Smash Boom Best

Meep Meep! Our bonus episode has arrived. That’s right, folks. It’s coyotes vs roadrunners!! In this season’s Debate Club exclusive, Brains On! producer and coyote lover, Marc Sanchez, takes on podcast producer and roadrunner enthusiast, Elyssa Dudley! Want to listen? Join the Debate Club at smashboom.org/debateclub by making a donation of any amount, and we’ll send you the episode.

Two marvelous, mythical legends make an appearance in this week’s episode. It’s mermaids versus 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 around 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!

Also… this is our last episode of the season! But don’t despair. We’ll be back soon. And if you just can’t get enough and you want to support the show, donate and you’ll get our super awesome bonus episode, Coyotes vs Roadrunners! Head to smashboom.org/donate to make sure you get the bonus episode when it's published on Feb. 25.

Keep on listening smash boom besties, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We’ll be back soon with more Smash Boom Best!

Today, we’re going to tickle your tastebuds with two mouthwatering flavors. It’s sugar versus salt! Which fabulous flavor will win? The savory mineral we like to lick off pretzels, or the sweet ingredient we like to sprinkle on our cereal? American chef and children’s book author Kenji Lopez-Alt goes up against author and photographer Nik Sharma in this tasty face-off. Who do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org!

If you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate and follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

This week, we’re heading to space for a celestial debate. It’s moon versus sun! Which legendary orb will win? The queen of the night sky? Or the star of our solar system? Comedian Katie McVay and Million Bazillion host Jed Kim take sides in this epic debate battle. Who do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org!

In the meantime, check out the Smash Boom Best Listening Party Kit here! And if you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate. Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Two courageous critters take the stage for today's debate. It’s Armadillos versus Porcupines! Which brave and beautiful beast will claim the crown? Will it be the master of armor repped by Phyllis Fletcher? Or will Tracy Mumford sway our judge in favor of the queen of quills? 

Which team do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org!

Today's episode is sponsored by Headspace (headspace.com/smash).

In the meantime, check out the Smash Boom Best Listening Party Kit here! And if you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate. Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Today, we’re letting the science rip in a seriously gassy showdown. It’s helium versus neon! One is famous for making balloons float and voices squeaky -- the other is prized for its beautiful glow. Brains On! star Sanden Totten and science writer and stand-up comedian Kasha Patel go head to head in this elemental debate battle. Which team do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org!

In the meantime, check out the Smash Boom Best Listening Party Kit here!And if you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate. Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

This week, two treacherous terrains take the stage. It’s deserts versus swamps! Marc Sanchez and Anna Weggel defend these exceptional environments with humor and pizzaz, but only one team will take home the title of Smash Boom Best… Who do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org!

Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning.

If you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate

Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

One’s in the sky, one’s underground. One makes a buzz, the other? Not a sound. It’s ants versus bees! Comedians Ian Abramson and Tim Barnes take sides in this rollicking bug brawl. Which insect do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org!

We’re taking a short break over the holiday, but we’ll be back with more Smash Boom Best on Thursday, January 7th, 2021! Three cheers for a new year!

Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning, Headspace and Literati Kids.

If you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate

Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Today, we’re switching it up -- Smash Boom Best is going full on Smash Boom Pest. Two misunderstood critters go head to head in today’s debate battle. It’s rats vs pigeons! Podcast producer Elyssa Dudley takes on journalist Tom Weber in this whisker-twitching, feather-filled showdown. Which cunning creature do YOU think won? Head to smashboom.org and cast your vote!

Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning and Headspace.

If you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate

Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

It’s time for another superpower showdown! Challenger one is teleportation, the ability to instantly zap yourself to any place in the world. Challenger two is telekinesis, the power to move things with your mind. Which tele-power will take the crown? Million Bazillion host Jed Kim and Brains On producer Menaka Wilhelm make some mighty arguments in this smash boom battle! Who do you think won? Head to smashboom.org and cast your vote!  

Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning, Purple, and Literati Kids. 

If you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate

Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Today’s debate is between two totally adorable, extremely popular animals known for their fashionable fur and frolicsome feathers. It’s pandas vs penguins!! Comedians Katie McVay and Brandi Brown defend these charming cuties in an intense, delightful debate. Who are you going to vote for? Cuddly, bamboo-munching pandas? Or waddling, water-loving penguins? Head to smashboom.org and cast your vote!  

Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning

And if you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate

Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

We’ve got a tasty debate for you today -- it’s ice cream vs french fries!! This is going to be a tough one for everybody, because let’s face it: we all scream for ice cream and we freak out over french fries! Comedians Tommy McNamara and Brittany Carney take sides in this scrumptious debate, and they want to know who YOU think won! Cast your vote at smashboom.org!

Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning

And if you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate

Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

This week, two of the biggest movie franchises EVER go head-to-head in a blockbuster-worthy battle. It’s Avengers vs. Star Wars! Which team will win? The Marvel-ously superhuman Avengers saga? Or the space story from long ago, in a galaxy far, far away… Star Wars? Merk Nguyen and Nyge Turner, co-hosts of the podcast “Adult ISH” from Radiotopia and YR Media, take sides in this intense debate battle. 

Who do you think won? Cast your vote at smashboom.org!

Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning and Purple, makers of the Purple pillow and mattress. Go to Purple.com/smash10, and use promo code smash10 for 10% off any order of $200 or more. 

And if you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate

Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

We’ve got a deep-sea debate for you today, so put on your scuba gear and jump on in! It’s Giant Squid vs. Blue Whales. Former MPR News host Tom Weber goes up against science writer and stand-up comedian Kasha Patel in a fearsome debate battle. Which of these large and legendary beasts will take home the title of Smash Boom Best? 

After you listen, tell us who you think won by casting your vote at smashboom.org!

And if you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate

Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning. Visit bamboolearning.com to learn more.

Today, the ultimate monstrous rivals go fang to claw in a blood-thirsty debate: vampires vs. werewolves! The pale, blood-sucking predators who sleep in coffins take on the supernaturally speedy, mutant wolf-humans who howl at the moon! Anna Weggel and Tracy Mumford debate to see which terrifying tormentor will be crowned the Smash Boom Best.

After you listen, tell us who you think won by casting your vote at smashboom.org!

And if you donate to the show, you’ll get to vote on the topic of this season’s bonus episode, which is only available to donors of the show. Support the show at smashboom.org/donate

Follow us on social at @SmashBoomBest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning.

We’ve got a musical matchup to get your toes tapping: guitars versus drums! Smash Boom Best producer Rosie DuPont goes up against comedian Tommy McNamara in this raucous (and rocking) showdown.

After you listen, tell us who you think won by casting your vote at smashboom.org!

You can support the show at smashboom.org/donate

We’re launching season three with a burst of color of delight. It’s flowers vs rainbows! Brains On star Sanden Totten goes up against Forever Ago host Joy Dolo in a breathtakingly beautiful battle. Who do you think will win? Cast your vote and get your own score sheet at smashboom.org! 

Plus… if you’re looking to host a virtual listening party with friends, check out our super cool Spotify playlist: https://spoti.fi/3nLC8jT It’s an awesome way to get active during every epic showdown this fall!

This episode is sponsored by Purple, makers of the Purple pillow and mattress. Go to Purple.com/smash10, and use promo code smash10 for 10% off any order of $200 or more. 

Smash Boom Best is back on October 15th! We’ve got 16 new epic debate battles, including Vampires vs Werewolves, Ice Cream vs French Fries, and Avengers vs Star Wars! Tune in for debates filled with shocking facts, laser-fine logic, and pithy puns -- all judged by a listener like you.

Want something to listen to now? Check out episodes from S1 and S2 and vote for the teams YOU think are the smash boom best!

Press play for an announcement from the Smash Boom Best team!

We made a special bonus episode just for our Debate Club members! To join and get access to the episode, head to smashboom.org/debateclub and make a donation in any amount. The bonus episode features our beloved host and sloth lover, Molly Bloom, in a debate battle with Brains On producer and cheetah enthusiast, Sanden Totten. It’s cheetahs vs. sloths! Want to listen now? Join the Debate Club at smashboom.org/debateclub

NPR’s Sam Sanders and Elise Hu go head to head in this futuristic faceoff! Sam is repping the extraterrestrial neighbors we’re still searching for. And Elise is here to defend those helpful machines we call robots. Who do you think won? Head to smashboom.org to cast your vote. This episode is sponsored by Candlewick Press, publisher of Judy Moody Book Quiz Whiz, available wherever books are sold, and Mathnasium (mathnasium.com/boom or call 855-912-MATH).

How could you ever decide between two foods so scrumptious? Today’s judge is eleven-year-old Paige Goehner, the winner of Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship. The Sporkful’s Dan Pashman serves up a platter of facts for Team Cheese. And the Splendid Table’s Francis Lam tries to sway our judge with the delicious decadence of Team Chocolate. Who do you think won this foodie faceoff? Cast your vote at smashboom.org. This episode is sponsored by Candlewick Press, publisher of Judy Moody Book Quiz Whiz, available wherever books are sold, and Mathnasium (mathnasium.com/boom or call 855-912-MATH.)

It’s killer fish versus stinky furballs! Science Vs. host Wendy Zukerman goes to bat for SHARKS, those ancient, blood-thirsty predators that make swimming at the beach just a little bit scary.... and Chompers host Rachel Ward represents SKUNKS, those smelly cuties we all wish we could pet! Which wiley creature will win this smash boom battle? Head to smashboom.org and vote! And while you’re at it, join the Debate Club and get access to our bonus episode at smashboom.org/debateclub. This episode is sponsored by Homer Reading (learnwithhomer.com/boom).

Which sport is tops? Is it swimming, the splashy, life-saving skill, or soccer, the super-popular game of strategy and speed? Debaters Anna Weggel and Tommy McNamara face off in this sporty showdown. Which team do you think came out on top? Head to smashboom.org and vote! And while you’re at it, join the Debate Club and get access to our bonus episode at smashboom.org/debateclub. This episode is sponsored by Mathnasium (mathnasium.com/boom or call 855-912-MATH.)

Story Pirates podcast hosts Lee Overtree and Peter McNerney duke it out in a debate of epoch proportions: it’s the Ice Age vs. the Jurassic!! Who will win this bruiser of a battle? Will it be the chilly, 2.5-million-year period known for woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats? Or the 54-million-year period known for dinosaurs like the Stegosaurus and the Brachiosaurus? Visit smashboom.org and vote! And don’t forget, you can join the Debate Club and get access to our bonus episode at smashboom.org/debateclub. This episode is sponsored by Mathnasium (mathnasium.com/boom or call 855-912-MATH.)

Two of the world’s most beloved starches are taking the stage today. On one side, we have Joy Dolo repping mighty, multi-colored rice! And on the other, Meghan McCarty Carino argues for slippery, slurpable noodles! Which one do you think is cooler? Head to smashboom.org and vote! You can join the Debate Club and get access to our bonus episode at smashboom.org/debateclub. This episode is sponsored by Homer Reading (learnwithhomer.com/boom) and Circle (meetcircle.com/smash and enter SMASH at checkout for $30 off).

Grab some sunscreen, lace up your hiking boots and don’t forget your binoculars because... you’ll want to keep your distance from today’s debate. It’s venom versus claws! Venom-lover Tom Weber and claw-queen Brandi Brown go paw to fang in this smash boom battle. Which warrior will win? Go to smashboom.org and vote! While you’re at it, join our Debate Club at smashboom.org/debateclub, and get access to our super secret bonus episode. Venom vs Claws is sponsored by Raddish, a cooking club for kids (RaddishKids.com/Boom and coupon code BOOM).

We’re blasting off, leaving Earth’s orbit, and grabbing front row seats at an interplanetary smackdown. Which planet will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Will debater Tommy McNamara bring it home for our neighbor Venus? Or will Kasha Patel earn a win for larger-than-life Jupiter? Visit smashboom.org to cast your vote. You can join the Debate Club and get access to our bonus episode at smashboom.org/debateclub. This episode is sponsored by Circle (meetcircle.com/smash and enter SMASH at checkout for $30 off) and by Raddish, a cooking club for kids (RaddishKids.com/Boom and coupon code BOOM).

Buckle up for our first ever Mega Mini-Boom Bonanza! Tai Poole, host of the CBC’s award-winning podcast Tai Asks Why judges four high-octane "mini-boom" debates between high schoolers from the Minnesota Urban Debate League. They’ll tackle Spring vs. Fall, Zombies vs. Werewolves, Rats vs. Pigeons and Breakfast vs. Dinner! Do you agree with Tai’s decisions? Head to smashboom.org and vote! You can join the Debate Club and get access to our bonus episode at smashboom.org/debateclub. This episode is sponsored by Raddish, a cooking club for kids (RaddishKids.com/Boom and coupon code BOOM).

One has no legs, the other has eight. It’s snakes vs. spiders! The Washington Post’s Anna Rothschild reps Team Snake, and comedian Jenny Yang comes out swinging for Team Spider. So which one is cooler? Creepy, crawly spiders? Or slithering, scaly snakes? Listen and cast your vote at smashboom.org. This episode is sponsored by Raddish, a cooking club for kids (RaddishKids.com/Boom and coupon code BOOM). You can join the Debate Club and get access to our bonus episode at smashboom.org/debateclub.

It’s the ultimate disguise versus the freedom of the skies! Debaters Katie McVay and Brandi Brown face off in this superpower showdown. Who won your vote? Visit smashboom.org to share your opinion. This episode is sponsored by Circle (meetcircle.com/smash and enter SMASH at checkout for $30 off). You can join the Debate Club and get access to our bonus episode at smashboom.org/debateclub.

Loki and Athena battle it out for the title of smash boom supreme! Which one of these divine deities will triumph? Will it be Loki, the shape-shifting trickster of Norse mythology, or Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom? Debaters Jed Kim and Elyssa Dudley pull their most persuasive moves to win over our judge. But who do you think won? Head to smashboom.org and vote! This episode is sponsored by Relay (relaygo.com/boom for 15% off your purchase on Amazon).

Two epic landforms battle it out in a geological prizefight that’s going to rock your world! So which one of these stony-faced sluggers is going to win this showdown?! Debaters Shaena Montanari and Kasha Patel go head-to-head to win your vote. Tell us who you think won at smashboom.org. This episode is sponsored by Relay (relaygo.com/boom for 15% off your purchase on Amazon).

Totally lit libraries take on the marvel of museums in a heated, high-minded debate about which institution is the most educational, the most impressive and, above all, the COOLEST. So who will take home the crown? Joy Dolo for Team Library or Marc Sanchez for Team Museum? Head to smashboom.org after the episode to cast your vote. This episode is sponsored by Relay (relaygo.com/boom for 15% off your purchase on Amazon).

Unicorns and dragons have graced us with a magical, show-stopping debate! Which one of these whimsical, wondrous beasts will triumph? Will it be ferocious, fire-breathing team dragon? Or ethereal, elusive team unicorn? Debaters Sanden Totten and Katie McVay do their best to sway our judge. Press play to find out who comes out on top! And then head to smashboom.org to tell us who you think deserves the title of Smash Boom Best. This episode is sponsored by Relay (relaygo.com/boom for 15% off your purchase on Amazon).

Venus flytraps and piranhas go leaf to teeth in this fearsome debate battle! That’s right, this matchup is killer plant meets fanged fish. Will it be treacherous team Venus flytrap or tricky team piranha for the win? Featuring debaters Jed Kim and Tracy Mumford. Which is cooler? Listen to find out what our judge decides, then head over to smashboom.org to cast your vote. This episode is sponsored by Relay (relaygo.com/boom for 15% off your purchase on Amazon).

Smash Boom Best is back on June 6th! In 16 new episodes, our debaters tackle epic match-ups like chocolate versus cheese! Aliens versus robots! And unicorns versus dragons!

This season, we have a challenge for you: If 150 people make a donation to support the show by June 30th, we’ll make a bonus episode featuring host Molly Bloom as a debater for the first time ever! Everyone who donates will receive a link to listen.

Plus, donating automatically makes you a member of our brand new Debate Club. We have Debate Club pins, t-shirts, a card game and more as thank-you gifts. You can even get a special recording made just for you, by Molly and some of our all-star debaters. Click here to donate and join.

Season 2 features a star-studded line-up of debaters, including Story Pirates’ Lee Overtree and Peter McNerney, the Splendid Table’s Francis Lam, and NPR’s Sam Sanders. And all of the debates are judged by listeners like you.

So who will be crowned the smash boom best? Find out June 6th when our season kicks off with two new debate battles.

Press play for an announcement from the Smash Boom Best team!

Two natural phenomena go head-to-head in our final match-up of the season. It's ooey, gooey molten lava versus tricky, shifty, fast-acting quicksand. Both are dangerous, both are fascinating, only one can win. Which side are you: Team Lava or Team Quicksand? Tune in to hear both sides and then cast your vote here: https://goo.gl/forms/m5ndQTmN1ZXW7B8r2

It's an all-you-can-eat buffet of difficult decisions in one of our toughest match-ups ever. In one corner, it's cheesy, shareable, savory-sauced pizza. And in the other, it's spicy, portable tacos deliciosos. What are you having? Vote for your favorite here: https://goo.gl/forms/79I0us5FUt4BZdqw1 Smash Boom Best is sponsored today by Audible (audible.com/boom) and KiwiCo (kiwico.com/boom).

Who are you rooting for: the printed word or the silver screen? Bibliophiles face off with film buffs everywhere in this week's Smash Boom Battle. Hear both sides out and then vote here: https://goo.gl/forms/Qxk3Zqu9YbRBjQIk2 Smash Boom Best is sponsored today by KiwiCo (https://kiwico.com/boom)

We’re pitting noble medieval fortresses against naturally-made chambers of wonder. Which do you think is cooler: castles or caves? Our debaters aim to settle this millennia-old rivalry once and for all. Are you Team Castle or Team Cave? Vote here: https://goo.gl/forms/xFJGvYuCgatMuJ782 Today’s episode is sponsored by KiwiCo (kiwico.com/brainson).

In one corner, human’s best friend, licker of faces, chewer of toys -- it’s dogs. And in the other corner, sleek and graceful, free pest control with a cute face to boot -- it’s cats. Are you Team Cat or Team Dog? Head to smashboom.org to cast your vote!

Will muscly might or supersonic speed triumph? This Smash Boom Best battle takes on two out-of-this world superhuman powers. Which would you rather have: super speed or super strength?

Ready for some mystery? This Smash Boom Battle takes on two famous places: the Bermuda Triangle and Loch Ness. Which is cooler? Is it the Bermuda Triangle -- a puzzling patch of ocean where ships, planes and plenty of people are said to have disappeared? Or is it Loch Ness -- a Scottish lake best known for spooky sightings of a long-necked creature? Listen to hear what our judge decides and then head over to smashboom.org to share your opinion with us!

Wings out, eyes wide -- we’re swooping in on a battle between a perfect pair of creatures of the night. Which is cooler: Bats? Or owls? We’re going to hear lots of facts and feelings from our debaters: Brandi Brown and Katie McVey. Who will be chosen the Smash Boom Best? Listen to hear what our judge decides and then head over to smashboom.org to share your opinion with us!

Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and let's you decide which is best. Cats versus Dogs. Pizza versus Tacos. Super Speed versus Super Strength. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Our debaters use facts and passion to make their case... teaching listeners how to defend their own opinions along the way.