Brains On presents: Smash Boom Best - Hot Wheels vs Monster Trucks

Summary

Podcast Summary: Brains On presents Smash Boom Best – Hot Wheels vs Monster Trucks

Podcast: Brains On! Science podcast for kids
Host: Molly Bloom
Debaters: Mark Sanchez (Monster Trucks), Sandon Totten (Hot Wheels)
Judge: Archer from Irvington, NY
Date: December 23, 2025

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Overview

In this playful and high-octane episode, Brains On! shares an installment from their sister podcast, Smash Boom Best, pitting two automotive titans against each other: the toy-fueled world of Hot Wheels and the thunderous spectacle of Monster Trucks. Returning panelists Mark Sanchez and Sandon Totten face off as impassioned advocates, while teenage judge Archer brings both critical thinking and cat-themed charisma to the judging table. Packed with puns, fun facts, and creative arguments, the episode is a lively debate perfect for both kids and their grown-ups.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introductions & Rules (02:00–05:45)

• Host Molly Bloom sets the stage: “We take two things, smash them together and ask you to decide which one is best.”
• Debaters introduce their chosen sides:
  • Mark Sanchez brings “the mighty, mighty Monster Trucks.”
    • “Oh yeah. I'm ready to spin circles around my opponent, AKA do donuts like the great monster trucks.” (02:30)
  • Sandon Totten advocates for “hot, hot, hot Wheels.”
    • “I feel the need, the need for winning this debate.” (02:44)
• Judge Archer introduces himself, sharing love for cats, D&D, and coding.
• The four-round debate structure is explained:
  1. Declaration of greatness
  2. Micro round
  3. Sneak attack
  4. Final six words

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2. Declaration of Greatness (05:51–12:59)

Monster Trucks (Mark Sanchez, 06:17–11:16)

• Origin Story: Tells the legend of “Bigfoot,” the first monster truck created by Bob Chandler in the 1970s.
  • “He made his truck bigger, stronger, and tire-ier… I think I’ve made a monster.” (06:17)
• Spectacle & Size:
  • Tires are over 5 ft tall, trucks taller than a giraffe, weighing up to 12,000 lbs.
  • Speeds up to 70 mph, 7x the horsepower of a regular car.
  • “Seeing them perform is like being at a car show, a concert and a competition all rolled into one.” (09:55)
• Digs at Hot Wheels:
  • “The average Hot Wheel car has, well, you know, zero horsepower. Unless, of course, a horse steps on it…” (09:22)

Rebuttal – Hot Wheels (Sandon Totten, 12:05–12:41)

• Noise & Environmental Critique:
  • “Average noise levels at these monster jams can be 90 to 100 decibels… Talk about a monster headache.”
  • Mentions carbon emissions and “car violence is never the answer. Stop crushing the old cars.”
• Mark points out there are electric monster trucks.

Archer's Response

• Appreciates the “dig” at Hot Wheels.
• Amused by the comparison of truck weight to the weight of his 8-year-old brother.

Hot Wheels (Sandon Totten, 13:15–17:09)

• Imagination & Accessibility:
  • “Pretend car noises mean you’re having fun, which is why we’re alive in the first place.” (13:37)
  • Hot Wheels are imaginative, affordable (only a few dollars), and collectible.
  • Flexibility in play: make cardboard towns, set up tracks, or go wild launching them down stairs.
  • “Since they're made of tough as nails die cast metal, Hot Wheels can take a beating and keep on rolling.” (15:39)
• Small is Mighty:
  • “There’s something so satisfying about small things… Hot Wheels are way easier to stuff in your pocket than a real car.”
  • Hot Wheels are the ultimate portable companion.

Rebuttal – Monster Trucks (Mark Sanchez, 17:58–18:26)

• Challenges the points about noise and sound.
• Brings up the environmental impact of plastic tracks.

Archer's Thoughts

• Finds Sandon's presentation “delightful” and says he had to stop himself from laughing.
• Jokes about the challenge of coming up with three Hot Wheels starting with the letter “B.”

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3. Micro Round (23:39–26:16)

• Format: Each debater gives three micro-arguments, each backed by a cool fact.

Hot Wheels (Sandon Totten)

• Created by toy and car designers, plus a former aerospace engineer—“space-age tech in the palm of your hand.” (23:39)
• Hot Wheels can launch up to 280 mph on tracks—nearly 3x faster than the fastest monster truck.
• Collectibility: Rare Hot Wheels can fetch up to $175,000.

Monster Trucks (Mark Sanchez)

• Monster Trucks fulfilled Hot Wheels kids’ dreams in real life, and Monster Jam even features Hot Wheels-themed events.
• Monster Jam draws millions of spectators—“4.2 million tickets in 2024, just like Taylor Swift.”
• Real-world superpowers: Monster trucks rescued people and pets after Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Archer’s Commentary (26:25–26:57)

• Impressed by monster trucks saving lives—“Never seen a Hot Wheels truck do that.”
• But counters by noting, “You know what's even more family friendly? Playing by yourself with a little car.”

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4. Sneak Attack – Fashion Line Improv (27:53–31:35)

Prompt: If your side had a fashion line, what would it be called and look like?

Monster Trucks (Mark Sanchez)

• Launches “Monster Chucks” (partnering with Chuck Taylor):
  • Features monster truck themes, wheels that pop out, car-noise sound effects, and a special flaming box.
  • “These are shoes… you can push a button and you get not only just like those little skate wheels that pop out, but you get like giant four wheel drive monster wheels, monster truck wheels that you can just like go crush your bus with.” (28:17)
  • Joke about possibly requiring a desert or special permit for actual use.

Hot Wheels (Sandon Totten)

• Rolls out a “Hot Wheels” fashion moment:
  • “Hat Wheels,” “Hot Heels” (orange track-inspired), color-changing metallic dresses, all with car pockets!
  • Outfits made with thin, “breathable die-cast metal”—for “strategic cool leaning.”
  • “Your opponents will be falling all over the place.” (31:08)

Judge Archer’s Verdict:

• Swoons over the creativity, especially “hat wheels.”
• “Hat wheels… how does one come up with the hat wheels?” (33:13)

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5. Final Six (31:52–32:11)

• Each side delivers a 6-word slogan:
  • Hot Wheels (Sandon): “Fire in your hand, Hot Wheels.”
  • Monster Trucks (Mark): “Imagination. All grown up. Yeah, buddy.”

Archer explains winner’s edge (32:53–33:31):

• The “yeah, buddy” of Monster Trucks’ six words clinched it.
• Praises both sides for creative arguments and puns.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Let me tell you about the legend of Bigfoot. Oh, sorry, Sasquatch, I’m not talking about you.” – Mark Sanchez (06:17)
• “Pretend car noises mean you’re having fun, which is why we’re alive in the first place.” – Sandon Totten (13:37)
• “Monster trucks save lives. After Hurricane Harvey… they rescued an elderly woman with her two dogs.” – Mark Sanchez (25:52)
• “Hot Wheels may be small in size, but they are huge in speed.” – Sandon Totten (24:38)
• “Monster trucks are coasting off the good graces of Hot Wheels…” – Sandon Totten (24:38)
• “Hat Wheels… how does one come up with the hat wheels?” – Archer (33:13)
• “Imagination. All grown up. Yeah, buddy.” – Mark Sanchez, final six (32:04)
• “Fire in your hand, Hot Wheels.” – Sandon Totten, final six (31:52)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:00 – Introduction, debate format, and meet the judge
• 05:51 – Start of Declaration of Greatness
• 06:17 – Monster Trucks declaration
• 12:05 – Hot Wheels rebuttal
• 13:15 – Hot Wheels declaration
• 17:58 – Monster Trucks rebuttal
• 23:39 – Micro Round
• 27:53 – Sneak Attack: Fashion line
• 31:52 – Final Six words for both teams
• 32:41 – Winner announced: Monster Trucks

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Conclusion & Results

After a hard-fought, humor-laden, pun-filled battle, Monster Trucks take the trophy as judged by Archer — though both sides receive applause for creativity, research, and kid-friendly fun. Archer admits the “yeah, buddy” finale was the winning touch. The episode signs off in typically playful fashion, inviting listeners to vote for their own favorite at smashboom.org.

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Tone & Language

Fun, energetic, and educational, with plenty of zany sound effects and conversational jokes. The panelists and judge create a warm, inclusive atmosphere, constantly riffing on each other's arguments and celebrating both competition and camaraderie. Suitable for families, with humor, facts, and general nerdy good cheer throughout.

Transcript

[A]

Hi, Molly, Mark and Sanon here.

[B]

Say, are you in New Jersey or Southern California?

[C]

How about Seattle or Vancouver?

[B]

If you answered yes to any of those, great news, we're headed your way.

[C]

That's right. Brains on Live is on the road.

[A]

Again, so watch out. Newark, Red Bank, Anaheim and San Diego, we're coming for you. Vancouver and Seattle.

[C]

We're gonna be singing, dancing, sciencing and more, all live on St. You'll learn about the brain and guess some mystery sounds.

[B]

Plus, we'll have VIP events at our shows where you can see me do some magic and you can play games with us and take funny pictures with us that you'll treasure for all time.

[C]

I've been working on my funny faces.

[A]

Check it out.

[C]

What do you think?

[B]

Oh, so goofy. So goofy. Good job.

[A]

Tickets go fast, so get yours. Now go to brainson.org events and if you aren't in one of those places, hang tight. We're going to be announcing more shows very soon. Can't wait to see you.

[B]

Hey, speaking of magic, watch me make this announcement. Disappear a Lacazette.

[A]

Lemonade. Hi, friends, it's me, Molly. We're on a little winter break here, but we're going to be back with a new episode of Brains on January 6th. Until then, we haven't episode of our sister podcast Smash Boom. Best to share with you. The episode features some familiar voices. Me, Mark and Sandon.

[D]

Enjoy the show Brains On Universe.

[A]

From the brains behind Brains on, it's.

[D]

Smash Boom Best, the show for people with big opinions.

[A]

I'm Molly Bloom and this is Smash Boom Best, the show where we take two things things, smash them together and ask you to decide which one is best. We're back with a new season of Smash Boom Best. And we're off to the races with a wheelie wild face off between a vehicle that smashes around arenas and a toy that can zoom just about anywhere. It's monster trucks versus Hot Wheels. We've got smashboom Best, co creator Mark Sanchez here to rep the mighty, mighty monster trucks.

[C]

Oh, yeah. I'm ready to spin circles around my opponent, AKA do donuts like the great monster trucks.

[A]

And we have smashboom Best, co creator San and Totten here to vroom, vroom, vroom for hot, hot hot Wheels.

[B]

Yeah. I feel the need, the need for winning this debate.

[A]

And here to judge it all is Archer from Irvington, New York. Archer is learning how to code, likes his Mac and cheese with bacon and peas thrown in, plays Dungeons and Dragons, and has a cat called Violet. But in reality, Has a much longer name. Welcome, Archer.

[D]

Hey.

[A]

So, Archer, what is your cat's actual name?

[D]

Princess Violet Von Floofy Pants. Leah Rose Jones.

[A]

Incredible.

[D]

That's her full government.

[A]

It's on her passport. Yeah. Excellent. So do you only call her Violet, or do you have, like, lots of other nicknames, too?

[D]

She has a ton. We call her Vivi a lot. Violet. I say baby when I'm talking to her because she's just my little baby. And she's five years old. She's like an adult by cat standards. But she's my. She's my daughter. I love her so much.

[A]

What's her personality like?

[D]

She loves people. Like, she's really cuddly. She likes being picked up, but she will also scratch you.

[A]

Yeah, those cats, they are unpredictable. So you play Dungeons and Dragons, and just for kids who might not be familiar, what is Dungeons and Dragons?

[D]

Okay, so D and D is like a tabletop role playing game, which is a really long way of saying you get to pretend to be like different characters. And it's basically like playing pretend, honestly. But instead of just saying, you do something, and then the other person can be like, I dodge it. You get to roll dice and do math to determine what happens instead.

[A]

So I know that people in Dungeons and Dragons, they have, like, a specific character they've kind of created for themselves. So what's your character?

[D]

Oh, I have a character. Their name is Oleander. They're an owlin, which means they're like. They're basically an owl person and they were wizard. Because I think spellcasters are the most interesting to play. Definitely.

[A]

Incredible. So this is your first time judging, but not your first time listening to Smashboom Bust. So I'm wondering, do you have any advice for our debaters today?

[D]

Definitely. Like, I will go forever has the best cargument, but I was saving that.

[B]

Puns begin.

[D]

Bring on the puns. If you make me laugh, bonus points. In my heart, in my soul.

[B]

All right, you're axel for it.

[D]

Oh, no.

[A]

This is going to have the highest pun per minutes of any episode. I have a feeling I'm gassed for this. So will Archer side with Mark or Sandon? Only time will tell. But first, 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, Archer 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, Mark, Sandon and Archer, are you ready?

[D]

We're ready to go.

[B]

Pedal to the metal, baby.

[C]

Oh, yeah. All gassed up and ready to rumble.

[A]

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 flip to coin and Mark, you're up first. Tell us what makes monster trucks so monstrously cool.

[C]

Let me tell you about the legend of Bigfoot. Oh, sorry, Sasquatch, I'm not talking about you. The Bigfoot I'm talking about is a ginormous blue four wheel drive truck. It was the first ever monster truck. It started in the late 1970s with a guy named Bob Chandler. Bob owned a regular truck that he liked to drive through the wilderness. He'd run over rocks and through riverbeds, which led to some obvious problems. Aw, dang it. My truck keeps getting busted up and broken. I need something tougher. Luckily, Bob owned a truck parts shop, so he started tinkering. He made his truck bigger, stronger, and tire I, er, meaning it had bigger tires. I think I've made a monster.

[A]

Cool.

[C]

Let's see if it can crush stuff. He named the truck Bigfoot. And soon people around the country were paying to see it pull tractors and do spins and drive over old cars. Bigfoot became a bonafide celebrity, the first of many monster trucks. Monster trucks are epic. They're large, loud, and have tires that are usually around 5ft 6 inches tall. That means they're taller than comedian Kevin Hart. Now, you're not going to see these trucks on regular roads because a regular road couldn't handle this level of awesome. Instead, they're driven around at big shows inside packed stadiums. If you're lucky enough to go to a monster truck rally, you'll see the trucks do a couple things. They'll race each other and they'll do freestyle stunts. We're talking obstacle jumps, backflips, wheelies and donuts. It's the kind of stuff that makes you leap out of your seat like this. Yeah, buddy.

[D]

Did you see what that truck just did? It did a flip, then shot out balls of fire.

[C]

Yeah, buddy. Should we scream in excitement?

[A]

Yes.

[C]

Monster trucks can be over 10ft tall, 12ft wide, and 17ft long. About the height of a giraffe and they can weigh 12,000 pounds, which is like 208 year olds. And even though they're big, some can hit speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. And don't forget the sheer, unrelenting, unmatched power. We measure the strength of engines with a unit called horsepower. A typical car these days has only about 200 horsepower. Monster trucks have over seven times that. So much power. Yeah, the average Hot Wheel car has, well, you know, zero horsepower. Unless, of course, a horse steps on it. Then it gets attached to the horse's foot, and then the horse walks around for a while with it and I guess it has a little bit of horsepower or horse hoof power. I don't know. Uh oh. Sorry, Clompy. Let me get that car off your hoof. There we go. Now don't get me wrong. Building up a collection of cute little cars can be fun, sure. But monster trucks are the main event. They get your blood pumping, they amp up your adrenaline. And seeing them perform is like being at a car show, a concert and a competition all rolled into one. Nothing can top that level of thrill. In fact, it's time to get back to our seats. Come on, kid.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

You too, Clompy the Horse. And you, Sasquatch. I saved you both seats and I brought you some earplugs because it's gonna get loud. Look, it's Thunderjob. And he's taking on Venom. Vortex. O An Iron claw is gaining fast. This is so exciting. I love monster trucks. Yeah, buddy.

[A]

Big wheels, full tanks. Can't lose. Archer, what stood out to you about Mark's declaration of greatness?

[D]

Oh, I love that. Like dig at Hot Wheels at the end where it was like, hot Wheels have zero horsepower. I think that was really funny. I like your use of sound effects. And you know, my brother is actually an 8 year old, so I just think it's really funny that they can weigh up to 200 times my little brother. Hi Sasha. For watching this. By the way, sorry I didn't tell you I was going on smashboom.

[A]

Best.

[D]

I wanted to surprise you.

[C]

Hi, Sasha.

[A]

Surprise, Sasha.

[D]

Surprise.

[A]

Incredible. All right, Sandon, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why monster truck should go back in the garage. You've got 3:30 seconds. Give me the green light and your time starts now.

[B]

Okay, here we go. Average noise levels at one of these monster jams can be 90 to 100 decibels, even up to 125 decibels. Talk about a monster headache. And also monster hearing damage. And if you hate getting overstimulated or noise bothers you. These will ruin your day. Okay? And you know what? Bigfoot may have a Bigfoot, but he's also got a big carbon footprint. Because the CO2 and exhaust coming out of these things is just monstrous. You know what is a zero emission vehicle? A Hot wheel. Also, car. And car violence is never the answer. Stop crushing the old cars.

[C]

I believe she yelled time, Sandon. And there are electric monster trucks.

[A]

Just so you know, the engines are already starting to overheat. We're going to take a quick break and cool down. We'll be right back with Sandon's declaration of greatness. Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom.

[E]

Boom.

[B]

Boom.

[A]

Boom. Boom.

[C]

Smash Boom Best.

[A]

You're listening to Smash Boom Best. I'm your host, Molly Bloom.

[D]

And I'm your Judge, Archer.

[A]

Okay, it's your turn, Sandon. Tell us why Hot Wheels are the toys that will never run out of gas.

[B]

Everyone knows this sound. Making pretend car noises is one of the most important steps in child development. It comes right after learning to walk and just before having empathy for your fellow humans. But I'd argue it's far more important, because pretend car noises mean you're having fun. Which is why we're alive in the first place. And how did we all master this very serious and 100% important life skill? Playing with Hot Wheels.

[D]

Hot Wheels are so fun.

[B]

In case you don't know, a Hot Wheel is a mini metal car. They've been around since the 1960s and they come in all shapes and sizes. You got drag racers with big shiny engines and cool paint jobs. Or expensive sports cars the likes of which you only see when your Uncle Don goes through a midlife crisis. There's Barbie cars, Batman cars, and some third example that starts with B that I'm not thinking of. Vans, trucks, buses. No matter what you're into, there's a Hot Wheel for you.

[D]

But I heard cars are expensive.

[B]

Yes, little child, real cars are. Especially ones with comically oversized tires and terrible mufflers. Monster trucks. But Hot Wheels only cost a few dollars and they're sold almost everywhere.

[D]

But what if I have expensive tastes?

[B]

Ah, a connoisseur. Well, there are ultra rare collectible Hot Wheels that go for thousands of dollars. This is truly a toy for all sizes of bank account. But the best part is playing with Hot Wheels. You can race them across the rug, do epic car chases on the counters, get em muddy, then set up a car wash with the backyard hose. You can make cardboard towns for them to cruise through. Or get the signature orange Hot Wheel tracks and make a speed course, complete with a loop de loop. Or my personal favorite, you can build a massive ramp down the basement stairs and launch your little car friends into oblivion. Since they're made of tough as nails die cast metal, Hot Wheels can take a beating and keep on rolling. All of this makes them the perfect toy to help you build up your imagination, which is another skill that will take you far in life.

[C]

And the Fancy Golden Movie award goes to Tiffany for her movie, Vroom, Vroom.

[D]

Thank you, thank you.

[A]

I'd like to shout out Hot Wheels for helping me develop my wildly powerful imagination, which allowed me to capture the hearts and minds of moviegoers everywhere.

[B]

Let's talk about size. Sure, monster trucks are big. But, like with potholes, poison oak patches, and debt, bigger isn't always better. In fact, there's something so satisfying about small things. It's why we love tiny dioramas, mini poodles, and those videos where people feed hamsters tiny versions of everyday food. So cute. And the small size means they're portable. Hot Wheels are way easier to stuff in your pocket than a real car, which makes them the perfect companion for whatever you end up doing. So next time you're stuck in the line, the grocery store, or riding the bus to school, or waiting for the shoe person to bring you the right size shoe, you can bust out your Hot Wheel and let the good times roll. Vroom, vroom, y'.

[A]

All.

[B]

Vroom, vroom.

[A]

Vroom, vroom. Indeed. Archer, what stood out to you about Sandin's declaration of greatness? Any moments there that really caught you?

[D]

I feel like his final six is just gonna be vroom, vroom, vroom, vroom, vroom, vroom.

[B]

Might be if it.

[A]

That's good.

[B]

Can I use that?

[D]

Okay, sure. Yeah, it's free. If you use it, I'll give you the point.

[C]

Oh, wait a minute. You gotta give me one.

[A]

You gotta give me one.

[D]

I'm kidding. Okay. Anyway, it was just delightful. I had to stop myself from laughing on multiple occasions. I had a great time listening to that.

[A]

Okay, Mark, it's time for your rebuttal. Show us why Hot Wheels are not the real deal. You've got 30 seconds and your time starts now.

[C]

All right. First thing you talked about is sound, which is the very first point you made about why Hot Wheels are so cool. You said monster trucks are too loud. Everybody loves the sound. Third. Also saying, I'm going to help you out. A third beef car. Batmobile, one of the most collectible Hot Wheels. You're welcome. That's a third B. All the plastic tracks. That can't be good for the environment either. Basically, send in your. Just like Hot Wheels racetrack. Your arguments end in a sad, sad crash.

[A]

Oh, and time.

[B]

Okay, Mark, I think your arguments are driving right into a dead end, buddy. No one's throwing out those tracks. They're not classic problems if you keep using them. I've had those tracks. I use them. When are you ever going to get rid of them? I'll be sending my cars down there when I'm a geriatric senior in my 80s.

[D]

I would like to say that, like, you can't really have your cake and eat it, too. You can't say that monster trucks are bad because they're too loud and then say, everyone loves Hot Wheels because they like the sound. I feel like one car sound. You'd like another.

[A]

Exact.

[B]

I mean, but there is a difference in decibel here. No one's getting hearing damage from a little kid playing with cars.

[D]

Oh, and also, I have a problem with your rebuttal because he said his two Bs were Batman cars and Barbie cars. The second B was Batman.

[B]

It's harder to think of the third B than you thought, Mark.

[C]

You're right. Oh, my gosh. What about boats? Boats?

[D]

I don't think boats are cars, but yeah, sure, brown cars.

[A]

There you go. Those sought after brown cars.

[D]

Everyone wants brown cars.

[A]

It's true. All right, Archer, 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?

[D]

Absolutely.

[A]

Excellent. Sandon and Mark, how are you two feeling so far?

[C]

I got my foot on the gas and I'm ready to peel out.

[B]

Ooh. I. You know, the road's been a little bumpy, but I see a flat stretch ahead, and I am just going to lay into it.

[D]

Do you see a loop ahead? Do you see a loop de loop?

[A]

It's coming. It's coming.

[C]

Unfortunately, flat stretches don't do anything for Hot Wheels. They just stand still. Oh, yeah.

[B]

Not if you push them.

[A]

Okay, it's time for a quick break. Top off the air in your tires and make some car sounds with your.

[D]

Mouth, and we'll be right back with more smash. Boom. Best. You're listening to State of Debate. Home to rage and rhetoric and awe inspiring argumentation. Hey there, debate duders. This is Taylor Lincoln, and I'm here.

[A]

With the flame to my candle, Todd Douglas.

[E]

Hey there. Hi there, ho there, friend to the end. I was just making myself a sandwich.

[A]

Ooh, I do love a sandwich.

[E]

Then I'll make one for you. And trust me, this one will go way better than that situation I heard about on my favorite sitcom, BFF o'. Clock.

[A]

Omg, I love that show.

[E]

Me too. And this episode featured a big old logical fallacy which makes an argument easy to defeat. Ooh, here, let's take a listen.

[A]

Oh, hey, Benny. Want a Sammy?

[B]

Oh, Dot, when in our entire best friendship have I ever said no to a Sammy?

[A]

Not once. Today I'm going to make you one of my childhood specialties. The Pickleberry Surprise.

[B]

Excuse me?

[A]

Everyone knows about the Pickleberry Surprise.

[C]

What?

[B]

How?

[A]

Everyone knows about them because they're infamous.

[B]

Since when?

[A]

Since they are very well known. But they're super popular because they're very infamous. Now stop asking questions and eat already.

[E]

Well, now I'm hungry. But did you notice what was wrong with Dot's argument?

[A]

She just kept going round and round in circles.

[E]

Exactly. She was using circular arguments. That's when an argument ends the same way it started, with no real evidence or reasoning to support the conclusion.

[D]

Plus, it makes me dizzy.

[E]

Here, Taylor, sit down and enjoy half of this Pickleberry Surprise sandwich.

[A]

Mmm. Mmm. Oh. Oh.

[D]

That is not good.

[E]

No, it's really not. See you next time on State of Debate.

[A]

Smash. Smashboom Best. You're listening to smashboom Best. I'm your host, Molly Bloom.

[D]

And I'm your Judge Archer.

[A]

And we love getting debate suggestions from our listeners. Take a listen to this fast moving debate idea from Jacqueline.

[D]

Hi, my name is Jacqueline, and my debate idea is swimming versus running. Either way, that debate will get your heart pumping.

[A]

We'll check back in at the end of this episode to see which side Jacqueline thinks should win.

[D]

And now it's back to our debate. Monster trucks versus Hot Wheels.

[A]

That's right. And it's time for round two, the micro round. In today's micro round, Sandon and Mark will each get three chances to make a micro argument backed by a cool fact. Mark went first last time. So, Sandon, please kick us off.

[B]

You know, monster trucks, they may be highly engineered machines, but so are Hot Wheels. They're fast and durable and they look super cool because they were originally created by toy designers and car designers and Even a former aerospace engineer. They've got mag wheels and torsion bar suspension. These are basically space age tech that fits in the palm of your hand.

[A]

Whoa. Wow. Mark.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Fact. Monster trucks let you bring your imagination and childlike sense of play with you forever. They're all real world incarnations of what every Hot Wheels loving kid dreams of. In fact, there is a whole monster truck jam dedicated to Hot Wheel cars where they solve the disappointment of not being able to fully experience these cars in real life. Sorry. And there are miniature versions of monster trucks that Hot Wheels sell, so you can keep that dream alive until you get yourself to the next Monster Jam.

[B]

Mark, all I'm hearing is that monster trucks are coasting off of the good graces of Hot Wheels and all these commercials and using our name. Well, you know what? Hot Wheels may be small in size, but they are huge in speed. These pocket rockets can launch down a track and reach up to 280mph, which is almost three times the fastest monster truck ever. So eat our mini dust, slowpokes.

[C]

All right. In 2024 monster truck jams sold over 4.2 million tickets. That's just in one year. You know what else sold that many tickets? Taylor Swift. Yeah. And since Monster Truck jams are so family friendly, kids of all ages can get on the track next to the trucks and drivers and take their pictures and talk to them. Getting access to Taylor Swift is going to cost. I don't know. Owning three super bowl rings and being named Travis Kelce.

[B]

Hot Wheels, fact, fact, fact. Are like little Pokemon on wheels. Because Hot Wheels are hot collectibles. There are old rare ones, like the pink VW bus known as the beach bomb. It's worth $175,000. But even today, you can find special treasure hunt Hot Wheels mixed in with regular ones that are worth more. See, it's play that pays well.

[C]

Monster trucks save lives. After Hurricane Harvey flooded the streets of Houston in 2017, monster trucks were some of the only vehicles that could navigate through the high waters. They rescued an elderly woman with her two dogs. They picked up another person who was going into labor. So Dr. Monster Truck. And they even rescued the National Guard troops whose own rescue vehicles got stuck.

[B]

Okay, that's good.

[A]

Oh, wow. Wow. That was fast and furious. Archer, what stood out to you about this? Microsoft around?

[D]

I mean, there was a lot of digs thrown both ways. I gotta say, the dockster truck factor is interesting. Like the monster trucks, like, saving lives was pretty cool. Never seen a Hot Wheels truck do that. But on the Other side of the coin. I feel like if you're going to be talking about how family friendly monster truck rallies are, like, you know what's even more family friendly?

[C]

Playing by yourself with a little car.

[D]

Yeah, yeah. I love playing by myself.

[C]

Without your family?

[D]

Yeah, yeah. Just leave your family alone.

[C]

That's true. Foster your imagination. I do like that.

[D]

With which side do my loyalties lie? Who knows?

[A]

This is tough.

[B]

I think you're going one way, then you throw it in reverse and go the other way.

[A]

Exactly. Archer is keeping us on our toes. Yeah. Okay, it's time to award a point. But don't tell us who it's going to. Have you made your decision? I have. 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 Style Sense. If your side had a fashion line, what would it be called and what would the aesthetic be? These are two fashionable cars, but we want to know how you would translate that into fashionable looks. Mark and Sandon, does that make sense?

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Gotcha.

[C]

Totally. I'm ready.

[A]

All right, so, Mark, you are up first. Let's hear about your fashion for monster trucks.

[C]

Monster truck fashion is gonna sweep the nation this holiday season and beyond. Because monster trucks are teaming up with Chuck Taylor, Converse. And you guessed it, they're gonna be having monster Chucks.

[D]

Oh, my God.

[C]

Yeah, I know, right? These are shoes with, you know, every single monster truck you've ever heard of. The Bigfoot, Grave Digger, all these huge monster trucks. And you can push a button and you get not only just like those little skate wheels that pop out, but you get like giant four wheel drive monster wheels, monster truck wheels that you can just like go crush your bus with.

[A]

The most dangerous fashion.

[C]

The most dangerous fashion. But you know, monster trucks and Chuck Taylor's monster Chucks.

[D]

Do they make car noises?

[C]

Oh, yeah, of course.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

I left out the obvious fact because I figured everybody would know. But you're right, I should say they do make generous car noises based on every truck. And there's actually one special box that it comes in variety of sizes, but there's only one in each size and it shoots flames. Whoa.

[A]

Okay, Mark, I want to know. These looks sound amazing, but dangerous. Do you need like a special permit to wear the shoes?

[D]

They're for everybody.

[C]

Yeah, I think you can probably. You can only wear them like in the desert when nobody's great.

[B]

You're gonna totally. Someone's gonna Be like pants on fire. And they're like, I'm not telling a lie. And they're like, no, literally, your pants are on fire. Your shoes keep shooting out flames.

[D]

No, I was ready to invest in this, but, like, I can't. I can't wear these, like, around, you know, I just don't. Don't know if it's worth it for me.

[A]

Mm. All right, Sandon, please tell us about your fashion line for Hot Wheels.

[B]

Oh, my gosh, darling. This is a whole Hot Wheels fashion moment. Okay? Not only does the outfit start with a hat. Wheels. That's a little hat you put on that looks like a wheel. But we've also walking you around in your hot heels, which are really tall heels that are that signature orange track color. And some of the dresses, they got this metallic sheen to them, but you can dunk them in water and they'll change color. Just like some of the classic Hot Wheels of our day. They've all got pockets to store your cars in. You cruise on down the Runway in these, and they've all got flames on the side and painted. I'm not trying to burn you. I mean, who would want clothing that burned you? And these. These hot outfits are going to be hot accessories. They're going to be the future of fashion. Die cast metal, so you can spill on them and everything will slide right off. You look amazing in hot.

[D]

Sorry, the. The dress is die cast metal.

[B]

I mean, like, you know, a thin. A thin die cast metal. You know, a breathable die cast metal. That's a thing, right? That is. Yep.

[D]

You can't.

[A]

You can't sit down in it, but it's very cool.

[B]

It's cool.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

If you want to walk around like.

[B]

The Tin man look, it's for leaning. It's for strategic. Cool leaning.

[D]

The orange hot heels should also, like, double. Like, if you take your foot out of them, they also double the Hot Wheels track.

[B]

Oh, yeah. And maybe there's a little hot wheel that shoots out of them. You know, when you step like one.

[D]

Of those little launchers, every time you step, there's like a. It launches a Hot Wheels car.

[B]

Your opponents will be falling all over the place.

[A]

We are at the cutting edge of fashion here. Two incredible fashion lines, but, Archer, only one of them can get a point. Think about which side impressed you the most and award your fourth point, but don't tell us who it's going to. Have you made your decision?

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

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. Sandin, let's hear your six words for the heroic Hot Wheels.

[B]

Fire in your hand, Hot Wheels.

[A]

Ooh. Ooh. Very nice. All right, Mark, it's your turn. Please give us your six words for the magnificent monster trucks.

[C]

Imagination. All grown up.

[D]

Yeah, buddy. Okay. Okay, okay.

[A]

Okay. Incredible. Okay, Archer, it is time to award a final point for this final six. Have you made your decision?

[D]

It is done.

[A]

Oh, wonderful. All right, tally up those points. Are you ready to crown one team? The smashboom best?

[D]

I was born ready.

[A]

Okay, drumroll, please. And the winner is.

[D]

Monster Trucks.

[C]

Yeah, buddy.

[B]

Right in the engine.

[A]

Okay, Archer, was there a moment that decided things for you? Was it the final six that did it?

[D]

The final six got me. Honestly, Like, I was like, oh, yeah, normal. Normal sentence. Yeah, buddy. It's always the classic final six. You know, I almost gave monster trucks the sneak attack. But honestly, just the sheer genius of the hat wheels. I'm just like, how does one come up with the hat wheels?

[B]

I mean, and then if you get a flat tire, you've got a spare on your head. You know, you're there to save the day.

[D]

Monster trucks. Got the rebuttal point because, I mean, just. Just like that cold finisher of, like, it ends in a terrible crash. Amazing. Anyway, congrats, everybody. Round of applause. Yeah.

[C]

Thank you, Archer Sandon. I really enjoyed this debate because I am a big Hot Wheels fan and a monster truck fan. I'm a fan of both. And it was hard for me to argue against Hot Wheels because I know that they have so much in common. But you did a really great job. I did love your fashion. That was my favorite. You really brought it with the whole ensemble.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Mark, I just have two words for you.

[D]

Yeah, buddy.

[B]

I can't wait to go to the next monster truck rally with you, friend.

[A]

Woo.

[C]

We're gonna bring earplugs.

[D]

Am I invited?

[C]

Of course.

[B]

Everyone, bring your Hot Wheels. Come on down.

[A]

Well, that is it for today's debate battle. Archer crowned monster trucks the smashboom best. But what about you?

[D]

Head to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who you think won.

[A]

This episode was produced by me, Molly Blume and Anna Wegel. We have sound designed by Mark Sanchez, and he also wrote the killer theme song. We had engineering help from Matt Graff. Our announcer is Marley Feuer, worker Otto. And we want to give a special thanks to Austin Cross and Taylor Kaufman. Mark, is there anyone you'd like to shout out today?

[C]

Yeah, I'd like to shout out Coco and Vicki and my dog Ella and Mr. Bob Chandler and Benjamin, Bigfoot and the one and only great Anna Wagle, of course.

[A]

And how about you, Sandon? Any special shout outs?

[B]

Oh, yeah. I want to shout out my son Felix, who is really getting into cars and helped me prepare for this debate by playing cars with me for the last four years. And also I want to. I want to give a big shout out to you and Mark and me for being back. Smashboom Best is back. An independent baby.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

And Archer, how about you? Any special thanks or shout outs?

[D]

I've been thinking about this moment for, like, four years. For, like, what I would say. Shout out to my darling angel cat, Violet. Shout out to my dad for signing me up for this and, like, doing all the work and driving me here. He's in the lobby right now. A shout out to my friend Sophie, who is probably listening to this also because she's a fan of the podcast. Also my mom and my brother, who I'm surprising by being in this episode again. I kept it a secret from him this entire time, and he's gonna be like, oh, my God, wait. Archer told Smash Moon best now.

[A]

And yes, I am incredible. That's so fun. Before we go, let's check in and see who Jacqueline thinks should win the swimming versus running debate.

[D]

I personally think that swimming would win because I'm not good at running.

[A]

Thank you. Bye. 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 to bake, head to smash boom.org contact and drop us a line. And if you're a fan of the show and want to keep it going, head to smartypass.org to subscribe. We'll be back next week with a new Smash Boom Best episode. Babies versus Puppies. Tata.

[B]

All right, guys, shifting into second gear. See you later.

[C]

Bye.

[A]

Oh, my goodness.

[B]

Okay, sorry, Molly, cut all of this.

[A]

I have derailed myself.

[D]

I have dare cut any of this. Not a single second.