Eclipses vs. Aurora Borealis: a celestial debate

Summary

Smash Boom Best Episode Summary Episode: Eclipses vs. Aurora Borealis: A Celestial Debate
Release Date: April 3, 2025

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Introduction

In this exhilarating episode of Smash Boom Best, hosted by Molly Bloom from American Public Media, two spectacular celestial phenomena face off in a battle of brilliance: Eclipses versus the Aurora Borealis. Representing each side are Meghan Wolfe for Team Eclipses and Maria Bartholdi for Team Aurora Borealis. The judge for today's debate is Lily from Victoria, British Columbia, who brings her unique perspective as a synchronized swimmer and veggie farmer.

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1. Declaration of Greatness

Timestamp: 02:53 – 07:17

The debate kicks off with the Declaration of Greatness round, where each team presents their most compelling arguments.

• Team Eclipses (Meghan Wolfe):

  Meghan delivers a creative portrayal of the Sun and Moon as a dynamic duo, emphasizing the magical alignment that creates an eclipse. She captivates the audience with a lyrical performance:

  "Eclipse me. Because we are better together."
  (05:08)

• Team Aurora Borealis (Maria Bartholdi):

  Maria shares her awe-inspiring experience of witnessing the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. She highlights how eclipses unite people globally and even influenced ancient history by ending a war in Greece. Additionally, she delves into the mesmerizing patterns auroras create in the night sky and their scientific significance.

  "Eclipses bring people together to experience something amazing."
  (06:53)

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2. Rebuttals

Timestamp: 07:17 – 09:50

In the Rebuttal segment, each team counters the other's arguments with sharp wit and factual insights.

• Team Eclipses (Meghan Wolfe):

  Meghan humorously downplays eclipses by likening them to uninvited interruptions:

  "Seeing an eclipse is basically going where the sun don't shine and getting mooned."
  (08:37)

• Team Aurora Borealis (Maria Bartholdi):

  Maria defends the auroras by highlighting their unpredictable beauty and the enchanting sounds they create, making them superior to the mere shadow of an eclipse.

  "Auroras are mystical, unpredictable light shows that captivate the imagination."
  (09:17)

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3. Micro Round: App Ideas

Timestamp: 21:18 – 25:28

In the Micro Round, teams present innovative app concepts inspired by their respective phenomena.

• Team Aurora Borealis (Maria Bartholdi): Aurora Anywhere

  An app that utilizes teleportation technology to allow users to experience the auroras from anywhere in the world instantly.

  "Aurora Anywhere sends you on a cosmic field trip by simply disintegrating your atoms and putting them back together."
  (22:04)

• Team Eclipses (Meghan Wolfe): Eclipsit

  A playful app that uses eclipse symbolism to help users hide imperfections or awkward moments, offering a humorous take on concealment.

  "With Eclipse It, the moon can cover for you anytime you need it."
  (23:44)

Lily appreciates both ideas for their creativity and humor, awarding points to each team accordingly.

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4. Super Stealthy Unique Attack: Oscar-Winning Moment

Timestamp: 25:28 – 28:50

In this improvised round, debaters deliver Oscar-worthy monologues dramatizing their phenomena.

• Team Eclipses (Meghan Wolfe):

  Meghan portrays a leader rallying her team during a solar eclipse, emphasizing unity and resilience.

  "All right. The sun may be gone, but this is our time to shine."
  (26:14)

• Team Aurora Borealis (Maria Bartholdi):

  Maria crafts a touching scene aboard the sinking Titanic under the auroras, symbolizing hope and connection.

  "Look, they just wanted to cash in on the Titanic name... It's the beautiful rainbow of colors that connects us all."
  (27:12)

Both performances are met with applause, showcasing the emotional depth and inspirational qualities of their respective phenomena.

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5. Final Six Words

Timestamp: 28:36 – 30:07

In the Final Six, each team encapsulates their phenomenon in six impactful words.

• Team Aurora Borealis (Maria Bartholdi):

  "Aurora's color skies. Eclipse is just dim."
  (29:26)

• Team Eclipses (Meghan Wolfe):

  "Eclipse light is dark, day is night."
  (29:37)

Lily deliberates carefully, finding both summaries powerful yet more swayed by the auroras' vibrant depiction.

---

6. Conclusion: Winner Announced

Timestamp: 30:01 – 31:21

Lily announces Aurora Borealis as the winner of today’s celestial debate. She cites the compelling arguments, creative presentations, and the undeniable beauty of the auroras that ultimately swayed her decision.

"Aurora Borealis."
(30:07)

The episode concludes with a heartfelt reflection on the wonders of both phenomena and an invitation for listeners to participate in future debates by submitting their own topics.

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Notable Quotes

• Maria Bartholdi on Historical Impact of Eclipses:

  "More than 2,500 years ago, an eclipse actually ended a war in ancient Greece."
  (06:53)

• Meghan Wolfe Introducing Aurora Anywhere App:

  "Aurora Anywhere sends you on a cosmic field trip by simply disintegrating your atoms and putting them back together."
  (22:04)

• Lily Praising Aurora’s Attributes:

  "I really liked the songs. The songs are really good. And I thought the facts about the animals starting their nighttime routine was really interesting."
  (08:18)

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Smash Boom Best brilliantly combines education with entertainment, showcasing the fascinating aspects of both eclipses and the Aurora Borealis. Through creative arguments, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, Meghan and Maria not only inform but also inspire young listeners to appreciate the natural wonders of our world.

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Join the Debate!

Feel inspired by today’s celestial showdown? Head over to smashboom.org to vote for your favorite and submit your own debate ideas. Don’t forget to sign up for the Brains on Universe newsletter for bonus activities and more!

Transcript

[Meghan Wolfe]

From the brains behind brains on, it's.

[Lily]

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

[Molly Bloom]

Hi, I'm 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 an out of this world throwdown. Between two dazzling sky spectacles, eclipses versus Aurora Borealis. We've got improviser, writer, and good luck High five podcast host Meghan Wolfe here to wrap the mighty moon shadowed mystery of Team Eclipses. Oh, oh, oh.

[Maria Bartholdi]

That was howling at the moon.

[Molly Bloom]

And improviser, content creator and fellow good luck High Five podcast host Maria Bartholdi will help the swirling, shimmering colors of the northern lights shine for team Aurora Borealis.

[Meghan Wolfe]

The northern lights are gonna put up a fight and eclipse the competition.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, see what I did? And here to judge it all is Lily from Victoria, British Columbia. Lily loves synchronized swimming, growing veggies on her farm, and was once approached by porpoises while paddleboarding. Hi, Lily.

[Lily]

Hi.

[Molly Bloom]

So, Lily, were the porpoises friendly?

[Lily]

Yes. They were so cute and I was super excited.

[Molly Bloom]

I would also be very excited. What did they do when they approached you?

[Lily]

Well, we were like paddle boarding and they came up and they were kind of just swimming around us, and then they just swam off and it was really cool.

[Molly Bloom]

That is so cool. So you're a synchronized swimmer. What is something people don't realize about how awesome synchronized swimming is?

[Lily]

It's really, really, really difficult. It's very hardcore, and I think a lot of people think it's just very, very easy, but it's really not.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, I watched some of the Olympics over this past year, and it's incredible what's going on under the water.

[Lily]

I think my favorite part is probably the, like, the lifts, the highlights, because I like being thrown in the air.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, so you're one of the people who gets to be thrown?

[Lily]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

That is so fun. Do you have any advice for our debaters today?

[Lily]

Try to show me, like, lots of facts and humor, and I really like good rebuttals.

[Molly Bloom]

So, okay, will Lily side with Megan or Maria? Only time will tell. But first, here are the rules of the game. Every debate consists of four. The declaration of greatness, the micro round, the sneak attack, and the final six. After each round, our judges, judge Lily will award points to the team that impresses her the most. But she'll keep her 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. Meghan, Maria, and Lily, are you ready?

[Lily]

Yeah. Let's go.

[Maria Bartholdi]

I'm so ready.

[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've flipped a coin. And Megan, you're up first. Tell us what makes eclipses so electrifying.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Welcome back to Chit Chat with Brit Platt. I'm so thrilled to be sitting down with two pop icons, the sun and moon. Your new collaboration, Eclipse, has taken the music world by storm. Tell me, son, what inspired your new duo?

[Meghan Wolfe]

Thanks, Britt. The moon and I have both had such great solo careers, but last year things finally aligned and made it possible for us to work together.

[Sun]

It all started when the sun sent me her original vision for the song Hide my Light, and I fell in love with it.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Who are you to hide my light?

[Molly Bloom]

The moon only shines at night so.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Why are you here today?

[Sun]

To take my gloom, of course. As the moon, my work is a little darker, Some may say moodier? You are a star bright from afar no one knows I'm here whenever you were near So I did something cruel? I stole that line like it was a jewel.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Chills. So you two just held a massive live show together which drew millions of fans from around the world. With that kind of success, is there more eclipse in our future?

[Meghan Wolfe]

We've decided for now to go back to our solo careers, but you never know.

[Sun]

I think in four or five years, we just might have to collaborate again.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Well, I think I speak for all of us when I say I hope you do. Until then, let's enjoy the title track from Eclipse.

[Sun]

Eclipse me. Because we are better together. Together Eclipse me the world will remember forever.

[Molly Bloom]

Forever.

[Sun]

Sun and moon, Moon and sun in the sky we'll have so much Eclipse me, Eclipse me, Eclipse me.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Like the pop duo Eclipse, Real solar eclipses are an awesome team up between the sun and the moon. During an eclipse, the moon moves in front of the sun, blocking it partially or entirely. I got to experience this myself when I saw the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. As I drove through New Hampshire, I saw thousands of other people set up with chairs and telescop ready to see the eclipse. That's one of the most incredible things about eclipses. They bring people together to experience something amazing. When I saw the Eclipse. I stood on a frozen lake surrounded by hills. It was the middle of the day, but suddenly, the sky darkened like it was twilight, and the stars came out. Looking at the black circle where the sun used to be, I felt this incredible awe. And through that, I felt connected to all the people for thousands of years who have been scared or inspired or mystified by eclipse. More than 2,500 years ago, an eclipse actually ended a war in ancient Greece. The two kingdoms had been at war for six years, and then, boom. The eclipse happened during a battle, and they stopped the sun.

[Sun]

It's disappearing. It's an omen.

[Maria Bartholdi]

But what does it mean?

[Sun]

We should stop fighting and go home. My favorite kind of omen.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Come on. Let's get out of here.

[Sun]

This was so silly.

[Maria Bartholdi]

What were we even fighting for? Many years later, Bonnie Tyler recorded the hit song Total Eclipse of the heart, proving that eclipses have power everywhere. From the battlefield to the recording studio.

[Molly Bloom]

There'S nothing I can do. A total eclipse of the heart.

[Maria Bartholdi]

And humans aren't the only ones who notice these incredible celestial events. During an eclipse, many animals begin their nighttime routines. Frogs and crickets sing. Bees fly home to their hive. And nocturnal predators get ready to hunt. Eclipses are proof that even if you're small, you can still have a big impact. The sun is 400 times bigger than the moon. But when everything is perfectly aligned during an eclipse, even that little moon can block out something so much bigger. Ever since I saw the solar eclipse, I've told everyone, go see one. It'll change the way you see the world.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay. A delightful declaration that will have me never stop whispering. Eclipse me. All right, Lily, what stood out to you about Megan's declaration of greatness?

[Lily]

I really liked the songs. The songs are really good. And I thought the facts about the animals starting their nighttime routine was really interesting.

[Molly Bloom]

Mm. All right, Maria, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why eclipses are overshadowed. You've got 30 seconds, and your time starts now.

[Meghan Wolfe]

So can I just start off by saying that seeing an eclipse is basically going where the sun don't shine and getting mooned. Does that sound like a good time to anybody? Not me. Knock, knock. Who's there? Not the sun or anything cool to see in the sky, for that matter. You can't even look at it with your bare eyes. Do you want to see an eclipse? I say you're just going through a phase. Totally predictable and boring.

[Molly Bloom]

And time.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Ooh, I came in under the. Under the clock.

[Moon]

There.

[Molly Bloom]

So concise. All right, Maria. It Is your turn. Tell us why the Aurora borealis is the star of the sky.

[Meghan Wolfe]

It was a very cold night. You know, the kind where the moonlight shimmers on the snow like diamonds. And the air inside your nose freezes up. It was a night just like that when I first saw the aurora borealis. Some people spend their entire lives searching for these ethereal, elusive lights, but never find them. And me, I saw them completely, completely by accident. One late night when I just happened to look up.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Whoa.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Lights flashed across the sky. Bending, twisting and shimmering in a hypnotic celestial ballet. Imagine a soft, swirling green glow amongst the stars. Deep blues hugging the moon. And vibrant reds popping in with a fiery flourish. And they all blended together to create a magnificent symphony of the sky. I believe the aurora borealis is the most incredible sight in the natural world. These luminous light shows have bewitched humans for hundreds of years. It was actually Galileo who named them in 1619 after Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn and Boreas, the Greek God of the north wind. Auroras form when tiny charged particles from the sun blast out into space at ridiculously high speeds. Over a million miles per hour. These space particles slam into the Earth's upper atmosphere. Most bounce right off Earth's protective magnetic field. But some particles sneak through, reacting with our atmosphere and creating Mother Nature's finest fireworks display. Isn't science beautiful? And they're not just a feast for the eyes. Auroras also make sounds. When scientists set up recording equipment and listened to the night sky in Finland, they found some of the strongest auroras made hissing, popping and crackling sounds. A Finnish band even put some of these sounds into one of their songs called Northern Lights. Pretty neat, huh? But that's not all. Auroras also make radio waves that can be turned into sound. How about we get a little closer and have a listen? I just so happen to have an extra guest pass for a trip aboard a spaceship.

[Captain Smirk]

Welcome aboard the USS Smash Boom. I'm Captain Smirk, your starship commander. Do you like my hair? A robot did it. This is the finest ship in the fleet. Equipped with all the conveniences of modern day space travel. Computer, chocolate milk. Lukewarm.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Captain. Aurora Borealis straight ahead.

[Sun]

I'm picking up some unusual signals.

[Captain Smirk]

Enhancing audio now, Captain.

[Sun]

Are the lights trying to communicate with us?

[Captain Smirk]

A first contact situation. Everybody act cool.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Auroras have actually been seen on seven out of the eight planets in our solar system. The light shows on Jupiter are particularly spectacular. The Hubble telescope has captured photos of its intense auroras. Which are happening constantly. Plus, they're huge if you could visit Jupiter and see one of its aurora displays, it would stretch as far as your eyes could see. Because they're bigger than our entire planet. And while auroras on Earth may last for a few hours, on Jupiter, they never end.

[Captain Smirk]

Incredible. Bridge selfie time.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Auroras can appear and disappear in our skies in the blink of an eye. They can be mysterious and elusive, so you have to be pretty lucky to see them because there's no certainty as to when or where they're going to appear. At best, aurora hunters have two hours advance warning. And even then, the skies may stay dark. You can predict eclipses like clockwork. But auroras don't follow anyone's schedule. So whether you marvel at their spiffy colors, their unusual and haunting sounds, or their mysterious appearances, one thing is for sure. The Aurora Borealis is a jaw dropping, mind blowing, utterly magical display. It's proof our universe can be both powerful and beautiful at the same time.

[Captain Smirk]

Time to return to Earth crew. Now, who wants some more chocolate milk? It's lukewarm.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay. That declaration was transporting even before we got on the spaceship. Oh, my goodness. Amazing. All right, Lily, what stood out to you about Maria's argument?

[Lily]

The name. I did not know that's where the name came from, so that was really interesting. And the sounds are really cool, too.

[Molly Bloom]

Absolutely. Megan, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why the Aurora Borealis is all glow and no show. You've got 30 seconds and your time starts. Now.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Aurora Borealis? More like bore or a snorri. Alice, you think seeing an aurora is hardcore, but Maria, really, you're just a lightweight. Okay, the aurora is fireworks. You know what else is fireworks? Fireworks are fireworks. And you're telling me it makes hissing, popping and crackling? What am I making popcorn in my own home? I can get those noises just by using the stove. But do you know what? At the end of this, I'm all about time.

[Meghan Wolfe]

I mean, if you're making popcorn, can I have some? Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Meghan Wolfe]

You can come over. Great.

[Molly Bloom]

Me too.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Yeah, it's for everybody.

[Molly Bloom]

Ah, yes. Okay, Lily, it is time to award some points. Please give one point to the declaration of greatness that you like 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?

[Lily]

Yes, I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Ooh, Excellent. Maria and Megan, how Are you two feeling so far?

[Maria Bartholdi]

Oh, I feel great. This is all I want to do all day is sit here and talk about space.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Absolutely.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, it's time for a quick dig out your shades and wide angle.

[Lily]

Lens and we'll be right back with more smashboom bets.

[Meghan Wolfe]

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

[Taylor Lincoln]

Hello, how are you? What's new? I'm debate champion Taylor Lincoln and I'm here with my cheesy chum, Todd Douglas.

[Sun]

Today's debate comes to us courtesy of.

[Captain Smirk]

My pal Patty Provolone when she was shopping for new record album.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Let's see if we can spot the problem in this musical homage to fromage.

[Moon]

Excuse me, do you have a section for Cheese Core Records?

[Sun]

Hmm, a fellow Cheese Corps head. Nice. You can find them over there between the banana rock and the drip hop albums.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Cool.

[Molly Bloom]

So I guess that's where I can find the new Breeders album.

[Sun]

As if the Breeders are totally soft cheese rock. No, true cheese Core music is only made up of hard cheese.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, alright, alright, no problem. I guess I'll just take this old Red Hot Chili Pepper Jacks album then.

[Sun]

Pee you.

[Captain Smirk]

That answer stinks worse than a wedge of Limburger that's been sitting on the counter for a week.

[Taylor Lincoln]

You said it, Todd. Classic. No, true Scotsman's fallacy. That's when someone has very strict rules. Rules about what something is and argues that if something doesn't exactly follow those rules, it's not the real thing.

[Sun]

Well, I guess it's time to ossi.

[Meghan Wolfe]

A Go Go Oof.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Gouda one, Todd. See you next time on State of Debate.

[Molly Bloom]

Hey, friends. Molly Sandon and Mark here with some very big news. Drumroll please.

[Sun]

We are hitting the road in search.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Of adventure, fresh air and you.

[Sun]

That's right. We're gonna be live at the Boulder Theater in Boulder, Colorado on Sunday, April 27.

[Molly Bloom]

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.

[Sun]

Molly, you almost left out the most important part. Yeah, Molly, don't forget the big party.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, right after the shows, we're 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.

[Sun]

Oh, that reminds me, I've gotta start training.

[Maria Bartholdi]

These hands aren't gonna high Five by themselves.

[Sun]

Five. Good idea. And remember, spots are limited, so grab your tickets [e-mail] events.

[Molly Bloom]

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

[Maria Bartholdi]

Since you're a fan of Smash Boom.

[Molly Bloom]

Best, you'll love the other shows in our universe.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Come on, let's explore.

[Moon]

It's Alien exercise hour. Hi yah ho ha. While I stretch my snoodles and bounce on my trampolini, I'll listen to a new podcast I'm going to try Forever Ago, the best history podcast ever.

[Molly Bloom]

To understand why anyone would think a TV show could change the world, we need to go way back to America. In the 1960s.

[Moon]

Rock and roll was pretty new.

[Molly Bloom]

Ford released the iconic Mustang. Muscle Zorp.

[Moon]

Come back here. Podcast must listen to Forever Ago.

[Molly Bloom]

Now listen to Forever Ago wherever you get your podcasts.

[Captain Smirk]

Smash Boom Best.

[Molly Bloom]

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

[Lily]

And I'm your judge, Lily.

[Molly Bloom]

And we love getting debate suggestions from our listeners. Take a listen to this slithery debate idea from Ka Ami.

[Moon]

My name is Ka Ami, I live in Hawaii, and my debate idea is King Cobra versus Python.

[Molly Bloom]

Ooh, King Cobra versus Python.

[Lily]

That's a debate I wouldn't want to hiss.

[Molly Bloom]

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

[Lily]

And now it's back to our debate. Eclipses versus Aurora.

[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 Megan and Maria, the prompt was Silicon Valley Debaters. For this challenge, you're the CEO of a startup presenting your brand new topic inspired app to an audience. What's it all about? Megan went first last time. So, Maria, you're up. Give us your Aurora Borealis themed app idea.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Tired of sitting home at night, bored out of your gourd? Stuck folding socks and daydreaming about how exciting it would be to fold more socks? Is your biggest adventure these days? A trip from the couch to the fridge?

[Molly Bloom]

Guess I'll just eat this bottle of ketchup.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Be bored no more with Aurora Anywhere. With our miraculous teleportation technology, you'll go from your couch to watching the sky light up like a neon disco under the northern lights. No more waiting for overpriced ride chairs or trudging through airport security. Aurora Anywhere sends you on a cosmic field trip by simply disintegrating your atoms and putting them back together. Again, hopefully in the right order.

[Molly Bloom]

Uh, wait. Is this teleportation technology safe?

[Meghan Wolfe]

Probably.

[Molly Bloom]

Before Aurora Anywhere, the best vacation I'd ever taken was to Iowa.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Iowa. Can you believe it?

[Molly Bloom]

Now I can show my friends photos of me dancing under the lights in Finland. Take that, corn. Thanks to Aurora Anywhere, I've communed with nature in Alaska. Sure, my toes are where my nose used to be.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Wait, is this permanent?

[Meghan Wolfe]

Again, probably. With Aurora Anywhere, you can enjoy nature's fireworks anytime and it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Aurora Anywhere may actually cost you an arm and a leg due to untested teleportation technology. Aurora Anywhere download today.

[Molly Bloom]

Maybe worth it, I think. Oh, yeah, the wars are amazing.

[Maria Bartholdi]

That's a risk I'll take.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Megan, now it's your turn to tell us about your eclipse themed app idea.

[Maria Bartholdi]

From the company that brought you Sunsets, the app for when you need it to be dark, comes a brand new innovation. Eclipsit. With Eclipse it, the moon can cover for you anytime you need it.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, no.

[Moon]

It's the first day of school and I have a huge zit on my face.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Eclipse it.

[Moon]

Wow. No one can see my zit with the moon right in front of it. Now they'll focus on my great back to school outfit instead. Thanks, moon. I spilled fruit punch on the couch. Ouch. My parents are gonna be so mad.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Eclipse it.

[Molly Bloom]

Whoa.

[Moon]

The moon totally covered up that stain. Plus, my dad was really excited to get to see all the lunar craters up close. Shoot, I tripped and fell at the dance recital. I'm never gonna forget this.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Eclipse it.

[Moon]

The moon went right in front of me and no one saw me fall down. Thanks. Accept it.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Little mistakes shouldn't get in the way of a great day. So next time you need a hand, Eclipse it.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay. Very useful and very adorable. Lily, what did you like about Megan and Maria's micro rounds?

[Lily]

They're both very funny.

[Molly Bloom]

What do you think about using those apps? Do you think they'd be useful?

[Lily]

Oh, yeah. Totally.

[Molly Bloom]

Wonderful. Well, it is time to award a point. Please award a point, but don't tell us who it's going to. Have you made your decision?

[Lily]

The decision is made.

[Molly Bloom]

Fantastic. Then it's time for our third round, the super stealthy unique attack. This is our improvised round where debaters have to respond to a challenge on the spot. Today's sneak attack is called Oscar winning moment. Debaters, we want you to pretend your side is the star of a fantastic dramatic movie and deliver the award winning monologue from that movie. Okay? We're gonna start with Meghan. Let's hear your eclipse themed Oscar winning moment.

[Maria Bartholdi]

All right, this is the impassioned monologue of someone who's been, like, thrust into leadership that they weren't anticipating having.

[Molly Bloom]

Absolutely.

[Maria Bartholdi]

So they're just gonna have to, you know, they're gonna have to try to rise to the occasion as best they can. All right. The sun may be gone, but this is our time to shine. We can't see where we are or where we are going. We might march directly into the sea, but we will march into the sea. Sea with purpose, with the knowledge that today we are the ones, despite our size, who shall emerge victorious against the great forces that stand against us. To the sun. No, my friends, I say to the moon instead.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, I am stirred. I found that totally rousing. I'm ready to march into the sea as well. All right, Maria, it is your turn. Let's hear your Aurora Borealis themed Oscar winning moment.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Okay, great. This movie is Titanic 2, and it occurs out on the ocean when the Titanic is sinking. The only difference is that there's Aurora Borealis overhead in the sky as the ship is going down. And this is a speech made by Kate Winslet. What's her character's name? Who can say? Rose. This is Rose's speech on the bow of the ship to Leo DiCaprio. What's his character's name?

[Molly Bloom]

Jack.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Jack.

[Maria Bartholdi]

You know a lot about this film.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Look, they just wanted to cash in on the Titanic name, and they got nominated for an Oscar for it. So that's the good. That's the good news. Okay? As the ship's going down, Jack, hold my hand here on the bow of the ship and look up overhead. Do you see? It's not the blackness and darkness of space in the sky. No, it's the beautiful rainbow of colors that connects us all. I know that we'll make it through together because of the hope I see overhead in front of us. Now take my hand, check, and get on this tiny little wooden door. It can hold both of us. Science has actually gone back and proven that. Stay with me and we'll survive and create a beautiful life together.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, beautiful.

[Maria Bartholdi]

I mean, I think it's really bold that Titanic 2 gave people the ending to Titanic 1 that they always wanted.

[Molly Bloom]

Yes.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Yeah. And it is true. Science has proven that they both could have survived on that door.

[Molly Bloom]

That is beautiful. See, Aurora is inspiring us to greatness. Lily, it is time to award a point. Have you made your decision?

[Lily]

I sure have.

[Molly Bloom]

Wonderful. It is 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. Maria, let's hear your six words for the celestial brilliance of the aurora Borealis.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Aurora's color skies. Eclipse is just dim.

[Molly Bloom]

Mm. Very nice. Okay, Meghan, it's your turn. Give us your six words on the effervescent extraordinary.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Eclipse light is dark, day is night.

[Molly Bloom]

Ooh, another excellent final six. Lily, I'm sorry to say, but only one of them can get this final point for the final six. It's a tough decision, but have you made it?

[Lily]

I sure have.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, are you ready to crown one team to smash Boom. Best?

[Lily]

Yep.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, drum roll, please. And the winner is.

[Lily]

Aurora Borealis.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Wow.

[Meghan Wolfe]

I was not expecting that, I must say, but I'm honored.

[Molly Bloom]

Thank you.

[Meghan Wolfe]

Me in the skies. Thank you, Lily.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh. So, Lily, was there a moment that sealed the deal for Auroras?

[Lily]

Honestly, I really liked the declaration of greatness. That was really good.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent work.

[Lily]

It was very close, though.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, was it, like, tied to the end? Pretty much, yeah. Oof. As close as close can be.

[Meghan Wolfe]

I know Megan's eclipse journey that she went on last summer was very cool to hear about it because I know it was just such a magical moment, and I wish I could have seen it because it just sounds awesome.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Maria, I should have known that you would come prepared with a pun laden takedown of my declaration of greatness. And also, I feel like the Aurora embodies your personality of taking a very normal sky and making it very lovely.

[Molly Bloom]

Aw. Well, that is it for today's debate battle. Lily crowned aurora borealis the Smashboom bus. But what about you?

[Lily]

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

[Molly Bloom]

Smashboom Best is brought to you by Brain Zone and APM Studios. It's produced by me, Molly Bloom, Anna.

[Sun]

Wegel, and Aron Woldeselassi.

[Molly Bloom]

We had engineering help from Derek Ramirez and Paul Saunders, with sound design by Anna Wegel. Our editors are Shayla Farzan and Sandon Totten, with fact checking by Rebecca Rand. And we had production help from the rest of the Brainzon Universe team, Rosie Dupont, Rachel Breese, Anna Goldfield, Nico Gonzalez Whistler, Ruby Guthrie, Lauren Humpert, Joshua Ray, Mark Sanchez and Charlotte Traver. Our executive producers, Beth Pearlman and the APM Studios executives in charge are Chandrakavati and Joanne Griffith. Our announcer is Marley Foyer worker Otto. And we want to give a special thanks to Austin Cross, Taylor Kaufman, Will Roberts, Coco and Luna Megan. Is there anyone you'd like to give a shout out to today my cat.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Her name is Bernadette.

[Molly Bloom]

Aw, thank you, Bernadette. How about you, Maria? Any special shout out?

[Meghan Wolfe]

I'll give a shout out to my two cats, Moxen and Lear.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, have they met ever?

[Maria Bartholdi]

No. Wow. I think it would.

[Meghan Wolfe]

I think it would be go very poorly.

[Molly Bloom]

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

[Lily]

Yeah, I want to shout out my siblings because they love this podcast and they convinced me to be a judge.

[Molly Bloom]

So. Yeah, what are their names?

[Lily]

Silas, Lucy and Wesley.

[Molly Bloom]

Thanks guys. Before we go, let's check in and see who Ka Ami thinks should win the King Cobra versus Python debate.

[Moon]

I think python would win because it can swallow the king cobra hole.

[Lily]

Smash Broom 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 make sure to sign up for the Brains on Universe newsletter for bonus activities, reading recommendations and more. We'll be back with the new smashboom Best debate battle next week. Tag versus Hide and Seek. Bye.

[Lily]

See ya.

[Maria Bartholdi]

Bye everybody.

[Meghan Wolfe]

That's goodbye in Welsh.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, very nice.

[Moon]

In the smashable west.

[Molly Bloom]

Through the test better than the rest it's smash the west, it's smash the west Eastern Eclipse.

[Maria Bartholdi]

It, eclipse it, Eclipse it, eclipse it.