Jelly Beans vs. Beans: a flavorful debate

Summary

Smash Boom Best: Jelly Beans vs. Beans - A Flavorful Debate

Episode Release Date: May 8, 2025
Hosted by American Public Media

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Introduction

In this lively episode of Smash Boom Best, the popular debate show crafted for kids and families, hosts Aron Wolselassi and Ali Horman spark a flavorful showdown between two beloved items: Jelly Beans and Beans. Serving as the judge is Riley from Columbia, Maryland, a Broadway performer with a penchant for singing and crossword puzzles.

Meet the Debaters

• Mike Caballon (Beans): An actor and writer who passionately defends the versatility and nutritional benefits of beans.
• Ali Horman (Jelly Beans): A comedian and photographer championing the colorful and fun aspects of jelly beans.
• Riley (Judge): A Broadway performer who brings impartiality and enthusiasm to the debate.

Debate Structure

The debate unfolds through four distinct rounds:

1. Declaration of Greatness
2. Micro Round
3. Sneak Attack
4. Final Six

Each round allows the debaters to present their cases, rebut opposing arguments, and showcase creativity, all while Riley scores their performance.

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Round 1: Declaration of Greatness

Mike Caballon opens with a whimsical rendition of Jack and the Beanstalk, intertwining a classic tale to highlight the nutritional powerhouse that beans represent. He emphasizes beans' rich nutritional profile, stating at [07:04] "beans are chock full of fiber, protein, potassium, copper, folic acid, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6."

Ali Horman counters with a comedic story about the Easter Bunny's mishap with beans, illustrating the unappealing aspects of regular beans. She humorously notes at [09:34], "beans make you stink," juxtaposing them against the vibrant appeal of jelly beans.

A notable exchange includes Riley's observation at [09:13]: "I like that part where it was talking about how beans are both veggies and proteins and it was kind of a debate within a debate."

Outcome: Riley awards a point based on Mike's dual classification of beans, finding the meta-debate "really funny."

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Round 2: Micro Round

In this creative round, each debater presents a short story promoting their side.

Ali Horman narrates a tale where the Easter Bunny's failed attempt to include beans in Easter baskets results in chaos, ultimately saving his reputation by switching to jelly beans. At [10:52], she concludes, "Jellybeans saved my tuchus."

Mike Caballon shares the story of a bean's self-discovery journey, seeking to become a jelly bean but realizing its inherent worth. He poignantly states at [24:15], "You don't need to be a jelly bean to be loved. You're nutritious, versatile, and perfect just the way you are."

Riley's Feedback: [26:28] "I liked how it talked about the creation of the jellybeans. I thought that was really cool."

Outcome: Riley awards another point, appreciating the depth and creativity in both stories.

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Round 3: Sneak Attack

This improv round challenges debaters to list different varieties of their respective items under time pressure.

Mike starts strong with names like "Pinto beans" and "Black eyed peas," while Ali counters with inventive jelly bean flavors such as "Rotten egg" and "Barf."

A humorous moment occurs at [28:15], when Ali's "Barf" flavor catches Mike off guard. Despite Mike's attempts to stay composed, Ali playfully mocks his struggle at [28:36]: "Barf will really throw you off your game."

Outcome: Riley is impressed by the quick thinking and creativity but favors the beans' broader variety, awarding a third point to Mike.

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Round 4: Final Six

In the climactic finale, each debater encapsulates their argument in six words.

• Ali Horman (Jelly Beans): "Slow and steady wins the taste." ([29:38])

• Mike Caballon (Beans): "Beans are actual food, not chemicals." ([29:52])

Riley's Decision: After deliberation, Riley awards the final point to Ali for her succinct and impactful statement about jelly beans.

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Conclusion of the Debate

With a tight score of 3:2 in favor of Beans, Riley declares Beans as the winner of this flavorful face-off.

Riley comments at [30:37]: "It was 3:2 in the points. Right down to the wire."

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State of Debate: Spotting Logical Fallacies

In the State of Debate segment, hosts Molly Bloom and Ali Horman demonstrate the Slippery Slope Fallacy through a humorous skit involving a sloppy restaurant scenario. They break down how exaggerated consequences without evidence weaken arguments.

Ali explains at [18:37]: "The slippery slope fallacy. That's where someone claims that a small action will lead to a huge outcome."

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Listener Engagement and Future Debates

Listener Bethany from Tennessee suggests the next debate topic: Nerf Guns vs. Water Guns. Riley mentions at [21:14], "We'll check back in at the end of this episode to see which side Bethany thinks should win."

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Closing Remarks

Hosts and participants exchange heartfelt shoutouts, celebrating the community and family engagement that fuels the show. They encourage listeners to vote online and partake in future debates, ensuring the continuation of fun and educational discussions.

Riley prompts at [31:17]: "Head to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who you think won."

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Notable Quotes

• Mike Caballon [07:04]: "Beans are chock full of fiber, protein, potassium, copper, folic acid, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6."
• Ali Horman [09:34]: "Beans make you stink."
• Riley [09:13]: "I like that part where it was talking about how beans are both veggies and proteins and it was kind of a debate within a debate."
• Mike Caballon [24:15]: "You don't need to be a jelly bean to be loved. You're nutritious, versatile, and perfect just the way you are."
• Ali Horman [28:15]: "Barf will really throw you off your game."
• Ali Horman [29:38]: "Slow and steady wins the taste."
• Mike Caballon [29:52]: "Beans are actual food, not chemicals."

---

Final Thoughts

This episode of Smash Boom Best not only entertains but also educates listeners on the merits and playful rivalries between everyday items. Through humor, creativity, and factual insights, the show successfully engages its audience, encouraging critical thinking and family-friendly debates. Whether you root for the nutritious versatility of Beans or the colorful fun of Jelly Beans, this episode is a testament to the spirited and enlightening nature of Smash Boom Best.

For more debates and to cast your vote, visit smashboom.org.

Transcript

[Molly Bloom]

Hi, this is Molly with something important to ask you. Like very important. Like so important. Imagine everything I'm saying is in all caps with giant font and underlined in glitter. The Brain Zon universe is public media and public media is threatened like never before. To keep doing what we do, we need your help. We need you. That part's double, underlined in glitter. Your donation can make sure brainson, smashboom Best and more stick around through all of this uncertainty. But we need you to give now. Like right now. Please go to brainson.org donate we have an amazing community of listeners and we love answering your questions, hearing your mystery sounds, and admiring your incredible drawings. And the cool thing is this audience is big. Big. If every family that listens donated just $10, we'd be all set. But we truly mean it when we say any amount is helpful. $5, $25 maybe you like prime numbers and want to give $31 or $83? Just head to brainson.org donate that's brainson.org donate and when you give, picture me saying thank you so much in rainbow font surrounded by heart emojis with extra glitter. Thank you.

[Aron Wolselassi]

From the brains behind brains on.

[Riley]

It's Smash.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Boom.

[Riley]

Best the show for people with big opinions.

[Ali Horman]

Hi, I'm Aronul de Selassie filling in for Molly Bloom. And this is smashboom 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 mouth watering showdown between a colorful sweet treat and the goon of legumes. Put your hands together because it's jelly beans versus beans. We've got actor and writer Mike Caballon here to fight for team Beans.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Beans, beans, they're good for your belly. They're better than beans that are made out of jelly.

[Ali Horman]

And comedian and photographer Ali Horman is here to defend the colorful confection for team Jellybeans.

[Molly Bloom]

I'm here for the colors of the rainbow and the flavors of the world. Cause jelly beans rule and smelly beans drool.

[Ali Horman]

Ho ho. And here to judge it all is Riley from Columbia, Maryland. Riley loves to sing, solve crossword puzzles, and she's performed on Broadway. Hi, Riley.

[Riley]

Hey.

[Ali Horman]

So, Riley, tell us how you ended up on Broadway.

[Riley]

So in Columbia, I'm part of a singing, acting, theater group called the Young Colombians. And a couple years ago we were selected out of seven other groups across the nation to travel to New York and perform in the Arts for Autism Perform benefit concert. We sang a medley from the musical Hair and Then performed with the other groups in an opening and closing number and also did workshops around the city.

[Ali Horman]

Wow, that's really impressive. You mentioned you like crossword puzzles. When did you start solving those?

[Riley]

Um, probably within this year. I just like to wake up on the weekends and I do the Saturday and the Sunday on the Washington Post. And then if I have time during the rest of the week, I do the other ones.

[Ali Horman]

Oh, wow. Any words of advice for our debaters?

[Riley]

I guess be yourselves. And I like to take notes, so I will be taking notes. And yeah, I'm excited.

[Ali Horman]

Will Riley side with Mike or Ali? Only time will tell.

[Riley]

But first, smashboom Best is a non profit public radio program.

[Ali Horman]

That's right, Riley. Which means we rely on support from our listeners to keep the show going. There are lots of ways you can support the show.

[Riley]

You can donate, become a smartypass subscriber, or buy our merch.

[Ali Horman]

Or like a Smashboom Best hoodie, pencil pouch or keychain.

[Riley]

Head to smashboom.org to show your support and thanks.

[Ali Horman]

Now, onto the rules. Every debate consists of four. The Declaration of Greatness, the micro round, the Sneak Attack, and the final six. After each round, our judge Riley will award points to the team that impresses her the most. But she'll keep her decisions top secret until the end of the debate. Listeners, we want you to judge too. Mark down your points as you listen. At the end of the show, head to our website, smashboom.org, and vote for whichever team you think won. Okay, Mike, Allie and Riley, are you ready?

[Molly Bloom]

Absolutely.

[Riley]

Yes.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Born ready, baby.

[Molly Bloom]

Perfect.

[Ali Horman]

Then it's time for the Declaration of Greatness. In this round, our debaters will present a well crafted immersive argument in favor of their side. Then they'll have 30 seconds to rebut their opponent's statements. We flipped a coin. And Mike, you're up first. Tell us why we should give a hoot over the magical fruit that is the bean.

[Aron Wolselassi]

I could start my argument by telling you all about beans, but why don't we hear a story instead? We all know Jack and the Beanstalk. It begins with Jack on his way to the market.

[Molly Bloom]

Pardon me. You there, young boy.

[Aron Wolselassi]

What be your name, lad?

[Ali Horman]

Jack. And this is my old cow, Bessie.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Mmm. And what brings you to this part of the forest?

[Ali Horman]

Well, you see, sir, my mother and I were very poor, so my mother sent me to the market to sell Bessie here. You won't get much for that old cow at the market. I, on the other hand, would be willing to take her off your hands. Now, I haven't a gold coin to spare, but what I can offer is worth more than any precious stone or currency. What I am offering you is five magic beans.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Wow.

[Ali Horman]

These are no ordinary beans. Boy, these beans are magical. And when you plant them. Oh, you just ate.

[Molly Bloom]

You just ate the beans?

[Ali Horman]

Yep. Delicious and nutritious. Thanks. Here's your cow.

[Molly Bloom]

See ya.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Okay, so maybe that's not how Jack and the Beanstalk actually went. But it could have, because Jack knew Beans are good and good for you. They're chock full of fiber, protein, potassium, copper, folic acid, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6. They can even help protect against heart disease, lower cholesterol, and lower blood sugar. In fact, beans are so good for you, they that they're one of the only foods the US Department of Agriculture considers both a vegetable and a protein.

[Molly Bloom]

Vegetables. Beans are vegetables.

[Ali Horman]

Ugh.

[Molly Bloom]

Nonsense. Beans are a protein. Just because they're full of protein doesn't make them a protein. If you ate a bunch of beans, I wouldn't call you a bean. Your brain is a bunch of beans. If you think anything that grows is automatically a vegetable, what about flowers? Enough, you two. There's no time to argue. Beans are both a protein and a vegetable.

[Aron Wolselassi]

On top of being good for you, beans are just plain good. With over 10,000 varieties, beans can taste like anything. In Asia, sweetened red beans are commonly used in desserts. In the Middle east, garbanzo beans are ground up and turned into hummus. In the uk, some people eat beans on toast for breakfast, whether they're sweet or savory. Bean recipes show up in just about every country on Earth. Another great thing about beans is that they're cheap, easy to cook, and they last a long time without expiring. For literal cents on the dollar, you can stock your pantry with dry or canned beans and have a nutritious meal ready to go, even in the toughest situations.

[Molly Bloom]

Not only is it the zomb apocalypse, but I'm starving. Don't worry. I have this pantry full of beans. Oh, we're safe. Yeah, well, from hunger. I mean, there's still a horde of angry zombies out there.

[Ali Horman]

Oh, right.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Brains. Okay, so beans can't solve all your problems, but they'll definitely keep you going. Beans are packed full of nutrients, and they're one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. I've gotta agree with Jack here. Magical or not, beans are the best.

[Ali Horman]

That might be one of the best declarations of greatness that's ever been. Riley. What stood out to you about Mike's declaration of greatness.

[Riley]

I like that part where it was talking about how beans are both veggies and proteins and it was kind of a debate within a debate. I thought that was really funny.

[Ali Horman]

Oh, wow. You're absolutely right. That's very meta. I really like that. Okay, Ally, it's time for your rebuttal. Tell us why the bean is so mean. You've got 30 seconds and your time starts now.

[Molly Bloom]

I love the idea that beans are healthy, but none of that sounded like any fun. Are you kidding me? Chaos, giant zombie apocalypse. All of that is not anything good you're ushering into the. Not to mention beans make you stink. And if you want something that's full of fiber and vitamins, you can have potatoes and those. You can mash them, stick em in a stew, you know, like the. The way you should. I really think that beans should be colorful and fun and not just boring.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Wow. Wow. Beans make you stink. Well, at least beans don't make you tired like jelly beans. Do that sugar crash after you have a handful of jelly beans. No, thank you. I'll take regular beans any day.

[Ali Horman]

Ooh, good. Okay, it's your turn, Ally. Tell us why jelly beans are more than just an Easter treat.

[Molly Bloom]

Once upon a time, it was the Easter bunny's first day on the job, and he had no idea what he was doing.

[Ali Horman]

I don't want to get fired like the Flag Day flamingo and Halloween Hippo. I gotta put something amazing in these kids Easter baskets.

[Molly Bloom]

But what?

[Ali Horman]

Pebbles? Rubber bands.

[Molly Bloom]

He opened his cupboard.

[Ali Horman]

Or maybe beans.

[Molly Bloom]

It was the best idea he could come up with. So that night, he opened a bunch of cans and hopped around slopping the beans into kids baskets. In the morning, when the kids awoke, a giant cry erupted.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Shoot.

[Ali Horman]

Nobody liked my beans.

[Molly Bloom]

But the parents forced their kids to eat them. And then a few hours later, a different sound erupted. The smell was outrageous.

[Ali Horman]

Darn you, Easter Bunny.

[Molly Bloom]

Beans are horrible.

[Ali Horman]

We hate beans.

[Molly Bloom]

The Easter Bunny felt bad.

[Ali Horman]

If only there was a bean that tasted amazing and didn't make you fart. Hold up. There is jellybeans.

[Molly Bloom]

So next Easter, he tried out his idea. And when the children awoke.

[Riley]

Omg.

[Ali Horman]

Thank you, Easter Bunny. I love jelly beans.

[Riley]

They're so much better than beans.

[Molly Bloom]

The bunny kept his job and cried tears of joy.

[Ali Horman]

I love you, jelly beans.

[Molly Bloom]

The end. Jelly beans. They're sweet, they're fun. You can share them with your friends and play games like guess how many jelly beans are in that jar? Or Guess that flavor. Or you can Close your eyes, pop a jelly bean in your mouth, and try and figure out what you're tasting.

[Ali Horman]

Mmm.

[Molly Bloom]

You could also use jelly beans to make shiny, colorful art. I've seen amazing jelly bean portraits of everyone from Harry Potter to Elvis. And sure, you can use regular beans for some of these activities, but those drab colors don't inspire fun. Jelly beans bring people together. Beans push them apart.

[Ali Horman]

Ew.

[Molly Bloom]

Don't come near me. If you like sweet, predictable goodness, stick with the classic flavors. Cherry, root beer, cream soda, tangerine, green apple, lemon, licorice, and grape. If you're a thrill seeker, dive into a bag of more adventurous tastes. There are over 100 flavors to choose from. From toasted marshmallow to limeade to rotten egg to barf, jelly beans are a flavor adventure. Meanwhile, regular beans need help to taste like anything at all.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Ugh.

[Ali Horman]

These beans are bland.

[Molly Bloom]

Pass the salt. Or even better, pass the jelly bean. Jelly beans have also been enjoyed in some seriously surprising places. For example, some say they were first enjoyed by soldiers during the Civil War. Need a boost?

[Aron Wolselassi]

Celebrate your strength and vigor with jelly beans.

[Molly Bloom]

They've also been enjoyed by astronauts in outer space.

[Ali Horman]

I never thought being an astronaut could get any cooler until I started eating jelly beans in space. Watch me catch them in my mouth as I float.

[Molly Bloom]

And if that wasn't enough, just look at them. When I grab a handful, it's like holding a rainbow in my palm. Neon pink and grass green, pumpkin orange and robin's egg blue. They're a vision to behold. Jelly beans are sweet and gorgeous. They bring people together and they're a flavor packed adventure. No wonder they've been snacked on in space and cherished by children. Plus, they rescued the Easter bunny from a professional disgrace. Right, Bun bun?

[Ali Horman]

Yes, ma' am. Jellybeans saved my tuchus. Now I don't know what to do with all these cans of regular beans. You want some, Allie?

[Molly Bloom]

No, no, no. I'll stick to jelly beans, thank you.

[Ali Horman]

What a gaseous declaration of greatness. So, Riley, what did you think about Allie's declaration of greatness? Any moments in her argument really stand out?

[Riley]

I just keep thinking about how she mentioned the rotten egg jelly bean. Because I've had that when I played that game with my cousins where the two beans are the same color, but, like, one of them tastes good and one of them tastes bad.

[Ali Horman]

I'll take your word for it. That sounds like a lot of fun. Okay, Mike, it's time for your rebuttal. Tell us why jellybeans are candy for no dandy you've got 30 seconds. And go poo.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Okay, here we go. So your first argument is that jelly beans are good for Easter. What about everyone else on Earth who doesn't celebrate Easter? You know who can enjoy regular beans? Jewish people, Muslim people, atheists, agnostics. Everyone else on Earth. Okay, so you can play bean games with jelly beans. You can play all that stuff with beans too. Same with the taste test. Making a collage. You said that regular beans have drab colors. We got red beans, we got black beans, we got white beans, we got green beans. You name a color, we got a bean for it.

[Ali Horman]

Wow.

[Aron Wolselassi]

I had more. I had more. I could have kept going.

[Molly Bloom]

I just think that Mike needs to up his level of whimsy in his life. And less. Less concrete and more in the clouds.

[Ali Horman]

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

[Riley]

Yes.

[Ali Horman]

Excellent. Ally and Mike, how are you two feeling so far?

[Molly Bloom]

Confident.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Ooh, I'm. If you could see me right now, I'd be cracking my knuckles.

[Ali Horman]

Ooh, I like that. Confident in cracking one's knuckles. Okay, it's time for a quick break. Look for the Easter bunny and frugal old men.

[Riley]

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.

[Ali Horman]

Splish splash.

[Molly Bloom]

It's me, Taylor Lincoln, alongside my sparkling clean bud, Todd Douglas. Say, is that a pair of vacuum cleaners you're holding above your head, Todd?

[Ali Horman]

Hi, Taylor.

[Molly Bloom]

It sure is.

[Ali Horman]

I use two so that I can clean the ceiling at lightning speed. Phew. Now the only thing left is my double handed, super spinning full room mopping.

[Molly Bloom]

I love to clean too, but instead of rooms, I like to clean up bad arguments. Especially when there are logical fallacies in the mix.

[Ali Horman]

Oh, a logical fallacy. That's when someone makes a bad argument that's easy to defeat. It is.

[Molly Bloom]

And the other day I overheard a real messy one. Let's take a listen. Hi.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Welcome to Sergeant Sloppy's Sloptacular Slopstaurant. Our food is sloppy and rude. Can I please take your order?

[Molly Bloom]

Yes, I'll have the chili cheese slop dog, extra slop sauce with a side of slop fries, but hold the onions, please.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Anything else?

[Molly Bloom]

Do you think I could get some extra napkins with this?

[Riley]

I mean, it feels like it might.

[Molly Bloom]

Get kind of sloppy. Ooh, no can do. No extra napkins. But why not?

[Aron Wolselassi]

If I give you more paper napkins, then everyone will want extra napkins, and.

[Molly Bloom]

Then they might have to cut down.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Whole forests to make more, and there wouldn't be any more trees in the world. So I'm sorry, I have to say no to extra napkins.

[Ali Horman]

Whoa. Clean up in the debate aisle.

[Molly Bloom]

Indeed a mundo. Todd, old pal. That was a real sloppy argument that cashier was using.

[Ali Horman]

The slippery slope fallacy. That's where someone claims that a small action will lead to a huge outcome.

[Molly Bloom]

It's messy because it exaggerates what might happen without any evidence.

[Ali Horman]

Well, I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm suddenly craving slop dogs.

[Molly Bloom]

Me too. Let's not get them to go, though. I wouldn't want to get any on this newly cleaned ceiling.

[Ali Horman]

Thanks. We'll see you next time on State of.

[Molly Bloom]

Kids. You have a lot of questions.

[Ali Horman]

Is a crocodile a dinosaur?

[Molly Bloom]

Why do people vote? How does your food turn into your poop? But why? A podcast for curious kids has answers.

[Riley]

I'm Jane Lindholm. Join me as we dig deep into.

[Molly Bloom]

Everything from science to history, nature, emotions, and sometimes even the weird. Why are jellyfish made of jelly?

[Riley]

Or are they made out of jelly?

[Molly Bloom]

Find. But why? Wherever you get your podcasts, Brains on Universe is a family of podcasts for kids and their adults. Since you're a fan of Smash Boom Best, you'll love the other shows in our universe. Come on, let's explore. It's alien exercise hour. Hiya. While I stretch my snoodles and bounce on my trampolini, I'll listen to a new podcast. I'm going to try Brains on, the best science podcast ever.

[Ali Horman]

It's starting. Yay.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Hello and welcome to Pop Planet, the only show that gets you up close and personal with space. I'm your host, star Eden Zorp.

[Ali Horman]

Come back here. Podcast Must listen to Brains on now.

[Molly Bloom]

Listen to Brains on wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ali Horman]

Boom.

[Molly Bloom]

Smash. Smash.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Boom Best.

[Ali Horman]

You're listening to Smash Boom Best. I'm your host, Aron Wolselassi.

[Riley]

And I'm your judge, Riley.

[Ali Horman]

And we love getting debate suggestions from our listeners. Take a listen to this debate idea from Bethany. My name is Bethany from Tennessee.

[Riley]

My idea for a battle is Nerf.

[Ali Horman]

Guns versus water guns.

[Riley]

Friends, let's give this debate a shot.

[Ali Horman]

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

[Riley]

And now it's back to our debate. Jellybeans versus beans.

[Ali Horman]

That's right. And it's time for round two. The.

[Riley]

Micro round.

[Ali Horman]

For the micro round challenge, each team has prepared a creative response to a prompt they received in advance. For Mike and Ally, the prompt was short story. We asked you two to write a short story about your side. Mike went first last time. So, Ali, you're up. Tell us a tale about your tiny treat. Oh, look, a bridge. I'll just skip across here and.

[Molly Bloom]

Hello there. I'm a bridge fairy and you must answer my riddle before. Before you can pass.

[Ali Horman]

Shouldn't you be a troll?

[Molly Bloom]

Do I look like a troll to you?

[Ali Horman]

No. Sorry. So the riddle.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, yeah. What takes three weeks to create, but seconds to destroy? Its countless colors and flavors have brought 150 years of joy.

[Ali Horman]

No clue. Did you just hit me with jelly beans?

[Molly Bloom]

Yes, because that's the answer. Jellybeans. They take weeks to make. Come with me on a magical, rainbow flavored journey to learn more.

[Ali Horman]

Do I have to?

[Molly Bloom]

If you don't, I will turn you into a can of beans.

[Ali Horman]

Harsh, but fair.

[Molly Bloom]

We start in commercial kitchens where food scientists stir together sugar, water, fruit, pectin, and flavoring to cook for almost 12 hours.

[Ali Horman]

Shouldn't there be magical creatures or something?

[Molly Bloom]

What, like Sasquatch in a hairnet? Come on. This is modern candy making.

[Ali Horman]

Good point.

[Molly Bloom]

Next, the sugar mix is poured carefully into molds of cornstarch so they can dry for 24 to 72 hours to make the chewy center.

[Ali Horman]

That's my favorite part, dude.

[Molly Bloom]

Same. Next, the jellybean centers come to rotating drums where they are tumbled and coated in colors and more flavor. This is how you get the crunchy outsides.

[Ali Horman]

Wow. So much goes into making these tiny, delicious beans. I feel like such a garbanzo for not knowing this.

[Molly Bloom]

They are carefully crafted treats that take seconds to eat. Okay, now you can cross the bridge, but watch out for trolls.

[Ali Horman]

Cool. Wait, trolls? What a fairy tale. Mike, now it's your turn. Tell us your bean filled story.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Once upon a time, there was a bean who really wanted to be a jellybean. He was so jealous of how jelly beans always got passed out at Halloween and how everybody seemed to love them. I'm just a plain old bead, he lamented. So one day he visited a wizard chef. He said, oh, wizard chef, will you please turn me into a jelly bean? The chef thought for a moment, then said, yes. Just soak yourself in this magical pot over water for three days and three nights, and when you awaken, you'll have everything you desire. So the bean hopped into the pot and fell into a deep slumber. And when he awoke, he felt different. He felt like a butterfly ready to emerge from its cocoon. He was practically leaping with excitement to show off his new jelly bean form. And sure enough, when he climbed out of the pot, he was the talk of the town. Everybody loved him. Everybody wanted a taste. For the first time in his life, he felt popular. He had finally gotten everything he ever wanted. But when he passed a mirror, he saw that he wasn't a jelly bean at all. Where's my brightly colored candy coating? He shouted in horror. He was still just a regular bean. So he asked the wizard chef, why did you lie to me? The chef laughed and replied, I didn't lie to you, little bean. Don't you see? You had it inside of you all along. You don't need to be a jelly bean to be loved. You're nutritious, versatile, and perfect just the way you are. And so the bean smiled and lived happily ever after. The end.

[Ali Horman]

Oh, my goodness. What a tasty tale. Thank you so much. Okay, Riley, what did you like about Mike and Allie's micro rounds?

[Riley]

I don't know. They were really fun. I liked about the jellybeans one. I liked how it talked about the creation of the jellybeans. I thought that was really cool. And then in the beans one, I just very much empathized with that bean character, the lonely little bean. I thought that was a very nice story.

[Ali Horman]

Sure, sure.

[Aron Wolselassi]

We can all relate to the lonely little bean.

[Riley]

Exactly.

[Ali Horman]

It's time to award a point. But don't tell us who you're voting for. Riley, have you made your decision?

[Riley]

Yes.

[Ali Horman]

Fantastic. Then it's time for our third round, the super stealthy sneak attack. This is our improvised round where debaters have to respond to a challenge on the spot. Today's sneak attack is called 3, 2, 1. List off. In this challenge, Ally and Mike go back and forth, listing off different varieties of flavors of jellybeans and beans until one of them runs out of ideas. We'll give you to the count of three to come up with something. If you can't say something before time runs out, game over. Does that make sense?

[Molly Bloom]

Yes.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Yes.

[Ali Horman]

Perfect. Ally went first in our last round, so, Mike, you'll kick it off. So on your mark, get set. Go.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Pinto beans, grape chickpeas, cherry soybeans, buttered popcorn, black eyed peas, root beer, Float Broad beans.

[Molly Bloom]

Earwax.

[Aron Wolselassi]

That's not real. Okay, okay, okay. Cannellini beans.

[Molly Bloom]

Lime.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Black beans.

[Molly Bloom]

Blueberry.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Butter beans.

[Molly Bloom]

Cotton candy.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Kidney beans.

[Molly Bloom]

Lemon, Lime.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Borlatti beans.

[Molly Bloom]

Barf.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Gigantes.

[Molly Bloom]

Sour apple.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Uh, lima beans.

[Molly Bloom]

Limeade.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Um, lentils. Lentils are beans.

[Molly Bloom]

Licorice.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Uh, Anasazi beans.

[Molly Bloom]

Tangerine.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Garbanzos. Did I already say that one?

[Ali Horman]

Yeah, you did. That's game.

[Molly Bloom]

Yes.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Wow. Wow. I really thought I had that one in the bag.

[Ali Horman]

Yeah, you guys are going back and forth.

[Molly Bloom]

That was really impressive.

[Ali Horman]

Allie, I gotta say, I really thought you were scraping the bottom of the barrel when you said Barf.

[Molly Bloom]

I was trying find things that would throw Mike off his game.

[Ali Horman]

Sure, sure.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Barf really did it.

[Ali Horman]

Yeah. Barf will really throw you off your game. All right, Riley, think about which side impressed you the most and award your fourth point, but don't tell us who you're giving it to. Have you made your decision?

[Riley]

Yes.

[Ali Horman]

Perfect. Then it's time for our final round.

[Aron Wolselassi]

The final six.

[Ali Horman]

In this round, each team will have just six words to sum up the glory of their side. All right, Ally, let's hear your six words that prove jelly beans are the sweet treat that can't be beat.

[Molly Bloom]

Slow and steady wins the taste.

[Ali Horman]

Lovely. Okay, Mike, it's your turn. Give us your six words proving the power of beans.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Beans are actual food, not chemicals.

[Ali Horman]

Ooh, a thinker. I like that. Okay, it's time to award a point for the final six. Riley, have you made your decision?

[Riley]

Yes.

[Ali Horman]

Are you ready to crown one team the Smash Boom Best?

[Riley]

Yes, I am.

[Ali Horman]

Drumroll, please. And the winner is.

[Riley]

Beans.

[Molly Bloom]

Yes.

[Riley]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Riley.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Wow. Wow. I really thought I lost it there with the back and forth, but I'm glad we prevailed today.

[Ali Horman]

Oh, my gosh. So, Riley, was there a moment that decided things for you?

[Riley]

I don't know if there was one moment. It was kind of split. It was 3:2 in the points.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Wow. Right down to the wire.

[Ali Horman]

Wait, what was the final point?

[Riley]

The final point went to jelly beans for the final six.

[Molly Bloom]

Mike, I really appreciated the effort you put into not only knowing your beans, but knowing the value of them.

[Aron Wolselassi]

It's very kind of you. Thank you, Allie. I think you're right. I do need a little bit more whimsy in my life. A little less concrete, a little more head in the clouds. So thank you for encouraging me to reach higher.

[Molly Bloom]

Anytime.

[Ali Horman]

And that's it for today's debate battle. Riley crowned beans the Smashboom Best. But what about you?

[Riley]

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

[Ali Horman]

Smashboom Best is brought to you by Brains on and APM Studios. It's produced by me, Aron Walda Selassie.

[Molly Bloom]

Molly Bloom and Anna Weigel.

[Ali Horman]

We had engineering help from Evan Clark, Jake Cherry and Vince Armstrong, but sound designed by me. Our editors are Shayla Farzon and Sandon Totten, with fact checking by Rebecca Rand and Ruby Guthrie. And we had production help from the rest of the Brainzon universe team.

[Molly Bloom]

Rosie Dupont, Rachel Freeze, Anna Goldfield, Nico Gonzalez Whistler, Ruby Guthrie, Lauren Humphert, Joshua.

[Ali Horman]

Ray, Rebecca Rand, Mark Sanchez and Charlotte Traver. Our executive producer is Beth Perlman, and the APM Studios executives in charge are Chandra Kavadi and Joanne Griffith. Our announcer is Marley Feuer, worker Otto. And we want to give a special thanks to Luna, Lulu, Austin Cross and Taylor Kaufman. Mike, is there anyone you'd like to give a shout out to today?

[Aron Wolselassi]

I would like to shout out the inspiration for the voice of the bean in my short story and the best dog in the whole world, Cosmo.

[Ali Horman]

Aw. How about you, Ali? Any shout outs?

[Molly Bloom]

I would like to shout my three sons, Soren, Jude and Axel. And also Caleb and Maya Gooey, who listen to this podcast with us.

[Ali Horman]

And do you want to give any special thanks, Riley?

[Riley]

I'd like to thank my family and special shout out to the cast of Legally Blonde at my high school.

[Ali Horman]

Aw, that's so sweet. Before we go, let's check in and see who Bethany thinks should win the Nerf gun versus water gun debate. I think Nerf guns would win because you don't have to have a water source. If you're between the ages of 13 and 18 and you'd like to be a judge, or if you're any age and you have an idea for a knockdown drag out debate, head to smashboom.org contact and drop us a line. And make sure to subscribe to Brains on Universe on YouTube where you can watch animated versions of some of your favorite episodes. We'll be back with a new smashboom Best debate next week. Forts versus Puzzles. Buh. Bye.

[Molly Bloom]

See you later.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Goodbye.

[Riley]

Bye.

[Aron Wolselassi]

Better than the rest.

[Molly Bloom]

It's magical West.