Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
by Brains On Universe
From the publisher
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.
Why we recommend it
Two things face off in a friendly debate — tacos vs. pizza, cats vs. dogs — and the kids pick the winner, so the whole backseat ends up taking a side.
What Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family is recognised for
Staff pick
On our hand-picked "where to start" list. Chosen by us, not computed — these are the shows we would hand a parent who is new to this.
Most reviewed
At least 400 written parent reviews. These are the shows with the deepest body of first-hand experience behind them.
Our note — best for: Older kids who love to argue
A debate show where two things go head to head and kids judge the winner. Turns the arguing instinct into something structured.
Every distinction here is either computed from the whole catalogue or picked by us and labelled as such. How each one is decided
What parents actually say
High confidence · 173 detailed reviewsPlenty of detailed reviews to work from, so these patterns are pretty dependable. We summarise the 173 reviews long enough to describe the show, out of 428 in total — one-line raves don't tell you much.
Why parents put it on
The moments it actually gets used for.
- Good for travel & flightsTop4
See what they saidHide
- “It’s is my fav podcast ever me and my mom we’re on our way home after a long trip home.”
- “I really like Jimmy I mean not in that kind of way but I like the idea of a stick figure traveling around pods and stuff so I’m asking if you guys want to take him to the next l…”
What it's about
What comes up when parents describe it.
- Humor & sillinessTop20
See what they saidHide
- “I thought it was really funny that you threw a pie in your face.I’m from Australia and my brother Charles love listening to your podcast To”
- “I also love how funny the actors are, AND I LOVE HERMI THE ELEPHANT!!!”
- Original songs & music6
See what they saidHide
- “I am Sophia and I am seven and I want you to do an episode on rock versus pop music thank you I think you should let.”
- “I really like Jimmy I mean not in that kind of way but I like the idea of a stick figure traveling around pods and stuff so I’m asking if you guys want to take him to the next l…”
- History & mythology5
See what they saidHide
- “Also please do not debate Greek gods.”
- “I love listening to this show with my little brother it’s super cool to hear people’s opinions fact and history on topics.”
What it feels like
The mood parents describe.
- FunnyTop19
See what they saidHide
- “I thought it was really funny that you threw a pie in your face.I’m from Australia and my brother Charles love listening to your podcast To”
- “I also love how funny the actors are, AND I LOVE HERMI THE ELEPHANT!!!”
- Educational15
See what they saidHide
- “Really good podcast 🩷🩷🩷🩷you not only learn good and bad debate tips you learn interesting facts about each side!”
- “It’s funny and informative!”
Who's actually listening
From the 3 reviews that name a child's age.
- Teens (13+)3
- Tweens (9-12)2
How to read this: each number is how many reviews raised that topic in their own words — not a percentage or a score. Bars compare topics within a box only, so the longest bar is whatever came up most here, marked Top. The dots above show how much evidence we have, not how good the show is.
This summarises what reviewers said. It isn't our verdict, and we don't write reviews ourselves. See exactly how every number is calculated.
About Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family
In the publisher's own words, as they describe the show on its feed.
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 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! Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Parent reviews (428)
Real reviews from real parents — the ones we gather from public sources link back to where they were written, and the ones written here are marked as such.
Listened to Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family?
Tell other parents what you thought. It takes a minute and genuinely helps.
God
God is real, it’s sad that some people don’t believe in him 😔
Cake is good 1234 · Oct 2026
You guys were wrong about the episode water parks vs trampoline park
Booooooo
Bibhdbihbhidbjh · Oct 2026
🤪🙂🙂🤪😊😊🤪😂😂🤪
❤️❤️🙃🙃😘😘🥰🥰😍😍🤣🤣😇😇😚😚🙂🙂😂😂🤪🤪🩱❤️❤️❤️❤️👩🏻👧🏻🧝🏼♀️
Ewa6789 · Oct 2026
Love the show
Can you do a debate about apple an android ❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓
Boxer Girl TX · Oct 2026
Love it
so good and I love listening to this with fam. We love the podcast and always will
🙃😗😗😗 · Oct 2026
OMG ITS YOU (again?)
Hello again Hello83793 Wtf are you doing here wow again? We must listen to all the same podcasts Cool Look out for #moonlark cause that’s me (duh) what other podcasts do you like.
#Moonlark · Oct 2026
Jimmy!! (By the way I love this podcast)
😎 /|\ / \
George the flying cat · Oct 2026
Sophia so sweet🍰🍬🍯🍩🍭🍨🍦🎂🍪🍿🧁🥨🍧🍡🍫🧃
I am Sophia and I am seven and I want you to do an episode on rock versus pop music thank you I think you should let. Kids over the age of seven be on the show. when the pies versus cake episode. I thought it was really funny that you threw a pie in your face.I’m from Australia and my brother Charles love listening to your podcast To
💜🛼🦋🩷🩵Sof · Oct 2026
Showing the 120 most recent of 428 reviews we analysed. The summaries above use all of them.
Questions parents ask
What age is Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family for?
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family is aimed at ages 6–12. In their reviews, parents most often mention teens (13+) and tweens (9-12).
How long are Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family episodes?
Most episodes run about 37 minutes, so an episode fits comfortably into a school run or a bedtime routine.
Is Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family any good?
It holds 4.6 out of 5 from 14,827 ratings, with 428 written parent reviews, which works out to an A- on our scale.
Is Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family appropriate for kids?
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family is marked clean, with no explicit content flag. Parents describe it as funny, educational.
Where can I listen to Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family?
Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music and other podcast apps. It's free to listen to.
Why do parents recommend Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family?
The point that comes up most is "good for travel & flights" — mentioned in 4 of the 173 reviews we analysed.
Episodes
60 to play, newest first
Sneak peek: The history of pineapple pizza
Oct 5, 2026 · 9 min
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 look at the man who made pineapple on pizza a thing. Plus, we tell the story of how pineapple pizza created drama between two nations. To hear the whole, ad-free episode, sign up for Smarty Pass at smartypass.org.
Moana vs Elsa
Oct 1, 2026 · 43 min
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 ice and snow. It’s Moana vs Elsa. Repping the mighty Moana is writer, director and Molly’s brother, Mickey Bloom! And casting a spell for Elsa is writer, funny person and Molly’s sister Delia Bloom! Which Disney main character will come out on top? Listen to find out and head to www.smashboom.org to vote for your favorite.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!
Smash Boom Best Live + New Season Alert!!!
Sep 18, 2026 · 1 min
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 -- it's part of the Just For Laughs Festival. And we'll be in Dallas Oct. 11th. Our Minneapolis sold out so if you've been waiting to get tickets, now is the time! The Smash Boom live shows features Molly, three very funny debaters and two debates! And guess who gets to be the judge? It's you! The audience! We know you have big opinions, and we can't wait to hear them in person. You can get tickets at brainson.org/events.
Waterparks vs Trampoline Parks
Aug 20, 2026 · 38 min
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 trampoline parks! Making a splash for the wonderful world of waterparks is actor Marina Squerciati. And leaping into action for Team Trampoline Parks, is lawyer and former competitive debater, Eli Kay-Oliphant. Which park will prevail? Listen then vote for your pick at www.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!
Sneak Peek: Hoax Hunters explain the Pokemon Shock
Aug 17, 2026 · 7 min
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 time, Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters to investigate a phenomenon known as the Pokemon Shock. It was an event where a TV show apparently made thousands of people feel sick. To hear the full episode, sign up for Smarty Pass and support the Brains On Universe.
King Arthur vs Robin Hood
Aug 13, 2026 · 39 min
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 the rich and gives to the poor. It’s King Arthur vs Robin Hood! Swinging his sword for Team King Arthur, is the host and creator of Greeking Out and History Snacks, Kenny Curtis! And bringing a quiver full of good arguments for Team Robin Hood is Greeking Out writer and History Snacks host, Jillian Hughes! Which side will live happily ever after? Listen and then 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!
Vanilla vs Mint
Aug 6, 2026 · 38 min
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 machine. It’s vanilla vs mint. Keeping things cool for mint is clown, actor and improviser Gregory Parks! And extracting all the winning points for team vanilla is writer, performer and lego builder extraordinaire Sam Suksiri! Which flavor will prevail? Tune in to find out and then go to smashboom.org to vote for your pick.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!
The Lorax vs The Cat in the Hat
Jul 30, 2026 · 37 min
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 mustachioed defender of trees. And Story Pirate Peter McNerney is repping everyone’s favorite mischievous feline with stylish accessories: The Cat in the Hat! After you listen, head to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who 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!
Watermelon vs Cotton Candy
Jul 23, 2026 · 40 min
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!
Zippers vs Velcro
Jul 16, 2026 · 39 min
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!
SpongeBob vs Minions
Jul 9, 2026 · 37 min
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!
Dandelions vs Orchids
Jul 2, 2026 · 37 min
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.