Jun 11

Balloons vs Candles

Get ready for a debate worth celebrating! It’s balloons vs candles. One floats festively toward the sky, the other brightens the dark. Both are popular at parties. But which one is the best? We’re about to find out! We’ve got podcast producer Anna Weggel lifting spirits for Team ... Show More

37m 38s

Jun 4

Knitting vs Pottery

Get ready for a craft-tastic debate. One side serves up cuddly, cozy creations. The other, hardy, handy homeware. It’s knitting versus pottery! Both are fun, useful crafts that have been loved for centuries by countless people. So which will come out on top? Yearning for yarn, it ... Show More

37m 54s

May 28

Onions vs Corn

I hope you are hungry, because today’s debate is serving up two staples of the dinner table. Grill ‘em, saute ‘em, mix ‘em in salads. They’ll both taste great. But only one can take the trophy. It’s Onions vs Corn. Here to slice and dice for Team Onions is Brian Kvitko. He’s an A ... Show More

34m 52s

Nov 2024

Slides vs. Swings: a playground debate

Today’s debate is a beastly battle between two playground legends. It’s Slides vs. Swings! Comedian Tim Platt zooms towards glory for team slides while comedian, actor and writer Fareeha Khan soars through the sky for team swings. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on ... Show More

41m 9s

May 2025

Forts vs. Puzzles: a constructive debate

Today’s debate requires a little concentration and is seen across the nation. Put your hands together for Forts vs. Puzzles! We’ve got Forever Ago host Joy Dolo ready to rumble for team Forts, and comedian Comrade Tripp is eager to defend team Puzzles. Who will be crowned the Sma ... Show More

40m 13s

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. Wil ... Show More

38m 5s

Oct 2024

Halloween Candy Grab Bag: a decadent debate

Sneak attack? Try snack attack! We’re going absolutely decadent with this special, king-sized episode that will pit a whopping SIX sweet treats head to head in a candy clash for glory. Forever Ago host Joy Dolo will battle Brains On Universe producer Aron Woldeslassie in the ulti ... Show More

47m 51s

Nov 2024

Jack and the Beanstalk vs. The Ugly Duckling: a storybook debate

Today’s debate throws two timeless tales into the ring for a clash of the classics. It’s Jack and the Beanstalk vs. The Ugly Duckling! In this epic showdown, author and “Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest” podcast host Adam Gidwitz climbs to the top for Jack and the Beanstalk, while author ... Show More

35m 59s

Oct 2024

Surfing vs. Ice Skating: an Olympic debate

Today’s debate is a sporty showdown between two playful pastimes. It’s Surfing vs. Ice Skating! Actor, writer and comedian Allison Reese is here to ride the waves for team surfing, and editor Nancy Yang will glide across the ice for team ice skating. Who will be crowned the Smash ... Show More

36m 37s

Mar 2025

Jump rope vs. Hula hoop: an energetic debate

Today’s debate is a high-energy showdown between two classic playground pastimes – Jump Rope vs. Hula Hoop! Will journalist Jed Kim bounce his way to victory for Team Jump Rope? Or will writer and comedian Andrew Barbato spin circles around the competition for Team Hula Hoop? Hea ... Show More

38m 4s

Feb 2025

Hamsters vs. Goldfish: an adorable debate

Today’s debate is all pet and no peeve. We’ve got the titan of the tank vs. the rage in the cage. It’s Hamsters vs. Goldfish! We’ve got author and podcaster Nora McInerny ready to give it her all for team Hamsters and podcaster producer Marcel Malekebu is here to defend team Gold ... Show More

39m 54s

Mar 2025

Clowns vs. Magicians: a magical debate

Today’s debate is a real showstopper! It’s Clowns vs. Magicians! Actor and professional clown Gregory Parks puts the whoop in whoopie cushion for Team Clowns, while Brains On co-creator and editor Sanden Totten dazzles for Team Magicians! Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? ... Show More

40 m

Feb 2025

Matilda vs. Alice in Wonderland: a whimsical debate

Today’s debate is a showdown between two beloved stories — Matilda vs. Alice in Wonderland! Author and “Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest” podcast host Adam Gidwitz defends Roald Dahl’s tale of brainpower and rebellion, while filmmaker and rapper Jun Sekiya sings the praises of Lewis Carr ... Show More

36m 37s

Tag vs. Hide and Seek: an exhilarating d...