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

Death Valley vs. Mount Fuji

02.02.2023

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 ...

Smash Boom Best episodes:

02.02.2023 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 ...
01.26.2023 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, ...
01.19.2023 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 ...
01.12.2023 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. ...
01.05.2023 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 ...
12.22.2022 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!
12.08.2022 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 ...
12.03.2022 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 ...
10.28.2022 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 ...
09.29.2022 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? ...
09.22.2022 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 ...
09.15.2022 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 ...
09.08.2022 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 ...
09.01.2022 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 ...
08.25.2022 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 ...
08.18.2022 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 ...
08.11.2022 Sundaes vs. Nachos Looking to spice up your life with a dreamy, creamy debate? Then we’ve got you covered… with nachos vs. sundaes! Writer, comedian, and nacho lover Linnea Frye gets salty with comedian, writer, and sundae queen Nikki Bailey in this tasty ...
08.04.2022 Sneakers vs. Jeans Two stylish essentials go knee to toe in this week’s fashionable face-off. It’s sneakers vs. jeans! Writer, actor, and attorney Chas Carey defends super cool jeans from sneaker freak, journalist, and radio producer Daniel Alarcón. Which awesome item will win?! ...
07.28.2022 Roller Coasters vs. Mini Golf Strap in, because today’s debate is a wild ride full of ups and downs. It’s roller coasters vs. mini-golf! Producer Anna Weggel gets loopy with comedian and writer Sunny Atwal in this debate of amusement activities. Which past-time will prevail? ...
07.21.2022 Lollipops vs. Popcorn Get ready, cuz you’re in for a poppin’ good time. It’s lollipops vs. popcorn! Producer and writer Aron Woldesslassie gets corny with comedian Katie McVay in this sweet and savory debate. Which snack will succeed? Crunchable popcorn or lickable lollies? ...
07.14.2022 Hummingbirds vs. Seahorses Two little critters take the spotlight today. It’s hummingbirds vs. seahorses! Reporter Jill Replogle gets into a squeaky scuffle with comic and writer Brandi Brown in this awesome ani-melee. Which creature will carry the day? Heavenly hummingbirds or salty seahorses? ...
07.07.2022 Naps vs. Exercise Today’s debate is all about snoozin’ and groovin’. It’s naps vs. exercise! Journalist and author Tom Weber gets into a sleepy scrap with podcast host and voice actress Merk Nguyen in this dynamic (if drowsy) dispute. Which team will triumph? ...
06.09.2022 Season 5 Trailer Smash Boom Best is back on Thursday, July 7th with 13 new episodes! Get ready for some show-stopping smackdowns like Little Red Riding Hood vs. Goldilocks, Lollipops vs. Popcorn, and Exercise vs. Naps! Who do YOU think will win? Tune ...
06.02.2022 Forever Ago: How ice cream flavors went from whale poo to vanilla Hi Smash Boom Besties! We are hard at work on the new season of Smash Boom Best and we will be back with new debates SOON! But in the meantime we wanted to tell you about our other show Forever ...
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 ...

Older episodes

Smash Boom Best

What's Smash Boom Best about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Smash Boom Best episodes:

Death Valley vs. Mount Fuji

Mustard vs. Mayo

Black Holes vs. Meteors

Axolotls vs. Flamingos

Birthday Parties vs. Trick-or-Treating

Dogs vs. Cats

Books vs. Movies

We're back on January 5th!

Introducing Smarty Pass: Your ticket to the Brains On! Universe

Kangaroos vs. Platypuses

Goldilocks vs. Little Red Riding Hood

Peanut Butter vs. Marshmallows

Chefs vs. Veterinarians

Roller Skating vs. Bowling

Redwood Tree vs. Prickly Pear Cactus

Opossums vs. Raccoons

Sundaes vs. Nachos

Sneakers vs. Jeans

Roller Coasters vs. Mini Golf

Lollipops vs. Popcorn

Hummingbirds vs. Seahorses

Naps vs. Exercise

Season 5 Trailer

Forever Ago: How ice cream flavors went from whale poo to vanilla

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

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