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American Public Media

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!

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

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 & TICKETS

McCarter Theatre Center

October 26, 2025 at 3:00pm ET

91 University Place

Princeton, NJ 08540

Buy Tickets Here

We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters

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.

A big update about Smash Boom Best and the Brains On Universe

Today’s debate pairs a nimble climber with a silent slitherer – it’s Goats vs. Boa Constrictors! Radiolab co-host and science historian Latif Nasser is here to give us the goods for Team Goats and writer, podcast host and TV personality Alie Ward will bring the squeeze for Team Boa Constrictors. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!

This week’s sponsor is:

Experience Disney's Elio, only in theaters June 20. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.

Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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!

Goats vs. Boa Constrictors: a curious debate

Today’s debate is a magical matchup between two wizards - one lives on Middle Earth, the other at Hogwarts. One’s got a pointy hat, the other’s got a pointy attitude. It’s Gandalf vs. Snape! Comedy writer and LEGO Master Sam Suksiri will wield the staff for Team Gandalf and Brains On Editor Shahla Farzan will take up her wand for Team Snape. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to www.SmashBoom.org to vote for who YOU think won!

This week’s sponsor is:

Experience Disney's Elio, only in theaters June 20. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.

Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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!

Gandalf vs. Snape: a hero debate

Molly, Aron and Anna W. are grabbing ice cream after a live show and having a nice, cozy chat. Aron and Anna W.’s families have been through a LOT. In fact, there were several times their families were saved by one odd object/animal/place! Who’s got the better tale of danger and salvation? Only a sneak attack will decide!

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: And that’s how a BLANK saved my family

Today’s debate requires a little concentration and is seen across the nation. Put your hands together for Forts vs. Puzzles! We’ve got Forever Ago host Joy Dolo ready to rumble for team Forts, and comedian Comrade Tripp is eager to defend team Puzzles. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!

This week’s sponsor is:

Experience Disney's Elio, only in theaters June 20. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.

Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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!

Forts vs. Puzzles: a constructive debate

Today’s debate is a mouthwatering showdown between a colorful sweet treat and the goon of legumes. Put your hands together because it’s Jelly Beans vs. Beans! We’ve got actor and writer Mike Cabellon here to fight for Team Beans and comedian and photographer Ali Horman is here to defend the colorful confection for Team Jelly Beans! Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!

Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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!

Jelly Beans vs. Beans: a flavorful debate

Today’s debate is a majestic musical showdown – it’s accordions vs. bagpipes! Singing the praises of the squeezebox is comedian, voice actor and writer Mary Mack, while Brains On Universe Producer Aron Woldeslassie will try to snag a win for the windy warbler. Which instrument will strike the right chord and win the day? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!

Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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!

Accordions vs. Bagpipes: a musical debate

Today’s debate is a battle between two legendary characters: Frankenstein's Monster vs. Frosty the Snowman! Theater-maker Shanan Custer will champion the misunderstood monster, while student and actor Kate Wexler will fight for everyone’s favorite frosty fellow. Will science or snow win the day? Take a listen, and then head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!

Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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!

Frankenstein’s Monster vs. Frosty the Snowman: a chilling debate

Hey Smash Boom Besties! Today we're bringing you an extra special episode from our sister podcast Forever Ago! You’ll remember debater Joy Dolo from so many debates including the spooky Ghosts vs. Zombies and the hilarious Halloween Candy Grab Bag. Turns out, Joy also made an entire Forever Ago episode about her one true nemesis – MAYONNAISE! Joy faces down her least favorite food to learn about the origins of this very popular condiment, and co-host Maya calls in Splendid Table’s Francis Lam to help Joy open her mind to mayo. Plus, a gloopy game of First Things First!

We’ll be back next week with a brand-new debate – Frankenstein’s Monster vs. Frosty the Snowman. Until then, enjoy this special episode of Forever Ago!

This week’s sponsor:

Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.

Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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!

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: And that’s how a BLANK saved my family

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