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

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.

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)

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).

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.”

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)

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.

6. Round Decisions (16:52–17:22)

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

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)

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)

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!

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)

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

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.

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.