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PODCAST

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

Brains On Universe

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

kids & family education for kids

All Episodes

38:43

Hiking vs Gardening

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/10/08

Grab your sunscreen and a bottle of water because we’ve a showdown between two outdoor activities. It’s Gardening vs Hiking! Making our love of gardening grow is performer, theatermaker and Story Pirate Mahayla Laurence! Showing us the sight and heights for team hiking is singer, actor and Story Pirate Alex Nader! Which will win? Listen and then vote for your favorite at www.smashboombest.org.Click here to read a transcript of this episode.Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to

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9:07

Sneak peek: The history of pineapple pizza

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/10/05

This is a sneak peak of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass members. It’s a follow up to our Forever Ago episode on the history of pizza. In this one, we look at the man who made pineapple on pizza a thing. Plus, we tell the story of how pineapple pizza created drama between two nations. To hear the whole, ad-free episode, sign up for Smarty Pass at smartypass.org.

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43:02

Moana vs Elsa

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/10/01

Today’s debate is a royal rivalry between two regal leaders. One of them is the wayfinding chief of Motonui and the other a former queen who can control the ice and snow. It’s Moana vs Elsa. Repping the mighty Moana is writer, director and Molly’s brother, Mickey Bloom! And casting a spell for Elsa is writer, funny person and Molly’s sister Delia Bloom! Which Disney main character will come out on top? Listen to find out and head to www.smashboom.org to vote for your favorite.Click here to read a

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1:15

Smash Boom Best Live + New Season Alert!!!

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/09/18

October is a big month for Smash Boom Best! We're coming back with new episodes October 1st and we're doing TWO live shows! We'll be in Toronto on Oct. 3rd -- it's part of the Just For Laughs Festival. And we'll be in Dallas Oct. 11th. Our Minneapolis sold out so if you've been waiting to get tickets, now is the time!The Smash Boom live shows features Molly, three very funny debaters and two debates! And guess who gets to be the judge? It's you! The audience! We know you have big opinions, and we

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38:18

Waterparks vs Trampoline Parks

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/08/20

This debate is park vs park. One is a splashy place with slides and waves. The other a bounce house with games and obstacles. Get ready for waterparks vs trampoline parks! Making a splash for the wonderful world of waterparks is actor Marina Squerciati. And leaping into action for Team Trampoline Parks, is lawyer and former competitive debater, Eli Kay-Oliphant. Which park will prevail? Listen then vote for your pick at www.smashboom.org.Clickhereto read a transcript of this episode. Want to

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6:59

Sneak Peek: Hoax Hunters explain the Pokemon Shock

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/08/17

This is a sneak peek of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass subscribers. It’s a follow up to the Forever Ago episode about the history of Pokemon. This time, Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters to investigate a phenomenon known as the Pokemon Shock. It was an event where a TV show apparently made thousands of people feel sick. To hear the full episode, sign up for Smarty Pass and support the Brains On Universe.

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39:29

King Arthur vs Robin Hood

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/08/13

Today it’s a battle of iconic British folk heroes! One is a King who loves justice, peace and a little bit of magic. And on the other a hero who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. It’s King Arthur vs Robin Hood! Swinging his sword for Team King Arthur, is the host and creator of Greeking Out and History Snacks, Kenny Curtis! And bringing a quiver full of good arguments for Team Robin Hood is Greeking Out writer and History Snacks host, Jillian Hughes! Which side will live happily ever

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37:45

Vanilla vs Mint

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/08/06

Today two terrific tastes are here to mix it up. On one side we have a warming spice that comes from a seed pod and on the other a mean, green cooling leaf machine. It’s vanilla vs mint. Keeping things cool for mint is clown, actor and improviser Gregory Parks!And extracting all the winning points for team vanilla is writer, performer and lego builder extraordinaire Sam Suksiri! Which flavor will prevail? Tune in to find out and then go tosmashboom.orgto vote for your pick.Clickhereto read a

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36:33

The Lorax vs The Cat in the Hat

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/07/30

Today’s debate is a bookish brawl featuring two classic characters created by Dr. Seuss. Improviser Nick Kanellis is arguing for The Lorax, that beloved and mustachioed defender of trees. And Story Pirate Peter McNerney is repping everyone’s favorite mischievous feline with stylish accessories: The Cat in the Hat! After you listen, head tosmashboom.organd vote to tell us whoyouthink won!Clickhereto read a transcript of this episode.Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free

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39:48

Watermelon vs Cotton Candy

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/07/23

In today’s debate, we’ve got two sweet treats that are delights to eat. We have Forever Ago host Joy Dolo arguing for watermelon, the colorful fruit that’s hydrating to boot. And Brant Miller is repping cotton candy, magical confection that’s like an edible cloud! Which side will our judge crown the Smash Boom Best? After you listen, head to smashboom.org and vote for whichever side you think won!Clickhereto read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to

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39:03

Zippers vs Velcro

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/07/16

Today we have two fantastic fasteners facing off. It’s Zippers against Velcro. Both keep clothes closed, both combine form and function, but only one can seal the deal for the win. Representing Team Velcro we have actor, singer, writer and Story Pirate Emily Olcott. And for Team Zipper, it’s actor, comedian and musician Tim Platt! After you find out who won the debate, head tosmashboom.orgto cast your vote for the winner of your heart.Clickhereto read a transcript of this episode. Want to support

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37:22

SpongeBob vs Minions

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/07/09

They’re both yellow, they’re both goofy, and they both have signature outfits! It’s SpongeBob vs Minions! Which animated icon is the coolest? Tune in to find out! We’ve got host and reporter Jed Kim going bananas for Team Minions. And blowing bubbles for Team SpongeBob, it’s performance artist Jada Pulley! Find out who our judge picks and vote for your favorite funny yellow friend at smashboom.org.Clickhereto read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen

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37:03

Dandelions vs Orchids

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/07/02

Today, we’re frolicking through the flowers. It’s Dandelions vs Orchids. One is butter yellow and grants wishes, the other is delicate and dazzling! We’ve got Smash Boom Best co-creator Sanden Totten for Team Orchids and filmmaker, writer and director Jun Sekiya for Team Dandelions. Which petal wins the medal? Find out and vote for your favourite at smashboombest.org.

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37:58

Texting vs Calling

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/06/25

Today we’ve got two cool ways of reaching out. One starts with a ring, the other, a ding. It’s calling vs texting. Defending the tradition of talking on the phone, it’s the host of the Heavyweight Podcast, Jonathan Goldstein. And here to talk up texting we have Kalila Holt, producer of the Heavyweight Podcast. Whether you like to type or talk, you’ll have a lot to say about this one! Find out who wins and vote for your favorite at smashboom.org.Click here to read a transcript of this

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35:41

Avocados vs Raspberries

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/06/18

Snack time! On one side it’s a creamy, dreamy, green fruit perfect for salads and dips. On the other side it’s a razzle-dazzle red berry that loves being in smoothies and parfaits. Avocados vs Raspberries! Here to cut it up for avocados is audio producer and editor Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong. And raving for raspberries, it’s voice actor Merk Nguyen. Which piece of produce will prevail? Listen to find out and make sure to cast your own vote at smashboombest.org!Click here to read a transcript of this

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37:38

Balloons vs Candles

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/06/11

Get ready for a debate worth celebrating! It’s balloons vs candles. One floats festively toward the sky, the other brightens the dark. Both are popular at parties. But which one is the best? We’re about to find out! We’ve got podcast producer Anna Weggel lifting spirits for Team Balloon. And actor and improvisor Alsa Bruno lighting the way for Team Candles. Listen to the debate and then tell us who should’ve won at smashboom.org.Click here to read a transcript of this episode.Want to support the

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37:54

Knitting vs Pottery

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/06/04

Get ready for a craft-tastic debate. One side serves up cuddly, cozy creations. The other, hardy, handy homeware. It’s knitting versus pottery! Both are fun, useful crafts that have been loved for centuries by countless people. So which will come out on top? Yearning for yarn, it’s comedian Katie McVay for Team Knitting. And craving the kiln, it’s science writer Menaka Wilhelm for Team Pottery. Find out who wins, and vote for your pick at smashboom.org.Click here to read a transcript of this

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34:52

Onions vs Corn

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/05/28

I hope you are hungry, because today’s debate is serving up two staples of the dinner table. Grill ‘em, saute ‘em, mix ‘em in salads. They’ll both taste great. But only one can take the trophy. It’s Onions vs Corn. Here to slice and dice for Team Onions is Brian Kvitko. He’s an Associate Professor of Molecular Plant Bacteriology at the University of Georgia and an actual Onion researcher! Sounding the horn for corn is Jason Wallace. He’s also at the University of Georgia where he’s an Associate

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40:52

Alligators vs Otters

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/05/21

Get ready for a clash of critters! On one side we’ve got alligators, rowdy reptiles known for tough skin and a winning smile. On the other we’ve got otters, mischievous mammals with webbed feet and the cutest little smushy face. Which animal is the coolest? Arguing for alligators is writer, director and Story Pirate Lee Overtree! And making waves for otters is writer, comedian and improviser Andy Hillbrands! After the debate, head to smashboom.org and let us know who you think should have

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41:05

Slime vs Slinkies

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids... ·

2026/05/14

Set out these two playthings on a table and see which one your kid grabs first. Is it the gooey, squishy, surprising slime? Or the springy, wiggly, wonderous slinky? Both are fun, one will triumph! Smooshing the competition for Team Slime, it’s RadioLab host Latif Nasser. And stretching toward victory for Team Slinky, it’s podcast producer Hans Buetow. Listen to see which terrific toy takes the top prize. And don’t forget to vote for your favorite at smashboom.org.Click here to read a transcript of

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