logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2020
34m 57s

Pandas vs. Penguins

American Public Media
About this episode

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. 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 TwitterFacebook, and Instagram!

Up next
Jun 11
A 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 home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit.In the mean ... Show More
2m 56s
May 29
Goats 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 give us the goods for Team Goats and writer, podcast host and TV personality Alie Ward will bring the squeeze for Team B ... Show More
34m 50s
May 22
Gandalf 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 attitude. It’s Gandalf vs. Snape! Comedy writer and LEGO Master Sam Suksiri will wield the staff for Team Gandalf and Brain ... Show More
38m 37s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
Le Panda Roux, menacé car trop mignon ?
BIENVENUE DANS NOTRE ÉPISODE SPECIAL PODCASTHON SUR LE PANDA ROUX !!Le podcasthon, c'est un évènement qui dure une semaine dans l'année : tous les podcasteurs doivent mettre en avant une asso qui leur tient à coeur.Cette année, avec Wild, nous avons décidé d'une asso qui sauve le ... Show More
15m 42s
Jan 2025
Zoo Buddies Penguin Place - by Joanne Morgan
The penguins are almost here! Will the Zoo Buddies have the Penguins new home at Huckleberry Zoo ready on Time….and how many things will go wrong before then? Find this book on www.drjoannemorgan.com 
6m 46s
Feb 2024
Penguins vs Reindeer Ice Basketball
Penguins vs Reindeer Ice Basketball Big thanks to Sam who came up with this weeks story! It's a Showdown for the ages as the Incredible Frosted Jets clash with The Snow Spartans in the ultimate game of ice basketball! And thanks to Poppy who used the Storyquest Character creator ... Show More
9m 55s
Jul 2024
A Giant Panda Prologue: Getting to Know the Bears
The San Diego Zoo has a long history with the giant panda, and there are two pandas coming to the zoo soon! The zoo is working with partners in China to research and promote the sustained recovery of this bamboo-eating species, and Rick and Marco have so many questions about thei ... Show More
23m 17s
Nov 2024
Bluey vs. Elmo: a lovable debate
Today's debate is a showdown between two lovable characters. One is a playful pup from down under, and one is a giggling, ticklish monster. It’s Bluey vs. Elmo! Writer Kathryn VanArendonk will fight for family fun with team Bluey while culture writer and podcaster Margaret H. ... Show More
35m 20s
Nov 2023
What If There Were No Animals?
What would the world be like without animals? Rae Wynn Grant - ecologist, podcaster, and bear cub cuddler - gives us a picture of what would happen if animals disappeared, and explains how we can stop it from happening. We’ll find out how the Endangered Species Act has worked for ... Show More
21m 41s
Feb 2025
Hippopotomology (HIPPOS) with Rebecca Lewison
Do they sweat blood? Will one kill you? What are cocaine hippos? Is Moo Deng… okay? Actual real life Hippopotomologist Dr. Rebecca Lewison explains how hippos have some of the best – and worst – PR.  We chat about pet hippos, subspecies, daily diets, the current state of hippo co ... Show More
1h 6m
May 2022
I Love Bears!
What animal can climb trees, stand up on its hind legs, is a good swimmer, and an excellent hunter? You guessed it—BEARS! Kids will learn where bears live, what they eat, and why they rest all winter. Then they will meet the most famous bears of all time—Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and ... Show More
21m 36s
Sep 2023
Bears vs. Wild Animals | 2 Bears, 1 Cave Ep. 202
Welcome back to another episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave! This week Tom and Bert discuss which wild animals they could beat in a fight, getting spray tans, seeing Metallica in concert, donating to charity, Kevin Hart's accident, racing, what makes someone a real artist, Taryn Manning, ... Show More
1h 4m
Sep 2024
Panda Diplomacy
Giant pandas are more than just cute animals—they're key players in China's global diplomacy. Known as "Panda Diplomacy," China has used its iconic bears to strengthen international relationships and influence global politics for centuries. Learn how these animals serve as soft p ... Show More
22m 24s