MPR Connects

2025 MPR Connects!

MPR Connects is hitting the road, traveling to Rochester and Duluth with a live, in-person version of Smash Boom Best! From the brains behind Brains On! Universe, Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families. Our debaters use facts and passion to make their case -- teaching listeners how to defend their opinions along the way.   

Both live shows will take two cool things, chocolate chip cookies vs potato chips; indoors vs outdoors, smash them together and let the audience decide which is best.  Host Molly Bloom moderates a debate between two performers, Anna Weggel and Aron Woldeslassie, who will 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.  

The mission of Brains On! Universe is to encourage kids' natural curiosity and wonder using science and history… but there's no age limit on curiosity and Smash Boom Best can be enjoyed by anyone.  

MPR Connects! Duluth

What: Live, in-person version of Smash Boom Best! From the brains behind Brains On! Universe, Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families. Our debaters use facts and passion to make their case -- teaching listeners how to defend their opinions along the way.

When: Saturday, March 1st, 12:30 – 1:00, check in, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, event, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, meet Molly Bloom

Where: The Depot, located in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, 506 W Michigan Street, Duluth, MN, 55802

How: This show is open to the public. Participation is free, but space is limited, registration is recommended - registration link to come.

MPR Connects! Rochester

What: Live, in-person version of Smash Boom Best! From the brains behind Brains On! Universe, Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families. Our debaters use facts and passion to make their case -- teaching listeners how to defend their opinions along the way.     

When: Saturday, March 15th, 12:30 – 1:00, check in, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, event, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, meet Moly Bloom 

Where: The Chateau, located in Peace Plaza, 15 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55902 

How: This event is open to the public. Participation is free, but space may be limited, registration is recommended - registration link to come.

Archived events

2023 MPR Connects! Presented “Appetites” in Greater Minnesota with Tom Crann, as he talked with four different local “foodies” to bring you hyper-local, regional food & drink news, trends, reviews, flavors, recipes and advice! The archive is available online:

2022 MPR Connects! Presented Domenico Montanaro’s talk with Mike Mulcahy of MPR News about our political climate with topics ranging from the President’s record and approval ratings to the situation in Ukraine, 2022 mid-term elections, the Supreme Court – and more. The archive is available online:

2021 MPR Connects! Presented Peter Sagal’s talk with Tom Crann of MPR News connecting Constitutional civics to everyday life. The archive is available online: