Today

The Lorax vs The Cat in the Hat

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 styli ... Show More

33m 3s

Jul 23

Watermelon vs Cotton Candy

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 ... Show More

39m 48s

Jul 16

Zippers vs Velcro

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 ... Show More

39m 3s

May 2025

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

37m 35s

Nov 2023

Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons: a creature debate

Today’s debate is a fantastic face-off between a relaxed rodent and a raging reptile. We’ve got a cuddly meme, and a hissing, hunting machine! It’s Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons! Brains On producer and archaeologist Anna Goldfield reps the captivating Capybaras, while writer, acto ... Show More

34m 39s

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

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

34m 50s

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

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

40m 37s

Aug 2023

Electric Eels vs. Tasmanian Devils: A nocturnal debate

Today’s debate is chock full of shocks. It’s electric eels vs. Tasmanian devils! Comedian, puppeteer, and podcaster Tim Platt reps electric eels in this scream-worthy smackdown with science journalist, Brains On! editor and Tasmanian devil defender Shahla Farzan. Which beast will ... Show More

38m 21s

Sep 2024

Parrots vs. Gorillas: an intelligent debate

Today’s debate is a smackdown of the smartest. It’s Parrots vs. Gorillas! Brains On Editor Shahla Farzan is ready to win parrots the prize and Brains On Producer Marc Sanchez is ready to GET IT for gorillas. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org a ... Show More

39m 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

Mar 2023

Tardigrades vs. Elephants

Today’s debate is an extreme animal face-off. One team is large, in charge, and loves to eat peanuts, the other is smaller than a peanut but stronger than steel! It’s tardigrades vs. elephants! Actor, director, and playwright Duck Washington reps team tardigrade, while actor, wri ... Show More

35m 36s

Goats vs. Boa Constrictors: a curious de...