Frankenstein’s Monster vs. Frosty the Snowman: a chilling debate

Summary

Smash Boom Best: "Frankenstein’s Monster vs. Frosty the Snowman: A Chilling Debate"

Released on April 24, 2025

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Introduction

In this exhilarating episode of Smash Boom Best, hosted by Molly Bloom from American Public Media, listeners are treated to a fantastical face-off between two iconic characters: Frankenstein’s Monster and Frosty the Snowman. The debate promises a clash of science versus snow, darkness versus joy, and ultimately, leaves the audience to decide which legend reigns supreme. Joining Molly are Shannon Custer, championing Frankenstein’s misunderstood creation, and Kate Wexler, advocating for the beloved Frosty the Snowman. Tiger, an enthusiastic trumpet and percussion player interning at a planetarium, serves as the impartial judge.

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Debate Structure and Rules

Molly Bloom outlines the format of the debate, which consists of four distinct rounds:

1. Declaration of Greatness: Each debater presents a well-crafted argument highlighting why their side is superior.
2. Micro Round: Debaters respond creatively to a specific prompt—in this case, a babysitting job scenario.
3. Sneak Attack: An improvised challenge where debaters swap theme songs, adapting their character’s theme to the other’s style.
4. Final Six: Each team concisely sums up their side in six words.

After each segment, Tiger awards points based on the strength and creativity of the arguments, while keeping his decisions confidential until the end.

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Round 1: Declaration of Greatness

Shannon Custer kicks off the debate by portraying Frankenstein’s Monster as a figure of immense strength, intelligence, and deep humanity. At [03:14], Shannon emphasizes the creature's enduring legacy in science fiction, stating:

"The book came out way back in 1818. It tells the tale of a monster who was persecuted just for existing. It's a touching story, but more than that, it's also the starting point for all science fiction, AKA the greatest genre of all time."

She highlights the monster's resilience and the universal theme of feeling misunderstood, drawing parallels to the human experience.

Kate Wexler responds by extolling the virtues of Frosty the Snowman, emphasizing his role as a beacon of joy and magic during winter. Referencing the 1950s song, Kate celebrates Frosty's ability to bring happiness without the dark undertones associated with Frankenstein’s creation. At [11:11], she notes:

"He shows us how to be in the moment. He's not worrying about how he's gonna melt one day. He's having fun."

This upbeat portrayal serves to contrast Frosty's lighter, more positive influence.

Notable Quote:

Shannon Custer [03:14]: "Mary Shelley combined wild fantasy with cutting edge scientific ideas from her time to make a new type of story."

Judge's Feedback: At [08:07], Tiger commends Shannon’s creative introduction, likening it to the origin of Wreck It Ralph:

"Well, the beginning with the monster support group was the beginning of Wreck It Ralph, and I absolutely loved it."

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Round 2: Micro Round – Babysitter Scenario

In the Micro Round, debaters must convince parents why their character would make the ideal babysitter.

Kate Wexler presents Frosty as the perfect winter babysitter, blending fun activities with educational moments. At [23:29], she proclaims:

"I'm a jolly, happy babysitter who loves sledding, playing freeze tag, making snow angels, snow forts, and snow cones."

She underscores Frosty's ability to turn a snow day into a magical experience while subtly integrating lessons on climate change.

Shannon Custer attempts to pitch Frankenstein’s Monster as a caregiver but falters humorously. Her delivery, marked by playful stuttering and fragmented sentences, highlights the monster's physical prowess yet fails to convey genuine caregiving qualities. At [25:36], Shannon humorously lists skills:

"Skilled at stitching up cuts. Work experience. Been in over hundred movies."

Notable Quote:

Kate Wexler [23:29]: "I'll show you kids how to make the perfect snowball, how to skate, how to construct the coolest snow sculptures you'll ever see."

Judge's Feedback: Tiger humorously critiques Shannon's attempt, questioning the feasibility of the monster's typing abilities with his large fingers:

"How was Frank typing with those giant fingers?" at [28:09]

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Round 3: Sneak Attack – Theme Song Swap

Debaters are challenged to adapt their character's theme song to the other’s style, testing their creativity and understanding of both characters.

Shannon Custer transforms Frankenstein’s Monster’s theme into a bouncy tune, infusing it with a lighter rhythm:

"Frank is a monster. He will never, never melt. He will have some fun and make Mac and cheese. Thumpity, thump, thump, thumpity thump, thump." [29:27]

Kate Wexler attempts a moody rendition of Frosty’s theme in the style of Michael Jackson’s "Thriller," resulting in a humorous and slightly offbeat performance:

"Frosty, Frosty the snowman He's a jolly, happy soul..." [30:00]

Notable Quote:

Shannon Custer [29:27]: "I'll never leave you with a traffic cop."

Judge's Feedback: At [31:07], Tiger awards points based on the originality and execution of the theme swaps, finding Shannon’s effort more compelling.

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Round 4: Final Six Words

Each debater encapsulates their side's essence in six words.

Kate Wexler for Frosty the Snowman:

"We all have magic within us." [31:25]

Shannon Custer for Frankenstein’s Monster:

"Strong, tall, friend, always has back." [31:34]

Judge's Feedback: Tiger reflects on the emotional resonance and succinctness of the six-word summaries, ultimately favoring Shannon’s portrayal.

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Conclusion of the Debate

After tallying the points, Frankenstein’s Monster is crowned the winner, much to Kate’s playful dismay. The debaters engage in lighthearted banter, reinforcing the friendly and familial atmosphere of the show.

Notable Quote:

Tiger [32:38]: "Frosty was making the children break the law."

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State of Debate: Understanding Logical Fallacies

Transitioning to the educational segment, Smash Boom Best delves into the State of Debate, where Shannon and Molly dissect logical fallacies. They focus on the red herring fallacy, exemplified by an amusing skit of two adults derailing a debate over stadium food with irrelevant arguments about face paint.

Notable Quote:

Molly Bloom [17:14]: "Red herring fallacies make me so mad. That's when someone doesn't have any good points to make, so they change the topic to something easier to argue about."

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Promotions and Upcoming Events

Molly and Shannon announce an upcoming live science-themed stage show at the Boulder Theater in Colorado, featuring interactive elements like magic tricks and dance moves, followed by a VIP party. They also promote other podcasts within the Brains on Universe family, encouraging listeners to explore more content.

Final Shout-Outs and Wrap-Up

The episode concludes with heartfelt shout-outs from participants, celebrating family connections and the collaborative spirit of the Smash Boom Best community. Tiger encourages listeners to participate in future debates, such as the suggested peanut butter versus almond butter showdown.

Notable Quote:

Kate Wexler [34:53]: "I'll give a shout out to our dog King because he is also going to be there for our movie nights watching Frankenstein. That's really true and Frosty."

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Conclusion

This episode of Smash Boom Best masterfully balances entertaining debate with educational moments, all while fostering a sense of community and familial bonds. Whether you're a fan of the classic horror of Frankenstein or the joyous charm of Frosty the Snowman, the show ensures a fun and thought-provoking experience for listeners of all ages.

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Don’t Forget to Vote!

As always, listeners are encouraged to visit smashboom.org to cast their votes on who they believe won the debate between Frankenstein’s Monster and Frosty the Snowman.

Transcript

[Shannon Custer]

From the brains behind brains on, it's.

[Tiger]

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 epic battle between two legendary characters. Frankenstein's monster versus Frosty the Snowman. We've got theater maker Shannon Custer here to champion the misunderstood man made Marvel Frankenstein's monster.

[Shannon Custer]

Kids good. Fire bad. Let's monster mashes.

[Molly Bloom]

And student and actor and the first ever former smashboom Best judge to be a grown up debater, Kate Wexler is here to fight for the frozen fellow team Frosty the Snowman.

[Kate Wexler]

Thumpity thump thump. Who's that jolly happy soul? Well, it's Frosty the Snowman.

[Molly Bloom]

And these debaters aren't just fierce competitors, they're family in a Smashboom Best. First, this mother daughter duo is facing off to discover if science or snow will win the day. And here to judge it all is Tiger from Rochester, New York. Tiger loves to play trumpet and percussion, has a deep passion for storytelling and recently started interning at a planetarium. Hi, Tiger. Woot woot.

[Tiger]

Insert jazz hands here.

[Molly Bloom]

So, Tiger, I'm guessing since you work at the planetarium, you like space?

[Tiger]

Oh, yeah, definitely. Astronomy is like my sphere of science.

[Molly Bloom]

So what do you love about space?

[Tiger]

There's so much speculation. I guess it's not even remotely close to something that already happens. Like, I know it sounds really cheesy, but the Fermi paradox, which like, explains why we haven't found any aliens yet, and the Kardashev scale, which is like ranking one through five civilizations. And it's like really interesting. Think of what could be out there from a different perspective. Like if we were ants, humans might as well be aliens. You know, you.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, that's really, really cool. So you've been a judge for us before. Do you have any advice for our debaters today?

[Tiger]

References. It's all about the references.

[Molly Bloom]

Will Tiger side with Shannon or Kate? 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 judge Tiger will award points to the team that impresses him the most. But he'll keep his decisions top secret. The end of the debate, listeners, we want you to judge too. Mark down your points as you listen. At the end of the show, head to our website, smashboom.org and vote for whichever team you think won? Okay, Shannon, Kate and Tiger, are you ready?

[Shannon Custer]

Oh, yeah. Ready. Ready, Ready.

[Kate Wexler]

Yes. Yes.

[Shannon Custer]

Yes.

[Tiger]

Yep.

[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 statement. We flipped a coin. And Shannon, you're up first. Tell us what makes Frankenstein's monster so unforgettable?

[Shannon Custer]

Being a monster is really hard. People are always yelling at you, chasing you, and trying to show you the error of your ways. It's kind of like being a kid. But monsters have something kids don't have. Monster support groups. Hello, Me. Frankenstein's monster. Or Frankenstein for short. Hi, Frankenstein. Scientists make me, and now people hate me. What did me ever do to people? Blah. Hey, it's okay.

[Molly Bloom]

You're great.

[Shannon Custer]

You're as strong as Wolfman.

[Molly Bloom]

Blah.

[Shannon Custer]

Yeah, Dracula's right. You're super smart, like the creature from the Black Lagoon. And immortal, like Dracula. In fact, you might be the greatest monster there is. Really? Yes, Frankenstein. You're the biggest, smartest, strongest monster in the world. But you know what else you are? What? Blah. You're also the kindest. Oh, you monsters. So nice. How sweet. Who knew monsters were so in touch with their feelings? Well, I did, because I've read the original Frankenstein. The book came out way back in 1818. It tells the tale of a monster who was persecuted just for existing. It's a touching story, but more than that, it's also the starting point for all science fiction, AKA the greatest genre of all time. It all starts with Mary Shelley. She was on vacation with her husband and a friend, and they had a contest to see who could write the scariest story. Okay, Mary, what did you write?

[Molly Bloom]

A most chilling account of a man built out of the limbs of the dead. His decaying flesh awakened through the workings of science and technology. Once alive, he must grapple with his own wretched humanity.

[Kate Wexler]

Hmm.

[Shannon Custer]

Okay. But does he stand there with a corn cup? I bend a butt and nose into.

[Kate Wexler]

Eyes made out of coal.

[Shannon Custer]

He does not. Mary Shelley combined wild fantasy with cutting edge scientific ideas from her time to make a new type of story. Since then, we've enjoyed more than a century of incredible science fiction. Star Wars. Thank Frankenstein. The Avengers. Thank Frankenstein. Transformers. Oh, wait, let me check my notes, because Psych. Thank Frankenstein. Deep down, Frankenstein just wants love. But because he's so different, people hate and fear him. And can't we all relate to feeling different and feeling misunderstood? As a mom, I gotta say I can also relate to the creator, Dr. Frankenstein. A well intentioned person creating a misunderstood monster who's afraid of pitchforks and apparently calling her own mother. Frankenstein is such a good story, we keep creating new versions of it. Did you know there are over 180 Frankenstein inspired movies? That's way more than the number of Frosty movies.

[Molly Bloom]

For tonight's Frankenstein movie night, I thought we could watch Young Frankenstein, the College Years, and then the Bride of Frankenstein. Hey, mom, can we watch a Christmas movie?

[Shannon Custer]

Sure.

[Molly Bloom]

Let's watch the Munster's Scary Little Christmas featuring Frankenstein. Wow, that guy's in a lot of movies.

[Shannon Custer]

People love Frankenstein's monster because he's innocent, strong, and curious. You can put this guy in any situation and have a great time. There's chills, thrills, and also humanity. The monster feels deeply and that makes us feel for him. That's why he stood the test of time and why I love him. You love me? Well, yeah. You're one of the greats. Thank you, Shannon. Have hug. That's a little tight.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, that's a big, good monster hug. We all love Frankenstein. Tiger, what stood out to you about Shannon's declaration of greatness?

[Tiger]

Well, the beginning with the monster support group was the beginning of Wreck It Ralph, and I absolutely loved it.

[Molly Bloom]

Any facts you learned about Frankenstein that stood out to you?

[Tiger]

Uh, yeah. I didn't know Mary Shelley's friend thought Frosty was so scary.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Kate, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why Frankenstein's monster is just an imposter. You've got 30 seconds and your time starts now.

[Kate Wexler]

Okay, so one thing that stood out to me was that Frankenstein doesn't give the best hugs, but guess who does? Frosty. And I mean, you know Frankenstein. I know he's misunderstood and whatnot, but he scares people. He's scary, but, you know, I know he has a heart, but Frosty, all wholesome little, you know, he's like candy Frankenstein. Okay, I had a point.

[Shannon Custer]

Oh, God. Okay, yeah, here's the thing.

[Molly Bloom]

Hugs.

[Shannon Custer]

Have you tried to hug snow? It's just. It's like it turns into a puddle quicker than you can. It's just wet. And there's nothing worse than being like. And I'm cold and I don't know what's happening.

[Kate Wexler]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Kate, it is your turn. Tell us why Frosty the Snowman is a winter wonder.

[Kate Wexler]

I could go on and on about how much I love Frosty the Snowman, and I will. But first, I reached out to an expert who knows Frosty better than anyone. She sent me this audio clip.

[Molly Bloom]

Is this thing on? Are we rolling? Oh, hello there. It's me, Crystal. As you can see, I am made of snow. I'm from the 1976 animated sequel to Frosty the Snowman. Frosty's winter Wonderland. Spoiler alert. We get married. In the end, I'm talking quietly because my little sweetie is taking his afternoon snow nap. Frosty works so hard bringing joy and magic to children during the day that he gets tuckered out in the afternoons. Now, I know my Frosty would easily win any debate, especially one against an underachieving loner monster. But let's not belabor that fact. There are many other fun points to focus on. Like he's not just Frosty the Snowman, but also Frosty the kind man, the good man. He's brave, despite facing challenges like melting in warm weather or having to stand up to troublemakers like Jack Frost. No matter what, Frosty never gives up. He may be cold in temperature, but he sure is warm in heart. Oh, that's him. I better bring him his afternoon snack. A snowflake surprise. It's a bowl of snow with a surprise inside. The surprise is more snow. Ta ta.

[Shannon Custer]

Now.

[Kate Wexler]

Wow, what a treat to hear from Mrs. Frosty herself. Frosty the Snowman comes from a song written in the 1950s. It's all about a snowman who comes to life when children place a magical hat on his head.

[Shannon Custer]

Frosty the Snowman was a jolly, happy soul with a corn cob pipe and a button nose and his eyes made out of coal. Frosty the Snowman.

[Kate Wexler]

Man, that song slaps fun fact. The song never mentions Christmas. Frosty is a secular hero, but he's often associated with the spirit of Christmas because he's all about winter, magic, wonder and optimism. He teaches us to look for magic in everyday moments, such as a beautiful snowflake landing on your sleeve or snuggling under a warm, fuzzy sleep scarf on a cold day. He shows us how to be in the moment. He's not worrying about how he's gonna melt one day. He's having fun. Now. He doesn't panic and get upset when he starts to melt. He just calmly says, I'll be back again someday. What great life lessons. I'd hate to see what lessons kids are getting from Frankenstein.

[Molly Bloom]

Hey, mom, school was great Today we read this long, morbid book called Frankenstein. I learned so much.

[Tiger]

Now I can stitch body parts together.

[Molly Bloom]

Use grunt based communication and fashion a wonderful set of neck bolts.

[Kate Wexler]

But I get it. Horror can be fun. Lucky for you, our man Frosty has range. There's a slasher movie called Frosty for you gore fans. If you're in the rom com type, try 2024's hit Hot Frosty, where a snowman comes to life as a sizzling hunk who teaches a town to believe in love. Again.

[Shannon Custer]

Babe, I may be made of snow, but you're the one making me melt.

[Kate Wexler]

But Nothing beats the 1969 Frosty cartoon, which I watch with my mom every year. You know my mom, Shannon? The woman I'm debating today? The woman who loves Christmas so much that she goes wild every year with decorations. Santa's, Holly, Rudolph's from floor to ceiling. And each year, without fail, she delicately places her beloved Frosty ornament on the tree. It's thanks to her and Frosty that I still find myself in wide eyed wonderment every Christmas season. Gosh, Mom, I'm trying hard to think if we've ever watched Frankenstein together or read a page from it, or even talked about it at all. Hmm. It's like that story never mattered to you.

[Shannon Custer]

Hmm.

[Kate Wexler]

Interesting. Anyway, Frosty rules.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, a heartwarming declaration of greatness for a cold little fella. All right, Tiger, what did you think about Kate's argument? Any moments stand out?

[Tiger]

Sorry. Practicing my grump based communication. Okay, I'm not gonna lie. We've never even talked about Frankenstein. That's kind of a red flag.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Shannon, it's time for your rebuttal. Tell us why Frosty the Snowman is really like. No, man, you've got 30 seconds. And go.

[Shannon Custer]

I've been protecting you, Kate. If you look at the source material and Tiger, you wanted references. If you look at this particular song, he's not great with these kids. He makes them chase and he holds a broom. And then he takes him into the village and leaves him with a traffic cop. And the whole time they know that any minute he's just gonna melt. What a horrible day. Anytime there's sun or warmth, he's not gonna be around. Can't do anything indoors. He is a dark, cold creature that is going to eventually melt.

[Molly Bloom]

And time.

[Shannon Custer]

He's also a sm.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Tiger, it is time to award some points. Please give one point to the declaration of greatness that you liked best and one point to the rebuttal that won you over. You get to decide what makes a winning argument. Did one team's jokes make you giggle? Was another team's logic impeccable? Award your points, but don't tell us who they're going to. Have you made your decision?

[Tiger]

I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent. Kate and Shannon. How are you two feeling so far?

[Shannon Custer]

I'm all right. I'm hanging in there. You know what?

[Kate Wexler]

I'm feeling pretty good.

[Shannon Custer]

Oh, okay.

[Molly Bloom]

Good.

[Shannon Custer]

Me too. I'm feeling pretty good.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah?

[Shannon Custer]

Mm. Yeah. Are you? I feel great.

[Molly Bloom]

I feel great. It is time for a quick break. Polish up your neck bolts and put on your top hat.

[Tiger]

We'll be right back with more smash. Boom.

[Molly Bloom]

Best. You're listening to State of Debate, home.

[Shannon Custer]

To ragin rhetoric and awe inspiring argumentation. Welcome, welcome, welcome. It's me, debate dude with a good attitude. Todd Douglas.

[Molly Bloom]

And I'm Taylor Lincoln, the extinguisher of fallacies, the exterminator of bad arguments, the destroyer of world.

[Shannon Custer]

Um, Taylor, you okay?

[Molly Bloom]

Sure am. Logical fallacies just really get under my skin, you know?

[Shannon Custer]

Totally. They're statements that make your arguments weaker, and no one wants that. Speaking of, I recently spotted a red herring fallacy in the wild.

[Molly Bloom]

Ooo. Red herring fallacies make me so mad. That's when someone doesn't have any good points to make, so they change the topic to something easier to argue about.

[Shannon Custer]

Check out these two grown adults arguing over whether or not to buy snacks at the big baseball game. It's so fun to finally see a game in person. Right, Jerome? The energy is electric. Oh, you said it, Gerald. And don't forget about the delicious, tasty yummerrific stadium snacks. Not sure I'd call them yummerific. I think I'd call them overpriced.

[Molly Bloom]

No way.

[Shannon Custer]

The price is totally worth it. A hot dog tastes so much better at the stadium. No way is it worth it. I can't justify paying $18 for a hot dog. That's why I packed my own snacks. You snuck in a giant sandwich in your pocket that's gonna taste like all the pennies and lint. Your sandwich is yucky. That's why you need to buy stadium snacks. I think storing it in a pocket gives it more flavor. Besides, I thought we were arguing whether stadium food is worth it, not whether my snacks are tasty or not.

[Molly Bloom]

Wowza. Jerome decided he had no good way to argue stadium food is worth it. So he changed the subject.

[Shannon Custer]

The red paint is for your faces to show your team colors, not for the herring you snuck in your pocket.

[Molly Bloom]

Excuse me, that was a clumsy way.

[Shannon Custer]

Of saying red herring fallacies are not a good idea.

[Molly Bloom]

Ah, Todd, you're not clumsy. You have a quiet elegance and grace. Aw, thanks, Taylor.

[Shannon Custer]

And that's all we have time for.

[Molly Bloom]

On this week's state of debate. Hey, friends. Molly Sandon and Mark here with some very big news. Drumroll, please.

[Shannon Custer]

We're hitting the road in search of adventure, fresh air, and you.

[Tiger]

That's right.

[Shannon Custer]

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.

[Shannon Custer]

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.

[Shannon Custer]

Oh, that reminds me, I've gotta start training. These hands aren't gonna high five by themselves. Five and 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. Since you're a fan of Smash Boom Best, you'll love the other shows in our universe. Come on, let's explore.

[Shannon Custer]

It's alien exercise hour. Hi yah ho ha.

[Kate Wexler]

While I starch my snoodles and bounce.

[Shannon Custer]

On my trampolini, I'll listen to a new podcast.

[Kate Wexler]

I'm going to try Brains on, the.

[Molly Bloom]

Best science podcast ever.

[Shannon Custer]

It's starting. Yay.

[Molly Bloom]

Hello and welcome to Pop Planet, the only show that gets you up close and personal with space.

[Shannon Custer]

I'm your host, star Eden Zorp. Come back here.

[Kate Wexler]

Podcast must listen to Brains on now.

[Molly Bloom]

Listen to Brains on wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, debate heads. It's Joy Dolo, your smashboom bestie and host of Forever Ago, a history podcast for the whole family. We're working on a Forever Ago episode all about school uniforms and we want to hear from you. To school uniform or to not school uniform. That is the debate. We want to hear your awesome arguments for either side. Record yourself telling us your name, age, and whether your team's school uniform or no school uniform and why. Then send it to [e-mail] contact. Can't wait to hear from you.

[Shannon Custer]

Smashboom Best.

[Molly Bloom]

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

[Tiger]

And I'm your judge, tiger.

[Molly Bloom]

And we love getting debate suggestions from our listeners. Take a Listen to this tasty debate idea from Liza. Hi, I'm Liza from Plymouth, Minnesota. My debate question is peanut butter versus almond butter.

[Tiger]

Now that's not your average debate.

[Molly Bloom]

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

[Tiger]

And now it's back to our debate. Frankenstein's monster versus Frosty the Snowman.

[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. Advance. Shannon and Kate, your prompt was Babysitter. We asked you to pretend your side was interviewing for a babysitting job and to tell the parents why you're the perfect candidate to care for their kids. Shannon went first last time. So, Kate, you're up. Tell us why Frosty would make such a great babysitter.

[Kate Wexler]

Well, hi there, busy parents. Frosty, Here. Picture this. Your alarm goes off. You wake up to a big, stressful workday. You roll out of bed and notice there's a blizzard outside. That's when you get the text. Oh, icicles. School's canceled. It's a snow day. Yay.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, no.

[Kate Wexler]

Do you call into your work and tell them that you can't come in? Are you in a flurry trying to find the last minute babysitter? Well, look no further. I know how to make snow days a blast for your kids and worry free for you. There's no business like snow business. And boy, do I know snow business. I'm a jolly, happy babysitter who loves sledding, playing freeze tag, making snow angels, snow forts, and snow cones. Oh, boy, do I make a good snow snow cone. And just because school's canceled doesn't mean we put the freeze on learning. I'll show you kids how to make the perfect snowball, how to skate, how to construct the coolest snow sculptures you'll ever see. Plus, I'll teach your kids about climate change. Global warming is a topic I care deeply about. Given my tendency to melt in warm weather, life without snow is unbearable. And most importantly, I'm very mindful of making sure everyone is safe and warm while playing in the snow. You'll never see me without my signature hat and scarf. So the next time there's a snow day, call good old Frosty for magical, stress free fun for all.

[Molly Bloom]

Wow. Frosty's gonna educate my kids on the many, many snow days they have here in Minnesota. Very useful. All right, Shannon, now it's your turn. Why would Frankenstein's monster make the perfect caregiver.

[Shannon Custer]

Need babysitting job. Need money for new shiny neck bolts. Turn on computer. Name me monster Frank. And delete, delete, delete. Frank. Frank. Frank. Mons. Frank Mons. Here to babysit human kids while you do work or fancy dinner night. Competitive rates. Skills 8ft tall. Pick up big things. No fire, please. Can do piggyback rides with all children in neighborhood and pets at same time. Can blow up tires on bike with face. Make good Mac and cheese. Skilled at stitching up cuts. Work experience. Been in over hundred movies. Push snow off sidewalk with hands. One time helped peasants. Phone number 00. Email monster18aar18aol.com and save. Save. Hmm. Print, then get job. Mmm. Print. No paper. Need paper. Whoops. Clean up mess, then get job.

[Kate Wexler]

Wow.

[Molly Bloom]

I really felt Frankenstein's existential pain and having to go through that process. Tiger, what stood out to you about Shannon and Kate's micro rounds? Nah.

[Tiger]

How was Frank typing with those giant fingers?

[Shannon Custer]

Giant keyboard, Tiger. Giant keyboard.

[Tiger]

One thing I noticed is that Frosty can teach the kids, but can Frank?

[Kate Wexler]

Mm.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, it is time to award a point, Tiger. The criteria are totally subjective and totally up to you. Have you made your decision?

[Tiger]

I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Fantastic. Then it's time for our third round, the super stealthy sneak attack. This is our improvised round where debaters have to respond to a challenge on the spot. Today's sneak attack is called Theme Song Swap. We want you to improvise a new theme song for your side, but in the style and genre of the other side. So that means the Frosty song might be kind of spooky, and the Frankenstein song might be kind of jolly. Does that make sense, debaters?

[Shannon Custer]

Mm. Oh, yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

Yes. Wonderful. All right, we're gonna start with Shannon. Let's hear your bouncy tun for Frankenstein's monster.

[Shannon Custer]

Okay. Frank is a monster. He will never, never melt. He will have some fun and make Mac and cheese. Thumpity, thump, thump, thumpity thump, thump. I'll never leave you with a traffic cop.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, excellent work. A new theme song that's gonna be running through all of our heads all the time. All right, Kate, it is your turn. Let's hear your morose melody for Frosty the Snowman.

[Kate Wexler]

All right, I got it. Okay. Frosty, Frosty the snowman He's a jolly, happy soul that loves kids he likes to go sledding and has a bunny friend Frosty the Snowman. I tried with Thriller.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, that was Thriller.

[Kate Wexler]

I don't know what happened. I think I left my body a little bit during that.

[Molly Bloom]

I can picture Frosty doing The Thriller dance, though, in my head now, so that's.

[Tiger]

Yeah, I can.

[Kate Wexler]

You know, because he's more in the winter spirit. He's not in the Halloween land, so, like, maybe he listens to a little bit of Thriller, but he doesn't know it fully.

[Molly Bloom]

Fair. Very fair.

[Kate Wexler]

He tries his best.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah. We're all doing the best we can, including casting. Okay, Tiger, it is time to award a point for this wonderful theme song Swap. 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?

[Tiger]

I have.

[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. Kate, let's hear your six words for the fantastical Frosty.

[Kate Wexler]

We all have magic within us.

[Molly Bloom]

Hmm. Very nice. Shannon, it's your turn. Give us six words for the formidable Frankenstein's monster.

[Shannon Custer]

Strong, tall, friend, always has back.

[Molly Bloom]

Very nice. Ooh, this is tough. Tiger, you need to award a final point for this final six. Have you made your decision?

[Tiger]

This is intense.

[Molly Bloom]

It's hard, it's tough, but I know you can do it. You are an honest, unbiased, fair judge.

[Tiger]

I have made my decision.

[Molly Bloom]

Are you ready to crown one team the smashboom best?

[Tiger]

Yeah. Yeah, I am.

[Molly Bloom]

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

[Tiger]

Frankenstein's monster.

[Kate Wexler]

Ho.

[Shannon Custer]

Oh, yeah.

[Kate Wexler]

Oh, no.

[Shannon Custer]

Yes. This is Halloween.

[Kate Wexler]

Yeah.

[Shannon Custer]

I'm so sorry, honey. How are you feeling? Kate? Are you okay?

[Kate Wexler]

No, I'm feeling good.

[Shannon Custer]

You're still magical.

[Kate Wexler]

Aw, thanks.

[Molly Bloom]

Aw. Now, Tiger, what was the moment that really decided it, or what was your favorite part of the debate?

[Tiger]

Frosty was making the children break the law.

[Molly Bloom]

And he's a smoker. All right, all right. Excellent points, I guess.

[Shannon Custer]

Yeah. Different times, different times, different times.

[Tiger]

They were very different times.

[Shannon Custer]

Okay. Hi, Kate. Kate, I appreciated your emphasis on magic and climate change and snow days. I'm a big fan of all those things. I mean, I'm not a fan of climate change, but I'm a fan of educating about climate change, and I love magic. And so I really appreciated your whimsical take in this debate.

[Kate Wexler]

Mom, I loved your micro round. It was so funny. And I could just see him in my mind trying to type all of that out, and I loved that. I haven't thought about Frankenstein in a while, and you know what? I feel like he's a friend, you know?

[Shannon Custer]

Aw, that's good.

[Kate Wexler]

Yeah.

[Shannon Custer]

We'll watch all the movies. It'll Take a couple years, but we will watch all the movies.

[Kate Wexler]

Yay.

[Molly Bloom]

And that's it for today's debate Battle Tiger crowned Frankenstein's monster the Smashboom best. But what about you?

[Tiger]

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

[Molly Bloom]

Smash Boom Best is brought to you by Brains on and APM Studios. It's produced by me, Molly Bloom, Anna Weikle and Aron Woldeselassi. We had engineering help from Alex Simpson, Johnny Eduard, Imani Warren and Coleman Connolly with sound design by Anna Wegel. Our editors are Shayla Farzon and Sandon Totten with fact checking by Rebecca Rand. And we had production help from the rest of the brainzyne Universe team. Rosie Dupont, Rachel Breese, Anna Goldfield, Nico Gonzalez Whistler, Ruby Guthrie, Lauren Humphert, Joshua Wright, Mark Sanchez and Charlotte Traver. Our executive producer. Our 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, Taylor Kaufman, Luna and Coco Shannon. Is there anyone you'd like to give a shout out to today?

[Shannon Custer]

Oh my gosh. Kate. Kate all the way in Chicago. Come home soon.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, and how about you, Kate? Any special shout outs?

[Kate Wexler]

I mean I'll give a shout out to my mom I guess, but I also to give a shout out to our dog King because he is also going to be there for our movie nights watching Frankenstein. That's really true and frosty.

[Shannon Custer]

And thank you to smashboom best 100%.

[Molly Bloom]

This is very special for us because Kate has been a part of Brains on Universe since she was a little girl and now she's a grown up and she is a debater on smashboom Best. Incredible. Tiger. Do you want to give any special thanks or shout outs?

[Tiger]

Yeah, I want, I want to thank my family, mostly my mom because she drove me here and also everyone here at smashboom Best.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, I love it. Before we go, let's check in and see who Liza thinks should win the peanut butter versus almond butter debate. I think peanut butter would win because it is more common.

[Tiger]

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 make sure to subscribe to Brains on Universe on YouTube where you can watch animated versions of some of your favorite episodes. We'll be back with a new smashboom Best Debate Battle next week. Accordions versus bagpipes. Bye.

[Shannon Custer]

See ya. Bye.

[Molly Bloom]

Bye.

[Tiger]

Generic goodbye statement.

[Shannon Custer]

You guys, my mic is working perfectly, so I'm just waiting for my daughter to pull it together.

[Kate Wexler]

I'm sorry, Mom.