Tag vs. Hide and Seek

Today’s debate is a fun-filled face-off between two timeless playground favorites. It’s Tag vs. Hide and Seek!


 Tag vs. Hide and Seek

Eclipses vs. Aurora Borealis

Today’s debate is an out-of-this-world throwdown between two dazzling sky spectacles – Eclipses vs. Aurora Borealis!


Ketchup vs. Ranch

Today’s debate is a captivating clash of two condiments. It’s Ketchup vs. Ranch! 


Clowns vs. Magicians

Today’s debate is a real showstopper! It’s Clowns vs. Magicians! 


Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Road Trip This or That!

Let’s celebrate Spring Break! Rosie and Marc are getting ready to take a long drive to their favorite destination – The Troll Hole Museum in Alliance, Ohio. But in a terrible twist they need to play 3 new road trip games to see who gets to sit up front.


Listen to our debaters face off. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best?

MOLLY BLOOM: Hi, Molly Bloom here. We love playing games at Brains On! We like tricky trivia, grueling guessing games, and challenging challenges. If you want to play along with us, sign up for the Smarty Pass. For just $5 a month, you'll get access to ad-free versions of Brains On!, Smash Boom Best, Forever Ago, and more. Plus, you'll get a bonus feat of all new episodes where we play games, like this one. 

MARC SANCHEZ: We're headed to the coolest place in the world. 

ROSIE DUPONT: Oh, Marc is right. We're headed to the one and only Troll Hole Museum in Alliance, Ohio. They've got a collection of troll dolls like you wouldn't believe. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Oh, I believe it because I've been preparing for this trip for the past three months. We've got snacks. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Check. 

MOLLY BLOOM: We've got music. 

ROSIE DUPONT: Check. 

MOLLY BLOOM: We've got navigation. 

BOTH: Check. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Ooh. 

ROSIE DUPONT: Wait a second. Why did you say "check," Marc? 

MARC SANCHEZ: Because I'm sitting up front and navigating for Molly? Everyone knows that. 

ROSIE DUPONT: Except they don't because I'm doing that. Why do you think I brought this compass? 

MARC SANCHEZ: Oh, wow. Nice compass. You should use it in the backseat. 

ROSIE DUPONT: [GASPS] I am not sitting in the back. You're sitting in the back. Molly and I are going to perfect my Robert De Niro impression. 

(DEEP VOICE) Are you talking to me? 

MARC SANCHEZ: Except you're not because Molly and I are going to perfect my confused pirate impression. 

(PIRATE VOICE) Arrr you talking to me? 

MOLLY BLOOM: To hear more, head to smartypass.org and subscribe. A monthly pass costs about the same as an ice cream cone and gets you fun bonus content like this, plus, ad-free versions of all of our shows. Again, that's smartypass.org. Thanks for supporting the Brains On! Universe, smarty pals. 

[THEME MUSIC] 



Jump Rope vs. Hula Hoop

Today’s debate is a high-energy showdown between two classic playground pastimes – Jump Rope vs. Hula Hoop!


Cake vs. Pie

Today’s debate is a boisterous bake-off between two desserts. It’s cake vs. pie!


Hamsters vs. Goldfish

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!


Matilda vs. Alice in Wonderland

Today’s debate is a showdown between two beloved stories — Matilda vs. Alice in Wonderland!


Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Squeak Attack

We’ve all heard of a sneak attack, but have you heard of a “Squeak Attack”? Well, Brains On Producer Marc Sanchez has and he’s ready to dish it out! Grab your Smarty Pass to hear how Producer Aron Woldeslassie fares against the squeak attack!


MOLLY BLOOM: Hi, Molly Bloom here. We love playing games at Brains On! We like tricky trivia, grueling guessing games, and challenging challenges. If you want to play along with us, sign up for the Smarty Pass. For just $5 a month, you'll get access to ad-free versions of Brains On! Smash, Boom, Best, Forever Ago, and more. Plus, you'll get a bonus feat of all new episodes where we play games like this one. 

MARKY MARK: Oh. Hi, smarty pals. I'm so glad you're here. I've been working on a brand-new Sneak Attack, and I'm looking for people to try it out on. 

ARON: Hey there, Marky Mark. You look like you have a new Sneak Attack to try out on someone. 

MARKY MARK: Oh. Hi, Aron. How could you tell? 

ARON: Well, your eyes are darting about feverishly. You're sweating, but only on your upper lip. And your hair is disheveled from the classic Mark-scheming pose. 

MARKY MARK: Oh, you mean when I stand on my head with my feet against the wall? 

ARON: That's the one. All that. Plus, you're carrying a cardboard box that has the words "new Sneak Attack ideas" written on the side. 

MARKY MARK: Ooh! Foiled again by my meticulous labeling practices. 

ARON: It's OK. I'll still play, even if you've lost the element of surprise. 

MARKY MARK: Honestly, surprises are relevant here, because this isn't a Sneak Attack. It's a-- aha-hoo-ha! Squeak Attack! 

MOLLY BLOOM: To hear more, head to smartypass.org and subscribe. A monthly pass costs about the same as an ice cream cone and gets you fun bonus content like this plus ad-free versions of all of our shows. Again, that's smartypass.org. Thanks for supporting the Brains On Universe, smarty pals. 

Telescope vs. Microscope

Today’s debate zooms out to the farthest reaches of space then back in to the tiniest details of life on Earth. It’s Telescope vs. Microscope!


Viola vs. Keyboard

Today’s debate is a matchup between two musical marvels. It’s viola vs. keyboard!


Season 9 Trailer

Smash Boom Best is back on Thursday, February 6th with 16 new sizzling episodes!


Smash Boom Best is back with a brand new season on February 6th! Get ready for fierce and fascinating debates like Hamsters vs. Goldfish, Forts vs. Puzzles, Ketchup vs. Ranch and Gandalf vs. Snape. Who will win? Listen to Smash Boom Best on February 6, wherever you get your podcasts. 

INTERVIEWER: Hey, Smash Boom Besties. I'm excited to tell you we're coming back with a brand new season on February 6. Get ready for fierce and fascinating debates like hamsters versus goldfish, forts versus puzzles, ketchup versus ranch, and [GASPS] Gandalf versus Snape. Here's a sneak peak from our first episode, "Viola Versus Keyboard." Ha, ha, hoo, ha! Sneak attack. Sam, you are up first this time, so please make your instrument sound like it's laughing. 

[INSTRUMENT PLAYING] 

All right, [? Katie, ?] same challenge. 

[INSTRUMENT PLAYING] 

Mmm! Yeah! [LAUGHS] Crying. 

[INSTRUMENT PLAYING] 

A robot. 

[INSTRUMENT PLAYING] 

SAM: I would just like to point out that Katie's instrument is a robot. 

INTERVIEWER: Fair. Fair. 

SAM: And so I don't know about the fairness of that last one. I feel like mine should get to sound like a viola if she's going to get to sound like a robot. 

INTERVIEWER: Who will win? Listen to Smash Boom Best on February 6 wherever you get your podcasts. See you then! 

[THEME MUSIC] 



We're back on February 6th!

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Smash DOOM Best

Molly and Aron love horror movies! So to entertain them, Ruby plays small clips from some of the spookiest episodes of Smash Boom Best: We’re talking snakes! Spiders! Dragons! Vampires! Godzilla! Zombies! Then Ruby asks Aron and Molly a trivia question about each topic. Let the spooky fun commence!


MOLLY BLOOM: Hi. Molly Bloom here. We love playing games at Brains On. We like tricky trivia, grueling guessing games, and challenging Challenges. If you want to play along with us, sign up for the Smarty Pass. For just $5 a month, you'll get access to ad-free versions of Brains On, Smash Boom Pass, Forever Ago, and more. Plus, you'll get a bonus feat of all new episodes where we play games like this one. 

You know what I would really like? 

MAN: Maybe some different snack options. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Close. I could really go for some horror. 

MAN: How is that close? 

MOLLY BLOOM: I want a fright, a scare, a heebie with plenty of geebie. You catch my drift? 

MAN: Yeah, I got it, Molly. 

MOLLY BLOOM: I want to jump out of my skin and see it's covered with goosebumps. 

MAN: Molly, I understand what you're saying. You don't have to keep repeating yourself. 

MOLLY BLOOM: I don't want to go. [LAUGHS] I want to go. Hoooo! 

MAN: You want to watch a scary movie, Molly, I got it. Let's move on. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Did someone say scary movie? 

MAN: Producer Ruby Guthrie? Are you here for Brains On movie night? 

RUBY GUTHRIE: No. I was looking for my pet scorpion, Melvin, in the vents. And I heard you two talking about scary movies. 

MAN: You lost your scorpion. Is that safe? 

MOLLY BLOOM: I just really want to watch a scary movie, Ruby. Do you have any movie suggestions? 

RUBY GUTHRIE: I've got more than movie suggestions. I've got a perfect game to play. 

MOLLY BLOOM: To hear more, head to smartypass.org and subscribe. A monthly pass costs about the same as an ice cream cone and gets you fun bonus content like this, plus ad-free versions of all of our shows. Again, that's smartypass.org. Thanks for supporting the Brains On Universe, Smarty pals. 

Bluey vs. Elmo

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. Willison will charm you with Elmo’s curiosity and cuteness. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best?


Slides vs. Swings

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? 


Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s super casual emergency

Brains On HQ is riddled with emergencies! A bowl of pudding is chasing Sanden. Marc’s piano has challenged him to a rap battle. And Rosie is out of mustard. Anna and Ruby need Molly’s help to solve these problems, but Molly is in her favorite chair so she can’t be bothered. Hopefully, a sneak attack can get her on her feet.


MOLLY BLOOM: Hi, Molly Bloom here. We love playing games at Brains On! We like tricky trivia, grueling guessing games, and challenging challenges. If you want to play along with us, sign up for the Smarty Pass. For just $5 a month, you'll get access to ad free versions of Brains On, Smash, Boom, Best, Forever Ago, and more. Plus, you'll get a bonus feat of all new episodes where we play games like this one. 

SUBJECT 1: On the first floor, a witch has cursed Sanden Totten's pudding because he refused to answer one of her riddles. And now, the pudding is chasing him around and won't stop until he learns a thematically appropriate life lesson. 

SUBJECT 2: Hmm, I always prefer Jell-o anyway. 

SUBJECT 1: Well, on the second floor, Mark's self-playing piano and longtime music rival Do-re-mi-mi has challenged him to a rap battle. And the loser will be banished from Brains On HQ. But Mark can't rap because he's lost his backwards rap cap. 

SUBJECT 2: That's so whack. 

SUBJECT 1: And on the fifth floor, Rosie's run out of mustard. OK, I know that one doesn't sound that bad, but altogether, it's not great. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Listen, you two, I would love to help, but I'm already sitting in this glorious love seat and I am too relaxed to get up. So maybe you can find someone else to handle the pudding, the rapping, and the mustard. 

[THEME MUSIC] 

To hear more, head to smartypass.org and subscribe. A monthly pass costs about the same as an ice cream cone and gets you fun bonus content like this plus ad free versions of all of our shows. Again, that's smartpass.org. Thanks for supporting the Brains On! Universe, Smarty pals. 

Mars vs. Saturn

Today’s debate features two powerful planets in a cosmic clash – it’s Mars vs. Saturn! Brains On Editor Sanden Totten will rep the red planet while astronomer Mark Popinchalk will glimmer for the gassy giant. Who will be crowned the most precious planet?


Jack and the Beanstalk vs. The Ugly Duckling

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 Soman Chainani helps The Ugly Duckling soar to new heights!


Ghostbusters vs. Jurassic Park

Today’s debate is full of frights and delights. Grab your popcorn and watch your backs because it’s Ghostbusters vs. Jurassic Park! We’ve got podcast producer Tracy Mumford, ready to take the call for team Ghostbusters and journalist and author Tom Weber is eager to roar for team Jurassic Park!


Halloween Candy Grab Bag

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 ultimate Halloween candy showdown! Get ready for some sweet, sticky, and seriously silly mini debates and find out which treat deserves the top spot in every trick-or-treat bag. 


Smarty Pass Presents: Sanden vs a Velociraptor

Can’t get enough Smash Boom Best? Here’s a bonus episode! Sign up for Smarty Pass and you’ll get a bonus episode like this every month. Usually, these episodes are just for Smarty Pass subscribers but today we’re sharing one with all of our listeners. To get more, sign up for Smarty Pass at smartypass.org 





ARON WOLDESLASSIE: Psst. Hey, it's Aron Woldeslassie from Smash, Boom, Best. I've got exciting news. This October, the Brains On Universe team is sharing some of our super special bonus episodes. If you're a Smarty Pass subscriber, you already know about these episodes. But if you aren't, we wanted to give you a taste of what you'd get if you joined. All October, we're asking you to support our shows by subscribing to Smarty Pass. And to celebrate, we'll hosted virtual smarty party in November just for Smarty Pass subscribers. 

Join today at smartypass.org and you'll have bonus episodes like these, ad-free episodes, and other awesome perks. Again, that's smartypass.org. Thanks so much for supporting the shows. 

AUTOMATED VOICE: Now entering Brains On headquarters. 

[MACHINE BEEPING] 

MARC SANCHEZ: Hey Smarty pal, Marc Sanchez here. And I'm with my friend, Anna Goldfield. 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: Yeah. Marc and I were headed to the Brains On racetrack to see who's faster, my snail, Lola or his sloth, Alfred. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Alfred is incredible behind the wheel. Anna, how is Lola even going to drive her car? 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: With gusto, that's how. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Hey, guys. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Well, if it isn't Molly Bloom. Are you coming to watch the race? 

MOLLY BLOOM: No, I'm actually looking for something. You haven't seen Sanden Totten anywhere, have you? 

MARC SANCHEZ: No. Why? 

MOLLY BLOOM: Oh, it doesn't matter. Follow up question. Have you seen anyone from the Cretaceous Period running around? 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: Not since Christmas, no. Why do you ask? 

MOLLY BLOOM: Well, you know how we have that super duper 3D bio printer in the basement? 

MARC SANCHEZ: I sure do. I use it whenever I need someone to carpool with. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Well, I used it to make a velociraptor so I could finally teach a lizard how to salsa. 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: Of course. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Anyway, I 3D-printed a velociraptor. But just to be safe, I made sure it was vegan so it wouldn't eat any of us. But the minute we started to dance, it smelled Sanden's vegan pumpkin bread and ran off. 

MARC SANCHEZ: If it eats Sanden's pumpkin bread, Sanden will be heartbroken. 

MOLLY BLOOM: I know. He loves that bread. 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: Wait, what's the big deal? I mean, If Sanden's allowed to eat the pumpkin bread, then so should a velociraptor. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Sanden gets to eat that because he's funny, and kind, and has great hair. 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: Well, velociraptors run at a speed of 24 miles per hour and have 60 serrated teeth. Does Sanden and have that many teeth? Are his teeth even serrated? 

MARC SANCHEZ: He has the perfect amount of teeth because he's perfect. Do you really think a dinky-Dino is as good as our Sanden? 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: No, I think Sanden is great. But he doesn't have claws or feathers. And when you think about it, shouldn't a velociraptor get as much vegan pumpkin bread as anyone else? 

MOLLY BLOOM: Wow, I didn't think you two were so polarized when it came to velociraptors and Sanden Totten. 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: I just really like dinosaurs. 

MARC SANCHEZ: And Sanden is my friend. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Well, there's only one way to find out which is better with a-- sneak attack. We'll play, By Any Other Name. For this sneak attack, you must pretend Sanden and velociraptors don't have names. Come up with three alternative names for your side. Marc, you'll be representing Sanden, and Anna, you'll be representing velociraptors. Does that make sense to you two? 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: Totally. Got it. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Oh, absolutely. It's my honor. 

MOLLY BLOOM: OK. Marc, you'll go first. Please give us a nickname for Mr. Totten. 

MARC SANCHEZ: All right, let's see. Sanden is a world-class dresser. So I'm going to call-- another name for Sanden Totten would be fun-loving fashionista. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Ooh, very nice. OK. Anna, what would you call a velociraptor if you couldn't say velociraptor? 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: Want to start simple. I'm going to go with legs because they're really fast. 

MOLLY BLOOM: All right, Marc, it is time for Sanden's second alternate name. 

MARC SANCHEZ: OK. I'm sticking with Sanden's traits here. Fan of punk rock. Also a fan of giving very specific gifts to people. He's a great gift giver. People don't know this. So I'm going to say another word for Sanden is punk rock presenter of perfect presents. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Ooh, alliteration. I love it. All right, Anna, time for your second alternative name for velociraptors. 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: OK. So as we all know, birds are descended directly from dinosaurs. So I'm going to go ahead and call the toothy velociraptor a Chompy Chicken. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Another alliterative name. I'm into it. All right, Marc, please give us the final alternate name for Sanden. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Well, if we really want to know Sanden's alternate name, of course, it's Peppy McPeppermint because he's so peppy, he's got so much energy, and he's cool like a mint. 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: Wow. 

MOLLY BLOOM: All right, Anna, please give us your final alternative name for velociraptors. 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: Well, this is the one I was saving for last, and Marc totally pulled the rug out from under me. Because I'm-- a velociraptor in Latin translates to speedy snatcher or grabber. So my final submission for name for velociraptor is Speedy McGrabs. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Ooh, I love this. Peppy McPeppermint versus Speedy McGrabs. Ooh, OK. Those are really great names, you two. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Well, whatever you call them, Sanden is the best, I think. 

[PHONE RINGS] 

Hello. 

SANDEN TOTTEN (ON THE PHONE): You guys, a dinosaur in my office is eating all of my pumpkin bread. 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: Does it have 60 teeth? 

MOLLY BLOOM: Does it know how to salsa? 

SANDEN TOTTEN (ON THE PHONE): [SCREAM] Send help, please. 

[MUSIC PLAYING] 

MOLLY BLOOM: That's it for this Smarty Pass episode. It was made by Aron Woldeslassie, edited by Sanden Totten, and produced by Lauren Humbert. Our executive producer is Beth Perlman. And the APM Studios executives in charge, are Chandra Kavati and Joanne Griffith. Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. Thanks, Smarty Pass friends. Bye. 

MARC SANCHEZ: See ya. 

[MUSIC PLAYING] Ooh, you're the Smash, Boom, Best. Ooh, put you to the test. ooh, you're the Smash, Boom, Best. Ooh, better than the rest. It's the Smash, Boom Best. It's the Smash, Boom, Best. 

Smarty Pass Presents: Sanden vs a Velociraptor 

Rollerblades vs. Scooters

Grab your helmet and knee pads because it’s Rollerblades vs. Scooters! Listen as journalist and podcaster Jed Kim rolls out for team Scooters while singer, writer, and comedian Andrew Barbato slices through the competition for team Rollerblades!


Vampires vs Werewolves

Today, the ultimate immortal rivals go fang to claw in a blood-thirsty debate. It's vampires vs werewolves! Who will win? Pale, blood-sucking vampires? Or supernaturally speedy, howling werewolves? 


All Episodes

Tag vs. Hide and Seek

Eclipses vs. Aurora Borealis

Ketchup vs. Ranch

Clowns vs. Magicians

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Road Trip This or That!

Jump Rope vs. Hula Hoop

Cake vs. Pie

Hamsters vs. Goldfish

Matilda vs. Alice in Wonderland

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Squeak Attack

Telescope vs. Microscope

Viola vs. Keyboard

We're back on February 6th!

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Smash DOOM Best

Bluey vs. Elmo

Slides vs. Swings

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s super casual emergency

Mars vs. Saturn

Jack and the Beanstalk vs. The Ugly Duckling

Ghostbusters vs. Jurassic Park

Halloween Candy Grab Bag

Smarty Pass Presents: Sanden vs a Velociraptor

Rollerblades vs. Scooters

Vampires vs. Werewolves