Smash Boom Best

By American Public Media

Kids & Family

What's Smash Boom Best about?

Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best. Our debaters use facts and passion to make their case -- teaching listeners how to defend their own opinions along the way.

4.6

5,850 ratings

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LAST EPISODE

Be the judge at our next vi...

02.17.2022

If you’re looking for more Smash Boom goodness, join us for our next live, interactive debate on February 26th! Fan favorite debaters Sanden Totten, Joy Dolo, Katie McVay, and Jed Kim will go head-to-head in a wild debate about which ...

Smash Boom Best episodes:

02.17.2022 Be the judge at our next virtual debate! If you’re looking for more Smash Boom goodness, join us for our next live, interactive debate on February 26th! Fan favorite debaters Sanden Totten, Joy Dolo, Katie McVay, and Jed Kim will go head-to-head in a wild debate about which ...
02.03.2022 Basketball vs. Baseball Today’s debate is a slam dunk and a home run, rolled into one. It’s basketball vs. baseball! Hoopster and master producer Marc Sanchez mounts a full court press on major league podcast host Merk Nguyen… but which sport will win? ...
01.27.2022 Ghosts vs. Zombies Today’s frightful free-for-all might just scare your pants off. It’s GHOSTS vs. ZOMBIES! Co-host of the Story Pirates podcast, Peter McNerney battles comedian and host of Forever Ago, Joy Dolo in this un-boo-lievable battle. Who will win? Ghoulish ghosts? Or ...
01.25.2022 How does pencil lead stick to paper? - A Moment of Um extra We know a lot of you debate heads like to take notes and keep score while you're listening to Smash Boom Best, BUT have you ever stopped to think how the pencil lead your’re using sticks to the paper? Strange ...
01.20.2022 Apollo vs. Artemis Join us on Mount Olympus for a battle between two of the greatest Greek gods. It’s Apollo vs. Artemis! Journalist Jed Kim spars with producer Ruby Guthrie in this divine debate… but which twin will win? Dash over to smashboom.org ...
01.18.2022 Introducing Moment of Um! We're super excited for you to hear our newest podcast: Moment of Um! Whether or not you’ve heard of Moment of Um featured in Brains On, you’re in for a treat! The show answers those head-scratcher questions that seem to ...
01.13.2022 Coral Reefs vs. Rainforests Two iconic ecosystems hurl tree-mendous facts and rock-hard arguments in today’s colorful debate. It’s coral reefs versus rainforests! Comedian and host of Forever Ago, Joy Dolo, takes salty swings at science writer and comedian Kasha Patel in this rip-roaring battle… ...
01.06.2022 Apples vs. Bananas Today’s fruity free-for-all is apple-solutely bananas! In one corner, we’ve got those crunchy, portable treats -- apples! And in the other, it’s those yellow fruits in a suit -- bananas! Comedian Tommy McNamara spars with comedian and writer Saurin Choksi ...
12.16.2021 Lego vs. Minecraft Today, we’ve got a builder’s battle you’re gonna DIG. It’s Lego vs. Minecraft! In one corner, we’ve got the Lego-loving YouTuber and contestant on Lego Masters USA Season 1, Boone Langston! In the other, it’s Minecraft influencer and author of ...
12.09.2021 Godzilla vs. King Kong We hope you’re ready for today’s ragin’ rivalry, cuz it’s monstrous! In one corner we’ve got that legendary lizard with atomic breath… Godzilla! And in the other, it’s that gargantuan gorilla who scales skyscrapers… King Kong! Radio producer and comedian ...
12.02.2021 Jello vs. Spam We hope you're hungry, cuz today’s debate stars two funny, fantastic foods. It’s Jello vs. Spam! Audio producer Tracy Mumford and American chef and food writer Kenji Lopez-Alt get serious in this squelching smackdown… but which tasty treat will triumph? ...
10.07.2021 New Episodes & Our Live Virtual Halloween Debate! Smash Boom Best will be back with eight new episodes starting December 2nd. Get ready for a slew of awesome battles, including one of our most requested debates of all time, Lego vs. Minecraft! In the meantime, join us for ...
09.23.2021 Pikachu vs. Mario Buckle up for a brawl between two of the most iconic video game characters of all time. It’s Pikachu vs. Mario!! Radio producer and Pokemon trainer David Zha goes up against podcast pro and Mario maven Kristina Lopez in this ...
09.16.2021 Chess vs. Ping Pong Today’s teams are in it to spin it. It’s chess vs. ping pong! Comedian and writer Joon Chung goes up against podcast producer Elyssa Dudley in this classic competition, but which team will smash their way to victory? Ping over ...
09.08.2021 Horses vs. Dolphins Saddle-up, because today’s debate is the dolphinition of awesome. It’s horses vs. dolphins! Terrible, Thanks for Asking producers Marcel Malekebu and Jeyca Maldonado-Medina go hoof to flipper in this fin-pressive debate... but which team will win? Handsome horses or dreamy ...
09.02.2021 Refrigerators vs. Toilets Today, we’ve got a brawl between two things we’d hate to live without. It’s refrigerators vs. toilets! Terrible, Thanks for Asking creator Nora McInerny and reporter Jill Replogle duke it out in this feisty fixture face-off. But which team will ...
08.26.2021 Spaceships vs. Submarines Pack your bags, cuz today’s episode is a trip. It’s spaceships vs. submarines! Too Beautiful to Live co-host Andrew Walsh and comedian Brandi Brown travel from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space in this ...
08.19.2021 Honey vs. Pickles Two iconic foods go jar-to-jar in today’s fearsome flavor feud. It’s honey vs. pickles! Million Bazillion host Jed Kim goes up against comedian and journalist Anna Weggel in this sweet and salty showdown. Which team dill prevail? Vote to tell ...
08.12.2021 Bikes vs. Skateboards Get ready to kickflip out -- cuz this debate is off the chain. It’s bikes vs. skateboards! Listen to radio journalist Daniel Alarcón and Brains On! star Sanden Totten drop some gear-grinding arguments and gnarly facts... then cruise over to ...
08.05.2021 Fairies vs. Giants We’re stomping into season four with a debate of mythic proportions. One team is the size of a green bean, while the other towers over the whole magic beanstalk. It’s fairies vs. giants! Journalist Tarkor Zehn and comedian Katie McVay ...
07.22.2021 Season 4 Trailer This August 5th, Smash Boom Best is back! We’re staging some very controversial debates this season, including Skateboards vs. Bikes, Godzilla vs. King Kong, Horses vs. Dolphins, and Minecraft vs. Lego! We’re also planning a live, virtual, Halloween-themed debate this ...
04.29.2021 Return Date & New Merch! We’re coming back! Smash Boom Best is coming back on August 5th. New merch While you wait for fresh episodes to drop, check out our awesome new merch at smashboom.org/shop. We’ve got t-shirts, phone grips, face masks... everything you need ...
02.26.2021 Want a Bonus Episode? Meep Meep! Our bonus episode has arrived. That’s right, folks. It’s coyotes vs roadrunners!! In this season’s Debate Club exclusive, Brains On! producer and coyote lover, Marc Sanchez, takes on podcast producer and roadrunner enthusiast, Elyssa Dudley! Want to listen? ...
02.11.2021 Mermaids vs. Bigfoot Two marvelous, mythical legends make an appearance in this week’s episode. It’s mermaids versus Bigfoot! Which elusive creature will win this smash boom battle? Mermaids, the mysterious sirens that haunt our oceans? Or Bigfoot, the sneaky creature that lurks in ...
02.04.2021 Sugar vs. Salt Today, we’re going to tickle your tastebuds with two mouthwatering flavors. It’s sugar versus salt! Which fabulous flavor will win? The savory mineral we like to lick off pretzels, or the sweet ingredient we like to sprinkle on our cereal? ...
01.28.2021 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 ...
01.21.2021 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 ...
01.14.2021 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 ...
01.07.2021 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 ...
12.17.2020 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 ...
12.10.2020 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 ...
12.03.2020 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? ...
11.26.2020 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 ...
11.19.2020 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 ...
11.12.2020 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, ...
11.05.2020 Giant Squid vs. Blue Whales We’ve got a deep-sea debate for you today, so put on your scuba gear and jump on in! It’s Giant Squid vs. Blue Whales. Journalist Tom Weber goes up against science writer and stand-up comedian Kasha Patel in a fearsome ...
10.29.2020 Vampires vs. Werewolves 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 ...
10.22.2020 Drums vs. Guitars We’ve got a musical matchup to get your toes tapping: guitars versus drums! Smash Boom Best producer Rosie DuPont goes up against comedian Tommy McNamara in this raucous (and rocking) showdown. After you listen, tell us who you think won ...
10.15.2020 Flowers vs. Rainbows We’re launching season three with a burst of color of delight. It’s flowers vs rainbows! Brains On star Sanden Totten goes up against Forever Ago host Joy Dolo in a breathtakingly beautiful battle. Who do you think will win? Cast ...
10.01.2020 Season 3 Trailer Smash Boom Best is back on October 15th! We’ve got 16 new epic debate battles, including Vampires vs Werewolves, Ice Cream vs French Fries, and Avengers vs Star Wars! Tune in for debates filled with shocking facts, laser-fine logic, and ...
07.21.2020 Season 3: Important Updates! Smash Boom Best is returning this fall. We're hard at work on new episodes and we can't wait to share them with you! In the meantime, we’re launching an awesome new YouTube series called In Defense Of — a collection ...
05.05.2020 We need your help! BIG NEWS! Smash Boom Best has been nominated for a Webby Award! But we need your help to win. Cast your vote here: https://bit.ly/3cTAOVK. We can't do it without you!
02.04.2020 Season 3 News! Smash Boom Best is back with 16 new debate battles this summer! But before we kick off the season, we need your help choosing two debate match-ups. Cast your vote below before Monday, March 9th! Which debate do you want ...
09.26.2019 Want a Bonus Episode? We made a special bonus episode just for our Debate Club members! To join and get access to the episode, head to smashboom.org/debateclub and make a donation in any amount. The bonus episode features our beloved host and sloth lover, ...
09.11.2019 Aliens vs Robots NPR’s Sam Sanders and Elise Hu go head to head in this futuristic faceoff! Sam is repping the extraterrestrial neighbors we’re still searching for. And Elise is here to defend those helpful machines we call robots. Who do you think ...
09.05.2019 Chocolate vs Cheese How could you ever decide between two foods so scrumptious? Today’s judge is eleven-year-old Paige Goehner, the winner of Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship. The Sporkful’s Dan Pashman serves up a platter of facts for Team Cheese. And the Splendid ...
08.29.2019 Sharks vs Skunks It’s killer fish versus stinky furballs! Science Vs. host Wendy Zukerman goes to bat for SHARKS, those ancient, blood-thirsty predators that make swimming at the beach just a little bit scary.... and Chompers host Rachel Ward represents SKUNKS, those smelly ...
08.21.2019 Swimming vs Soccer Which sport is tops? Is it swimming, the splashy, life-saving skill, or soccer, the super-popular game of strategy and speed? Debaters Anna Weggel and Tommy McNamara face off in this sporty showdown. Which team do you think came out on ...
08.14.2019 Ice Age vs Jurassic Story Pirates podcast hosts Lee Overtree and Peter McNerney duke it out in a debate of epoch proportions: it’s the Ice Age vs. the Jurassic!! Who will win this bruiser of a battle? Will it be the chilly, 2.5-million-year period ...
08.07.2019 Rice vs Noodles Two of the world’s most beloved starches are taking the stage today. On one side, we have Joy Dolo repping mighty, multi-colored rice! And on the other, Meghan McCarty Carino argues for slippery, slurpable noodles! Which one do you think ...

Older episodes

Smash Boom Best

What's Smash Boom Best about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Smash Boom Best episodes:

Be the judge at our next virtual debate!

Basketball vs. Baseball

Ghosts vs. Zombies

How does pencil lead stick to paper? - A Moment of Um extra

Apollo vs. Artemis

Introducing Moment of Um!

Coral Reefs vs. Rainforests

Apples vs. Bananas

Lego vs. Minecraft

Godzilla vs. King Kong

Jello vs. Spam

New Episodes & Our Live Virtual Halloween Debate!

Pikachu vs. Mario

Chess vs. Ping Pong

Horses vs. Dolphins

Refrigerators vs. Toilets

Spaceships vs. Submarines

Honey vs. Pickles

Bikes vs. Skateboards

Fairies vs. Giants

Season 4 Trailer

Return Date & New Merch!

Want a Bonus Episode?

Mermaids vs. Bigfoot

Sugar vs. Salt

Moon vs. Sun

Armadillos vs. Porcupines

Helium vs. Neon

Deserts vs. Swamps

Ants vs. Bees

Rats vs. Pigeons

Teleportation vs. Telekinesis

Pandas vs. Penguins

Ice Cream vs. French Fries

Avengers vs. Star Wars

Giant Squid vs. Blue Whales

Vampires vs. Werewolves

Drums vs. Guitars

Flowers vs. Rainbows

Season 3 Trailer

Season 3: Important Updates!

We need your help!

Season 3 News!

Want a Bonus Episode?

Aliens vs Robots

Chocolate vs Cheese

Sharks vs Skunks

Swimming vs Soccer

Ice Age vs Jurassic

Rice vs Noodles

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