chances are pretty good that you're hearing my voice right now in the car. Well, you're not alone. It turns out that the car is an ideal place for learning, and that is science fact. Thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation, we teamed up with the science... And we're going to do a live webinar on Thursday, May 8th, to talk about what we learn from the study. We'll give you tips on sparking more curiosity, developing science, and science.
scientific inquiry skills, and more, all while driving to school or soccer. So join us live on YouTube on Thursday, May 8th at 3 p.m. Eastern. You can find all the info at BrainsOn.org or head to our YouTube channel at BrainsOn.org. From the brains behind Brains On, it's Smash Boom Best. The show for people with big opinions. The show where we take two things. Smash them together and ask you to...
which one is best. Today's debate is an epic battle between two legendary characters, Frankenstein's monster versus Frosty the snowman. We've got theater maker Shannon Custer here to champion the misunderstood man-made Frankenstein's monster. And student and actor, and the first ever former Smash Boom Best judge to be a grown-up debater, Kate Wexler is here to fight for the frozen fellow, Team Frosty the Snowman. Thumpity thump thump.
That jolly happy soul. Well, it's Frosty the snowman. And these debaters aren't just fierce competitors. They're family. In a smash boom best first, this mother-daughter duo is facing off to... discover if science or snow will win the day. And here to judge it all is Tiger from Rochester, New York. Tiger loves to play trumpet and percussion, has a deep passion for storytelling, and recently started interning at a planetarium.
Hi, Tiger. Insert jazz hands here. So, Tiger, I'm guessing since you work at the planetarium, you like space? Oh, yeah, definitely. Astronomy is like my sphere of science. So what do you love about space? There's so much.
It's speculation, I guess. It's not even remotely close to something that already happens. Like, I know it sounds really cheesy, but the Fermi paradox, which like explains why we haven't found any aliens yet. And the Kardashev scale, which is like... ranking one through five civilizations and it's like really interesting think of what could be out there from a different perspective like if we were ants humans might as well be aliens you know yeah that's really really cool
So you've been a judge for us before. Do you have any advice for our debaters today? References. It's all about the references. Will Tiger side with Shannon or Kate? Only time will tell. Here are the rules of the game. Every debate consists of four rounds. The declaration of greatness, the micro round, the sneak attack, and the final six. After each round, our judge, Tiger, will award points to the team that impresses him the most.
but he'll keep his decisions top secret until the end of the debate. Listeners, we want you to judge too. Mark down your points as you listen. At the end of the show, head to our website, smashboom.org, and vote for whichever team you think won. Okay, Shannon, Kate, and Tiger. Are you ready? Oh, yeah. Ready, ready, ready. Yes, yes, yes. Yeah. Then it's time for the Declaration of Greatness. In this round, our debaters will present a well-crafted, immersive argument in favor of their side.
Then they'll each have 30 seconds to rebut their opponent's statements. We've flipped a coin, and Shannon, you're up first. Tell us what makes Frankenstein's monster so unforgettable. Being a monster is really hard. People are always yelling at you, chasing you, and trying to show you the error of your ways. It's kind of like being a kid, but monsters have something kids don't have. Monster support groups. Uh, hello?
Me Frankenstein's monster, or Frankenstein for short. Hi Frankenstein! Scientist, make me. Hate me. What did me ever do to people? You're great. You're as strong as wolfman. Blah. Yeah. Dracula's right. You're super smart like the creature from the Black Lagoon and immortal like Dracula. In fact, you might be the greatest monster there is. Really?
Yes, Frankenstein. You're the biggest, smartest, strongest monster in the world. But you know what else you are? What? Blah! You're also the kindest... Oh, you monsters. So nice. Who knew monsters were so in touch with their feelings? Well, I did, because I've read the original Frankenstein. The book came out way back in 1818. It tells the tale of a monster who was persecuted just for existing.
It's a touching story, but more than that, it's also the starting point for all science fiction, a.k.a. the greatest genre of all time. It all starts with Mary Shelley. She was on vacation with her husband and a friend, and they had a contest to see who could write the scariest story. Okay, Mary, what did you write? A most chilling account of a man built out of the limbs of the dead. His decaying flesh awakened through the workings of science and technology. Once alive,
He must grapple with his own wretched humanity. Hmm, okay. But does he stand there? With a corncup pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal. Mary Shelley combined wild fantasy with cutting-edge scientific ideas from her time to make a new type of story. Since then, we've enjoyed more than a century of incredible science fiction. Star Wars? Thank Frankenstein. The Avengers? Thank Frankenstein. Transformers. Oh, wait, let me check my notes because psych. Thank Frankenstein.
Deep down, Frankenstein just wants love. But because he's so different, people hate and fear him. And can't we all relate to feeling different, to feeling misunderstood? As a mom, I gotta say, I can also relate to the Creator. Dr. Frankenstein, a well-intentioned person creating a misunderstood monster who's afraid of pitchforks and apparently calling her own mother.
Frankenstein is such a good story, we keep creating new versions of it. Did you know there are over 180 Frankenstein-inspired movies? That's way more than the number of Frosty movies. For tonight's Frankenstein movie night, I thought we could watch Young Frankenstein, Frankenstein the College Years, and then The Bride of Frankenstein. Hey, Mom, can we watch a Christmas movie? Sure. Let's watch The Munsters' Scary Little Christmas featuring Frankenstein. Wow, that guy's in a lot of movies.
People love Frankenstein's monster because he's innocent, strong, and curious. You can put this guy in any situation and have a great time. There's chills, thrills, and also humanity. The monster feels deeply, and that makes us feel for him. That's why he stood the test of time, and why I love him. Love me? Well, yeah, you're one of the greats. Thank you, Shannon. Have hug. That's a little tight. Oh, that's a big good monster hug.
We all love Frankenstein. Tiger, what stood out to you about Shannon's Declaration of Greatness? Well, the beginning with the monster support group was... the beginning of Wreck-It Ralph and I absolutely loved it. Any facts you learned about Frankenstein that stood out to you? Yeah, I didn't know Mary Shelley's friend thought Frosty was so scary. Okay, Kate, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why Frankenstein's monster is just an imposter. You've got 30 seconds and your time starts.
Now. Okay, so one thing that stood out to me was that Frankenstein doesn't give the best hugs, but guess who does? Frosty. And I mean, you know, Frankenstein, I know he's misunderstood and whatnot, but he scares people. He's scary. But, you know, I know he has a heart, but. Frosty, all wholesome, little, you know, he's like candy. And time. Frankenstein. Okay. I had a point. Oh, OK. Yeah. Here's the thing.
Have you tried to hug snow? It's just it's like it turns into a puddle quicker than you can. It's just wet. And there's nothing worse than being like, I'm wet and I'm cold and I don't know what's happening. Yeah. All right. Kate, it is your turn. Tell us why Frosty the Snowman is a winter wonder. I could go on and on about how much I love Frosty the Snowman, and I will. But first, I reached out to an expert who knows Frosty better than anyone. She sent me this audio clip.
Is this thing on? Are we rolling? Oh, hello there. As you can see, I am made of snow. I'm from the 1976 animated sequel to Frosty the Snowman, Frosty's Winter Wonderland. Spoiler alert, we get married in the end. I'm talking quietly because my little sweetie is taking his afternoon snow nap. Frosty works so hard bringing joy and magic to children during the day that he gets tuckered out in the afternoon.
Now, I know my Frosty would easily win any debate, especially one against an underachieving loner monster. But let's not belabor that fact. There are many other fun points to focus on, like he's not just Frosty the snowman, but also Frosty the kind man, the good man. He's brave despite facing challenges like melting in warm weather or having to stand up to troublemakers like Jack Frost. No matter what, Frosty never gives up. He may be cold in temperature, but he sure is warm in heart.
That's him. I better bring him his afternoon snack. A snowflake surprise. It's a bowl of snow with a surprise inside. The surprise is more snow. Ta-ta now. Wow, what a treat to hear from Mrs. Frosty herself. Frosty the Snowman comes from a song written in the 1950s. It's all about a snowman who comes to life when children place a magical hat on his head. Frosty the Snowman Man, that song slaps!
Fun fact, the song never mentions Christmas. Frosty is a secular hero, but he's often associated with the spirit of Christmas because he's all about winter magic, wonder, and optimism. He teaches us to look for magic in everyday moments, such as a beautiful snowflake landing on your sleeve or snuggling under a warm, fuzzy scarf on a cold day. He shows us how to be in the moment.
He's not worrying about how he's going to melt one day. He's having fun now. He doesn't panic and get upset when he starts to melt. He just calmly says, I'll be back again someday. What great life lessons. I'd hate to see what lessons kids are getting from Frankenstein. Hey, Mom. School was great today. We read this long, morbid book called Frankenstein. I learned so much. Now I can stitch body parts together, use grunt-based communication, and fashion a wonderful set of neck bolts.
But I get it. Horror can be fun. Lucky for you, our man Frosty has range. There's a slasher movie called Frosty for you gore fans. If you're in the rom-com type, try 2024's hit Hot Frosty, where a snowman comes to life as a sizzling hunk who teaches a town to believe and love again. Babe, I may be made of snow, but you're the one making me melt. But nothing beats the 1969 Frosty cartoon, which I watch with my mom every year.
You know, my mom, Shannon, the woman I'm debating today, the woman who loves Christmas so much that she goes wild every year with decorations. Santas, Holly, Rudolphs from floor to ceiling. And each year, without fail, she delicately places her beloved frosty ornament on the tree. It's thanks to her, Anne Frosty, that I still find myself in wide-eyed wonderment every Christmas season.
Gosh, Mom, I'm trying hard to think if we've ever watched Frankenstein together or read a page from it or even talked about it at all. Hmm, it's like that story never mattered to you? Hmm, interesting. Anyway, frosty rules! Oh, a heartwarming declaration of greatness for a cold little fella. All right, Tiger, what did you think about Kate's argument? Any moments stand out? Sorry, practicing my grunt-based communication. Okay.
I'm not going to lie. We've never even talked about Frankenstein. That's kind of a red flag. Okay, Shannon, it's time for your rebuttal. Tell us why Frosty the Snowman is really like, no, man. You've got 30 seconds, and go! I've been protecting you, Kate. If you look at the source material and... Tiger, you wanted references. If you look at this particular song, he's not great with these kids.
He makes them chase him and he holds a broom and then he takes him into the village and leaves him with a traffic cop. And the whole time they know that any minute he's just going to melt. What a horrible day. Anytime there's sun or warmth, he's not going to be around. Can't do anything indoors. He is a dark, cold creature that is going to eventually melt. And time. He's also a smoker. Ha ha ha ha ha! All right, tiger.
It is time to award some points. Please give one point to the declaration of greatness that you liked best and one point to the rebuttal that won you over. You get to decide what makes a winning argument. Did one team's jokes make you giggle? Was another team's logic impeccable? Award your points, but don't tell us who they're going to. Have you made your decision? I have Excellent. Kate and Shannon, how are you two feeling so far? I'm all right.
I'm hanging in there. You know what? I'm feeling pretty good. Oh, okay. Good. Me too. I'm feeling pretty good. It is time for a quick break. Polish up your neck. State of Debate, home to rage and rhetoric and Welcome, welcome, welcome. It's me, the baked dude with a good attitude, Todd Douglas. And I'm Taylor Lincoln, the extinguisher of fallacies, the exterminator of bad arguments, the destroyer of worlds. Um, Taylor, you okay?
Sure am. Logical fallacies just really get under my skin, you know? Totally. They're statements that make your arguments weaker, and no one wants that. Speaking of, I recently spotted a red herring fallacy in the wild. Red herring fallacies make me so mad. That's when someone doesn't have any good points to make, so they change the topic to something easier to argue about. Check out these two grown adults arguing over whether or not to buy snacks at the big baseball game. Thank you.
It's so fun to finally see a game in person, right, Jerome? The energy is electric. Oh, you said it, Gerald. And don't forget about the delicious, tasty, yummerific. Stadium snacks. Not sure I'd call them yummerific. I think I'd call them overpriced. No way! The price is totally worth it. A hot dog tastes so much better at the stadium. No way is it worth it. I can't justify paying $18 for a hot dog. That's why I packed my own snacks. You snuck in a giant sandwich in your pocket?
That's going to taste like all the pennies and lint. Your sandwich is yucky. That's why you need to buy Stadium Snacks. I think storing it in a pocket gives it more flavor. Besides, I thought we were arguing whether stadium food is worth it. Not whether my snacks are tasty or not. Wowza! Jerome decided he had no good way to argue stadium food is worth it, so he changed the subject.
The red paint is for your faces to show your team colors, not for the herring you snuck in your pocket. Excuse me? That was a clumsy way of saying red herring fallacies are not a good idea. Aw, Todd, you're not clumsy. You have a quiet elegance and grace. Aw, thanks, Taylor. And that's all we have time for on this week's State of Debate. Hey friends, Molly, Sandin, and Mark here with some very big news. Drumroll, please.
We're hitting the road in search of adventure, fresh air, and you. That's right. We're going to be live at the Boulder Theater in Boulder, Colorado on Sunday, April 27th. Our science-themed live stage show takes the audience on an adventure. through the brain, complete with magic tricks, dance moves, out-of-body experiences, mystery sounds, and a game show. Molly, you almost left out the most important part. Yeah, Molly, don't forget the big party. Oh, right.
After the shows were throwing a brain-tastic bash, Join us afterward for a VIP party where we'll play games, guess mystery sounds, pose for photos, and give as many high fives as humanly possible. Snag a spot by purchasing a VIP pass when you buy your show ticket. Oh, that reminds me. I've got to start training. These hands aren't going to high five by themselves. Good idea. And remember. Spots are limited, so grab your tickets today at BrainsOn.org.
Brains on Universe is a family of podcasts for kids and their adults. Since you're a fan of Smash Boom Best, you'll love the other shows in our universe. It's Alien Exercise Hour! Hi-ya! Hoo-ha! While I stretch my snoodles and bounce on my trampoline... I'll listen to a new podcast. I'm going to try Brains On! The best science podcast ever! It's starting, yay! Hello, and welcome to Pop Planet, the only show that gets you up close and personal with...
I'm your host, Star Eden. Zorb! Come back here, podcast! Must listen to Brains On now! Listen to Brains On. wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, Debate Heads, it's Joy. to Forever Ago, a history podcast for the whole family. We're working on a Forever Ago episode all about school uniforms, and we want to hear from you. To school uniform or to not school uniform? That is the debate.
We want to hear your awesome arguments for either side. Record yourself telling us your name, age, and whether your team's school uniform or no school uniform and why. Then send it to us at smashboombest.org contact. Can't wait to hear. Smash. You're listening to Smash Boom Best. I'm your host, Molly Bloom. And I'm your judge, Tiger. And we love getting debate suggestions from our listeners. Take a listen to this tasty debate idea from Lisa. Hi, I'm Lisa from Plymouth, Minnesota.
Big question is peanut butter versus almond butter. Now that's not your average debate. We'll check back in at the end of this episode to see which side Aliza thinks should win. And now it's back to our debate. Frankenstein's monster versus frog. Frosty the snowman. That's right. And it's time for round two, the micro round. For the MicroRound Challenge, each team has prepared a creative response to a prompt they received in advance.
Shannon and Kate, your prompt was babysitter. We asked you to pretend your side was interviewing for a babysitting job and to tell the parents why you're the perfect candidate to care for their kids. Shannon went first last time, so Kate, you're up. Tell us why Frosty would make such a great babysitter. Frosty here picture this your alarm goes off you wake up blizzard outside that's what School's canceled. It's a snow day. Yay! Oh, no.
Do you call into your work and tell them that you can't come in? Are you in a flurry trying to find the last minute babysitter? Well, look no further. I know how to make snow days a blast for your kids and worry-free for you. Boy, do I know snow business. I'm a jolly, happy babysitter who loves sledding, playing freeze tag, making snow angels, snow forts, and snow cones. Oh boy, do I make a good snow cone. And just be...
I'll show you kids how to make the perfect snowball, how to skate, how to construct I'll teach your kids about climate change. Global warming is a topic I care deeply about, given my tendency to melt in warm weather. Life without snow is unburrible. And most importantly, I'm very mindful of making sure everyone is safe and warm while playing in the snow. You'll never see me without my signature hat and scarf.
So the next time there's a snow day, call good old Frosty for magical, stress-free, fun for all. Wow, Frosty's going to educate my kids on the many, many snow days they have here in Minnesota. Very useful. All right, Shannon, now it's your turn. Why would Frankenstein's monster make the perfect caregiver? Hmm. Need babysitting job. Hmm. Need money for new shiny neck bolts. Turn on, computer! Name. Me. Monster. Frank and... Delete. Delete. Delete. Frank. Frank. Frank. Mon.
Frank Mons, here to babysit human kids while you do work or fancy dinner night. Competitive rates. Skills. Eight feet tall. Pick up big things. No fire, please. Can do piggyback rides with all children in neighborhood and pets. At same time, can blow up tires on bike with face. Make good mac and cheese. Skilled at stitching up cuts. Work experience. Been in over a hundred movies. Hmm, push snow off sidewalk with hands. Peasants. Phone number zero zero. Email monster1818 at AOL.com.
And save. Save. Print, then get jobs. Print no paper need paper Clean up mess, then get job. Wow, I really felt Frankenstein. existential pain to go through that process Tiger, what stood out to you about Shannon and Kate's micro rounds? Nah, how was Frank typing with those giant fingers? Giant keyboard, Tiger. Giant keyboard. One thing I noticed is that Frosty can teach the kids.
but it's in Frank. Okay. It is time to award a point tiger. The criteria are totally subjective and totally up to you. Have you made your decision? I have. Fantastic. Then it's time for our third round, the super stealthy Sneak Attack. This is our improvised round where debaters have to respond to a challenge on the spot. Today's sneak attack is called Theme Song Swap.
We want you to improvise a new theme song for your side, but in the style and genre of the other side. So that means the Frosty song might be kind of spooky. And the Frankenstein song might be kind of jolly. Does that make sense, debaters? Mm-hmm. Oh, yeah. Yes. Wonderful. All right. We're going to start with Shannon. Let's hear your bouncy tune for Frankenstein's Monster. Okay. Frank is a monster. He will never, never melt. He will...
Have some fun and make mac and cheese. Thumpity thump, thump, thumpity thump, thump. I'll never leave you with a traffic cop. Excellent work. A new theme song that's going to be running through all of our heads all the time. All right, Kate, it is your turn. Let's hear your morose melody for Frosty the Snowman. Frosty, Frosty the snowman. He's a jolly happy soul that loves kids. He likes to go sledding and has a bunny friend. Frosty the snowman.
I tried with Thriller. Oh, that was Thriller. I don't know what happened. I think I left my body a little bit during that. I can picture Frosty doing the thriller dance, though, in my head now. Yeah, I can. You know, because he's... He's more in the winter spirit. He's not in the Halloween land. So, like, maybe he listens to a little bit of thriller, but he doesn't know it fully. Fair.
Very fair. He tries his best. Yeah. We're all doing the best we can, including fasting. Okay, Tiger, it is time to award a point for this wonderful theme song swap. Think about which side impress you the most and award your fourth point. But don't tell us who it's going to. Have you made your decision? I have. Perfect. Then it's time for our final round. The final six. In this round, each team will have just six words to sum up the glory of their side.
Kate, let's hear your six words for the fantastical Frosty. We all have magic within us. Very nice. Shannon, it's your turn. Give us six words for the formidable Frankenstein's monster. Strong, tall friend always has back. Very nice. Ooh, this is tough, Tiger. You need to award a final point for this final six. Have you made your decision? This is intense. It's hard. It's tough. But I know you can do it. You are an honest, unbiased.
Fair judge. I have made my decision. Are you ready to crown one team the smash boom best? Yeah. Yeah, I am. Okay. Drum roll, please. And the winner is Frankenstein's monster. Oh yeah. Oh no. Yes. This is Halloween. Yeah! I'm so sorry, honey. How are you feeling, Kate? Are you okay? No, I'm feeling good. You're still magical. Aww. Thanks. Aww.
Now, Tiger, what was the moment that really decided it or what was your favorite part of the debate? Frosty was making the children break the law and he's a smoker. All right. All right. Excellent point. I guess. Yeah. Different times. Different times. They were very different times. Okay. Hi, Kate. Kate, I appreciated your emphasis on magic. And climate change and snow days. I'm a big fan of all those things.
I mean, I'm not a fan of climate change, but I'm a fan of educating about climate change. And I love magic. And so I really appreciated your whimsical taste. in this debate. Mom, I loved your micro round. It was so funny. And I could just see him in my mind trying to type all of that out. And I loved that. I haven't thought about Frankenstein in a while. And you know what? I feel like he's a friend, you know? Aw. That's good. Yeah. We'll watch all the movies.
It'll take a couple years, but we will watch all the movies. Yay! And that's it for today's debate battle. Tiger crowned Frankenstein's monster, the Smash Boom Best, but what about you? Head to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who you think won. Smash Boom Best is brought to you by Brains On and APM Studios. It's produced by me, Molly Bloom. Anna Weigel. And Arun Woldeselassi. We had engineering help from Alex Simpson, Johnny Edward.
Imani Warren and Coleman Connelly with sound design by Anna Wegel. Our editors are Shayla Farzan and Fact-checking by Rebecca Ram. And we had production help from the rest of the Brains on Universe team. Rosie DuPont. Rachel Breeze, Anna Goldfield, Nico Gonzalez-Whistler, Ruby Guthrie, Lauren Humpert, Joshua Ray, Mark Sanchez, and Charlotte Traver. Our executive producer is Beth Prohmann, and the APM Studios executives in charge are Chandra Kavati and Joanne Griffith.
Marley Foyer Worker Auto, and we want to give a special thanks to Austin Cross, Taylor Kaufman, Luna, and Coco. Shannon, is there anyone you'd like to give a shout out to today? Oh my gosh. Kate. Kate all the way in Chicago. Come home soon. Oh, and how about you, Kate?
I mean, I'll give a shout out to my mom, I guess. But I also want to give a shout out to our dog, King, because he is also going to be there for our movie nights watching Frankenstein. That's really true. And Frosty. And thank you to Smash Boom Best. 100%. special for us because Kate has been a part of Brains On Universe since she was a little girl and now she's a grown up and she is a debater on Smash Boom Best. Incredible. Tiger, do you want to give any special thanks or shout outs?
Mostly my mom because she drove me here. And also everyone here at Smash Boom Best. All right. I love it. Before we go, let's check in and see who Liza thinks should win the peanut butter versus almond butter debate. I think peanut butter would win because it is more.
public radio program. If you're between the ages of 13 and 18 and you'd like to be a judge, or if you're any age and you have an idea for a knockdown drag out debate, head to smashboom.org slash contact and drop us a line. And make sure to subscribe to Brains on YouTube. on YouTube where you can watch animated versions of some of your favorite episodes. We'll be back with a new Smash Boom Best Debate Battle next week. Accordions vs. Bagpipes. Bye! See ya! Bye-bye! Generic goodbye statement!
My mic is working perfectly, so I'm just waiting for my daughter to pull it together. I'm sorry, Mom. If you need a screen-free way to entertain your kids while showing them how fun learning can be, then Who Smarted is for you. Join the creators of Brain Games.
Who's Smarted combines hilarious storytelling and cool characters to create a world that curious kids love to enjoy. Personally, I recommend you check out one of their recent episodes on Mozart or mermaids. Join this educational universe created by... STEM consultants, writers, and producers. Find Who's Smarted on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.