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

By: American Public Media
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  • Summary

  • 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
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Episodes
  • Jelly Beans vs. Beans: a flavorful debate

    Jelly Beans vs. Beans: a flavorful debate
    May 8 2025

    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!
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    32 mins
  • Accordions vs. Bagpipes: a musical debate

    Accordions vs. Bagpipes: a musical debate
    May 1 2025

    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!
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    41 mins
  • Frankenstein’s Monster vs. Frosty the Snowman: a chilling debate

    Frankenstein’s Monster vs. Frosty the Snowman: a chilling debate
    Apr 24 2025

    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!
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    36 mins
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What listeners say about Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family

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Profile Image for Ati Nasiah

Great job 👏

Love the episode some time you need to make a keepers of the lost city’s vs wings of fire 🔥

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

Great Podcast!❤️

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

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Profile Image for Ana O.

Love it so much 🤩

😃I really like the story's 😀. this week story's was good to me and my brother.😃

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

Amazing

This is an excellent podcast. I have been listening for a year and it is still great

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Profile Image for Boone

Best ever!

Love this podcast so much. I listen to it every night. great job guys!

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Profile Image for EMA

Entertaining and Funny!

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!

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Profile Image for Melissa

I LOVED IT

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!

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Profile Image for Ryan M Russ

My favorite!

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.

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Profile Image for Amazon Customer

Awesome podcast!

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!!!

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Profile Image for Lauren M.

So Interesting!

My kids love listening to this podcast and choosing their side of the debate, and it's very interesting for us adults, too!

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