Clowns vs. Magicians: a magical debate

Summary

Smash Boom Best: Clowns vs. Magicians – A Magical Debate

Episode Release Date: March 20, 2025

Introduction

In this enchanting episode of Smash Boom Best, Anna Wegel steps in for Molly Bloom to host a whimsical showdown between two beloved performers: clowns and magicians. The stage is set for a magical debate, featuring Gregory Parks, a seasoned professional clown, representing Team Clowns, and Sandon Totten, co-creator and editor of Brains On, championing Team Magicians. The esteemed judge for the evening is Elliot from Washington, a robotics enthusiast and YouTube content creator known for his unique skill in catching running chickens.

Round 1: Declaration of Greatness

Timelines: 03:22 – 10:27

Team Clowns: Gregory Parks

Gregory kicks off the debate with a heartfelt and humorous declaration, emphasizing the rich history and multifaceted talents of clowns. He recounts his 25-year journey with the Ringling Brothers Circus, highlighting the diverse types of clowns—from white-faced to Auguste, mimes to jesters—and their universal appeal across cultures and centuries. Parks passionately argues that clowns possess emotional power unparalleled by magicians, capable of eliciting both uproarious laughter and heartfelt tears.

Gregory Parks (04:39): “Clowns are beloved no matter what makes you giggle. We can juggle knives, play musical instruments, tell killer jokes, walk on stilts, wrangle bucking broncos, do backflips, make insanely cute balloon animals. Oh, and did I mention do magic tricks? Yeah. Clowns can do what magicians do, only funnier.”

Team Magicians: Sandon Totten

Sandon counters by showcasing the intellectual and awe-inspiring aspects of magic. Demonstrating quick illusions, Sandon captivates the audience by making his assistant, Sassy the cow, disappear and perform auditory tricks that illustrate the cognitive challenges magic poses. He argues that magicians not only entertain but also foster critical thinking and skepticism, essential skills in today's world rife with misinformation.

Sandon Totten (10:36): “Magicians make wonder wherever, whenever, with whatever. We can make tigers appear out of thin air, or sawing our assistants in half. We can also do astounding feats with small things like a deck of cards.”

Notable Moments:

• Gregory’s blend of humor and history, referencing clowns in ancient Egypt and Shakespearean plays, underscores their timelessness and versatility.
• Sandon’s live demonstrations effectively illustrate the mystery and intellectual engagement that magic provides.

Round 2: Micro Round – Be My Roommate

Timelines: 23:18 – 28:26

Team Magicians: Sandon Totten

Sandon presents a creatively crafted roommate advertisement filled with magical allure. He describes a Victorian mansion with hidden doors and magical amenities, offering a whimsical living experience complete with levitating beds and conjured fresh flowers. His ad emphasizes the enchanting and imaginative aspects of living with a magician.

Sandon Totten (24:26): “Your room is very private. In fact, it's hidden behind a bookshelf. Just pull the tattered copy of The Wizard of Oz to open the door...”

Team Clowns: Gregory Parks

Gregory counters with a practical yet playful roommate ad, highlighting the reliability and unique perks of living with a clown. From handling household tasks with circus-inspired efficiency to providing makeup tips and ensuring a clean environment, Gregory paints a picture of a fun-loving yet responsible roommate who brings joy without the chaos.

Gregory Parks (25:58): “I'm six feet tall with arms like albatross wings. But if you need to reach something way up, like changing a light bulb or getting a tchotchke off a shelf, I can strap on some stilts.”

Notable Moments:

• Gregory’s humorous take on household chores and circus life adds charm and relatability.
• Sandon’s detailed and imaginative setup offers a glimpse into the magical lifestyle, appealing to those who crave wonder and creativity.

Round 3: Sneak Attack – Funky Fresh Dance Workout

Timelines: 28:47 – 32:42

Team Clowns: Gregory Parks

Gregory delivers a spirited and comedic workout routine, blending physical activity with clownish antics. His "Clowntastic Workout" includes marching in place, shaking limbs like noodles, and theatrical falls, all designed to engage and entertain while providing a fitness experience infused with humor.

Gregory Parks (29:17): “What was that? Look back, front. Look behind you again. What was that? Back in front of you. And now we're going to cool down.”

Team Magicians: Sandon Totten

Sandon’s "Magicized Workout" intertwines magic tricks with physical movements, creating a unique and interactive experience. He incorporates stretching into a magic hat, hopping like a bunny, and levitating exercises, emphasizing how magic can make workouts both fun and mentally stimulating.

Sandon Totten (31:05): “We're gonna do some magicizing. All right, so first, grab your magic hat here. And we're gonna do some stretches by reaching into that hat.”

Notable Moments:

• Gregory’s playful movements and sudden comedic drops keep the energy high and laughter flowing.
• Sandon’s integration of magic and exercise showcases creativity and engages both mind and body.

Round 4: Final Six

Timelines: 32:42 – 33:18

Each team summarizes their side in six impactful words.

Team Magicians: Sandon Totten

“Sharpen your mind. Awaken your wonder.” (32:58)

Team Clowns: Gregory Parks

“Great people. Serious fun. No fooling.” (33:11)

Notable Moments:

• Sandon’s succinct phrase encapsulates the intellectual and awe-inspiring essence of magic.
• Gregory’s words emphasize the joy, camaraderie, and genuine spirit of clowning.

Judging and Conclusion

Timelines: 33:18 – 34:09

After careful consideration, Elliot awards Team Magicians the victory. His decision hinges on the energetic and creative performances, particularly Sandon’s vibrant sneak attack, which left a lasting impression.

Elliot (34:04): “The sneak attack was just so energetic, you know?”

Reflections:

• Gregory Parks acknowledges the impressive skill and dedication of magicians, appreciating the depth of Sandon’s arguments.

  Gregory Parks (34:40): “I am always floored by that very same thing. So that's what hit me the hardest.”

• Sandon Totten compliments the clowns, recognizing the emotional connection they foster.

  Anna Wegel (34:03): “...you really exemplify is the heart. You know, they're all about making you laugh, but there's so much heart to it.”

State of Debate: Logical Fallacies

Timelines: 19:04 – 20:49

During the sponsor segment, Gregory and Anna engage in a playful exploration of logical fallacies using an animated scenario with talking muffins. They dissect the "correlation vs. causation" fallacy humorously, reinforcing critical thinking skills in a lighthearted manner.

Gregory Parks (19:36): “That's a fallacy. Yeah, no wonder these muffins are so delicious.”

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments and shout-outs from all participants. Gregory praises clowns worldwide, while Sandon thanks his magic mentors and friends. Elliot invites listeners to vote for their favorite team at smashboom.org, encouraging audience engagement and participation.

Gregory Parks (36:04): “Anyone who's just trying to make the world better for even just one person.”

Sandon Totten (36:25): “I'm really good at cutting things in half. Just ask my assistant.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Smash Boom Best masterfully balances humor, creativity, and insightful arguments, making the debate between clowns and magicians both entertaining and thought-provoking. Through engaging performances and compelling rhetoric, both teams showcased the unique magic each profession brings to the world, ultimately highlighting the diverse ways in which laughter and wonder enrich our lives.

Transcript

[Anna Wegel]

From the brains behind Brains on, it's.

[Elliot]

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

[Molly Bloom]

Hi, I'm Anna Wegel filling in for Molly Bloom. And this is Smash Boom Best, the show where we take two things, smash them together, and ask you to decide which one is best. Today's debate is a real showstopper. Grab your rubber noses and magic wands because it's clowns versus magicians. We've got actor and professional clown Gregory Parks ready to put the whoop in whoopee cushion for team clowns.

[Gregory Parks]

Hello, everybody. Let's get ready to have some serious fun.

[Molly Bloom]

And. Wait, what's that behind your ear? Why, it's Brains on. Co creator and editor Sandon Totten, here to defend magicians.

[Anna Wegel]

Anna. I've got my top hat, and I'm ready to pull a rabbit. And a win.

[Molly Bloom]

And here to judge it all is Elliot from Washington. Elliot is a part of a robotics club, has a YouTube channel with his dad, and knows how to catch a running chicken. Welcome back, Elliot.

[Elliot]

Hi.

[Molly Bloom]

So, Elliot, can you tell us about a robot that you've helped design?

[Elliot]

I made this robot called Trianglebot, and it was a triangle. It was not really good at anything, but it was a triangle instead of a square, so it was interesting.

[Molly Bloom]

I've never seen a triangle robot. That sounds really cool. Did it do anything?

[Elliot]

Yeah, I could drive around. It was like a cheese wedge kind of. It was kind of silly.

[Molly Bloom]

That's amazing. Did you name it?

[Elliot]

Cheese wedge.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, we have to hear more about this chicken thing. So how did you learn to catch a chicken?

[Elliot]

Okay, so they're really fast. They're not slow at all. Like, you know, you'd think they'd be slow, but they're. Chickens are actually pretty fast, so how you get them is we're a lot smarter than them. So you, like, open up a door for them, and then when you chase them into the door, they'll go into the door, and then you can just slam the door shut. But they'll, like. They're, like, running for cover, and they'll be like, I want to go into cover.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay. So it's more about, like, outsmarting them, tricking them, than, like, chasing them?

[Elliot]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay.

[Elliot]

Cause you can't really catch one by just running.

[Molly Bloom]

It sounds like you've had a lot of practice with this. Is this something you have to do on a daily basis?

[Elliot]

Have to do it every once in a while if one of them escapes or whatever?

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, my gosh. I wonder if this skill will translate into other areas of your Life.

[Elliot]

I'm not sure if it will, but having chickens. Yay.

[Molly Bloom]

Time will tell. So this is not your first time judging. Do you have any advice for our debaters today?

[Elliot]

Don't lean too hard in, like, trying to go after, like, your opponent. You know, like, that's kind of just time that doesn't really mean anything, and you could use it for, like, facts or jokes or whatever.

[Molly Bloom]

Mm. So don't play dirty. Go high is what you're saying?

[Elliot]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent advice, not only in this debate, but in life. Will Elliot side with Gregory 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, Elliott 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, and at the end of the show, head to our website, smashboom.org and vote for whichever team you think won. Okay, Gregory, Sandon and Elliott, are you ready?

[Gregory Parks]

Ready?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Anna Wegel]

Mm. Let's bring it on.

[Gregory Parks]

Let's go.

[Molly Bloom]

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 flipped a coin and Gregory, you're up first. Tell us why clowns are your preferred performers.

[Gregory Parks]

You might think clowns are a joke, A bunch of big dupes riding teeny, tiny bicycles. Well, think again, my friends. Us clowns are a serious bunch. Seriously talented, seriously funny, seriously powerful. Don't sat on my whoopee cushion. As I was saying, I've been a clown for 25 years, but I remember the first time I performed with the Ringling Brothers Circus like it was yesterday. I was backstage, sweating in my grease paint, nervously fiddling with my big red nose. This was my first big gig with graduates of Ringling Brothers Clown College, which, by the way, was harder to get into than the fanciest, schmanciest colleges and.

[Anna Wegel]

Hey, Greg, it's go time.

[Gregory Parks]

As we walked down the hallway toward the big, bright arena, my heart started pounding. The stadium was packed. 18,000 people were in the stands going wild. As I gazed up at balcony after balcony of beaming faces, my heart skipped a beat. It confirmed what I already knew. Clowns are beloved no matter what makes you giggle. I cross my heart and guarantee There's a clown out there that'll make you go, hee hee hee. There are white faced clowns with red noses, Auguste clowns who are mostly just funny actors, mimes who don't talk bullfighting, rodeo clowns, and even jesters who performed for kings and queens. Us clowns can juggle knives, play musical instruments, tell killer jokes, walk on stilts, wrangle bucking broncos, do backflips, make insanely cute balloon animals. Oh, and did I mention do magic tricks? Yeah. Clowns can do what magicians do, only funnier. We can't help it. We've been making people laugh for thousands of years, since ancient Egypt. That's right. You can even find clowns in ancient hieroglyphics.

[Molly Bloom]

Where do pharaohs go when they want.

[Anna Wegel]

A break from being in charge?

[Molly Bloom]

Denial.

[Gregory Parks]

After that, clowns popped up around the world in China, India, Japan, Europe, Africa, Russia. And these jesters, or fools as they were called, often worked for noblemen and royalty. For example, Maturin the Fool was the court jester for three French kings in the Renaissance. One time a lady in waiting said.

[Molly Bloom]

Ugh, I don't like having a fool on my right side.

[Gregory Parks]

And Maturin the fool, with a twinkle in her eye jumped to the lady's other side and said, I don't mind it at all. And you know what happens when you add seriously talented and seriously funny together? You get seriously powerful. My bro Shakespeare put a whole bunch of jesters in his plays, and they were almost always wiser than everyone else. As Touchstone, the Fool in the play as yous like, it says, the fool.

[Molly Bloom]

Doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.

[Gregory Parks]

To translate, a foolish person thinks they're way smarter than they actually are. But a wise person realizes how much there is left to learn. Being wise isn't the only way clowns are powerful. We're also emotionally powerful. We can make people laugh so hard they pee their pants and make them so scared they start crying their eyes out. Isn't that right, Little Lou?

[Anna Wegel]

I'm not scared, Greg.

[Elliot]

Okay, maybe a little.

[Gregory Parks]

Sometimes people think clowns are scary because behind our face paint, our expressions can be hard to read. And sometimes we do surprising things, like pull a coin out of Little Lou's ear. Wow. Maybe you should clean in there. And for my next trick, I'm going to make you a balloon animal. What do you want, Lody Loo?

[Elliot]

An axolotl.

[Gregory Parks]

An ax? A waddle.

[Anna Wegel]

An axolotl.

[Gregory Parks]

Oh, an axe that waddles. Let me make one. Chop, chop. Clowning takes serious skills and serious emotional power. But I do it. We all do it because we have a special calling to make people laugh. Uh, Craggy, not my whoopee cushion again.

[Molly Bloom]

Ugh. Big doofs riding teeny tiny bicycles. So much more. Elliot, what stood out to you about Gregory's declaration of greatness?

[Elliot]

I really liked all the reoccurring things, you know, like the whoopee cushion at the beginning and the end and the little girl. That was really funny. Honestly, having a little girl going.

[Molly Bloom]

Amazing. Okay, Elliot likes the callbacks. Everyone take note. Okay, Sandon, it's time for your rebuttal. Tell us why clowns are real jokers. You've got 30 seconds and your time starts now.

[Anna Wegel]

Okay, Anna, clowns are beloved. Well, how many horror movies have you seen starring clowns? Tons. Magicians, not so much. Because clowns, they're not just hiding their emotion. Without a makeup or a little surprising, they kind of fit into the uncanny valley of humans. You know, they sort of seem normal, but there's something off about them. I don't know, they give people the heebie jeebies they need to cut it out. Also, clowns, yes, they're good at making you laugh, but it's one note, you know, it's the same over and over again. Magicians, we make you gasp. We make you wonder. We make you laugh as well.

[Molly Bloom]

We make you.

[Anna Wegel]

We're like the full fruit section.

[Molly Bloom]

Clowns are just like one apple. Gregory, do you have anything to say in return?

[Gregory Parks]

Yes. The reason why we don't look, why we look, that uncanny valley is not because we are not human, but we are more human than human. Clowns encompass the entire range of human emotion. We are up, we are down. We are introspective. We are extroverted. We do everything. My friends, we are not afraid of emotions. We are not afraid to share emotions, and those emotions are how we connect with our audience.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, it's your turn, Sandon, show us the razzle dazzle for team magicians.

[Anna Wegel]

Debates and gentle judges. Prepare to be stunned as I, the great Sandini, make my assistant, Sassy the cow, disappear. Ready, Sassy? Alakao Zam. What's that? Oh, you don't see Sassy? That's the whole point. You see, I made her dis. Oh, you couldn't see her before she disappeared, right, Podcast? Ah, no worries. I have lots of other amazing illusions for your ears. Listen, as I play you a beat, do you hear how it's getting faster and faster? But hold on why isn't it just a blur of sounds at this point? You can still hear each individual drumbeat. The trick is it's not actually getting faster, it's an illusion. Or marvel at this tone that sounds like it's getting higher and higher. But wait a minute. If it actually kept getting higher in pitch, eventually you just wouldn't be able to hear it. Yet you hear it just fine. Ha. Another illusion. You see, that's the thing about magicians. We can make wonder wherever, whenever, with whatever. Sure, some magicians work with huge stage props, making tigers appear out of thin air, or sawing their assistants in half. Ta da ooo. Don't worry, Sassy's fine. But we can also do astounding feats with small things like a deck of cards. Picture, any card is your card. The three of hearts. Nailed it. We can even blow your mind with simple everyday objects like rubber bands, pencils or coins.

[Molly Bloom]

What's that behind your ear? Olivia. Wow, look, a corner. Here you go.

[Elliot]

Just transfer it to my phone. Mom who still uses cash.

[Anna Wegel]

Plus, magicians make any event better. Whether it's a birthday party, a dinner party, even a wedding.

[Elliot]

You may now put the ring on your beloved's finger.

[Anna Wegel]

But look, the ring is already on their finger.

[Molly Bloom]

Magicka.

[Anna Wegel]

A clown at a wedding will be asked to leave the wedding.

[Molly Bloom]

But wait. Don't you want to see what my flower does first?

[Elliot]

It shoots seltzer. I bet it shoots seltzer.

[Molly Bloom]

It shoots seltzer.

[Elliot]

Please go.

[Anna Wegel]

Magicians can work in lots of styles too. Some tell stories or do stunts. Some are mysterious and spooky. Others are goofy and playful. But unlike clowning around, watching magicians is good for your brain. That's because it teaches you to be skeptical, to question. You see, when you see magic, you know it's a trick, but it still fools you. Later, you wonder how the performer did that. What tools and techniques did they use? In a world full of fake news stories, AI generated images and scammers, understanding tricks is more important than ever. Magicians help you practice those skills in a fun, safe way. Clowns help you practice much less useful skills like pretending to laugh.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, that was great. The whole pie in the face thing. Yeah, Well, I gotta go to my hair. I mean, my doctor's appointment. Bye.

[Anna Wegel]

Plus, understanding how a trick is done doesn't ruin the magic. I've been taking magic classes for the past year. And even though I know the mechanics behind a few illusions, I'm still amazed when a performer pulls it off seamlessly. You see, tricks require hand Control, timing, and style. It's like juggling. Just because you know how juggling works doesn't make it any less cool to watch.

[Molly Bloom]

Wow.

[Anna Wegel]

I know.

[Molly Bloom]

It's just gravity making the swords fall back after each throw, but it's still.

[Elliot]

So cool to watch him juggle swords.

[Anna Wegel]

These aren't just swords. They're also magical doves.

[Gregory Parks]

What?

[Molly Bloom]

Magicians are amazing.

[Anna Wegel]

Maybe the coolest thing about magicians, though, is that they make the impossible seem possible. A good magician will work so fast and do so many amazing things that at some point, you just give up trying to figure it all out, and you let the wonder sweep over you. It gets your imagination racing and your blood pumping. And despite yourself, you'll soon start to believe that anything can happen. Even a cow that flies. Behold. Sassy with wings. Ha. The great Sandini strikes again. Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, my Sassy had wings. Are you kidding me?

[Anna Wegel]

Hold on, I gotta get her out of the studio. This is taking a lot of space with these wings.

[Molly Bloom]

What a surprise. Okay, Elliot, what did you think about Sandin's declaration of greatness? Did any moments in his argument really stand out?

[Elliot]

Yeah, I think probably the best part was the who still uses cash part. Cause, I mean, it's kind of true.

[Molly Bloom]

Really Good point. Okay, Gregory, it's time for your rebuttal. Tell us why magic is all smoke and mirrors. You've got 30 seconds. And go.

[Gregory Parks]

Okay, so magicians may teach you to be skeptical, but a good clown can also teach you empathy or also provide you an escape from whatever is weighing you down and making your day into a completely bummer. Magicians are also selfish. They guard their secrets, and they only want you to adore them. And finally, if magicians are being clumsy or messing up on purpose as part of their act, guess what they're using? Clowning.

[Molly Bloom]

And time.

[Anna Wegel]

I mean, you want to talk about good at helping you escape, you're going to want a magician with that. They're experts at it, I've heard. And yeah, you know, we guard our secrets. But if you want to learn magic, there are plenty of books, plenty of places to get started. I recently started, and it is my favorite new hobby. It's so fun to, like, grab a deck of cards and start flipping them around or practicing sleight of hand. And truth be told, it stops me from picking up my phone constantly. Now I'm fidgeting with magic tricks instead of with my phone. So I actually think learning magic and getting past that wall of secrets is great for any young person out there.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Elliot, give One point to the declaration of greatness 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 to die for? Award your points, but don't tell us who's getting those points. Have you made your decision?

[Elliot]

Yes. Yes. Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

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

[Gregory Parks]

Well, actually, you know, I'm glad that this rivalry is not a real rivalry, because I actually want to talk with Sandon some more. I want to learn about Sandin's journey and what drew him to magic.

[Molly Bloom]

Is this your technique for getting under his skin?

[Gregory Parks]

Well, you know, I had a good clown friend who spent a lot of time. I got to watch him practice sleight of hand a lot.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, okay.

[Anna Wegel]

I didn't know clowns do so much sleight of hand. That's great. I mean, we could practice some techniques here. I bet you I could take your big red nose and make it disappear in my hand and reappear out of your ear.

[Gregory Parks]

We could be a super team, Sandin. Like, if you started working with bigger illusions, I could be your assistant.

[Anna Wegel]

Gregory, let's blow this lousy show and get on the road together.

[Molly Bloom]

I was gonna say, let's see if you feel the same way at the end of this debate, you two. Okay, it's time for a quick break, so grab some pies for throwing and boxes for sawing, and we'll be right.

[Elliot]

Back with more smash. Boom. Best.

[Molly Bloom]

You're watching State of Debate. Home to rage and rhetoric and awe inspiring argumentation.

[Gregory Parks]

Hello, debate friends. Taylor Lincoln here with my favorite debate connoisseur, Todd Douglas. Todd, we're on the air.

[Anna Wegel]

Oh, gosh, so sorry.

[Gregory Parks]

This muffin is so tasty, it almost made me forget about debate for a second. Todd, I said almost.

[Molly Bloom]

Phew.

[Gregory Parks]

I found this muffin as I was hunting down a logical fallacy.

[Anna Wegel]

Logical fallacies make me lose my appetite. They don't stand up to scrutiny and.

[Gregory Parks]

Make your arguments weaker.

[Elliot]

Ugh.

[Gregory Parks]

Well, I stumbled upon two muffins engaging in the correlation, not causation fallacy. That's when you give a coincidence way too much credit.

[Anna Wegel]

Muffins.

[Gregory Parks]

Let's listen in.

[Elliot]

Whew.

[Molly Bloom]

Sure is getting hot in this oven.

[Elliot]

Well, what do you know? A talking muffin.

[Molly Bloom]

Hey, you're a talking muffin, too. Any other talking muffins in here, Anyone? Guess not.

[Elliot]

Why can't we talk and those other muffins over there can't?

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, look, we both have six raisins on top. The others, they only have three. That must be the reason we're so chatty.

[Elliot]

Are you sure it's not because of the spell that witch put on only the two of us?

[Gregory Parks]

What?

[Anna Wegel]

Preposterous.

[Molly Bloom]

It's obviously because of the number of raisins we have on top.

[Anna Wegel]

Yuck.

[Gregory Parks]

That talking muffin made the bogus assumption that it was the number of raisins.

[Anna Wegel]

That gave them the gift of gab.

[Gregory Parks]

It's closed its mind to other, better ideas. That's a fallacy. Yeah, no wonder these muffins are so delicious. They're enchanted. Do you want one?

[Molly Bloom]

Please don't eat me.

[Anna Wegel]

I'll pass.

[Gregory Parks]

What? Is it because they talk? No, it's because food that uses logical fallacies has no place in this tummy fair. Well, that's it for today, debate dudes. We'll see you next time on State of Debate. This Friday, from Disney, the musical movie event of the year arrives in theaters.

[Molly Bloom]

My name is Snow White. Flawless.

[Anna Wegel]

Exquisite.

[Gregory Parks]

Get tickets now. Snow White will have you on your feet.

[Molly Bloom]

I think that's a wonderful idea.

[Gregory Parks]

And cheering for more.

[Molly Bloom]

I was thinking this same thing.

[Gregory Parks]

Experience the magical story.

[Molly Bloom]

Magic mirror on the wall.

[Anna Wegel]

Who's the fairest one of all? Snow White. Disney.

[Gregory Parks]

Snow White. Only in theaters Friday. Rated pg. Parental guidance suggested tickets on sale now.

[Molly Bloom]

The Soul to Story podcast is about how teaching kids to read went wrong. But now we have a story about a school district where things are going very right. Let me make sure my friends are sitting crisscross applesauce, hands in their lap.

[Anna Wegel]

I've never had a child that couldn't read.

[Molly Bloom]

How did they do it? When I tell some of my other.

[Anna Wegel]

Colleagues that may be at other schools.

[Molly Bloom]

That this is what I do, and they would say, you kidding me? New episodes of Sold a Story are available now in your podcast app.

[Gregory Parks]

Brains on Universe is a family of podcasts for kids and their adults.

[Anna Wegel]

Since you're a fan of Smashboom Best.

[Gregory Parks]

You'Ll love the other shows in our universe.

[Anna Wegel]

Come on, let's explore.

[Elliot]

It's alien laundry day.

[Molly Bloom]

While I wash my nose, mufflers and tummy togas, I'll listen to a new podcast. How about Forever Ago, my favorite history podcast? Whoa.

[Elliot]

I was not expecting that to work or for it to sound this good.

[Molly Bloom]

That's the DJ Dolo technique.

[Anna Wegel]

DJ Dolo. When I say pizza, you say bagel. Pizza.

[Molly Bloom]

Zorp signal down.

[Elliot]

Stay right there.

[Anna Wegel]

Tummy togas. Missed.

[Molly Bloom]

Find Forever Ago. Now.

[Anna Wegel]

Listen to Forever Ago. Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Molly Bloom]

Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom. Smash Boom Best. You're listening to Smash Boom Best. I'm your host, Anna Weigel.

[Elliot]

And I'm your judge, Elliot.

[Molly Bloom]

And we love getting debate suggestions from our listeners. Take a listen to this transporting debate idea from Lucy.

[Elliot]

Hi, my name is Lucy and I'm from New South Wales, Australia.

[Anna Wegel]

And my debate idea is road trips versus plane trips.

[Elliot]

Now that's a debate that'll send you packing.

[Molly Bloom]

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

[Elliot]

And now it's back to our debate clowns versus magicians.

[Molly Bloom]

That's right. And it's time for round two, the micro round. For the micro round challenge, each team has prepared a creative response to a prompt they received in advance. For Gregory and Sandon, the prompt was be my roommate. Gregory and Sandon, we all know that finding roommates is really hard. So for this challenge, we asked you to write a really compelling roommate ad. Make us want to be your roomie. Gregory went first last time. So sand in Europe, tell us why Houdini would make a good roomie.

[Anna Wegel]

Wanted roommate for a pad in a Victorian mansion on the corner of Siegfried and Roy. It's super spacious with plenty of storage if you just stuff things inside my bottomless top hat. Your room is very private. In fact, it's hidden behind a bookshelf. Just pull the tattered copy of the wizard of Oz to open the door. Oh, and I hope you're not afraid of heights, because the bed levitates from time to time. We don't have a laundry chute, but there are plenty of trapdoors you can drop your dirty duds into. Feel free to gaze into the crystal ball in the living room. You know, to see your future, get answers to burning questions or stream Netflix and YouTube. I can promise there will always be fresh flowers around. I pull them from my sleeve. Daily rent is $700. I'll pull it from behind your ear on the first of each month. Oh, and we'll split utilities and groceries down the middle. Don't worry, I'll be fair. I'm really good at cutting things in half. Just ask my assistant. You'll have to help keep the place tidy, but, you know, feel free to use my magic wand to make dirty dishes and, you know, little messes disappear. We'll share the main closet, but be warned, I have a lot of capes in there. Must love bunnies and doves.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, I'm so glad Sassy made a.

[Anna Wegel]

Cameo you have to live with a giant cow. I mean, I hope that's acceptable. It sounds like Elliot already is used to having cows. Right. You live on a farm, right?

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, he knows all about it. Gregory, now it's your turn. Show us why a clown would make the perfect roommate.

[Gregory Parks]

I'm a clown. Yes, A real clown. I've been around the kind of clowns that you think all clowns are la. Messy slipping on banana peels. I know, but if you're a responsible adult who's okay with some steamer trunks and a lot of circus posters, I could be the roommate for you. I'm six feet tall with arms like albatross wings. But if you need to reach something way up, like changing a light bulb or getting a tchotchke off a shelf, I can strap on some stilts. Done. Have other roommates broken your stuff? I won't. I do not mess with other people's props. And since I can pack a Volkswagen Beetle with 20 full grown adults, imagine how skilled I am with putting things away. Laundry, put away dishes, put away seven pairs of clown shoes. You'll find them where you expect them. Out of the way. Tripping on them is my job, not yours. Need makeup tips, lines blending. I got you. And I don't bring my work home. You won't see me wandering the house in full grease paint and a bright red nose. When I'm clocked out, I'm clocked out. No noisy, messy doves. No fake mystical secrets. No one asking you to pick a card or trying to saw you in half. Prepare to experience a marvel in adulting roommates. Be one of few people who can say they live with an actual clown. We're smarter than you think. Seriously.

[Molly Bloom]

Now, Gregory, if we have a lifelong dream of being sawed in half, is that still on the table for a potential roommate or.

[Gregory Parks]

I would not. That's outside my expertise. I would pass it on to. I would pass that job on to a professional. Perhaps like Sandon.

[Molly Bloom]

Got it.

[Gregory Parks]

Especially now, since I know Sandon. So you know contacts now.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Elliot, what did you like about Gregory and Sandin's micro rounds?

[Elliot]

Well, I really liked the part where you're like, yeah, I'm six foot. I thought that was kind of funny. And also Netflix. I mean, pretty good. Pretty good.

[Anna Wegel]

And watching it on a crystal ball. I mean, that's the high def of those alone, you know?

[Elliot]

I mean, pretty special. Pretty special.

[Anna Wegel]

Plus, they could see into the future. So. You're already watching season five of Stranger Things.

[Molly Bloom]

You know, it's time to award a point. But don't tell us who you're voting for. Have you made your decision?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Fantastic. Then it's time for our third round. The super stealthy Ha ha hoo ha.

[Anna Wegel]

Sneak attack.

[Molly Bloom]

This is our improvised round where debaters have to respond to a challenge on the spot. Today's sneak attack is called workout challenge. Sandon and Gregory, you're gonna narrate a funky fresh dance workout video. As a clown or a magician, tell us what moves we're making, what muscles we're flexing, and why we should watch your video. Debaters, are you ready for your sneak attack?

[Anna Wegel]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Gregory, you're up first. Give us your best clowntastic workout.

[Gregory Parks]

All right, everybody. So up on our feet, we're going to march in place. Lift those knees up. Cause those shoes are long. You don't want to trip over those. To lift your feet up. That's right. Three, two, one. And breathe. Breathe in, breathe out. Let those lips just like letting air out of a balloon. And then just shake your body. Your limbs are noodles. Shake, shake, shake. Oh, yeah. Nice and loose. And then fall down. And then get back up, Brush yourself off. One more. Fall down, get back up. Brush off. And wait. Look behind you. What was that? Look back, front. Look behind you again. What was that? Back in front of you. And now we're going to cool down. We're going to wave our bodies like we're really sleepy.

[Molly Bloom]

And he fell asleep.

[Gregory Parks]

Just snore as loud as you want and get up. Wake up, wake up, wake up. You're late for work. Find your shoes. Find your shoes. Find your jacket. Find your jacket. Find your keys. Where are your keys? Where did you put your keys?

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, no.

[Gregory Parks]

Where are your keys? And relax.

[Molly Bloom]

Yay. Oh, that is exhilarating. That was exciting.

[Gregory Parks]

You need to do levels, you know?

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, absolutely. Okay, Sandon, it is now your turn. Show us how magicians can work up a sweat.

[Anna Wegel]

Okay, here we go. We're gonna do some magicizing. All right, so first, grab your magic hat here. And we're gonna do some stretches by reaching into that hat. And stretch. And reach down into the hat. Keep going, keep going. Deeper, deeper. Yep, yep. All the way to the floor. Oh, keep going past the floor. Yep. And now pull out a bunny. That's right. And set the bunny down. We're gonna hop like the bunny. Hop like the bunny. Shake your little tail. Hop like the bunny. Oh, that's some good cardio right there. Okay, now I want you to use your magic fingers and wave. And poof. And Wave. And poof. And look at that. You made a tiger appear, and it's really angry. Okay, so run from the tiger. Run from the tiger. That's it. Keep running. Oh, that's good cardio right there. The fear really helps get the blood pumping. I love it. All right. Okay, now, everybody, the tiger's gone. Here we go. 1, 2, 3. And we're gonna do a simple little trick here. Everybody just follow with me and levitate. Yep, that's it. Float in the air and levitate. And levitate. Elliot, you're looking great. Great floating. And levitate. And levitate. Okay. And come back to the ground. All right. Didn't that feel good?

[Gregory Parks]

Whew.

[Anna Wegel]

You worked up a sweat. Now just pull a hanky out from your sleeve and keep pulling. And keep pulling and keep pulling. Okay. And wipe your forehead. There we go. And poof. It's a dove. All right, great job, everybody.

[Molly Bloom]

Yay. Now, Shannon, during the levitation portion, I did remain in my seat.

[Anna Wegel]

Is that, you know, that's, you know, a beginner. Beginner. You'll get there.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay. Thank you so much. All right, Elliot, think about which side impressed you the most and award your fourth point, but don't tell us who you're giving it to. Have you made your decision?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

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. All right, Sandon, let's hear your six words for magicians.

[Anna Wegel]

Sharpen your mind. Awaken your wonder.

[Molly Bloom]

Amazing. Okay, Gregory, it's your turn. Give us six words for clowns.

[Gregory Parks]

Great people. Serious fun. No fooling.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Elliot, it's time to award a point for the final six. Have you made your decision?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Are you ready to crown one team? The Smashboom best?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Drum roll, please. And the winner is.

[Elliot]

Magicians.

[Gregory Parks]

Yes.

[Anna Wegel]

Yes, yes, yes, yes. Hocus pocus. Oh, yes.

[Gregory Parks]

Womp, womp. I have egg on my face.

[Molly Bloom]

So, Elliot, was there a moment that decided things for you?

[Elliot]

Probably the sneak attack, actually. It was just so energetic, you know?

[Molly Bloom]

Yes.

[Anna Wegel]

I disappeared like several cups of coffee before this.

[Elliot]

That probably helps.

[Anna Wegel]

I came by it, you know, through a little performance enhancing cold brew.

[Elliot]

That definitely helped.

[Molly Bloom]

Ye goodness.

[Gregory Parks]

It was really easy for me to appreciate my opponent because it's true what Sandin said. Even if you learn how a trick works, that still makes it all the more amazing because somebody took the time to figure that out. And then they practiced and practiced, and they still practice. That is amazing. It is impressive, and I am always floored by that very same thing. So that's what hit me the hardest.

[Anna Wegel]

Yeah, Gregory was great. I really thought, first of all, whoopee cushion, 10 out of 10. No notes. Couldn't approve that at all. But also, you bring such. The thing about clowns and that you really exemplify is the heart. You know, they're all about making you laugh, but there's so much heart to it, and you really. I felt the warmth through the microphone thousands of miles away from you, and I still felt the warmth in all your arguments and your presence. And that, to me, is a sign of a great clown.

[Molly Bloom]

And that's it for today's debate battle. Elliot crowned magicians the Smashboom Best. But what about you?

[Elliot]

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

[Molly Bloom]

Smashboom Best is brought to you by Brains on and APM Studios. It's produced by me, Anna Wegel, Molly Bloom, and Aron Waldesalassi. We had engineering help from Derek Ramirez and Zack Miller, with sound design by Aron Woldeselassi. Our editors are Shaila Farzan and Sandon Tottenham, with fact checking by Rebecca Rand. And we had production help from the rest of the Brains on universe team.

[Elliot]

Rosie Dupont, Rachel Breese, Anna Goldfield, Nico.

[Molly Bloom]

Gonzalez Whistler, Ruby Guthrie, Lauren Humpert, Joshua Wright, Mark Sanchez and Charlotte Traver. Our executive producer is Beth Perlman, and the APM Studios executives in charge are Chandra Kavati and Joanne Griffith. Our announcer is Marley Foyer worker Otto. And we want to give a special thanks to Austin Cross and Taylor Kaufman. Gregory, is there anyone you want to give a shout out to today?

[Gregory Parks]

I would like to give a shout out to all of those clowns out there, big and small, people who work within makeup, without makeup, and even my friends who straddle the line of magicians and clowns. They dabble in both. And anybody who's just trying to make the world better for even just one person.

[Molly Bloom]

How about you, Sandon? Any special shout out?

[Anna Wegel]

Yeah, I want to shout out Charlie Mount and my Magic 101 class. Everyone in there, great job. It was so fun. And my friend Matt Bruce, aka Maticadabra, who did magic at my 40th birthday. Thanks, dude. You really got me into magic as an adult and I love it.

[Molly Bloom]

Do you want to give any special thanks, Elliot?

[Elliot]

Yeah, I want to do it. To my sisters, Emily, Liza, and my brother Arrow. And of course, the most important WD40.

[Molly Bloom]

Before we go, let's check in and see who Lucy thinks should win the road trips versus plane trips debate.

[Anna Wegel]

I think planes are better because they.

[Elliot]

Are quicker, funner and sometimes they have movies. Smashboom Best is a non profit public radio program.

[Molly Bloom]

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 contact and drop us a line. And while you're at it, join Smarty Pass for bonus episodes and ad free versions of all four shows in the Brainzon universe. We'll be back with a new smashboom Best debate battle next week. Ketchup versus Ranch. Bye bye bye.

[Gregory Parks]

See ya.

[Anna Wegel]

Poof. I'm gone. All right, I'm gonna stand up for this, but Gregory, don't put a whoopee cushion on my chair. Actually, do I love a whoopee cushion? Put as many as you want.

[Gregory Parks]

I might. I might not.

[Molly Bloom]

The Sold a Story podcast is about how teaching kids to read went wrong. But now we have a story about a school district where things are going very right. Let me make sure my friends are sitting crisscross applesauce hands in their lap.

[Anna Wegel]

I've never had a child that couldn't read.

[Molly Bloom]

How did they do it?

[Anna Wegel]

When I tell some of my other.

[Molly Bloom]

Colleagues that may be at other schools that this is what I do and they would say, you kidding me? New episodes of Sold a Story are available now in your podcast. Apparently.