Shows / Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
Smash Boom Best is a funny, smart debate show for kids and families from the Brains On Universe. 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…
Episodes
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyAmerican Robin vs Mourning Dove
Get ready for a Smash Boom Best bird bonanza. Tommy Siegel and Billy Libby have gone bananas for birds in the last few years. They’re real-life friends and…
- Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
Sneak Peek: Molly debates Sanden in Sloths vs Cheetahs!
Molly Bloom as a debater? It’s true! This is a sneak peek at a bonus episode we just shared in our Smarty Pass feed. Molly debates Sanden in a Smash Boom Best…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyAttics vs Basements
It’s a building battle from top to bottom. Attics sit high above the world, basements are cool lairs down below. Both can be fun, both can be creepy, but only…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyMarioKart vs Candy Land
Get your game face on because in this episode we’ve got two colorful competitions. One is a board game that takes you to a sweet imaginary land. The other is a…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyHiking vs Gardening
Grab your sunscreen and a bottle of water because we’ve a showdown between two outdoor activities. It’s Gardening vs Hiking! Making our love of gardening grow…
- Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
Sneak peek: The history of pineapple pizza
This is a sneak peak of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass members. It’s a follow up to our Forever Ago episode on the history of pizza. In this one, we…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyMoana vs Elsa
Today’s debate is a royal rivalry between two regal leaders. One of them is the wayfinding chief of Motonui and the other a former queen who can control the…
- Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
Smash Boom Best Live + New Season Alert!!!
October is a big month for Smash Boom Best! We're coming back with new episodes October 1st and we're doing TWO live shows! We'll be in Toronto on Oct. 3rd --…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyWaterparks vs Trampoline Parks
This debate is park vs park. One is a splashy place with slides and waves. The other a bounce house with games and obstacles. Get ready for waterparks vs…
- Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
Sneak Peek: Hoax Hunters explain the Pokemon Shock
This is a sneak peek of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass subscribers. It’s a follow up to the Forever Ago episode about the history of Pokemon. This…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyKing Arthur vs Robin Hood
Today it’s a battle of iconic British folk heroes! One is a King who loves justice, peace and a little bit of magic. And on the other a hero who steals from…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyVanilla vs Mint
Today two terrific tastes are here to mix it up. On one side we have a warming spice that comes from a seed pod and on the other a mean, green cooling leaf…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyThe Lorax vs The Cat in the Hat
Today’s debate is a bookish brawl featuring two classic characters created by Dr. Seuss. Improviser Nick Kanellis is arguing for The Lorax, that beloved and…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyWatermelon vs Cotton Candy
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyZippers vs Velcro
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familySpongeBob vs Minions
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyDandelions vs Orchids
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: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyTexting vs Calling
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyAvocados vs Raspberries
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyBalloons vs Candles
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyKnitting vs Pottery
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyOnions vs Corn
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyAlligators vs Otters
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familySlime vs Slinkies
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyBarbie vs Mr Potato Head
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…
- Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
Mermaids vs Bigfoot: A fan favorite encore
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?…
- Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
Bikes vs Skateboards: A fan favorite encore
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…
- Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
Toilets vs Refrigerators: A fan favorite encore
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familySmash Boom Best presents: Brains On - What's the deal with trends?
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familySmash Boom Presents: Forever Ago and the history of teddy bears
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyBlack Panther vs Wonder Woman
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyTurtles vs Rabbits
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familySoy Sauce vs Maple Syrup
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familySeaweed vs Peanuts
Two savory snacks, one delicious debate. It’s Peanuts vs Seaweed! One grows on land and pairs perfectly with chocolate or jelly. The other is found in the sea…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyBass 🐟 vs Bass 🎸
Today we’ve got a real brain buster. It’s bass vs bass. What? Well, the names are spelled the same, but they couldn’t be more different. One is a slippery…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyStitch vs Yoda
Two creatures from a galaxy far, far away go head to head in this interstellar debate. One is a little blue force of destruction and the other is a little…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyRock Climbing vs Sledding
This debate has its ups and downs, literally! One side is all about scaling up mountains, boulders and walls. The other side goes down hills with a woosh. It’s…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyTyranosaurus Rex vs Triceratops
Get ready for an ancient throwdown of epic proportions. It’s Tyranosaurus vs Triceratops. One is a meat-eating, mega-predator and the other is a vegetarian…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyMoss vs. Moths
We’ve got a showdown between two wonders of nature. One is a patch of perfect greenery, the other is a fluttery friend. It’s Moss vs Moths. Here to tell us why…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familySpaghetti vs Ravioli
I hope you’re hungry, because we’ve got a heaping plate of debate for you. It’s spaghetti vs ravioli. Chef and cookbook author Julia Turshen is cooking up some…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyCamping vs Hotels
It’s vacation time and you have to decide where to sleep - under the stars or in a suite? Today we’re arguing Camping vs Hotels. Two prime destinations for…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyWizard of Oz vs Mary Poppins
Get ready for magic, wonder, and whimsy! We’re pitting two beloved children’s franchises against each other. Both come from popular books and were made into…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familySmash Boom Best presents: Story Pirates
We're taking a little break for the holidays so instead we want to share one of our favorite shows with you: StoryPirates! In this first episode of their…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familySmash Boom Best Presents: Brains On - Why do we laugh?
We're on a little winter break and we're gonna be back with a new smash boom battle on January 8th. Today we have an episode of the other show that Molly…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyBrains On is coming to a city near you!
The Brains On crew is hitting the road in 2026, and our first shows have just been announced. If you like fun, games, dancing, optical illusions and... Mystery…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyPigs vs. Frogs
One’s a happy hopper and the other is a fine swine. Get ready for Pigs vs Frogs! Both animals are popular in books and movies. Both have cool features. But…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyHarmonica vs Glockenspiel
This debate is sure to be sweet music to your ears. It’s Harmonica vs Glockenspiel! Two harmonious instruments but only one can win! Wailin’ away for Team…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyBabies vs. Puppies
They’re both cute, they’re both cuddly, they both can be a handful. It’s Babies vs Puppies! Which adorable newborn will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Cooing…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyMonster Trucks vs. Hot Wheels
Whether you like your wheels big or small, this debate is for you! It’s Monster Trucks vs Hot Wheels. It’s a battle between Brains On besties Marc Sanchez and…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyNew episodes of Smash Boom Best!
Get ready for Smash Boom Best season 10! We promise more facts than you can shake a stick at (that's a lot, right?). Declarations of Greatness? We got 'em…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familySee Smash Boom Best live in Princeton, NJ!
Get tickets for Smash Boom Best live! Nothing’s better than a good debate. Except maybe a good debate -- LIVE! That’s why we’re bringing Smash Boom Best to…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyWe’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyA big update about Smash Boom Best and the Brains On Universe
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyGoats vs. Boa Constrictors: a curious debate
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyGandalf vs. Snape: a hero 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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familySmarty Pass Sneak Peek: And that’s how a BLANK saved my family
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyForts vs. Puzzles: a constructive debate
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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyJelly Beans vs. Beans: a flavorful 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!…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyAccordions vs. Bagpipes: a musical 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…
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and familyFrankenstein’s Monster vs. Frosty the Snowman: a chilling 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…