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

American Public Media

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! read less

Our Editor's Take

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family is an entertaining children's podcast. The show features two debaters arguing about kid-friendly topics. They present their arguments on why one thing is better than another, like lollipops or popcorn. Listeners are then encouraged to vote online for which side they think won.

The creators of the popular public radio kids' science podcast Brains On! Science podcast for kids are behind Smash Boom Best. Brains On! host Molly Bloom hosts this program as well. The show teaches families how to debate in a friendly way.

Each podcast episode discusses a unique topic. Sometimes the two sides have a clear connection. Pancakes and waffles are both flour-based breakfast foods. So it makes sense to debate them. Other times, like with nail polish and sunglasses, the connections are not as obvious. But no matter what, Smash Boom Best makes the debate fun.

Other Smash Boom Best episodes include debates likeunicorns versus dragons. Food-related topics are also popular on the show. What's better—pizza or tacos? How about chocolate or cheese? Listeners will hear arguments for each one. Animal topics like sharks versus skunks are also popular on this show. Entertainment topics get debated here, like in the "Avengers vs. Star Wars" episode.

Bloom and her guests do an excellent job at keeping things fun. Yet they still maintain educational value throughout the episodes. Smash Boom Best uses humor, sound effects, music cues, and other creative elements. Young audiences (and adults) alike may stay engaged from start to finish.

Each debater presents facts and uses persuasive language. They want to sway listeners towards their chosen option. This teaches children how to defend their own opinions. It also encourages them to consider both sides of an argument. Then they can decide which side they agree with.

Listeners can expect high-quality production values along with well-researched content. The show uses clear language suitable even for younger age groups. Yet adults may also find Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family a fun show. New episodes come out each week.