Grand Canyon vs. Mount Everest

Summary

Smash Boom Best: Grand Canyon vs. Mount Everest

Podcast: Smash Boom Best – A Funny, Smart Debate Show for Kids and Family
Host: Molly Bloom (Brains On Universe)
Debaters: Shayna Montanari (Grand Canyon) and Kasha Patel (Mount Everest)
Judge: Elena
Date: June 19, 2019

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Episode Overview

This episode presents a spirited debate between two geological giants: the Grand Canyon and Mount Everest. Debaters Shayna Montanari (Grand Canyon) and Kasha Patel (Mount Everest) compete over several rounds—sharing science, stories, clever quips, and poetry—to persuade judge Elena which natural wonder rules supreme. The tone is lively, informative, and full of witty banter that’s as entertaining for kids as it is educational.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Stance Reveal (00:00–04:18)

• Main Theme: Which is the coolest and most impressive landform: the ancient, majestic Grand Canyon or the world’s tallest and most daunting peak, Mount Everest?
• Opening Thoughts:
  • Elena (Judge): Immediately leans toward Grand Canyon due to its warmth:

    "The Grand Canyon, because it's very warm and I do not like cold." (01:49)

  • Debaters’ Summaries:
    • Shayna (Grand Canyon): "18 miles wide, one mile deep, all amazing." (02:44)
    • Kasha (Mount Everest): "People will be so much more impressed if you say you climbed Mount Everest than just, like, hiked the Grand Canyon." (03:02)

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2. Declaration of Greatness – Grand Canyon (04:34–09:24)

Shayna’s key points:

• Incomparable Beauty & Scale:
  • Quotes explorer John Wesley Powell describing the canyon as beyond words and images.
  • Personal awe: "It looked quiet and surreal, like a larger than life oil painting." (05:01)
• Time-Travel Through Geology:
  • Layers showcase nearly 2 billion years of earth’s history.
  • “There is almost nowhere else on the planet you can take a stroll through the timeline of life, except in the Grand Canyon. It’s the best time machine available in the world.” (07:44)
• Wildlife:
  • Home to rare California condors, elk, bats, and 90+ mammal species.
• Accessibility:
  • Easy to visit: Over 6 million people a year. Various activities for all ages, including the Skywalk.
  • “It’s got something for everyone...” (08:36)

Elena’s Impression:

"I do like me some animals." (09:31)

• Especially interested in seeing the rare bird (California condor).

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3. Rebuttal – Mount Everest (09:52–10:31)

Kasha’s counter:

• Argues Grand Canyon’s accessibility means it’s crowded and “not that quiet.”
• Dismisses the rocks as “just a bunch of old rocks… same one that's in the Grand Canyon.”
• Shades Grand Canyon’s wildlife: “Yeah, there might be some birds and bats and bison but it's not as cool as what you can find in Mount Everest.”

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4. Declaration of Greatness – Mount Everest (11:07–15:33)

Kasha’s key points:

• Ultimate Test of Endurance:
  • Only half of those who attempt actually summit.
  • Demanding, deadly, takes year-long physical/mental training and dealing with dangers:

    “You also have to poop on the side of a mountain for two months while you're hiking.” (12:37)

• Rich History/Formation:
  • Formed by plate tectonics; 60+ million years old.
  • “This is like the Shaquille O’Neal of mountains, both because of its impressiveness and tallness.” (13:41)
• Wildlife:
  • Fewer animals but unique—snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan black bears.
• Cultural Significance:
  • Called “Kamalungma” (Holy Mountain) in Tibetan.
• Climate Change Vulnerability:
  • Shares risks facing Himalayan glaciers.

Elena’s Impression:

"I liked the animals a lot. Like, I've really been wanting to see red pandas and snow leopards..." (15:39)

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5. Rebuttal – Grand Canyon (15:55–16:27)

Shayna’s counter:

• Cautions that Everest is dangerous and that “if you die on Mount Everest, they just leave your body there, and then it comes to a frozen Popsicle.”
• Emphasizes safety and greater abundance/diversity of Grand Canyon wildlife.

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6. Round Decisions (16:52–17:22)

• Elena marks points for each round privately—tension is high between debaters!

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7. Micro Round: Sonnet Slam (20:43–22:28)

Challenge: Write a 14-line sonnet about your landform.

• Kasha (Everest; excerpt):

  "Let me compare you to a Grand Canyon.
  Those boring rocks are just decomposing.
  You are a daredevil’s dream companion.
  You’re more imposing, made from bulldozing." (20:51–21:10)

• Shayna (Grand Canyon; excerpt):

  "The sun rises and lights up the red walls.
  Juniper, sagebrush and old pinyon pine.
  ...
  This ancient canyon so deep and so wide
  the world’s population can fit inside." (21:37–22:28)

Judging:
Both sonnets are praised for beauty. Elena says:

“That was. Wow. That was really nice.” (22:34)

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8. Sneak Attack: Forbidden Letter (23:44–26:16)

Challenge: Describe your side using five points, but do not use your side’s first letter in your words.

• Shayna (Grand Canyon, no “G”):

  • “Old rocks are so awesome.”
  • “You can sleep in a tent and make s’mores.”
  • “Lovely, pristine wilderness and super fun family vacation.”

• Kasha (Mount Everest, no “M”):

  • “Biggest trip you’ll ever do in your life.”
  • “Grander than a canyon.”
  • “Greeted by snow leopards and red pandas.”
  • “Bragging rights forever. You can get knighted from hiking it.”

Elena’s Take:

“I liked how on Mount Everest, they said, grander than a Grand Canyon. Oh, that was very nice. Epic roast.” (26:19)

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9. The Final Six (27:18–28:17)

Six words to make your final plea:

• Kasha (Mount Everest):

  “The Shaquille O’Neal of all mountains.” (27:58)

• Shayna (Grand Canyon):

  “Much more than just a hole.” (28:17)

Banter continues over basketball legends (Michael Jordan vs. Shaq) as metaphors—great energy!

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Nothing prepares you for the Grand Canyon.” —Shayna quoting Bill Bryson (08:59)
• “Climbing Mount Everest is like the ultimate physical and mental test for humans.” —Kasha (11:32)
• “You also have to poop on the side of a mountain for two months while you're hiking.” —Kasha (12:37)
• “If you die on Mount Everest, they just leave your body there, and then it comes to a frozen Popsicle.” —Shayna (15:59)
• “The world’s population can fit inside [the Grand Canyon].” —Shayna (22:28)
• “The Shaquille O’Neal of all mountains.” —Kasha (27:58)
• “Much more than just a hole.” —Shayna (28:17)
• “Mount Everest only won by one point.” —Elena (29:41)
• “I really like the Grand Canyon...it was peaceful and beautiful, and there were rare birds, and they were animals, and I love that.” —Elena (29:51)

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Segment Timestamps

• Intro & Setup: 00:00–04:18
• Declaration of Greatness (Grand Canyon): 04:34–09:24
• Grand Canyon Rebuttal: 09:52–10:31
• Declaration of Greatness (Mt. Everest): 11:07–15:33
• Mt. Everest Rebuttal: 15:55–16:27
• Micro Round (Sonnet Slam): 20:43–22:28
• Sneak Attack (Forbidden Letter): 23:44–26:16
• The Final Six: 27:18–28:17
• Winner Announcement & Reflections: 29:23–31:21

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Verdict

Judge Elena’s Decision:
Winner: Mount Everest (29:23)

Why? Elena was swayed by the challenging adventure Everest offers, its unique animals (“I've really been wanting to see red pandas and snow leopards...”), and her dream of visiting China. She notes it was a very close call and that the Grand Canyon’s serenity and wildlife were also appealing.

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Closing Thoughts:
This episode is a whirlwind of facts, laughter, and creativity. Debaters use vivid imagery, humor, and even a little trash talk to win over the judge—and listeners. Whether you’re into awe-inspiring views or incredible feats of human endurance, you’ll leave with newfound respect for both of these natural wonders.

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Transcript

[Shayna Montanari]

From the brains behind Brains on, it's.

[Elena (Judge)]

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

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Hello, 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, two epic landforms are battling it out in a geological prize fight that's going to rock your world. Our first contestant, at 1.154 miles deep and 277 miles long, hailing from northern Arizona, is the Grand Canyon. And our second contestant, at 5.4979 miles high and over 60 million years old, straddling the border between China and Nepal is Mount Everest. Which one of these stony faced sluggers is going to win this showdown?

[Shayna Montanari]

Mount Everest is for people who are like daring and adventurous.

[Elena (Judge)]

Grand Canyon be in Minnesota. It's really cold and I think it would be really nice in the desert.

[Shayna Montanari]

Anyone could go to Grand Canyon, but not like Everest. Everyone can go to Mount Everest. Grand Canyon is for like family trips. Mount Everest because snow is better than desert heat.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Who will take home first prize in today's Smash Boom battle? The gorgeous Grand Canyon or massive Mount Everest? To help us decide, we've called Elena into the studio to be our judge. Hi, Alaina. Hi. So what do you know about the Grand Canyon?

[Elena (Judge)]

That it's very hot and that it is huge. Absolutely huge. My grandparents go there like every year.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

You might even call it Grand. Yes, Grand. What about Mount Everest? Have you seen any pictures of it before?

[Elena (Judge)]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

And do you already have an opinion? Which one is the Smashboom best? Mount Everest or Grand Canyon?

[Elena (Judge)]

Hmm, the Grand Canyon, because it's very warm and I do not like cold.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

So it's a weather thing for you right now? All right, well, do you get into debates much with your family or friends?

[Elena (Judge)]

My mom sometimes. We were very competitive.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

So what do you find yourself arguing about with your mom?

[Elena (Judge)]

You know, like, let's say I'm touching a railing on escalator. My mom would say something like, yelena, don't touch that. You have no idea how many people have touched that. And said, yeah, but you have no idea how many people who haven't touched that.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

So. So you're just throwing some facts at her. So that is very cool. So now let's introduce our debaters. Here to represent the ginormous, the gargantuan, the gigundo Grand Canyon is Shaina Montanari. Hey, Shayna, in one sentence, why is the Grand Canyon the smash boom best?

[Shayna Montanari]

18 miles wide, one mile deep, all amazing.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

And here to introduce the mega, the mammoth, the monumental Mount Everest is Kasha Patel. Hi, Kasha.

[Kasha Patel]

Hello.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

And Kasha, one sentence. Why is Mount Everest the coolest?

[Kasha Patel]

People will be so much more impressed if you say you climb Mount Everest than just, like, hike the Grand Canyon.

[Shayna Montanari]

Ooh, okay, I should have talked a little more smack.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

You will have plenty of opportunity for smack talking in just a bit. So we will have four rounds of debate. Our first round is the declaration of greatness, where both contestants do an in depth exploration of all the history, facts and lore you need to know about their side. Two is the micro round, a creative challenge the debaters have prepared for in advance. The third round is the sneak attack, a surprise challenge for our debaters. They don't know what's coming, so they've got to think on their feet. The fourth and final round is the final six. In this round, our debaters have one last chance to sway the judge, and they only get six words to do it. After each round, Alayna will award a point to either side. And all you listeners at home, we want you to judge this battle too. So find something to keep score on and. And we'll let you know when it's time to award a point. We've also got a poll on our website. So after the show, go to smashboom.org and vote for whoever you thought won. All right, debaters, are you ready to go? Yes. Oh, yeah.

[Kasha Patel]

Ready.

[Shayna Montanari]

Ready.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Alayna, are you ready to do this?

[Elena (Judge)]

I am ready.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Okay, buckle up for the first round of this smash boom Battle Declaration of greatness. Both of our debaters have trained long and hard for this debate. We flipped a coin and Shana is up first. Ready, Shana?

[Shayna Montanari]

Oh, yeah. Ready to go.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Tell us why the Grand Canyon rocks.

[Shayna Montanari]

You hear that silence? Not just because the Grand Canyon in Arizona is a vast, unspoiled wilderness, which it is, but silence. Because the Grand Canyon is so great, it is almost impossible to describe. Take it from John Wesley Powell, one of the first geologists who explored it in 1869. The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot adequately be represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself. But what about just taking a photo, John? The resources of the graphic art are taxed beyond their powers in attempting to portray its features. That may sound dramatic, but I think he's right. The first time I saw the Grand Canyon 10 years ago, I thought it looked quiet and surreal, like a larger than life oil painting. It was so different than anything I'd ever seen before. I felt like I was on another planet. An 18 mile wide 1 mile deep opening in the ground, carved into permanently sunset colored rocks. It formed around 5 million years ago thanks to the Colorado river and all of its tributaries. They drained off high elevation plateaus for millions of years and over time wore down the rocks like way down, making deep canyons and the most jaw dropping scenery along the way. The Grand Canyon has been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years. But the canyon walls represent something even more ancient. Let's take a tour. Hi everyone, I'm your tour guide. Let's take a stroll into the canyon. As you hike down the slope, you'll see on your right, the shelly remains of a 270 million year old sea creature from the Permian period. As we continue on, you'll see the tiny footprints of long extinct reptiles pressed into the rock. Sadly, these are animals that likely didn't survive the greatest mass extinction in history. Down Here there are 340 million year old trilobites that cruise the ocean floor like roombas.

[Elena (Judge)]

Hey dad, can I have a trilobite?

[Kasha Patel]

Well maybe when you're older kiddo.

[Shayna Montanari]

As we get closer to the bottom, you can see limestone rocks that were formed in this very spot 500 million years ago when the Arizona desert was unrecognizable, made up of shallow salty lagoons. Once you finally hit the bottom, you end up at the Colorado river surrounded by nearly 2 billion year old rocks which are the crystalline remnants of long extinct volcanoes. There is almost nowhere else on the planet you can take a stroll through the timeline of life, except in the Grand Canyon. It's the best time machine available in the world. Move over Tardis. Okay, the tour is over for today. Time to hike back up to the top. If you're thinking, man, I want to spend more time in this amazing place, you're not alone. Over 90 species of mammals and 47 species of reptiles call this canyon home. Some can only be found here. There are bats, bison, hogs, mountain lions, and if you're lucky, you might even spot an elk lumbering around at the rim. It is also a place where you can see one of the rarest birds in the United States. The majestic California condor. Be careful where you step, though. Carefully camouflaged shorthorn lizards could be hiding underfoot, or maybe even a rattlesnake. But you usually hear those before you see them. If all this sounds too amazing to miss, you're in luck. The Grand Canyon is incredibly easy to visit. Over 6 million people a year can visit the Grand Canyon. Much easier to get to than say, a super hard to Reach extremely dangerous Moun. This year, the Grand Canyon celebrates its 100th birthday as an official national park. President Teddy Roosevelt visited Arizona in the Grand Canyon for the first time in 1903, proclaiming it one of the great places every American should see. It's got something for everyone, too. You can snap a shot at the rim, raft the Colorado river, or hike all the way from one side to the other. If you aren't afraid of heights and you're feeling brave, you can even visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glassy walkway that is suspended 4,000ft above the floor of the canyon. But while you're there, be sure to put down your camera, forget the perfect insta shot, and just take it all in, because, as author Bill Bryson said, nothing prepares you for the Grand Canyon.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

A very convincing case for Grand Canyons there. So, Elena, what caught your attention in Shana's argument?

[Elena (Judge)]

I think it was really good. Cause, as she said, it was, like, very quiet and peaceful, which some people may need. I do like me some animals.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Which animals she mentioned seemed the one you'd want to see the most? Hmm.

[Elena (Judge)]

I would like to see the bird, the rare bird.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Very cool. Okay, Kasha, you have 30 seconds to counter Shayna's statement.

[Kasha Patel]

Oh, boy. Only 30 seconds.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Okay, and your time starts now.

[Kasha Patel]

Okay. Shana said the Grand Canyon is impossible to describe. I've been there, and I can describe it in one word.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Boring.

[Kasha Patel]

It's just a bunch of old rocks. It's literally the rock you walk outside, you see, they're like, oh, that's the same one that's in the Grand Canyon. And she says that it's so accessible to people, all that means is there's more tourists. It's really not that quiet unless you go really far down in there. And then once you're down there, yeah, it's not so easy just to climb back up. It takes days to climb back up. And also, yeah, there might be some birds and bats and bison there.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Wow.

[Kasha Patel]

But it's not as cool as what you can find in the Mount Everest.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Oh, nice. Wow. Fighting words.

[Shayna Montanari]

It is accessible, which is a good thing. And it is. But then, yes, okay, it's touristy. But that's, I would say, is a good thing, because more people should see the Grand Canyon because it's a beautiful geologic wonder that we don't get to see, you know, most of the time when we're just, like, living our lives in big cities.

[Kasha Patel]

I've seen pictures. It's the same.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Kasha, it is time for your Declaration of greatness. Leave no stone unturned. Why is Mount Everest the most excellent of elephantine landforms? Kasha, go.

[Kasha Patel]

Okay, listen up, Elena, because I'm gonna tell you one of the most impressive things that humans can do. Climb the great Mount Everest. Let's get in the zone with some appropriate training music. Um, no, no, no. Excuse me. That's the tr. If you're trying to hike something easier like the Grand Canyon, I want the Mount Everest training music. Yeah, yeah. That's what I'm talking about. Yeah. Much better climbing Mount Everest. Only half the people who attempt it actually make it because it's the highest point in the world. Hundreds of people have died trying this. And it takes at least a year of training to build up your physical strength, cardiovascular system and tolerance at really high altitudes. And when you're up there, it's hard to breathe. At its peak, Mount Everest is 29,000ft above sea level. And on your way to the top, the amount of oxygen decreases fast. So you definitely need to bring your own oxygen supply. You're also hiking in sub zero temperatures and risk getting hit with winds greater than 100 miles per hour. That's the same wind speed found in some major hurricanes. You also have to poop on the side of a mountain for two months while you're hiking. Now you're probably wondering, why on earth would anyone want to go all the way to Nepal and go through such a long process just to climb a really tall mountain? First off, it's like the ultimate physical and mental test for humans. In 1953, Edmund Hillary and ten Zig Norgay made history. They were the first people to climb it. Hillary was a beekeeper from New Zealand. And Norgay was a Sherpa, which is one of the native ethnic groups in that area of Nepal. Every year, highly skilled Sherpas help many people to the top by preparing the route, carrying climbing gear and fixing ropes in place. And you're not too young to climb Mount Everest if you train properly. There was a 13 year old boy and girl who made it to the top. Some people have even done this with amputated legs. That is impressive. Second, Mount Everest is more than a mountain. You're climbing a moment of history frozen, literally. You may remember how mountains are formed through plate tectonics. Basically, you have these big land masses that collide when two land masses run into each other. One pushes into the other, rises up and scrunches together. Think about if you have two toy cars and you ram them into each other. One is Going to go on top of the other and rise into the air. That's kind of how Mount Everest was formed. Over 60 million years ago, the landmass that contains present day India was drifting north towards Eurasia. This Indian plate acted like a bulldozer and kept pushing and pushing, and the land crumbled and folded to create the Himalayan mountain range. Mount Everest is just one of several, several mountains in the Himalayas, but it is the most notable. This is like the Shaquille o' Neal of mountains, both because of its impressiveness and tallness.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Can you dig it?

[Kasha Patel]

And on your way to the top of Mount Everest, you won't see much wildlife because cold. But the wildlife you do see is pretty cool, like snow leopards, red pandas, and the Himalayan black bears. Also, fun fact, in Tibetan, the mountain is called Mount King Komalungma, which means holy mountain and is just a fun word to say. Try it. Kamalungma.

[Elena (Judge)]

Kalamangwe.

[Kasha Patel]

Kamalungma.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Komalungma.

[Kasha Patel]

Kamangma. Just like Shaquille o' Neal is no longer the greatest basketball player, shout out to LeBron. Mount Everest might also be in trouble. Cue the public service announcement music. For millions of years, Mount Everest has been standing at the tallest point in the world. But it might just be in trouble now. Because of climate change, temperatures around the world are rising and actually melting the snow on Mount Everest. If this continues, perhaps more than two thirds of Himalayan glaciers could melt by year 2100, which would cause a lot of flooding and crop damage. But to me, that just adds to why it's so special. It appears like this giant, formidable natural wonder, but it has vulnerabilities just like me and you. If you want an adventure that's beautiful, difficult, and elusive, nothing else compares to Mount Everest or Mount Kamalangma.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Wow. Thank you, Kasha. So, Elena, what are a few things that stood out for you in Kasha's declaration?

[Elena (Judge)]

I liked the animals a lot. Like, I've really been wanting to see red pandas and snow leopards, so it'd be really cool.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

All right, Shayna, you have got 30 seconds to respond to Kasha, and your time starts now.

[Shayna Montanari]

One, the greatest basketball player of all time was Michael Jordan. Two, the greatest human accomplishment. I mean, I don't want to die on my vacation. As you said, so many people die trying to climb Mount Everest. A lot of people don't actually make it. And the worst part is that if you die on Mount Everest, they just leave your body there, and then it comes to a frozen Popsicle. And also, as you mentioned there's not as many cool animals. Although the ones that are there are pretty cool, but there's just not as many cool animals to see. You probably won't even see them cause most of them are going extinct now.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Because of climate change.

[Kasha Patel]

Ah, darn it.

[Shayna Montanari]

I had another good burn.

[Kasha Patel]

Too bad.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

So many burns they couldn't fit into 30 seconds. All right, Elena, I don't envy you the decision you have to make, but now it's time to award a point to either Grand Canyon or Team Mount Everest. Don't tell us out loud who you're awarding it to, but mark it down on your score sheet. Have you awarded a point?

[Elena (Judge)]

Yes, I have.

[Kasha Patel]

This is nerve wracking.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Well, was it a hard decision, Elena?

[Shayna Montanari]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Shayna and Kasha are not making your job easy today. Well, listeners, what about you? Have you made up your mind? If not, you can always press pause. Take more time to think about it. And if you want to share a thought about this battle or suggest an idea for another one, head to smashboom.org and send us a note. Okay, debaters, we're going to give you a moment to catch your breath after all that hiking.

[Elena (Judge)]

Stay tuned because we'll be back with some more Smashboom Best.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

You're watching State of Debate.

[Shayna Montanari]

Home to rage and rhetoric and awe inspiring argumentation.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Taylor Lincoln here with six time debate champ Todd Douglas. And we just happened upon a piano and a ukulele arguing about which one of them is the better instrument.

[Todd Douglas]

Ooh, it's a tough call, Taylor.

[Taylor Lincoln]

You can say that again.

[Todd Douglas]

It's a tough call, Taylor.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Tat.

[Taylor Lincoln]

We've talked about this. Anyway, let's hear it.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

I'm really easy to learn. Anyone can play the ukulele. Which means I'm the coolest, most accessible instrument in the world. No way. The piano is the coolest instrument in the world because it's incredibly versatile.

[Shayna Montanari]

In fact, I just talked to the.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Conductor of my school orchestra about it. She's been teaching music for 25 years. She plays ukulele and piano and she.

[Shayna Montanari]

Said the piano is a wonderful instrument because it's used in all genres of music. It helps musicians visualize and understand music theory. And whatever key you hit is what you get. You don't have to spend months trying to perfect your tone before you can make it sound nice.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Dun, dun, dun, dun.

[Taylor Lincoln]

That piano used an awesome debate tactic here, Todd. It's a great idea to use an expert opinion to help your case.

[Todd Douglas]

Yep, that ukulele had trouble bouncing back from that one. He didn't have any expert opinions handy.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Well, er, that pen over there agrees with me. She said ukuleles are fun. Woo.

[Taylor Lincoln]

That was a stinker. He tried to counter an expert opinion with a regular old opinion. Much less convincing.

[Todd Douglas]

Too true. That Pin may think ukuleles are fun, but she has no music credentials. That didn't help the ukulele's argument at all.

[Taylor Lincoln]

You can say that again.

[Todd Douglas]

That didn't help the ukulele's argument at all.

[Elena (Judge)]

Betty is Todd Douglas.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Really?

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Ugh.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Anyway, always make sure the person behind your expert opinion is a trustworthy expert.

[Todd Douglas]

Now go get em debate heads and we'll catch you next time on State of Debate.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Smash Boom. The Best. This is Smash Boom Best, the show about showdowns. Like, have you ever thought about who would win this battle?

[Elena (Judge)]

My debate idea is Narwhals versus Sloths.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

That matchup idea was sent to us by Zofia from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We'll give her a call at the end of the show to see who she thinks would win. Alright, let's get back to our Smash Boom battle of the day. Grand Canyon versus Mount Everest. Our Colossal Canyon and Armando Mountain are playing hardball. So get ready cause it's time for our imaginative challenge micro round. This week's micro round challenge is a sonnet slam. Each contestant has been instructed to prepare a sonnet about their side in advance of this debate. Sonnet means little song in Italian and it's a 14 line poem. Shana went first in the last round, so Kasia will have you take the lead in this one. Let's hear your terrific tribute to the great Mount Everest, Grand Mountain.

[Kasha Patel]

You inspire me to write. I love the way you tower over land, testing hikers all day and through the night. 60 million years you remain and stand. Let me compare you to a Grand Canyon. Those boring rocks are just decomposing. You are a daredevil's dream companion. You're more imposing, made from bulldozing. How are you greater? Let me count the ways. I love your noble, cold, snowy, tall build. Conquering you takes more than 30 days. So many people's bucket list you filled. There's nothing greater than Mount Everest. Anyone who agrees is the cleverest.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Oh, very nicely done, Shaina. Let's hear your rapturous rhymes about the Grand Canyon Channel Shakespeare.

[Shayna Montanari]

Okay, here we go. The sun rises and lights up the red walls. Juniper, sagebrush and old pinyon pine. Over in the trees a spotted owl calls. The rocks, although dusty, all seem to shine Empty canyon water carving through space. The quiet it will leave you so breathless. Feel peace in this magical, tranquil place. The view so still it almost seems endless. Stroll through history with proper footwear. And if you don't want to walk the whole way, you can always ride a donkey down there. There are hooves on the dirt path. Clip, clop and splay this ancient canyon so deep and so wide the world's population can fit inside.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Whoa. That was deep. That was some deep.

[Shayna Montanari]

Literally.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

That was really.

[Elena (Judge)]

That was. Wow. That was really nice.

[Kasha Patel]

I'm just gonna say those donkeys are kind of weak. They're not as stable as you think they are. At least on Mount Everest, you have to use your own two feet to walk. You don't get help from an animal that you force to help you.

[Shayna Montanari]

The donkeys are having fun.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

I like it.

[Kasha Patel]

Oh, did you ask the donkeys?

[Elena (Judge)]

Yeah.

[Kasha Patel]

Did you ask them?

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

They like it. They're Elena listeners at home. Take a moment to consider both sonnets. Wow. It's hard to decide. They were both very beautiful. Excellent rhymes. They were deep, they were deep and tall and wide and grand. All the things. Can you award a point to whoever you think did this smash. Boom. Best? She's mulling it over. It's hard. Go with your gut.

[Elena (Judge)]

I have made my decision.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

She has made her decision. Boom, boom, boom, boom, Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.

[Kasha Patel]

Smash.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Well, it is time for the next round, which is our sneak attack. The sneak attack is a total surprise. Shayna and Kasha don't have any idea what it's going to be. Are you ready to hear your sneak attack round?

[Kasha Patel]

I'm so nervous right now.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

I'm so excited. Your surprise sneak attack is forbidden. Letter. We need you to tell us five awesome things about your side, but you can't use the first letter of your side in any of the words and phrases you use to describe it. For example, if my side was team cake, I wouldn't be able to use the letter C. So I might say birthday dessert. Moist and sweet frosting is the best. Every bite heaven. Give me more. No letter C there.

[Elena (Judge)]

Oh, that's hard.

[Kasha Patel]

The first thing I can think of.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Is M. Yeah, it's like, don't think about it immediately. Have to think about.

[Kasha Patel]

It's like, don't think of a pink elephant right now. That's all I can think of right now.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Exactly. We'll give you a minute to make your list and we'll play some lovely hold music while we're waiting. Mount Everest in China. If you need help, then ask us your pa 29,029ft high.

[Shayna Montanari]

Oh, my.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Brain. Canyon colored like the sun 277 miles of fun Colorado river is the reason it's so deep Shaina, Kasha, are you ready?

[Kasha Patel]

Yes.

[Shayna Montanari]

Yep. Ready to roll.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

All right, Shaina, you are up first. Let's hear your list of awesome things about the Grand Canyon. And remember, no letter G. Okay, five things. Five things. Here we go.

[Shayna Montanari]

Old rocks are so awesome. Really cool animals. You can sleep in a tent and make s'. Mores. Lovely, pristine wilderness and super fun family vacation.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Nice work. I did not hear a letter G in there at all. And those are all very compelling, very nice reasons for why it's nice.

[Kasha Patel]

Family vacation is subjective. My family and I went. And it was not fantastic.

[Shayna Montanari]

It was super fun.

[Kasha Patel]

The Grand Canyon was okay, but my brother was not.

[Shayna Montanari]

I don't have any siblings, so maybe I'm biased.

[Kasha Patel]

You can have one of them.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

All right, Kasha, let's hear your list of superlatives for Mount Everest. No M's allowed.

[Kasha Patel]

Okay, number one, biggest trip you'll ever do in your life. Two, exquisite, exceptional, elegant. Three, grander than a canyon. Four, greeted by snow leopards and red pandas. And five, bragging rights forever. You can get knighted from hiking it.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Whoa. Nice.

[Elena (Judge)]

That is very nice.

[Shayna Montanari]

That's compelling.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Elena, what did you like about those lists of words?

[Elena (Judge)]

I liked how on Mount Everest, they said, grander than a Grand Canyon. Oh, that was very nice. Epic roast.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

What about Grand Canyon? What's the point?

[Elena (Judge)]

I like the Grand Canyon because I just like the way she described it. Aw.

[Kasha Patel]

That was nice.

[Shayna Montanari]

Thank you.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Thank you.

[Kasha Patel]

Lena, you have a softer, more pleasant voice than me.

[Elena (Judge)]

This will be very, very hard.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

It's a hard decision, but it's time to decide. Mark down who you think won that round.

[Elena (Judge)]

I am marking it down now, making a good check mark.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

A good, strong check mark from one of the sides. All right, listeners at home, you two mark down your point for whoever you think won this sneak attack round. Best. Smash. Smash. All right, we are almost at the end of this Herculean battle, but each side still has one more chance to impress. It's time for.

[Shayna Montanari]

The final six.

[Elena (Judge)]

The final six.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Exactly. All right, Kasha, it's all you.

[Kasha Patel]

Okay, can I preface something before I give my final six?

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Of course.

[Kasha Patel]

I would just like to say that, yes, I agree, Michael Jordan is a fantastic basketball player, but he's not as tall as Shaquille o'. Neal.

[Shayna Montanari]

He's still the goat. Michael Jordan's tall.

[Kasha Patel]

Yeah, but he's not as tall. He wouldn't be like a Mount Everest. Like, he's very impressive. He would be a Himalayan, but he's just not as tall as Mount Everest. So keep that in mind. This is my final six. The Shaquille o' Neal of all mountains.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Excellent.

[Kasha Patel]

Yes, I see why you had to do that.

[Shayna Montanari]

Explanation.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

All right, Shayna, your turn. Okay.

[Shayna Montanari]

I have no preface to this. Just gonna say it. Just gonna come out and say it. Much more than just a hole.

[Kasha Patel]

See, you're insinuating people think it is just a hole, which means you have to fight a stereotype.

[Shayna Montanari]

I feel like I've adequately fought the stereotypes already, and I'm reminding them that it's much more than just a hole.

[Kasha Patel]

I feel like it's still just a bunch of rocks.

[Shayna Montanari]

As are you.

[Kasha Patel]

I'm a rock. Oh, Mount Everest. If you're talking about me personally, I'm the one. I could see you're not a rock. Now it's getting personal.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Both side came to win today. Alayna, it is time to award your final point.

[Elena (Judge)]

Oh, God, this is gonna be hard. I'm sorry.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

That's okay.

[Shayna Montanari]

We'll get it. Whatever the result is, we'll be fine.

[Kasha Patel]

We just won't be friends after this. Unless I win. Then I'll be. Yeah.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Elena, have you marked your final point?

[Elena (Judge)]

Yes, I have.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Oh, that is a very fierce check mark that's being made right now. Uh. Oh.

[Elena (Judge)]

This is the final check mark. So it will be a check mark, and then it will have a smiley face at the end.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Perfect. All right, Elena, which side won?

[Elena (Judge)]

The winner is Mount Everest.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Woo.

[Shayna Montanari]

That was the worst rejection I've ever seen. That's okay.

[Kasha Patel]

Shame participation trophy.

[Shayna Montanari]

That was the worst.

[Kasha Patel]

That's fine.

[Shayna Montanari]

That was brutal rejection.

[Elena (Judge)]

But, yes, that was. It was just really hard. Mount Everest only won by one point.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

It was very hard.

[Elena (Judge)]

It was very hard.

[Kasha Patel]

A win is a win.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

It's fair.

[Kasha Patel]

A win is a win.

[Elena (Judge)]

So I really like the Grand Canyon, how you said it was like, it was very peaceful, and it was just like, it was peaceful and it was very beautiful, and they were like rare birds, and they were animals, and I love that. That sounds super cool. And then when Mount Everest came in and was like, I could climb it at my age, and then it was in China, and if I. I've always wanted to go to China, so I would be able to go there, and then I'd be able to go climb it, and then I'll just be back like, hi.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

It's a little bit of a personal appeal there.

[Elena (Judge)]

And then the the wild animals in both of the places made it really.

[Shayna Montanari]

Hard for the first one, Mount Everest. Despite the fact that there's a lot of dead icy bodies up there, I was convinced at its greatness. Also, I like its geology a lot. So I was won over by that. The plate tectonics description.

[Kasha Patel]

I will say the Grand Canyon is really pretty. I went for a Christmas family vacation and I haven't gone since I was a little girl and I was so excited to go and I did joke around saying it is just a bunch of really boring rocks, but those are some really cool boring rocks, let me tell you.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Well, both debaters did an excellent job today, but Elena has declared Mount Everest the winner. But listeners, how about you head to our website smashboom.org and vote. You can see if other people agree with our judge.

[Elena (Judge)]

I'm pretty sure I'm right, but we love to know what you think.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

That's it for this sensational showdown. Smashboom Best is a creation of the people at Brains on and American Public Media.

[Shayna Montanari]

It's produced by Mark Sanchez, Sandon Totten, Molly Bloom, Alyssa Dudley and Rosie Dupont.

[Kasha Patel]

We had engineering help from Cameron Wiley and Robert Frazier.

[Shayna Montanari]

And we had production help from Manica Wilhelm, Christina Lopez and Lauren D. We.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Want to give a special thanks to Justin Ku Austin Cross, Taylor Kaufman, Luis Arias and Gabriela Torres. Kasia, is there anyone you want to thank today?

[Kasha Patel]

I'd like to thank the academy, my parents, Google. Really? I. I'd like to thank Google for helping me out here and I'd like to thank all of you guys. And I'd like to thank Elena for choosing the right.

[Shayna Montanari]

Okay, all right, that's fine.

[Kasha Patel]

And also thank you to Shaina for being a good sport.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

And what about you, Shaina? Anyone you want to thank?

[Shayna Montanari]

I would like to thank geology for the beautifulness that is Grand Canyon and also Kasia for being a great debate partner.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

And how about you, Alaina? Any shout outs you want to get give?

[Elena (Judge)]

I would like to give a shout out to Miss Molly and our two competitors. That was super hard.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Yeah, you did not make it easy for Elena today for sure. Before we go, let's call up Sophia. She is the listener who suggested the narwhals versus sloths debate.

[Elena (Judge)]

I think sloths would win because they can climb super tall trees and they can swim really well. Also, they have a cute smile.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Thanks for that. Great suggestion, Sophia. Listeners, do you have an idea for an epic Showdown? Head to smashboom.org and tell us all about it. And for now, that's it for this episode of smashboom. Best. We'll be back soon with another debate battle. Bye.

[Kasha Patel]

See you.

[Shayna Montanari]

Peace out, baby.

[Elena (Judge)]

Adios.

[Molly Bloom (Host)]

Oh, yeah. The smash of the best. It's smash the West. It's smash the best.

[Kasha Patel]

If it's cold, you can always put on more clothing. There's only so many clothes you can take off if you're too warm. That's all I'm going to say.