logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2023
34m 30s

Spider-Man vs. Batman: A super debate

American Public Media
About this episode

Our final debate of the season is a superpowered smackdown between two heroic icons: the spunky web-slinger from Queens and the brave guardian of Gotham. Ne'er-do-wells beware, because it’s Spider-Man vs. Batman! We’ve got actor, writer, and Story Pirates co-host Peter McNerney ready to give it his all for team Spider-Man! And rapper extraordinaire Matt Allen better known as NUR-D here to defend the caped crusader– Batman! Which side will step up to the win? The red and blue web-head or the Dark Knight? Adjust your mask, tighten your tool belt and swoop on over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won!


Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!

As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!

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
Apr 2023
Spider-Man vs. Batman: A super debate
Our final debate of the season is a superpowered smackdown between two heroic icons: the spunky web-slinger from Queens and the brave guardian of Gotham. Ne'er-do-wells beware, because it’s Spider-Man vs. Batman! We’ve got actor, writer, and Story Pirates co-host Peter McNern ... Show More
34m 30s
Sep 2023
Scorpions vs. Butterflies: a critter debate
Today’s debate is a colossal critter competition! One of them stings, the other has wings. It’s scorpions vs. butterflies! We’ve got standup comedian and health educator Khadijah Cooper ready to sing the praises of the snazzy scorpion and writer, actor and comedian Becky Abrams h ... Show More
37m 52s
May 2024
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vs. My Little Pony: a friendly debate
Today’s debate is a friendly debate between two groups of special besties. It’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vs. My Little Pony! Putting on the bandana for team Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is actor and improviser Alsa Bruno, while playwright and performer Heather Meyer is ready ... Show More
37m 5s
May 2024
Pegasus vs. Centaur: a mythological debate
Today’s legendary debate features two mighty, mythological horses. It’s Pegasus vs. Centaur! In a never-before-seen matchup between father and daughter, we’ve got Greeking Out creator and host Kenny Curtis here to defend Centaurs and Greeking Out writer Jillian Hughes ready to fi ... Show More
37m 29s
Apr 2023
Narwhals vs. Jellyfish: A marine debate
Today’s debate is a marine dream! One side has a giant tooth that's brought it acclaim, while the other wobbles on without a brain. Get ready to dive into this debate because it’s Narwhals vs. Jellyfish! Actor and writer Allison Reese is here to defend notable narwhals, while ... Show More
35m 2s
Nov 2023
Superman: An immigrant's story
Superman isn’t just any old superhero -- he was the very first costumed superhero! He paved the way for Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Batman and all the other caped, masked and spandexed superheroes. In this episode, join Joy, her cohost Aaliyah, and special guest Molly Bloom to hear ... Show More
33m 10s
Apr 2024
Blobfish vs. Naked Mole Rat: a wild debate
Today’s debate has some real skin in the game. It’s a wild matchup between two creatures of the depths. It’s Blobfish vs. Naked Mole Rat! In one corner we’ve got actor and comedian Mike Cabellon ready to put on the pressure for team Blobfish! And donning the mantle for team Naked ... Show More
32m 5s
Mar 2024
Squirrels vs. Crows: a brilliant debate
Today’s debate is a brawl that can be seen on any power line. One is a feisty furry phenom who goes nuts for acorns, the other is a sleek, feathered enigma who represents the melancholy and mysterious. It’s Squirrels vs. Crows! In one corner we’ve got improviser, content creator, ... Show More
33m 42s
May 2024
Stripes vs. Polka Dots: a stylish debate
Today’s debate is a charming challenge between two patterned phenoms. It’s Stripes vs. Polka Dots! Voice actor and podcaster Merk Nguyen is ready to straighten the record for team Stripes, and actor, playwright and improviser Shanan Custer is ready to round out the story for team ... Show More
33m 50s
Mar 2024
Hippopotamus vs. Dragonfly: a sizeable debate
Today’s debate is a supreme smackdown of size and scale! On one side we’ve got a powerhouse pachyderm and on the other we’ve got a pretty fly dragon. It’s Hippopotamus vs. Dragonfly! Actor and improviser Jada Pulley is ready to go for Team Hippopotamus, while comedian, and podcas ... Show More
33m 34s