Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family Podcast By American Public Media cover art

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

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

By: American Public Media
Listen for free

About this listen

 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!Copyright 2025 Minnesota Public Radio
Episodes
  • Goats vs. Boa Constrictors: a curious debate

    Goats vs. Boa Constrictors: a curious debate
    May 29 2025

    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!
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • Gandalf vs. Snape: a hero debate

    Gandalf vs. Snape: a hero debate
    May 22 2025

    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!
    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: And that’s how a BLANK saved my family

    Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: And that’s how a BLANK saved my family
    May 20 2025

    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!
    Show more Show less
    2 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup
All stars
Most relevant  
Love the episode some time you need to make a keepers of the lost city’s vs wings of fire 🔥

Great job 👏

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I love this pod! Very family friendly, encourages good sportsmanship, and incredibly hilarious!

PS in fairies vs giants the host i also absolutely love Keeper of the Lost Cities.
Also someone needs to make Wings of Fire vs Keeper of the Lost Cities episode

Great Podcast!❤️

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
😃I really like the story's 😀. this week story's was good to me and my brother.😃

Love it so much 🤩

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This is an excellent podcast. I have been listening for a year and it is still great

Amazing

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Love this podcast so much. I listen to it every night. great job guys!

Best ever!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I love listening to this when i go to sleep. It can be chaotic and fun, but also educational. I also love the State Of Debates. I would totally reccommend!

Entertaining and Funny!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
It was so fun to listen to I loved choosing my side of the debate I listened to it 5 times Learned so much about debate I definitely recommend it!

I LOVED IT

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
this podcast is one of my favorites. I love the diabetes and the guest judges. I also like how this podcast didn't seem like it is on a script and that makes it funny and relatable.

My favorite!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Such a great podcast! I love it. It’s great for all ages. I learn a new fact every time I listen to it. I highly recommend it!!!

Awesome podcast!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
My kids love listening to this podcast and choosing their side of the debate, and it's very interesting for us adults, too!

So Interesting!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews