs, literally! One side is all about scaling up mountains, boulders and walls. The other side goes down hills with a woosh. It’s Rock Climbing vs Sledding! This pulse pounding episode features writer, comedian, and podcaster Tim Barnes holding fast for Team Rock Climbing and host of NPR’s It’s Been A Minute, Brittany Luse for Team Sledding. Which side will come out on top… or bottom, as the case may be? Listen and find out. Then head to smashboom.org to vote on your fav.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.
Tyranosaurus Rex vs Triceratops
Get ready for an ancient throwdown of epic proportions. It’s Tyranosaurus vs Triceratops. One is a meat-eating, mega-predator and the other is a vegetarian with three horns for three times the protection. Dino experts Riley Black and Kallie Moore will duke it out to see which animal is crowned the Smash Boom Best. After the debate, head to smashboom.org to tell us who you think won. You can find Riley's books here and Kallie's books here! Kallie also hosts PBS' Eons. 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.
Moss vs. Moths
We’ve got a showdown between two wonders of nature. One is a patch of perfect greenery, the other is a fluttery friend. It’s Moss vs Moths. Here to tell us why moss is boss we have actor, writer, singer and comedian Emily Olcott. And flying in for Team Moths we have comedian, writer and musician Tiz Irie. Tune in to see which one is deemed the Smash Boom Best. Then head to smashboom.org to tell us which side you think won!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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Smash Boom Best Presents: Brains On - Why do we laugh?
We're on a little winter break and we're gonna be back with a new smash boom battle on January 8th. Today we have an episode of the other show that Molly hosts: Brains On. This is an episode about something near and dear to every fan of Smash. Boom, best laughter. Laughter is like a language and humans are really good at understanding it. In this episode, Molly and co-host Milla decode different kinds of laughs, from uncontrollable goofy laughter to chuckles that make others feel good. They’ll meet laugh experts Sophie Scott and Adrienne Wood and test their knowledge in three rounds of the game show: Laugh Attack! Plus, a new mystery sound for you to guess Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
Pigs vs. Frogs
One’s a happy hopper and the other is a fine swine. Get ready for Pigs vs Frogs! Both animals are popular in books and movies. Both have cool features. But which is the coolest critter? Writer and archeologist Anna Goldfield will argue for Team Pig and actor, voice artist, and improviser Billy Soco will debate for Team Frogs. Listen to see which animal our judge crowns the Smash Boom Best, and head to smashboom.org to tell us who you chose. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here for a transcript of this episode. Get 50% Off Monarch, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarch.com/boom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
Babies vs. Puppies
They’re both cute, they’re both cuddly, they both can be a handful. It’s Babies vs Puppies! Which adorable newborn will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Cooing for Team Babies is Smash Boom producer Anna Weggle and barking it up for Team Puppies is actor and animator Brant Miller! Who will win? Listen to see who our judge crowns champion of cuteness, then head over to smashboom.org to vote! Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here for a transcript of this episode. Get 50% Off Monarch, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarch.com/boomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monster Trucks vs. Hot Wheels
Whether you like your wheels big or small, this debate is for you! It’s Monster Trucks vs Hot Wheels. It’s a battle between Brains On besties Marc Sanchez and Sanden Totten. Marc goes full throttle for Team Monster Trucks and Sanden speeds toward victory for Team Hot Wheels. Who will win? Head over to smashboom.org to vote and listen to see who our judge crowns the king of cars. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here or a transcript of this episode. Get 50% Off Monarch, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarch.com/boom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New episodes of Smash Boom Best!
Get ready for Smash Boom Best season 10! We promise more facts than you can shake a stick at (that's a lot, right?). Declarations of Greatness? We got 'em. Sneak Attacks? Ha-ha-who-YEAH! Arguments about ridiculous things judged by teenagers? You bet your Doja Cat!Make sure you're subscribed, because the first episode drops on November 27th. Do you want to see all the debates we have planned for this season? Of course you do! You can see them by signing up for our Smarty Pass. That's where you get ad-free versions of all Smash Boom Best, Brains On, Forever Ago and Moment of Um. Plus, you'll get other cool perks like hangouts with the team and discounts on merch and shows. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See Smash Boom Best live in Princeton, NJ!
Get tickets for Smash Boom Best live! Nothing’s better than a good debate. Except maybe a good debate -- LIVE! That’s why we’re bringing Smash Boom Best to Princeton, New Jersey. It’s gonna be a knock down, drag out brawl of words, jokes and probably some impromptu dance moves. Oh, and guess who’s judging this time? You! The audience! So join us Sunday, October 26th at the McCarter Theater in Princeton. It’s gonna be a Smash Boom Blast. See ya there! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters
We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop us a line, head to brainson.org. The best way to keep us going is to join Smarty Pass or donate here: https://brainson.supercast.com. Thank you!See Smash Boom Best LIVE in Princeton, NJ!Join us at the McCarter Theatre for a live, in-person version of Smash Boom Best, an award winning podcast for kids and families! Each live show takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets the audience decide which is best. Host Molly Bloom moderates a debate between two performers who make their case using facts fueled by jokes, physical comedy, and the occasional song and dance. At the end, the audience votes for the winner and crowns the Smash Boom Best – all while learning how to defend their own opinions and make the strongest arguments for their case. While we are in town, we are throwing a Smash Boom Spectacular Party right after the live show and YOU are invited! This won't be just any party. You will get to meet host Molly Bloom and our debaters. They'll be playing games with you, singing songs, answering your questions, and posing for photos. Plus, you'll get to take home an awesome, one-of-a kind Smash Boom Best goodie bag. You can gain access to this SBSP (Smash Boom Spectacular Party) by purchasing a VIP ticket* when you make your purchase. See you there!DETAILS & TICKETSMcCarter Theatre CenterOctober 26, 2025 at 3:00pm ET91 University PlacePrinceton, NJ 08540Buy Tickets HereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A big update about Smash Boom Best and the Brains On Universe
We're moving the Brains On Universe Headquarters, and that means we have to stop putting out new episodes until we get settled. We know: not cool. But, our new home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit.In the meantime, we still have some live shows planned this fall. Brains On Live will be in Dallas, TX on September 13. And Smash Boom Best will bring the debate heat to Princeton, NJ on October 26. Head over to brainson.org/events to get tickets. We can't wait to high five you all in person!And, if you want to be the first to hear about our shiny, new home, sign up for our newsletter. There will be six more bathrooms, 10 more water slides and, we're finally going to fix the doorbell! Also, if you have any questions or want to reach out to us, you can still head to brainson.org/contact to get in touch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.