Podcast Summary: Smash Boom Best – “Invisibility vs. Flying”

Podcast: Smash Boom Best (Brains On Universe)
Episode Date: July 3, 2019
Host: Molly Bloom
Debaters: Katie McVeigh (Invisibility) vs. Brandi Brown (Flying)
Judge: Ronak

Overview

This fun, high-spirited episode of Smash Boom Best throws two ultimate superpowers into the debate arena: Invisibility vs. Flying. With humor, real science, and creative arguments, comedian Katie McVeigh faces off with comedian Brandi Brown, each defending their chosen side. Judge Ronak, a self-described science enthusiast, decides which superpower reigns supreme—all while listeners learn about debate skills, logic, and a bit of pop culture and history.

Episode Structure:

• Declaration of Greatness
• Micro Round (Amusement Park Challenge)
• Sneak Attack (Improv Haiku)
• The Final Six (six-word summary arguments)
• Judge’s Decision

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Opening Thoughts & Superpower Appeal

• Host and judge introduce the debate: Invisibility (the ultimate disguise) vs. Flying (freedom of the skies).
• Early perspectives:
  • Flying offers escape and independence.
  • Invisibility is unique and “cooler” because it’s technologically unattainable.
• Judge Ronak: Expresses he’s “undecided” as both have pros; likes debate for connecting and making people laugh.

  “Yeah, I’ve probably spent an unhealthy amount of time thinking about this.” (Ronak, 01:10)

2. Declaration of Greatness

Invisibility (Katie McVeigh, 05:16):

• Historical angle: Plato’s "Ring of Gyges"—invisibility raises moral questions and temptations.
• Pop culture references:
  • Harry Potter: Invisibility cloak for secret adventures.
  • Fantastic Four: Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), a hero and perfect spy.
• Nature’s invisibility:
  • Camouflage as a survival tool for animals (octopus, especially the mimic octopus).

  “It can figure out what to impersonate based on the animal attacking it.” (Katie, 07:15)

• Real science:
  • Attempts to engineer invisibility through “metamaterials” that bend light; University of Rochester’s lens experiment.

  “Metamaterials seem, like, awesome.” (Ronak, 10:35)

• Personal twist:
  • Practical uses: dodging small talk, playing pranks, secret museum visits.

  “If it became possible, I’m definitely booking a ticket to see the Mona Lisa after dark.” (Katie, 09:56)

Flying (Brandi Brown, 12:06):

• Practicality and daily life:
  • Getting pizza while helping friends move to a 10th-floor apartment.
  • Quick escapes from danger or sticky situations.

  “How would being invisible help you get pizza faster? Oh, right. It wouldn’t.” (Brandi, 12:06)

• Game-changer for humanity:
  • Planes, helicopters save lives and make possible daring rescues (e.g., wildfire suppression, mountain rescues).
• Flying in nature:
  • Birds and insects as natural flyers; migration feats (Arctic tern: 50,000 miles/year).

  “Common swifts…can spend up to 10 months in the air without landing.” (Brandi, 13:58)

• Cultural inspiration:
  • Myths about flying (Pegasus, Icarus, flying carpets around the world).
• Superheroes:
  • Flying is for heroes: Superman, Captain Marvel, with Batman wishing he could fly.
• Uplifting real-life example:
  • Bessie Coleman, first Black woman in America with a pilot’s license—overcame discrimination and inspired generations.

  “The power of flight inspired a young woman to break down barriers and pave the way for generations of pilots. Vote flying.” (Brandi, 16:56)

3. Notable Rebuttals & Quotes

• Flying is practical, invisibility is mysterious:

  “Her big sell at the end was, let’s look at different fruits disappear. Wow, Katie, that’s amazing.” (Brandi, 11:04)

• Invisibility is for the introverts, flying is flashy:

  “Flying is basic. I hate it. Everybody’s doing it. Boring snooze police.” (Katie, 17:28)

• Debate tactics and the value of argument:

  “People are much more willing to accept your argument … if either they can relate to it personally or if they’re laughing their butt.” (Ronak, 02:25)

4. The Micro Round – Amusement Park Challenge (22:53)

Flying – “Soar and Glide” Amusement Park (Brandi, 22:53):

• Suits and accessible chairs for everyone.
• Wind tunnels for floating, VR superhero simulators.
• Blimp rides—sightseeing from above.
• Food court where you “dive” to grab food like a bird.
• Judge reaction: “It’s making all my childhood memories of pretending to be a superhero fly back to me.” (Ronak, 25:02)

Invisibility – “Invisibility Park” (Katie, 25:15):

• Invisible rides: play pranks undetected, eat invisible ice cream, relive memories while hiding during embarrassing ones.
• “Escape the Paparazzi” ride: dodge cameras with your invisibility.
• Judge reaction: “Sounds like a mind-bending, interesting experience for sure.” (Ronak, 26:23)

5. Sneak Attack – Improv Haiku (26:59)

Pro-Invisibility (Katie):

• “Fade yourself away. Invisibility. Nada. Zippo. Zilch.” (28:24)
• Against flying: “Soaring high, flashy. You will be hit in the face by a gross bird. Ouch.” (28:36)

Pro-Flying (Brandi):

• “Explore far and wide. The limit, the universe. Fly fast super power.” (28:55)
• Against invisibility: “Can’t see Katie now. It is not that cool. Amusement park sad.” (29:04)

6. Final Six – Six-Word Closing Arguments (29:34)

• Brandi/Flying: “Flying, many ways to be cooler.” (29:46)
• Katie/Invisibility: “Invisibility, the thinking man’s superpower.” (29:56)
• Judge on closing arguments:

  “I love the bumper sticker: Invisibility, the thinking man superpower. That’s good.” (Ronak, 30:47)

Winner & Judge’s Decision

Winner: Katie McVeigh, Invisibility

• Deciding Factors:
  • Invisibility is mysterious, not routine in human experience.
  • The “thinking man’s superpower” bumper sticker won Ronak over.

  “The deciding factors … invisibility was something we don’t have readily. And it’s kinda mysterious in a way. And God, I love the bumper sticker.” (Ronak, 30:47)

• Gracious acknowledgment: Brandi and Katie praise one another’s arguments and stories—especially Bessie Coleman’s inspiring tale.

Memorable Quotes & Standout Moments

• “You never have to make small talk with boring people again because you’re invisible.” (Katie McVeigh, 03:51)
• “You can zip through the skies doing all sorts of neat tricks.” (Brandi Brown, 04:17)
• “I know in fifth grade when the teacher didn’t call on me … I felt invisible. Which stinks. Or does it?” (Katie McVeigh, 05:16)
• “If a forest fire happens and you’re invisible, you’re still gonna die. But if you can fly away, you’ll be okay.” (Brandi Brown, 11:04)
• “Sure, flying is flashy. But invisibility is just plain cooler. It’s a harder scientific question, a more important moral concept.” (Katie McVeigh, 09:56)
• “Flight typically brings out the best in us. It inspires us in others. In fact, when you fly, you usually want to be seen.” (Brandi Brown, 14:00)
• “Invisibility, the thinking man’s superpower.” (Katie McVeigh, 29:56)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Opening Thoughts: 00:00–04:58
• Declaration of Greatness:
  • Invisibility: 05:16–10:27
  • Flying: 12:06–16:56
• Rebuttals & Judge Impressions: 10:27, 17:28
• Micro Round: Amusement Parks: 22:53–26:28
• Sneak Attack: Haiku Challenge: 26:59–29:18
• Final Six Words: 29:34–30:07
• Judgment & Winner Reveal: 30:13–31:41

Tone and Style

The debate is filled with light-hearted banter, zany side conversations, and playful teasing, with the host and guests maintaining an accessible, fun, and educational style for kids and families. The debaters use humor as well as factual knowledge. The judge admits to “massive nerd” tendencies and enjoys both imaginative and scientific arguments.

Conclusion

Smash Boom Best’s “Invisibility vs. Flying” showcases a clever, heated, and giggle-worthy debate over which superpower is better. Both sides present powerful arguments—practical, inspirational, scientific, and sneaky. In the end, invisibility’s mystique and moral complexity (with a dash of bumper-sticker wit) clinch the victory, but listeners are invited to weigh in with their own opinions.

Listener Call to Action:
“Head to smashboom.org and vote. You’ll see what other listeners think and whether they agree with Ronak’s decision.” (Molly, 31:41)

This engaging, insightful episode is ideal for family listening, road trips, or anyone looking to think critically—and laugh—about superpowers and the art of argument.