Helium vs Neon

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 comedian Kasha Patel go head to head in this elemental debate. 


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. 

Who do you think won: Helium or Neon?

Helium vs. Neon

Deserts vs Swamps

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…


Party Kit

This week, two treacherous terrains take the stage. It’s deserts versus swamps! Marc Sanchez and Anna Weggel defend these exceptional environments with the driest (and soggiest) humor, but only one team will take home the title of Smash Boom Best…

Who do you think won: Swamps or Deserts?

Ants Vs Bees

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.


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!

Who do you think won: Ants or Bees?

Ants vs. Bees

Rats vs Pigeons

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. 


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?

Who do you think won: Rats or Pigeons?

Teleportation vs Telekinesis

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?


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?

Who do you think won: Teleportation or Telekinesis?

Teleportation vs. Telekinesis

Pandas vs Penguins

Today’s debate is between two totally adorable, extremely popular animals known for their fashionable fur and frolicsome feathers. It’s pandas vs penguins!!


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 but 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!  

Who do you think won: Pandas or Penguins?

Pandas vs. Penguins

Ice Cream vs French Fries

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.


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! 

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Who do you think won: French Fries or Ice Cream?

Ice Cream vs. French Fries

Avengers vs Star Wars

Two of the biggest movie franchises EVER go head-to-head in a blockbuster-worthy battle. 


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: Avengers or Star Wars?

Avengers vs. Star Wars

Giant Squid vs Blue Whale

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.


Giant Squid vs Blue Whale Transcript

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? 

Smash Boom Best: Giant Squid vs Blue Whales

Which is cooler: Giant Squid or Blue Whales?

Giant Squid vs Blue Whales

Vampires vs Werewolves

Today, the ultimate immortal 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! 


Today, the ultimate immortal 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
Today’s episode is sponsored by Bamboo Learning.


Which is cooler: Vampires or Werewolves?

Vampires vs. Werewolves

Drums vs Guitars

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.





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!

Which is cooler: Drums or Guitars?

Drums vs. Guitars

Flowers vs Rainbows

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 at smashboom.org! 





Which is cooler: Flowers or Rainbows?

Season 3 Trailer

Smash Boom Best is back on October 15th! 


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. 

Season 3 News!

Smash Boom Best is back with 16 new debate battles this summer! But before we kick off the season, we need your help choosing two debate match-ups. Cast your vote below before Monday, March 9th!


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


Which debate do you want to hear?

Want a Bonus Episode?

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! 


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

Which is cooler: Cheetahs or Sloths?

Aliens vs Robots

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? Cast your vote below!


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).

Which is cooler: Robots or Aliens?

Chocolate vs Cheese

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. 


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.)

Which is cooler: Chocolate or Cheese?

Sharks vs Skunks

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 wily creature will win this smash boom battle?


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 is cooler: Sharks or Skunks?

Swimming vs Soccer

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 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.)

Which is cooler: Swimming or Soccer

Ice Age vs Jurassic

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?


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.)

Which is cooler: Ice Age or The Jurassic?

Rice vs Noodles

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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).

Which is cooler: Rice or Noodles?

Venom vs Claws

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? 


Which is cooler: Venom or Claws?

Venus vs Jupiter

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? 


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).

Which is cooler: Venus or Jupiter?

Mega Mini-Boom Bonanza

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! 


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!

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