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

Epizódok

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  Watermelon vs Cotton Candy 23.07.2026 39p

  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! Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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  Zippers vs Velcro 16.07.2026 39p

  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 to smashboom.org to cast your vote for the winner of your heart.Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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  SpongeBob vs Minions 09.07.2026 37p

  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.Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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  Dandelions vs Orchids 02.07.2026 37p

  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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  Texting vs Calling 25.06.2026 37p

  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 episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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  Avocados vs Raspberries 18.06.2026 35p

  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 episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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  Balloons vs Candles 11.06.2026 37p

  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 show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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  Knitting vs Pottery 04.06.2026 37p

  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 episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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  Onions vs Corn 28.05.2026 34p

  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 Professor of quantitative genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and crop microbiomes. And he is an actual corn researcher! Get ready for a debate as smart as it is tasty. And head to smashboom.org to vote for your favorite dinner time delight.Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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  Alligators vs Otters 21.05.2026 40p

  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 won.Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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  Slime vs Slinkies 14.05.2026 41p

  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 this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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  Barbie vs Mr Potato Head 07.05.2026 38p

  Today we’ve got two toys that spur creativity and imagination. One’s a fashion icon for the ages and the other one is a bulbous blank slate! That’s right, it’s Barbie vs Mr Potato Head. Story Pirate Alex Nader is boosting Barbie and comedian Comrade Tripp is a proponent for the potato! Who will win? Listen to see who our judge picks and head to smashboom.org to vote for the side that won you over!Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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  Mermaids vs Bigfoot: A fan favorite encore 30.04.2026 43p

  Two marvelous, mythical legends make an appearance in this week's episode. It's mermaids vs 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 forests aound the world? Comedian Joy Dolo and "Adult ISH" podcast host Merk Nguyen go foot-to-fin in this knock-down, drag-out debate. Who do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org.Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets ⁠head to our events page⁠. More shows announced soon!May 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NYMay 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON (2nd show added!)June 6 - Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor, MIJune 20 - Southern Theater, Columbus, OHJune 21 - Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WIClick ⁠here⁠ for a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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  Bikes vs Skateboards: A fan favorite encore 23.04.2026 39p

  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 smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won. You're in for a wheelie awesome debate!Want to support the show? Join ⁠Smarty Pass⁠ to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets ⁠head to our events page⁠. More shows announced soon!April 25 - Marines Memorial, San Francisco, CA (2nd show added!)April 26 - Newmark Theater, Portland, ORMay 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NYMay 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON (2nd show added!)June 6 - Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor, MIJune 20 - Southern Theater, Columbus, OHJune 21 - Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WIClick ⁠here⁠ for a transcript of this episode.
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  Toilets vs Refrigerators: A fan favorite encore 16.04.2026 40p

  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 claim the throne? Stone cold fridges? Or savvy lavvies? Shimmy over to smashboom.org, and vote for the team that YOU think won! Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon!April 25 - Marines Memorial, San Francisco, CA (2nd show added!)April 26 - Newmark Theater, Portland, ORMay 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NYMay 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON (2nd show added!)June 6 - Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor, MIJune 20 - Southern Theater, Columbus, OHJune 21 - Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WIClick here for a transcript of this episode.
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  Smash Boom Best presents: Brains On - What's the deal with trends? 09.04.2026 35p

  Hi Smash Boom Besties! We are currently working on the next season of Smash Boom Best, and we cannot wait for you to hear it. In the meantime, we have this episode of Brains On to share with you. I also host Brains On, it's a show where we answer our audience's questions. This episode is all about something I'm guessing that lots of you are curious about, which is: What's the deal with trends? Enjoy the episode and we will be back in your feed in May with new episodes of Smash Boom. Best. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Smash Boom Presents: Forever Ago and the history of teddy bears 02.04.2026 25p

  We're busy working on a way the next season of Smash Boom Best (coming back in May!) but until then we wanted to let you know that our history show Forever Ago is back with new episodes RIGHT NOW.Join fan favorite debater Joy Dolo and co-host Luke as they learn about the origins of the Teddy Bear and find out about a stuffed possum that should’ve been the next big toy craze, but never caught on. Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Black Panther vs Wonder Woman 26.03.2026 35p

  Saving the world is easy compared to winning this debate. We’re pitting two heavy hitting heroes against each other. It’s Black Panther vs Wonder Woman. Fighting for the Amazonian warrior with a golden lasso, it’s actress Tiffany Smith. Stepping up for the Wakandan King with the vibranium suit, it’s comedian Aron Woldeslassie. Which superhero will succeed? Listen to find out and head to smashboom.org to cast your vote.Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Turtles vs Rabbits 19.03.2026 38p

  One fast, one slow, both super cool. It’s Turtles vs Rabbits! This episode takes the famous story of The Tortoise and the Hare and turns it into a rollicking debate for the ages! Hopping in for Team Rabbit is comedian Tim Platt! And doing the slow walk for Team Turtles is comedian Fareeha Kahn! Which animal will win this time? Listen to see who our judge picks and head to smashboom.org to vote for the side that won you over!Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Soy Sauce vs Maple Syrup 12.03.2026 35p

  Today we’re pitting two amazing condiments against each other. One is sweet, the other savory. Both are beloved. It’s Maple Syrup versus Soy Sauce. Pouring it on for Team Maple Syrup is host and reporter Jed Kim. Sharing his joy for soy is filmmaker, writer and vocalist, Jun Sekiya. Which side will win this dip-worthy debate? Listen to find out who our judge chooses and then head to smashboom.org to weigh in yourself.Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.