Halloween Candy Grab Bag: a decadent debate

Summary

Smash Boom Best: Halloween Candy Grab Bag – A Decadent Debate Summary

Episode Release Date: October 24, 2024
Hosted by: Molly Bloom
Produced by: American Public Media

---

Introduction

In the special Halloween-themed episode of Smash Boom Best, listeners are treated to an exhilarating "Candy Clash" featuring six beloved sweet treats vying for the title of the ultimate Halloween candy. Hosted by Molly Bloom, the episode brings together spirited debaters Joy Dolo and Otto Woldeselassi, with Elliot from Washington serving as the discerning judge. The debaters engage in three intense rounds of arguments, showcasing facts, humor, and passion to convince both Elliot and the audience of their chosen candy's supremacy.

---

Meet the Contestants

• Host: Molly Bloom
• Judge: Elliot – A Lego enthusiast and Nerf expert with a knack for unique experiences, including safely eating a worm.
• Debaters:
  • Joy Dolo – Forever Ago host, bringing creativity and flair to Team Twix and Team Sour Patch Kids.
  • Otto Woldeselassi – Brains On Universe producer, passionately representing Team Snickers, Team Raisinets, and Team Smarties.

---

First Debate: Twix vs. Snickers

Participants:

• Team Twix: Joy Dolo
• Team Snickers: Otto Woldeselassi

Round 1: Declaration of Greatness
Joy opens with a nostalgic and vibrant portrayal of Twix, emphasizing its dual-cookie feature and versatility. She states at [05:12]:

"With Snickers, you only get one sad, lonely piece of candy."

Otto counters by highlighting Snickers' rich history and popularity, mentioning its role in the 1984 Olympics and its substantial annual revenue:

"Snickers have been delighting for nearly a hundred years… Snickers are incredibly profitable. They make about $2 billion annually." ([07:14])

Round 2: Rebuttals
Otto criticizes Joy’s presentation by mocking the portmanteau and questioning the seriousness of Twix:

"By the way, I like that you love Portmanteaus because Twix is a portmanteau of Porto's." ([06:50])

Joy retorts sharply, accusing Otto of being a sore loser:

"Sore loser." ([06:55])

Round 3: Snack Attack
The debaters engage in an "Alpha Facts" challenge, exchanging playful and fact-based statements about their candies. Joy creatively links Twix to endless fun possibilities, while Otto underscores Snickers’ solid reputation and profitability.

Result:
After lively exchanges and humorous banter, Elliot awards the first point to Snickers at [13:53], solidifying Snickers’ position in the competition.

---

Second Debate: Raisinets vs. Sour Patch Kids

Participants:

• Team Raisinets: Otto Woldeselassi
• Team Sour Patch Kids: Joy Dolo

Round 1: Declaration of Greatness
Otto passionately defends Raisinets, highlighting their longevity, production scale, and health benefits:

"Raisinets are like gems… 21 million raisins are coated in chocolate and tumbled so they become perfect drops of goodness." ([15:11])

Joy dismisses Raisinets as mere dried fruit, advocating for the vibrant and playful nature of Sour Patch Kids:

"21 million raisins turned into candy. Why can't you just let them be what they are?" ([16:26])

Round 2: Rebuttals – Costume Party Snack Attack
Joy adopts the persona of a Canadian goose to promote Sour Patch Kids’ colorful and diverse flavors, while Otto morphs into a cowboy, John Wayne Pilgrim, to extol Raisinets' classic appeal. Their performances add a theatrical flair, making the debate both entertaining and informative.

Result:
Elliot finds Raisinets' factual richness impressive but ultimately awards the point to Sour Patch Kids at [24:52], bringing the score to one each.

---

Third Debate: Twizzlers vs. Smarties

Participants:

• Team Twizzlers: Joy Dolo
• Team Smarties: Otto Woldeselassi

Round 1: Declaration of Greatness
Joy presents Twizzlers' rich history and variety in flavors and shapes:

"Twizzlers is one of the oldest candies in the United States, made in 1845… comes in different shapes and sizes." ([31:08])

Otto defends Smarties by discussing their colorful nature, versatility in crafting, and enduring family-run business:

"Smarties can actually be turned into jewelry… as a child, I would wear Smarties on my neck and pretend I was a cool surfer." ([33:34])

Round 2: Rebuttals – Haiku Challenge
Both debaters craft haikus to emphasize their candies’ strengths and undermine their opponents:

• Otto's Haiku for Smarties:

  "Smarties. I love color.
  Smarties up north called Rockets.
  Smarties family run." ([36:58])

• Joy’s Haiku for Twizzlers:

  "Twizzler has Rizzler.
  Bendy candy. Delicious
  flavor beats color." ([37:18])

Round 3: Final Six Words
The final articulation involves condensing their arguments into six-word summaries:

• Joy’s Six Words for Twizzlers:

  "Is Twizzler a whizzler? Yes. Scissor." ([39:21])

• Otto’s Six Words for Smarties:

  "Don't be a dummy. Eat Smarties Sizzler." ([40:13])

Result:
In the climactic conclusion of the final debate, Elliot awards the decisive point to Twizzlers at [40:43], clinching the overall victory.

---

Episode Conclusion

With a final score favoring Twizzlers (2 out of 3 wins), Joy Dolo emerges as the champion of the Halloween Candy Grab Bag. Eliot commends both debaters for their creativity and factual presentations, emphasizing the importance of combining humor with solid arguments. Molly Bloom wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to participate by voting on their favorite side and suggesting future debate topics like "Ghostbusters vs. Jurassic Park."

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

• Otto on Snickers' Legacy:

  "Snickers have been delighting for nearly a hundred years." ([07:14])

• Joy on Twizzlers' Versatility:

  "With Snickers, you only get one sad, lonely piece of candy." ([05:12])

• Elliot on the Debates:

  "It made me feel nostalgic to the childhood I'm currently living." ([09:37])

• Final Decision Announcement:

  "Our winner of this candy stravaganza… Twizzlers." ([40:43])

---

Behind the Scenes

Post-debate, the production team extends gratitude to contributors and highlights the collaborative effort behind the scenes. Special shout-outs are given to Canada’s geese and the inspirational horses that fueled Otto’s passion for Raisinets.

---

Engage with Smash Boom Best

Listeners are invited to cast their votes and suggest future debates by visiting smashboom.org. Additionally, fans can explore more from the Brain Brains on Universe, including animated episodes on YouTube, ensuring the fun and educational spirit of the show continues beyond the headphones.

---

Tune in next week for another thrilling showdown: "Ghostbusters vs. Jurassic Park" – What’s your favorite?

---

Produced by Molly Bloom, Anna Weigel, and Otto Woldeselassi, with engineering by Gene Barron and Nick Taylor. Special thanks to the entire Brainon Universe team and our executive producers Beth Pearlman, Chandra Kavati, and Joanne Griffith.

Transcript

[Molly Bloom]

From the brains behind Brains On, It's.

[Elliot]

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 a special episode that will pit a whopping six sweet treats head to head in a candy clash. For glory. We've got Forever Ago host Joy Dolo in one corner.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, I'm gonna. I think I Candy. I think I candy.

[Molly Bloom]

And Brains On Universe producer Otter and Woldes Lassie in the other.

[Joy Dolo]

Trick or treat.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Give me something good to defeat.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, why was that so violent? Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

And here to judge it all is Elliot from Washington. Elliot loves Legos, is an expert on all things Nerf, has several siblings, including a two year old brother with his exact same same birthday, and one time safely ate a worm. Hi, Elliot.

[Elliot]

Thanks for the worm part, but is it not true? It's true.

[Molly Bloom]

Tell me about the worm.

[Elliot]

Yeah, so I took it out of the ground, like used a shovel, dug it up, took it out, and I was like, I'm gonna eat this worm. So I googled how to eat a worm. Okay. And my search history is probably scarred forever, but so what I did is I dug up the worm, search up how to do it safely, and they were like, just boil it. I was like, okay, fire. I'll get some boiling water from, like, a water boiler, since my mom's really into tea. So I boiled some water, poured it out into like a bowl, put the worm in, and then I just kind of just ate it. It didn't taste bad. Like, I could for sure live off worms if I really wanted to.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, I have so many follow up questions. I don't quite know where to begin. But I guess my first one is, what made you think you, like, wanted to try eating and cooking a worm?

[Elliot]

Oh, no.

[Molly Bloom]

That'S a good answer. So, Elliot, how did you get to be a Nerf expert?

[Elliot]

So my dad and mom are kind of against guns in general. So one of my things was like, oh, I found a little bit of work around Nerf guns. And so I already had like a Nerf gun. It was like, kind of old. I had some, like, money I'd saved up, and I was like, I'm gonna get myself a Nerf gun. And then I just became hooked and made my YouTube channel and stuff.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, so you have a YouTube channel about Nerf guns?

[Elliot]

Mm, nice.

[Molly Bloom]

So what is your favorite Halloween candy?

[Elliot]

Oof. I really like lemonheads, which isn't on this. And I felt so sad when I saw lemon heads weren't on it. And then I also like Zotz. You know, Zots. Those are just great.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, okay. So you like sour? It sounds like lemonheads. Ah, it's kind of a sour experience.

[Elliot]

Yeah, but I'm not biased.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent.

[Joy Dolo]

That's very important.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

That's great.

[Molly Bloom]

So you've listened to a lot of episodes of Smash Moonbeast. So I'm wondering, do you have any advice for our debaters today?

[Elliot]

Yes, own up to the cringe.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, I am the cringe master.

[Elliot]

I think you can do that.

[Joy Dolo]

Cringeologist.

[Elliot]

That's the best part about the show. It's what makes it funny.

[Molly Bloom]

Exactly.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

I absolutely agree. I love the cringiness.

[Joy Dolo]

I thought you were agreeing that I'm cringy.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, yeah, that too.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Even outside of the debates, Joy is very cringe.

[Joy Dolo]

I'm cringe. Joy. Cringe Dolo.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, will Elliot side with Joy or Otto? And only time will tell. Now get ready for a special edition of the rules of the game. Today, I will be leading our very talented debaters through not one, not two, but three epic debates. Each debate will have three rounds. The declaration of greatness, the snack attack, and the final six. There's an opportun opportunity to win three points for each mini debate, totaling nine points for the entire competition. Our judge, Elliott, will award points to the team that impresses him the most. But he'll keep his decisions top secret until the end of the show. 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. All right, Joy, Adiron, and Elliot, are you ready?

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, yeah, I'm ready for this sweet sensation.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Absolutely.

[Molly Bloom]

Are you ready, Ellen?

[Elliot]

Also, yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, great. Because it's time for our first debate of the day. Twix versus Snickers. Joy will be giving us the fix when it comes to Twix.

[Joy Dolo]

I'm ready to do some cookie crunches.

[Molly Bloom]

And Autumn will be slinging zingers in favor of Snickers.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Ain't nothing getting devoured quicker than a tasty, delicious Snickers.

[Joy Dolo]

Nice. That was nice.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

That was lovely. Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

First up, it's the declaration of greatness. In this round, our debaters have just one minute to present a convincing argument in favor of their side. Then they'll each have 15 seconds to rebut their opponent's statements. We flip to coin and Joy, you're up first. Tell us why Team Twix is tops. Your one minute begins now.

[Joy Dolo]

I remember the joy of dumping my Halloween candy onto the floor and organizing them by worst to best for trading purposes. The chocolate section was always the hardest because frankly, chocolate is awesome. There was a pile for Butterfingers, Almond Joys if you're feeling like a nut. Snickers and the Piece de la Resistance Twix. The glee I would feel as I held the crunchy shortbread cookie covered in caramel with a coating of milk chocolate had my taste buds singing, nay dancing. The original name Raider was replaced with the name Twix from the combination Twin and Styx. It's Gossom great and awesome because they've been around since 1967. This Yandy Yummy candy was invented in the United Kingdom because with Twix you don't get one, you get two candy coated cookies. You can have one and save one for later. You can share with a friend. You can play lightsabers with them. The fossibilities are endless fun possibilities. With Snickers, you only get one sad, lonely piece of candy.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Adiron, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why Twix are the pits. You've got 15 seconds and your time starts now.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

So I just want to point out that Joy started this with explaining that she throws her candy on the floor. That's how unimportant Twix are taste buds. By the way. Taste buds don't sing, they taste. And your poor Portmanteaus won't save your divisive candy. And by the way, I like that you love Portmanteaus because Twix is a portmanteau of Porto's.

[Molly Bloom]

Joy. Do you have a one word rebuttal to Adaron's rebuttal?

[Joy Dolo]

Soozer, Sore loser.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, I'd argue three words, but that's okay.

[Joy Dolo]

Boom. I had to explain it. You can cut the rest.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Otteron, it is your turn. Tell us why Snickers satisfy. You have one minute and your time starts now.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Snickers have been delighting for nearly a hundred years. While some lesser snacks are named for silly words, Snickers was named after a horse, Frank Mars. Horse Frank Mars, the man behind our favorite candies like Milky Way and M&Ms, named Snickers after his horse. Snickers. A beautiful animal. The only thing more beautiful than the love between a man and his horse is Snickers. Besides the horse love, Snickers also helped the USA win gold when it became the official snack of the 1984 Olympics. Yeah. How many other gold medals does your candy have? I can count mine. Also, you should know, Snickers are incredibly profitable. They make about $2 billion annually. And with 16 peanuts in each chocolate bar, there's over 100 tons of peanuts are being used in production each day. When I was a kid, I would take fun sized Snickers and throw them in the air at what I would call candy showers. I get clean and delicious like the charming little boy I was.

[Elliot]

That was great.

[Joy Dolo]

Candy showers.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Candy showers.

[Elliot]

I'm sure it cleans you just as well as a good shower.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

I mean. And I want you to know it was a great way to end a night of trick or treating. A candy shower. You wouldn't throw them on the floor like trash. You'd throw them in the air like trash with your mouth open and you'd.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, man. All right, Joy, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why Snickers make you sickers. You've got 15 seconds and your time starts now.

[Joy Dolo]

Talk about a disrespect for candy. Throwing it up in the air before it lands on the floor. Like, what are you waiting for? Just put it on the floor, fancy pants. 16 peanuts per each. You cannot eat that. And horse.

[Molly Bloom]

Snickers.

[Joy Dolo]

Horses poop. Horses poop everywhere. You're eating poop candy. It's a poop. It's a poop. Horse.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Every animal poops, Elliot.

[Joy Dolo]

Everyone poops, but we don't name the poop.

[Elliot]

When I'm hearing about candy, I don't exactly want to hear about poo.

[Joy Dolo]

Exactly. Elliot.

[Molly Bloom]

Elliot Aron, do you have a one word rebuttal to Joy's rebuttal?

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Nay.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Elliot, what did you think about Joy and Aron's declarations of greatness and rebuttals? Any moments that stood out.

[Elliot]

Enjoys. It made me feel nostalgic to the childhood I'm currently living. Which is kind of odd since I'm literally in that childhood with all the spray candy out on the floor. Like, whoa. With his. A lot of the points were really spot on and I really like that.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Thank you so much.

[Elliot]

You're welcome. All the peanuts, like, oh, yeah. So healthy.

[Joy Dolo]

Delicious.

[Elliot]

Come on.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Exactly.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah.

[Elliot]

It's making it slightly more healthy than every other candy out there.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

So.

[Molly Bloom]

Hey, some prote. All right, Elliot, it is time to award a point. Please give a point to the side that impressed you the most. With their declarations and rebuttals, you get to decide what makes a winning argument. Did one team's Jokes make you giggle. Did they sneak some facts in? Award your point, but don't tell us who it's going to. Have you made your decision?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, time for some more of this scrummy smackdown. Get ready for round two, the snack Attack. I hope you're feeling all jazzed about these noshible nibbles, because today's first snack attack is called Alpha Facts. It's your job to come up with a fact, starting with a letter of the Alphabet. And we're going to go in alphabetical order. We have 30 seconds to do it, and we're going to volley back and forth. Joy went first last time, so we're going to start with Aharon with the letter a. We've got 30 seconds on the clock, and our Alpha facts begin now.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

A, as in appetizing. Appetizing chocolate nougat and peanuts.

[Joy Dolo]

B, Band Aid. That's what you use after a candy shower, and you have a bunch of paper cuts.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

C, Chocolate. It makes my chocolate is the best chocolate.

[Joy Dolo]

D, delicious, such as a Twix, because it has the sweetness, the crunch. It was either delicious or doo doo. But I think we're done talking about poop for today.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

I feel like this is your go to. What's going on with you, buddy?

[Joy Dolo]

I have issues with my stomach.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Okay.

[Joy Dolo]

All right, that's. I'm just kidding.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

No, it's fine. I'm not. No, no, I'm not.

[Elliot]

That's great.

[Joy Dolo]

I'm sorry. You know what that.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Elliot, you know what that is? That's a life lived with too many Twix. That's what Twix will do to you.

[Joy Dolo]

You know what it is? It's the peanuts. Peanuts back you up. Ask your mother.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

No, no, Elliot, we just agreed. Peanuts are good for you.

[Joy Dolo]

They're good for some.

[Molly Bloom]

Shouldn't have given them so much candy before because everyone's a little.

[Joy Dolo]

Little excited.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Elliot, it is time to award a point, but don't tell us who it's going to. The criteria are totally subjective and totally up to you. Have you made your decision?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Fantastic. Then it's time for our third round, the final six. In this round, each team will have just six words to sum up the glory of their side. Joy, let's hear your six words for Team Twix.

[Joy Dolo]

Snickers. Horse candy. Twix. Gossam. Yandy. I created a whole language, an interesting.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Way to describe gibberish, I'll give you that.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Aron, it is your turn. Let's hear your six Words for team Snickers.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Snickers. A man loves his horse.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, man, this is good with horses.

[Elliot]

And Snickers, man, he was there for the founding.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

They're beautiful animals.

[Molly Bloom]

Without the horse, there would be no Snickers.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Elliot, it is time to award a final point for this final six. Have you made your decision?

[Elliot]

Before I do, I just want to say, both of you guys, I'm very proud of you. You actually used six words.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah.

[Joy Dolo]

Thank you.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Thank you.

[Molly Bloom]

Are you ready to crown one team? The smashboom best of this mini debate?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

All right. Drumroll, please. And the winner is.

[Elliot]

Snickers. Bam.

[Molly Bloom]

Bam. Wow. Wow.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

W. Time for a candy shower, baby.

[Molly Bloom]

Very good.

[Joy Dolo]

Well done, sir. Well done.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, we still have two more rounds. It's still anybody's game. Smash smashed. It is time for debate number two. Raisinets versus Sour Patch Kids. This debate will be similar in structure to the last one with a little added spice. Aron will be debating for Team Raisinets.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Take your bets. Cause the winner here is Raisinets.

[Molly Bloom]

And Joy will be debating for Team Sour Patch Kids.

[Joy Dolo]

Hey, you kids. Get back on my lawn.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Okay.

[Joy Dolo]

That was really good.

[Elliot]

I went the opposite way. I thought I was gonna go, oh.

[Molly Bloom]

Gosh, Join my first last time. So, Adaron, you're up. You've got one minute to convince us that Raisinets are the raisin best. And your time begins now.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Raisinets. Raisins covered in chocolate. Raisinets are incredibly popular. If you lined up the amount of Raisinets produced in one year end to end, that length would go around the earth two and a half times. And raisin nuts have been delighting people for years. They're nearly 100 years old. In fact, the idea of raisin nuts is even older than that. They were first produced in 1927 by a family owned candy company in Philadelphia. Chocolate is a beloved treat, and so are raisins. But did you know that raisins are actually good for you? They're full of antioxidants and they're rich in fiber. Raisinets are like gems. They need to be polished. Did you know in the last 24 hours, 21 million new Raisinets were coated and polished? Polished. That means every day, 21 million raisins are coated in chocolate and tumbled so they become perfect drops of goodness. Hey, what are you doing on March 24th? I don't know what I'm doing. Actually, I do know what I'm doing because I'm celebrating National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day.

[Molly Bloom]

Raisinets even have a day, they're so good. All right, Joy, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why Raisinets are just old dried fruit and chocolate. You've got 15 seconds, and your time begins now.

[Joy Dolo]

Actually, I don't even need to say it. Cause you just said it. It is old dried fruit. Like, who wants to eat that? That's not candy. Candy is a sweet sugar treat. You keep pushing nuts and raisins on us. I am a candy person through and through. 21 million raisins turned into candy. Why can't you just let them be what they are? Let them be. Let them be. Let them be.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

No.

[Joy Dolo]

Let them be. Let em be.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Beatles are extremely l.

[Molly Bloom]

Adaron, do you want to make one sound in reaction to Joy's rebuttal?

[Joy Dolo]

Meh.

[Elliot]

Meh.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, it is your turn. Joy, tell us why Sour Patch Kids are for all the best. Kids, you've got one minute and your time starts now.

[Joy Dolo]

Color, vibrancy, art. When you open a bag of Sour Patch Kids, that's what you receive. This sour and sweet, colorful rainbow of gummy candy is the best for movies, long walks and sour coverings. So sour. It's so sour the covering that you can practice kissing with all that pucker. Come here, Grandma. The sour coating is the blanket on top of the sweet gummy inside. The candy used to be called Mars Men, but then were rebranded as Sour Patch kids in the 80s when the cabbage Patch Kids took the world by storm. Sour Patch Kids are also a variety of fun flavors. Watermelon, blue, raspberry, lemon, lime, strawberry, and more. You can mix them in your mouth and make little gummy sandwiches. Blue strawberry, watermelon, lime. Raisinets only have two flavors, Raisin and chocolate. Boring. Sour Patch Kids also were created in the early 70s by our neighbors to the north, Canada. Doesn't it make sense that I married a Canadian? Not only is he awesome, his country made Sour Pat's Kids. This is what love looks like. My husband's gonna love that one.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, man. All right, Adaron, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why Sour Patch Kids should be eaten by squids. You've got 15 seconds and your time starts.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Now, first off, I want to say Sour Patch Kids come in a box, so you will never open a bag of Sour Patch Kids, okay? Also, stop trying to kiss me with your Sour Patch Kids, Joy. All right. It's too much. I don't like it. Also, Mars, you're telling me these space invaders are invading our mouths?

[Elliot]

I'm now slightly worried about Space Invaders.

[Molly Bloom]

Joy, is there a sound you would like to make in reaction to Aron's rebuttal?

[Joy Dolo]

You love it. You love it.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

I'm shaking my head.

[Joy Dolo]

No he's not.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

He's smiling, he's shaking my hand.

[Joy Dolo]

He's smiling and loving it.

[Molly Bloom]

Elliot, what did you think about Aron and Joy's declarations of greatness and rebuttals? Any moments that really stand out?

[Elliot]

The Raisinet was full of like, more facts and I kind of did like that. Again, it's the one with like the raisin in it. The Sour Patch Kids, you know, that one was pretty funny, like, oh, come here, Grammy. But like there was also tons of information, but, you know, still less than Raisinets always.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

As always, it's still less than raisin eggs.

[Molly Bloom]

Elliot, you are the judge. So you get to decide what makes a winning argument here. It's entirely subjective and entirely up to you. So please give one point for this round to the side that impressed you the most. Have you made your decision?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Wonderful. We're off to a fierce and fabulous start. And now we're ready for round number two, the Snack Attack. This is a brand new challenge called Costume Party. I want you to metaphorically put on a Halloween costume and give me a 30 second monologue in that character's voice about your side. For example, if I was dressed like the Count and my side was Blow Pops, I would do a monologue as the Count talking all about how great blow Pops are. Does that make sense?

[Joy Dolo]

I think so.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Yes. Yes, I think this makes sense.

[Molly Bloom]

Aron, you went first last time, so Joy, you're up first. Please tell us what character that you're dressed as.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh yeah, I'm a Canadian goose. Uh huh. I'm a Canadian goose from Canada. Uh huh, you betcha.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, okay.

[E]

Oh yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, so please now give us your character monologue about Sour Patch kids. It's only 30 seconds long, so make it count. Your time starts now.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh yeah. You know, so the reason that I love this Sour Patch Kids is because, you know, I love kids in general. I like to walk up to em and waddle and you know, pokem with my beak. That's what our noses are called. And so beyond Sour Patch Kids, they're also made from a syrup. You know, the candy starts as a syrup, you know, and maple syrup is also a big part of Canada. It's our main export, one would say. Besides moose, we also do a lot of mooses here. Sour Patch.

[Molly Bloom]

Aron, it is your turn. Let's hear your character monologue about Raisinets. Who are you dressed as today?

[Otto Woldeselassi]

I'm putting on my cowboy hat because I'm John Wayne Pilgrim, Famous movie star. Pilgrim.

[Molly Bloom]

Pilgrim, the cowboy?

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Yep.

[Molly Bloom]

I can't wait to hear what John Wayne has to say about raisin. You have 30 seconds and your time starts now.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

I'm John Wayne and I'm here to tell you that I love making movies. If you want a sure fire movie snack, take some popcorn and throw in some Raisinets. Pilgrim.

[Joy Dolo]

Pilgrim.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

They're delicious and they're good for you. They're filled with antioxidants and plenty of fiber, so you'll never be cut down in a pinch.

[Molly Bloom]

Please answer. Kids, you'll have to ask your great grandparents about their reference.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Aw, man.

[Elliot]

I propose that you two guys, why don't you just work together? You know, this John Wayne dude seems to be like, you know, real nice. And also, you know, Sour Patch Kids make you pucker up. So like, they may be a great match.

[Molly Bloom]

I like that idea.

[Joy Dolo]

Maybe that's what we have to do.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

I like the sound of that.

[Joy Dolo]

Pilgrim, get on my back. Don't you know the goose? Yeah. You can ride the goose.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Yeah.

[Joy Dolo]

Ride the goose.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, man. All right, Elliot, it is time to award a point for this silliest of snack attacks. Have you made your decision?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Wonderful. It's time for our third round, the final six. Aron, let's hear your six words for team. Raisinets.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Raisinets. Grapes dressed in chocolate. Yum.

[Molly Bloom]

Wonderful. Joy, it is your turn. Give us your six words for team. Sour Patch Kids.

[Joy Dolo]

Raisinets.

[Molly Bloom]

Old school.

[Joy Dolo]

Patch Kids. Slap. I literally like googled young kids slang to figure out. I was like Patch Kids Mew. Is that a thing?

[Molly Bloom]

Elliot, do kids say a slap? Is that a thing?

[Elliot]

No. That is way outdated.

[Joy Dolo]

What is a cool word?

[Elliot]

How would kids don't like something like that?

[Joy Dolo]

Like Patch Kids Dope.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

No, you already said snap.

[Joy Dolo]

Yeah, I'm gonna go slap. I like 1970s.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, you've heard these two wonderful final sixes. But Elliot, only one of them can get your final point. Have you made your decision?

[Elliot]

Yes, I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Are you ready to crown one team? The smashboo best of this mini debate?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Drum roll, please. And the winner is.

[Elliot]

Sour Patch Kids.

[Molly Bloom]

Yay.

[Joy Dolo]

It's because of the Canadian goose.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Get on my lawn. Gosh, you nailed it. Good for you, Brahma.

[Joy Dolo]

Get on my lawn.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Get on my lawn.

[Joy Dolo]

Kids, everybody, come on.

[Molly Bloom]

For the record, he chose it.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Yeah, that's true.

[Elliot]

No way. You chose Raisinets.

[Joy Dolo]

I will say, I love your John Wayne voice.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

I chose Raisinets as John Wayne.

[Joy Dolo]

So, the golden age of cinema.

[Molly Bloom]

Incredible. All right, so we have one and one. Each of you have won one of our many debates. Audrey and Joy, how are you two feeling so far?

[Joy Dolo]

Great.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

I can honestly say I'm feeling very good. And that's all.

[Joy Dolo]

I feel like a rapper. Crinkly, loud and ready to party.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, it's time for a quick break. Dump out your trick or treat bucket and start sorting your candy into piles.

[Elliot]

And we'll be right back with more smashboom. Best.

[Molly Bloom]

You're listening to State of Debate, home to raging rhetoric and awe inspiring argumentation.

[F]

Hello, debate fans. I'm Todd Douglas, and I'm here with.

[G]

The one and only Taylor Lincoln. And we're here on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, for Groundhog Day.

[Elliot]

Groundhog Day.

[G]

It's freezing right now in Pennsylvania because the sun hasn't risen yet. And it's February 2nd.

[F]

But in a little bit, when the sun peeks over the horizon, the world famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil will pop up over that little hole over there and look for his shadow.

[G]

If he sees it, that means six more weeks of winter.

[F]

But if he doesn't see his shadow, that means early spring.

[G]

Everyone is getting real excited here. Just listen to the crowd. And to top it off, I just caught a juicy fallacy fumble on my handy recorder. A logical fallacy is a debate mistake that makes an argument less than awesome. Wanna hear it, Toddy?

[F]

You betcha, Tay Tay. Always in the mood for some sizzling fallacy fun.

[G]

All right, roll tape.

[E]

Oh, man, Marge, when is that dern groundhog gonna come out of the ground? I'm cold.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, be patient, Bronson. He'll come out when he's ready. The sun hasn't come up yet.

[E]

I can't stand this groundhog gobbledygook. Last time, when Phil predicted an early spring, I trusted him. So I dressed up in my finest cargo shorts and flip flops. But it stayed cold and my toes almost froze.

[Molly Bloom]

That's on you, Bronson. You should have checked the weather forecast.

[E]

No, everyone suffered. And that's just what Punxsutawney Phil wants. He's conspiring to trick innocent humans around the world into wearing cargo shorts and flip flops in the wintertime. Prove me wrong.

[F]

What a fallacy flop.

[G]

What you just heard was the burden of proof fallacy. It's when you make your opponent prove your case wrong without providing any evidence yourself. Bronson wouldn't explain why Phil the Groundhog was tricking people. He put the burden of proving that on March. That's bad.

[F]

Debatin'yoits to be a debategrate, you gotta come up with evidence to support your claims. Don't just launch an idea at someone and make them do all the work.

[Molly Bloom]

Ooh, ooh.

[G]

Todd, the sun is rising. It's almost time.

[F]

I can't wait. Punxsutawney Phil, you are my hero.

[G]

This has been State of debate.

[Joy Dolo]

Brains on Universe is a family of podcasts for kids and their adults. Since you're a fan of smashboom Best, we know you'll love the other shows in our universe. Come on, let's explore.

[Molly Bloom]

Here we are in Brain Brains on Universe, home to my favorite podcasts, Brains on smashboom Best. Forever Ago, I found one Forever Ago, the History show, hosted by Joy Dolores.

[Joy Dolo]

It was the early 1800s. Beethoven was busy composing new symphonies. Steam powered trains were brand new inventions. And a British naturalist named William Swainson was exploring the jungles of.

[Molly Bloom]

Ah, what a great show. Need more. Forever Ago. Now.

[Joy Dolo]

Listen to Forever Ago, wherever you get your podcasts.

[Molly Bloom]

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

[Elliot]

And I'm your judge, Elliot.

[Molly Bloom]

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

[Elliot]

Hello, my name is Fievel and I live in Los Angeles, California. I thought a good debate would be salsa versus soy sauce. Those two flavor enhancers really condiment each other.

[Molly Bloom]

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

[Elliot]

And now it's back to our debate. Howling Candy grab bag.

[Molly Bloom]

That's right. And it's time for our third and final debate, Twizzlers versus Smarties. This debate will mirror the first two debates. And Elliot, it'll be your job to secretly award points throughout the three rounds. In our final debate, Joy will be debating for Team Twizzlers.

[Joy Dolo]

Don't you Wizzler? You had a Twizzler. Thanks, Mom.

[Molly Bloom]

And Ottaron will be debating for Team Smarties.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Ain't no party like a smartie potty. Cause a smartie putty has colors.

[Molly Bloom]

Otteron went first last time. So, Joy, you're up. You've got one minute to convince us that Twizzlers totally sizzle. And Your time starts now.

[Joy Dolo]

I'll answer the question. How can a candy like Twizzlers last so long? Why is a beloved antique of a candy still around to today? Well, you know, it seems like it was made forever ago. Shameless plug. Look, I don't need to tell you that Twizzlers is one of the oldest candies in the United states, made in 1845, the same year that Texas became a state. I won't tell you that the candy comes in different shapes and sizes. Nibs, ropes, and pollen peel, which is my favorite. And it also comes in different flavors. Black strawberry, cherry, my favorite. But I heard you loud and clear earlier before, so I'm just gonna stick to the facts this time, Elliot. The candy was originally licorice flavored, now known as black licorice. This is a flavor from the licorice plant, and it's divisive. It could be described as earthy, salty, and bitter, or gross. Didn't introduce new flavors until the 1970s. Did you know that licorice was just that black licorice for a long time? And they didn't bring in the strawberry and the mint and the chocolate until the 1970s. Yes, there is a mint Twizzler. The iconic Twizzler shape is made by pushing the candy mixture through rotating wheels. All facts, baby.

[Molly Bloom]

All facts.

[Elliot]

I was into it. What can I say?

[Joy Dolo]

Yep.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Aron, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why Twizzler is really just Fizzlers. You've got 15 seconds in. Your time starts now.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Twizzlers have lasted long for the same reason that Stonehenge lasted long, because it's impossible to digest. You bite into them and they're fighting your teeth. It's like an impossible tug of war with my molars. You know what flavor that Twizzlers need? Delicious. I wish that was a flavor that Twizzlers had, because I never thought that about them.

[Elliot]

Oof. Sick burn.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Joy, do you have one song lyric in reaction to Auto's rebuttal?

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, a song lyric. You don't own me. Don't try to change me in any way. You don't own me. Ba ba ba ba. Then I don't know the rest of the words. That's more than a lyric, but I'll take it.

[Molly Bloom]

That was great. I enjoyed it.

[Joy Dolo]

You know that song, Elliot?

[Elliot]

No, I don't. It's probably, like 20 years old.

[Molly Bloom]

It's from the 60s.

[Joy Dolo]

It's older than that. Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, but it's a Delightful song. Delightful. Delightful.

[Elliot]

Basically, before me, and it's old.

[Molly Bloom]

Aron, it is your turn. Tell us why. Smarties love Smarties. You got a minute? And it starts right now.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Smarties has been running for such a long time. The business was started in 1949 by Edward D. He was a real Smartie. He made the first Smarties in his garage using the same equipment that they used for World War II. That's right. My candy helped start fascism. Then he drove around delivering his candies to grocery stores. And the company is still around and run by his granddaughters. That's right. It's a family operation. Two billion rolls of the candies are rolled every year. Two B, B, B billion. And I know we love Canada. In Canada, Smarties are actually called rockets. So if you're ever up in Canada visiting, I don't know your family, Joy, be sure to ask them for a couple of rockets because they're great. With a simple piece of string, Smarties can actually be turned into jewelry. You want a necklace? No problem. How about a bracelet? You bet. You look as good as they taste. And I should know because as a child, I would wear Smarties on my neck and pretend I was a cool surfer. That's right. I would pretend to ride a surfboard on my bed fighting sharks.

[Molly Bloom]

I love that little kid. Ottaron had a lot of, like, innovative uses for cancer.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

He really loved his imagination.

[Molly Bloom]

I love this kid. All right, Joy, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why Smarties should be really called farties. You've got 15 seconds and your time begins Now.

[Joy Dolo]

Okay, so if you wore Smarties while you were in a sophomore, you know they would melt because of the water, Right? They would just disintegrate because they're not very strong structurally, like Twizzlers. Smarties necklace. Clearly, it's trying to be a Twizzler, because Twizzlers, which were invented way before yours. 1845. Hello. They were trying to make.

[Molly Bloom]

She really takes her time seriously. Yes, yes, I do appreciate that. Autumn, do you have one song lyric in reaction to Joy's rebuttal?

[Otto Woldeselassi]

I want candy. I want candy. Ba ba ba ba ba.

[Molly Bloom]

Nice.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Thank you.

[Molly Bloom]

Elliot, what did you think about Joy Ann Aron's declarations of greatness and rebuttals?

[Elliot]

What stood out to you for the declaration of greatness? Twizzlers. Again, they had a little more facts, but they also had a lot of great jokes. So I really appreciate that, as a man of jokes. Basically, my defining traits at this point, Excellence Yeah, and I actually learned a lot too, so that's great for smart A's. I also learned a lot and got that surfboard, which was great. You know, I always wanted to surf while wearing candy.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

It's just a great way to live.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent work, Elliot. But only one of these debaters can get a point for this declaration and rebuttal. Please award your point, but don't tell us who it's going to. Have you made your decision?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Then it's time for our third and final snack attack. The challenge is haiku for you. We want you to write two haikus. Each one about how great your side is and another one about how terrible the other side is. As a reminder, we're looking for a three line poem with a syllable pattern. Pattern of five. Seven. Five. That's a haiku. Joy, you went first in the last round. So Aron, you're up. Now let's hear your haiku for why Smarties are works of arties.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Smarties. I love color. Smarties up north called Rockets. Smarties family run.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, very nice.

[Elliot]

Beautiful.

[Molly Bloom]

Very nice. All right, Joy, now it's your turn. Let's hear why Twizzlers are the business.

[Joy Dolo]

Mm. Twizzler has Rizzler. Bendy candy. Delicious flavor beats color.

[Molly Bloom]

Ooh, very nice. Very nice. All right now, Joy, we're gonna go to you again.

[Joy Dolo]

Okay?

[Molly Bloom]

It's your turn to tell us why Smarties are duds.

[Joy Dolo]

Smarties are rockets. Or are they a chalk? A let throw in the ocean?

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent chocolate.

[Joy Dolo]

Do you get the word play chocolate? Because it tastes like chocolate.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, I was wondering why I was like chocolate.

[Joy Dolo]

Yeah, they like chalk.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Okay.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

I don't know if that's wordplay.

[Joy Dolo]

That's poetry. Poetry.

[Elliot]

I was still into it.

[Molly Bloom]

So, you know, Elliot liked it, and that's all that matters. Okay, Adaron, it is your turn to tell us why Twizzlers are not so hot.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Twizzlers fight your teeth. Red whips tastes like gross butts, man. Twizzlers bind your buds.

[Joy Dolo]

Bind your buds.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Like taste buds or your friends. It's wordplay.

[Joy Dolo]

It's poetry.

[Elliot]

You guys are both really bad at wordplay. One specific thing. All the other times you're great.

[Molly Bloom]

It's a tough challenge.

[Elliot]

Specific thing.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

This was really. I'm just trying to say buds. It's a little bit more clear that chocolates are chocolate is art.

[Joy Dolo]

That is art.

[Molly Bloom]

Son's opinion that matters here right now is Elliot.

[Joy Dolo]

That's true.

[Molly Bloom]

That's very true. So, Elliot, it is time to award A point.

[Elliot]

Okay, I think I've decided.

[Molly Bloom]

And it's time for our final round. The final six. Okay, Joy, let's hear your six words for Team Twizzlers.

[Joy Dolo]

Is Twizzler a whizzler? Yes. Scissor.

[Molly Bloom]

Are you doing, like. Yes, sir.

[Joy Dolo]

Yeah, that's what I was trying to say. With a slur.

[Elliot]

Oh, okay. That makes sense.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

No, it doesn't.

[Elliot]

Honestly, what's funny of this?

[Otto Woldeselassi]

No, it doesn't. That makes no sense at all.

[Joy Dolo]

It's funnier when you explain it at all.

[Molly Bloom]

It's called poetry.

[Joy Dolo]

It's called poetry.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

The fact that there was a confused pause from all of us.

[Joy Dolo]

You know what? Sometimes when you work in the moment, you have to just kind of go.

[Molly Bloom]

With it where it only matters what Elliot thinks.

[Elliot]

I kind of respect the making it in the moment.

[Joy Dolo]

Thank you.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Okay, let me write something really quick. Da, da, da. You know what? On that note, are you ready? Yes, I am ready.

[Molly Bloom]

All right. Okay, Aron, please give us your final six for Team Smarties.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Don't be a dummy. Eat Smarties Sizzler.

[Molly Bloom]

Elliot, it is time to award a final point for the. And it's the final point in this whole debate extravaganza. Have you made your decision?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, tally up those points. Are you ready to crown one team, the smashboom best of this mini debate?

[Elliot]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, drum roll, please. And the winner is.

[Elliot]

Twizzlers.

[Molly Bloom]

No.

[Joy Dolo]

Yesler.

[Molly Bloom]

My goodness. All right, Elliot, what was your favorite part of this debate?

[Elliot]

The last, since it was the most suspenseful. You know, I was. You know, in all the ones, I was paying very high attention. But in the last one, you know, it was like, this matters the most. Like. Cause everyone had won at that point. So I was like, okay, this one matters the most. I gotta do it so.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, you did an amazing job judging. We asked you to judge a lot today, and you did an amazing job.

[Joy Dolo]

Like I said earlier, I really love your John Wayne. I think your accents are so funny. And I actually did really appreciate that you had a ton of facts in your. In your dog and in your stuff. So kudos. Kudos is gonna be the candy bar that we make together. And it's going to be peanut raisin, chocolate and gummy bears.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

The kids are gonna run under our lawns just to grab at these delicious kudos. Joy, I have to say, I adore your, like, your spontaneity, your energy, your laissez faire attitude, your ability to improvise and write something better than me. Even though I planned ahead of time and that kind of frustrates me Also. Your appreciation for the great nation of Canada has really, really shone in this debate. And I gotta say, that's the type of edge you need in a debate like this.

[Joy Dolo]

International edge.

[Molly Bloom]

And that's it for today's debate battle. Elliot crowned Snickers, Sour Patch Kids and Twizzlers the Smash Boom Best, giving Joy two out of three and making her our winner of this candy stravaganza. But what about you?

[Elliot]

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

[Molly Bloom]

Smashboom Best is brought to you by Brains on and APM Studios. It's produced by Molly Bloom, Anna Weigel and Aron Woldeselassi. We had engineering help from Gene Barron and Nick Taylor with sound design by Anna Wegel. Our editors are Shayla Farzon and Sandon Totten. And we had production help from the rest of the Brainzn universe team. Rosie Dupont, Rachel Breese, Anna Goldfield, Nico Gonzalez Whistler, Ruby Guthrie, Lauren Humphurt, Jess.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Miller, Joshua Ray, Mark Sanchez and Charlotte Traver.

[Molly Bloom]

Our executive producers, Beth Pearlman and the APM Studios executives in charge are Chandra Kavati and Joanne Griffith. Our announcer is Marlee Foyer worker Otto. And we want to get give a special thanks to Austin Cross and Taylor Kaufman. Joy, is there anyone you'd like to give a shout out to today?

[Joy Dolo]

I'd like to give a shout out to all of Canada and their geese.

[Molly Bloom]

Very nice. How about you, Aron? Any special shout outs?

[Otto Woldeselassi]

I want to give a special shout out to all of the beautiful horses out there. You very much inspired me and Frank Mars.

[Molly Bloom]

Wonderful. And how about you, Elliot? Any special thanks or shout outs?

[Elliot]

I want to give a shout out to the entire smashboom Best team for letting me come on since it was real. Joy. Also because my dad, since you know, gas is so expensive, so you know that one, you know, he drove me.

[Molly Bloom]

Like, shout out to dad. Dad. Before we go, let's check in and see who Fievel thinks should win the salsa versus soy sauce debate.

[Elliot]

Salsa because so yummy.

[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 Brain dawn universe on YouTube where you can watch animated versions of some of your favorite episodes. We'll be back with a new smash Boom. Best debate battle next week. Ghostbusters versus Jurassic Park. What?

[Joy Dolo]

Bye.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh. Put you through the test oh, you're the smashable west better than the rest.

[Joy Dolo]

It's a smash go west It's a.

[Molly Bloom]

Smash go west I'm getting an important message from the booth that's telling me to stop eating candy.

[Elliot]

No.

[Otto Woldeselassi]

Okay, Molly, Molly, from the bottom of my heart, don't stop eating candy.