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

NPR’s Sam Sanders and Elise Hu go head to head in this futuristic faceoff! Sam is repping the extraterrestrial neighbors we’re still searching for. And Elise is here to defend those helpful machines we call robots. Who do you think won? Head to smashboom.org to cast your vote. This episode is sponsored by Candlewick Press, publisher of Judy Moody Book Quiz Whiz, available wherever books are sold, and Mathnasium (mathnasium.com/boom or call 855-912-MATH).

Will muscly might or supersonic speed triumph? This Smash Boom Best battle takes on two out-of-this world superhuman powers. Which would you rather have: super speed or super strength?

In one corner, human’s best friend, licker of faces, chewer of toys -- it’s dogs. And in the other corner, sleek and graceful, free pest control with a cute face to boot -- it’s cats. Are you Team Cat or Team Dog? Head to smashboom.org to cast your vote!

Unicorns and dragons have graced us with a magical, show-stopping debate! Which one of these whimsical, wondrous beasts will triumph? Will it be ferocious, fire-breathing team dragon? Or ethereal, elusive team unicorn? Debaters Sanden Totten and Katie McVay do their best to sway our judge. Press play to find out who comes out on top! And then head to smashboom.org to tell us who you think deserves the title of Smash Boom Best. This episode is sponsored by Relay (relaygo.com/boom for 15% off your purchase on Amazon).

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 Carroll’s whimsical world of wonder. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!

This week’s sponsor:

Experience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.

Also... do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $5/month (or $45/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!