We're taking a little break for the holidays so instead we want to share one of our favorite shows with you: StoryPirates! In this first episode of their newest season, the Story Pirates receive an intriguing invitation and meet a new adversary. Featuring two new stories: ‘The Bed’, a song about an exhausted doctor just looking for somewhere to nap, written by Bentley, a 9 year old from New York, and ‘Do Not Disturb’, a story about one girl’s unending quest to keep her family out of her bedroom, written by a 9 year old from Virginia named Mallory. We also debut our new segment ‘Story Love’ where Lee and Peter read and discuss more stories written by kids with a special guest: the incredible actor Alison Pill.
To hear more episodes, follow Story Pirates wherever you get your podcasts or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/StoryPiratesfd

We're taking a little break for the holidays so instead we want to share one of our favorite shows with you: StoryPirates! In this first episode of their newest season, the Story Pirates receive an intriguing invitation and meet a new adversary. Featuring two new stories: &lsquo;The Bed&rsquo;, a song about an exhausted doctor just looking for somewhere to nap, written by Bentley, a 9 year old from New York, and &lsquo;Do Not Disturb&rsquo;, a story about one girl&rsquo;s unending quest to keep her family out of her bedroom, written by a 9 year old from Virginia named Mallory. We also debut our new segment &lsquo;Story Love&rsquo; where Lee and Peter read and discuss more stories written by kids with a special guest: the incredible actor Alison Pill. To hear more episodes, follow Story Pirates wherever you get your podcasts or head to:&nbsp;<a href="https://lemonada.lnk.to/StoryPiratesfd">https://lemonada.lnk.to/StoryPiratesfd</a>

Smash Boom Best presents: Story Pirates

 We're on a little winter break and we're gonna be back with a new smash boom battle on January 8th. Today we have an episode of the other show that Molly hosts: Brains On. This is an episode about something near and dear to every fan of Smash. Boom, best laughter.

Laughter is like a language and humans are really good at understanding it.

In this episode, Molly and co-host Milla decode different kinds of laughs, from uncontrollable goofy laughter to chuckles that make others feel good.

They’ll meet laugh experts Sophie Scott and Adrienne Wood and test their knowledge in three rounds of the game show: Laugh Attack!

Plus, a new mystery sound for you to guess

Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts!

We're on a little winter break and we're gonna be back with a new smash boom battle on January 8th. Today we have an episode of the other show that Molly hosts: Brains On. This is an episode about something near and dear to every fan of Smash. Boom, best laughter.
Laughter is like a language and humans are really good at understanding it.
In this episode, Molly and co-host Milla decode different kinds of laughs, from uncontrollable goofy laughter to chuckles that make others feel good.
They&rsquo;ll meet laugh experts Sophie Scott and Adrienne Wood and test their knowledge in three rounds of the game show: Laugh Attack!
Plus, a new mystery sound for you to guess
<a href="https://www.smartypass.org/">Subscribe to Smarty Pass</a> for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts!

Smash Boom Best Presents:  Brains On - Why do we laugh?

The Brains On crew is hitting the road in 2026, and our first shows have just been announced. If you like fun, games, dancing, optical illusions and... Mystery Sounds, check out Your Brain is Magic.

Head to brainson.org/events to get tickets for the following shows:

1/17 Newark, NJ Victoria Theater

1/18 Red Bank, NJ The Vogel

1/23 San Diego, CA The Observitory

1/24 Aneheim, CA House of Blues

2/21 Vancouver, BC Playhouse Theater (JFL Festival)

2/22 Seattle, WA Neptune Theater

If you don't see your city listed, we're adding more dates, so keep checking back!

The Brains On crew is hitting the road in 2026, and our first shows have just been announced. If you like fun, games, dancing, optical illusions and... Mystery Sounds, check out Your Brain is Magic.
Head to <a href="https://brainson.org/events">brainson.org/events</a> to get tickets for the following shows:
1/17 Newark, NJ Victoria Theater
1/18 Red Bank, NJ The Vogel
1/23 San Diego, CA The Observitory
1/24 Aneheim, CA House of Blues
2/21 Vancouver, BC Playhouse Theater (JFL Festival)
2/22 Seattle, WA Neptune Theater
If you don't see your city listed, we're adding more dates, so keep checking back!

Brains On is coming to a city near you!

One’s a happy hopper and the other is a fine swine. Get ready for Pigs vs Frogs! Both animals are popular in books and movies. Both have cool features. But which is the coolest critter? Writer and archeologist Anna Goldfield will argue for Team Pig and actor, voice artist, and improviser Billy Soco will debate for Team Frogs. Listen to see which animal our judge crowns the Smash Boom Best, and head to smashboom.org to tell us who you chose.

Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

Get 50% Off Monarch, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarch.com/boom.

One&rsquo;s a happy hopper and the other is a fine swine. Get ready for Pigs vs Frogs! Both animals are popular in books and movies. Both have cool features. But which is the coolest critter? Writer and archeologist Anna Goldfield will argue for Team Pig and actor, voice artist, and improviser Billy Soco will debate for Team Frogs. Listen to see which animal our judge crowns the Smash Boom Best, and head to <a href="http://smashboom.org">smashboom.org</a> to tell us who you chose.
Want to support the show? Join<a href="http://smartypass.org"> Smarty Pass</a> to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l14pu2d_7QQ3OSSKvSkbcn6M3u0J1SuJ/view?usp=sharing">here</a>&nbsp;for a transcript of this episode.
Get 50% Off Monarch, the all-in-one financial tool at <a href="http://www.monarch.com/boom">www.monarch.com/boom</a>.

Pigs vs. Frogs

This debate is sure to be sweet music to your ears. It’s Harmonica vs Glockenspiel! Two harmonious instruments but only one can win! Wailin’ away for Team Harmonica, it’s comedian Aron Woldeslassie! Making melody for Team Glockenspiel, it’s voice actor Merk Nguyen! Which tune-maker will triumph? Listen to see who our judge picks and head to smashboom.org to vote for your favorite.

Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

This debate is sure to be sweet music to your ears. It&rsquo;s Harmonica vs Glockenspiel! Two harmonious instruments but only one can win! Wailin&rsquo; away for Team Harmonica, it&rsquo;s comedian Aron Woldeslassie! Making melody for Team Glockenspiel, it&rsquo;s voice actor Merk Nguyen! Which tune-maker will triumph? Listen to see who our judge picks and head to <a href="http://smashboom.org">smashboom.org</a> to vote for your favorite.
Want to support the show? Join<a href="http://smartypass.org"> Smarty Pass</a> to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T-04rc9JSgWwjHiuv2d9A8A7PnT5YeJf/view?usp=sharing">here</a> for a transcript of this episode.

Harmonica vs Glockenspiel

They’re both cute, they’re both cuddly, they both can be a handful. It’s Babies vs Puppies! Which adorable newborn will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Cooing for Team Babies is Smash Boom producer Anna Weggle and barking it up for Team Puppies is actor and animator Brant Miller! Who will win? Listen to see who our judge crowns champion of cuteness, then head over to smashboom.org to vote!

Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

Get 50% Off Monarch, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarch.com/boom

They&rsquo;re both cute, they&rsquo;re both cuddly, they both can be a handful. It&rsquo;s Babies vs Puppies! Which adorable newborn will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Cooing for Team Babies is Smash Boom producer Anna Weggle and barking it up for Team Puppies is actor and animator Brant Miller! Who will win? Listen to see who our judge crowns champion of cuteness, then head over to <a href="http://smashboom.org">smashboom.org</a> to vote!
Want to support the show? Join<a href="http://smartypass.org"> Smarty Pass</a> to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fbIst7Knz870lcAifcBas0cD-JdgMQNx/view?usp=sharing">here</a> for a transcript of this episode.
Get 50% Off Monarch, the all-in-one financial tool at <a href="http://www.monarch.com/boom">www.monarch.com/boom</a>

Babies vs. Puppies

Whether you like your wheels big or small, this debate is for you! It’s Monster Trucks vs Hot Wheels. It’s a battle between Brains On besties Marc Sanchez and Sanden Totten. Marc goes full throttle for Team Monster Trucks and Sanden speeds toward victory for Team Hot Wheels. Who will win? Head over to smashboom.org to vote and listen to see who our judge crowns the king of cars.

Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!

Click here or a transcript of this episode.

Get 50% Off Monarch, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarch.com/boom. 

Whether you like your wheels big or small, this debate is for you! It&rsquo;s Monster Trucks vs Hot Wheels. It&rsquo;s a battle between Brains On besties Marc Sanchez and Sanden Totten. Marc goes full throttle for Team Monster Trucks and Sanden speeds toward victory for Team Hot Wheels. Who will win? Head over to <a href="http://smashboom.org">smashboom.org</a> to vote and listen to see who our judge crowns the king of cars.
Want to support the show? Join<a href="http://smartypass.org"> Smarty Pass</a> to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/18EeTFxbtwdQLHk21BWqjZ581SLSUaSXX/view?usp=sharing">here</a> or a transcript of this episode.
Get 50% Off Monarch, the all-in-one financial tool at <a href="http://www.monarch.com/boom">www.monarch.com/boom</a>.&nbsp;

Monster Trucks vs. Hot Wheels

Get ready for Smash Boom Best season 10! We promise more facts than you can shake a stick at (that's a lot, right?). Declarations of Greatness? We got 'em. Sneak Attacks? Ha-ha-who-YEAH! Arguments about ridiculous things judged by teenagers? You bet your Doja Cat!

Make sure you're subscribed, because the first episode drops on November 27th.

Do you want to see all the debates we have planned for this season? Of course you do! You can see them by signing up for our Smarty Pass. That's where you get ad-free versions of all Smash Boom Best, Brains On, Forever Ago and Moment of Um. Plus, you'll get other cool perks like hangouts with the team and discounts on merch and shows. 

Get ready for Smash Boom Best season 10! We promise more facts than you can shake a stick at (that's a lot, right?). Declarations of Greatness? We got 'em. Sneak Attacks? Ha-ha-who-YEAH! Arguments about ridiculous things judged by teenagers? You bet your Doja Cat! Make sure you're subscribed, because the first episode drops on November 27th.
Do you want to see all the debates we have planned for this season? Of course you do! You can see them by signing up for our <a href="https://brainson.supercast.com/">Smarty Pass</a>. That's where you get ad-free versions of all Smash Boom Best, Brains On, Forever Ago and Moment of Um. Plus, you'll get other cool perks like hangouts with the team and discounts on merch and shows.&nbsp;

New episodes of Smash Boom Best!

Get tickets for Smash Boom Best live!

Nothing’s better than a good debate. Except maybe a good debate -- LIVE!

That’s why we’re bringing Smash Boom Best to Princeton, New Jersey. It’s gonna be a knock down, drag out brawl of words, jokes and probably some impromptu dance moves. Oh, and guess who’s judging this time? You! The audience!

So join us Sunday, October 26th at the McCarter Theater in Princeton. It’s gonna be a Smash Boom Blast. See ya there! 





 

 

<a href="https://www.mccarter.org/smashboombest">Get tickets for Smash Boom Best live!</a>
Nothing&rsquo;s better than a good debate. Except maybe a good debate -- LIVE!
That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re bringing Smash Boom Best to Princeton, New Jersey. It&rsquo;s gonna be a knock down, drag out brawl of words, jokes and probably some impromptu dance moves. Oh, and guess who&rsquo;s judging this time? You! The audience!
<a href="https://www.mccarter.org/smashboombest">So join us Sunday, October 26th at the McCarter Theater in Princeton</a>. It&rsquo;s gonna be a Smash Boom Blast. See ya there!&nbsp;
 
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

See Smash Boom Best live in Princeton, NJ!

We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop us a line, head to brainson.org. The best way to keep us going is to join Smarty Pass or donate here:https://brainson.supercast.com. Thank you!


See Smash Boom Best LIVE in Princeton, NJ!


Join us at the McCarter Theatre for a live, in-person version of Smash Boom Best, an award winning podcast for kids and families! Each live show takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets the audience decide which is best. Host Molly Bloom moderates a debate between two performers who make their case using facts fueled by jokes, physical comedy, and the occasional song and dance. At the end, the audience votes for the winner and crowns the Smash Boom Best – all while learning how to defend their own opinions and make the strongest arguments for their case. 


While we are in town, we are throwing a Smash Boom Spectacular Party right after the live show and YOU are invited! This won't be just any party. You will get to meet host Molly Bloom and our debaters. They'll be playing games with you, singing songs, answering your questions, and posing for photos. Plus, you'll get to take home an awesome, one-of-a kind Smash Boom Best goodie bag. You can gain access to this SBSP (Smash Boom Spectacular Party) by purchasing a VIP ticket* when you make your purchase.  See you there!





DETAILS & TICKETS


McCarter Theatre Center


October 26, 2025 at 3:00pm ET


91 University Place


Princeton, NJ 08540


Buy Tickets Here

We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop us a line, head to <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbrainson.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clhumpert%40americanpublicmedia.org%7Cc8916b86364f492e178908de05f27929%7C8245ecb6b08841218e216c093b6d9d22%7C0%7C0%7C638954736152126086%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=QoP0jxHXjCVYrfvIz4%2FXZM8wy%2FnHFBTo51NJtOQuRXU%3D&amp;reserved=0" class="OWAAutoLink">brainson.org</a>. The best way to keep us going is to join Smarty Pass or donate here:<a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrainson.supercast.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clhumpert%40americanpublicmedia.org%7Cc8916b86364f492e178908de05f27929%7C8245ecb6b08841218e216c093b6d9d22%7C0%7C0%7C638954736152154857%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=P%2FPxx1mVHb3nQmMONLqCL%2FKHhUeT0vt2TrScdc4lYq4%3D&amp;reserved=0" class="OWAAutoLink"> </a><a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrainson.supercast.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clhumpert%40americanpublicmedia.org%7Cc8916b86364f492e178908de05f27929%7C8245ecb6b08841218e216c093b6d9d22%7C0%7C0%7C638954736152179300%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=xC4%2BfJUg5xUvo4SxQkTHogdS7npwBIJd02Eh%2FLeSpEI%3D&amp;reserved=0" class="OWAAutoLink">https://brainson.supercast.com</a>. Thank you! See Smash Boom Best LIVE in Princeton, NJ! Join us at the McCarter Theatre for a live, in-person version of Smash Boom Best, an award winning podcast for kids and families! Each live show takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets the audience decide which is best. Host Molly Bloom moderates a debate between two performers who make their case using facts fueled by jokes, physical comedy, and the occasional song and dance. At the end, the audience votes for the winner and crowns the Smash Boom Best – all while learning how to defend their own opinions and make the strongest arguments for their case.  While we are in town, we are throwing a Smash Boom Spectacular Party right after the live show and YOU are invited! This won't be just any party. You will get to meet host Molly Bloom and our debaters. They'll be playing games with you, singing songs, answering your questions, and posing for photos. Plus, you'll get to take home an awesome, one-of-a kind Smash Boom Best goodie bag. You can gain access to this SBSP (Smash Boom Spectacular Party) by purchasing a VIP ticket* when you make your purchase.  See you there! DETAILS &amp; TICKETS McCarter Theatre Center October 26, 2025 at 3:00pm ET 91 University Place Princeton, NJ 08540 <a href="https://www.mccarter.org/smashboombest" title="Buy Tickets Here" class="default">Buy Tickets Here</a>

We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters

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/  

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&hellip; 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&rsquo;s Daniel Alarc&oacute;n, 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&rsquo;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&hellip; tune into Smash Boom Best, where we make debate &ndash; a blast!
Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media <a href="https://lemonadamedia.com/" data-stringify-link="https://lemonadamedia.com/" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://lemonadamedia.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family

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