Mermaids vs Bigfoot: A fan favorite encore

Summary

Smash Boom Best — Mermaids vs Bigfoot: A Fan Favorite Encore

Podcast: Smash Boom Best by Brains On Universe
Date: April 30, 2026
Debaters: Merk Nguyen (Team Mermaid) vs. Joy Dolo (Team Bigfoot)
Judge: Oscar Wolf
Host: Molly Bloom

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Episode Overview

In this laugh-out-loud and thoughtful showdown, Smash Boom Best returns with a fan-favorite debate: Mermaids vs Bigfoot. Two iconic mythical creatures go head-to-head as debaters Merk Nguyen and Joy Dolo argue for their chosen champions. Moderator Molly Bloom and quick-witted judge Oscar Wolf guide listeners through fact-filled arguments, creative challenges, and hilarious quips—culminating in a winner chosen by both logic and delight.

The episode is a lively exploration of folklore, pop culture, and self-expression, and it’s also an excellent primer for young listeners on the art of debate.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Meet the Judge & Debaters (01:02–04:57)

• Oscar Wolf, the judge, shares his early love for The Little Mermaid (Ariel action figures) and his impressions of Bigfoot from TV shows.
• Oscar reveals he’s a frequent debater, even using knowledge of logical fallacies: “People will appeal to common sense all the time as if that's like a fact. But … everybody tends to be wrong a lot.” (02:37)
• Merk Nguyen (Mermaids): “They're intelligent, powerful, gorgeous and just mermaid to be part of our world.” (03:10)
• Joy Dolo (Bigfoot): “Bigfoot is the cooler creature because he's a lot like me. He lives on land, he's got a heart of gold, and I haven't shaved during the pandemic. So we are both furry and cuddly.” (03:51)

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2. Declarations of Greatness

Team Mermaid — Merk Nguyen (05:16–10:20)

• Mythology global reach: Mermaids originate from ancient legends (Syria, South Africa, Ireland, Southeast Asia); represent power, skill, and freedom.
• Physical prowess: Scientific analysis suggests mermaids’ tails rival dolphin strength; “hypothetical mermaids could swim up to 13mph” (Merk, 07:19).
• Symbolism in pop culture: Focus on The Little Mermaid’s Ariel as a model of self-expression and finding one’s true self.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “These lyrics encapsulate what it feels like to want to embrace some kind of truth about yourself in order to truly be free to be your awesome, independent self.” (09:41)
• Hygiene jab: “Since they're underwater most if not all the time, they don't stop stank like Bigfoot, who hasn't showered in forever.” (10:18)

Oscar’s Reaction (10:22–10:57)

• Praises the symbolism: “Very good argument on the part of mermaids ... the argument about being a symbol of self expression and freedom ... very accurate today.”

Bigfoot’s Rebuttal — Joy Dolo (11:08–11:46)

• Counters the point about Bigfoot’s sound and scent: “Nobody knows what he sounds like. So he could sound like Ariel.”
• Turns Ariel’s wish to walk on land into a pro-Bigfoot point: “Ariel wants to walk, walk on land like Bigfoot. I mean, obviously she wants to be a part of his world.”
• Questions mermaid trustworthiness: “They can mesmerize you ... sounds like they can make you do all kinds of things that you don't wanna do.”

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Team Bigfoot — Joy Dolo (11:58–17:55)

• Global folklore: Yeren (China), Yeti, Sasquatch, Abominable Snowman, all represent Bigfoot-like creatures—Bigfoot is “straight up global.” (12:55)
• Pop culture ubiquity: Bigfoot in advertising, movies (Harry and the Hendersons), and music (Ice Cube’s “Sasquatch”).
• Environmental advocacy: Bigfoot is used as a symbol for conservation; contrasts with Ariel “who collects garbage and hoards it on the seafloor.” (15:04)
• Possibility of reality: Anthropologist Grover Krantz speculated that a forest-dwelling humanoid could exist.
• Spiritual significance: For many Native American cultures, Bigfoot is a spiritual being.
• Philosophical takeaway: “We search our whole lives for something to hold onto so we can belong. But what if the very thing we are searching for is inside of us all along?” (17:50)

Oscar’s Reaction (18:10–18:52)

• Points out: “Bigfoot can represent the less desirable parts of us, but in a good way ... good at social distancing ... Ariel is totally polluting the ocean.”

Mermaid’s Rebuttal — Merk Nguyen (19:06–19:39)

• Clarifies pollution point: “Pollution is not Ariel's fault. That is land people's fault, including possibly Bigfoot himself. She's reducing, using, recycling.”
• Both creatures are globally represented.
• Points out logical fallacy in Joy’s argument about mermaids’ evil reputation.
• Memorable zinger: “Yeren rhymes with Karen. We know how we feel about Karen's.”

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3. Micro Round: YouTube Star

(24:00–29:48)

Team Bigfoot — Beatrice’s Bigfoot Channel (24:26–27:09)

• Presents Bigfoot as a misunderstood, cozy, conservation-minded woodland creature.
• Features a rap that challenges stereotypes:
  • “The one candle, hold a flame to this gargantuan candle on for conservation efforts. Don't you change the channel…” (26:01)
• Touches on sympathy for less-famous Bigfoots.

Team Mermaid — Sheriel the Mermaid (27:30–29:48)

• “Sheriel” shares confidence-boosting messages, song covers, and candid video confessions.
• Tackles body image and pollution honestly, encourages sea protection.
• Touching closing:
  • “Maybe you can relate to what I said ... I know I'm far from perfect and you're more mermaid than you think. After all, you can't spell mermaid without the me, which in this case is you.” (29:08–29:48)

Oscar’s Judgement:

• Loved both performances—praised the Bigfoot rap and the authenticity of “Sheriel’s” YouTube persona.
  • “Sheriel could have been a million actual YouTubers ... the puns were on fire.” (30:07–30:34)

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4. Sneak Attack: Crayon Color (31:12–34:28)

Team Mermaid: Rainboy G Biv (31:44–32:32)

• High-tech waterproof, audio-recording crayon showing all rainbow colors, representing diversity and freedom of expression.

Team Bigfoot: Bursting Chocolate Tootsie Roll Fireplace Caramel Brown (32:42–33:43)

• Delicious, cozy, edible brown GPS crayon that redefines brown’s reputation—from “gross” to “yummy and beautiful.”

Oscar’s Analysis:

• Applauds both for tying their colors back to the initial arguments about beauty in diversity (mermaids) and hidden value in the overlooked (Bigfoot).

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5. Final Six: Six-Word Closing Arguments (34:41–35:17)

• Bigfoot (Joy Dolo): “Big foot friend equals big hearts. The question mark there is for free.” (34:51–34:59)
• Mermaid (Merk Nguyen): Leaves cliffhanger: “Part of your...” (35:09)
  • Oscar: “Even though she only said six, I had to [give the point]; because we were all finishing it in our heads.” (36:33)

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6. Oscar Declares the Winner (36:00–36:54)

• Mermaids win by a whisker!
• It came down to the final six—Oscar was charmed by Merk’s strategic cliffhanger.

Notable Quotes:

• Joy (Bigfoot): “I feel like I am very much representing for the Bigfoot culture, and I know he's out there listening right now because he's real.” (20:24)
• Merk (Mermaid): “I'm hurt for my girl Ariel...” (20:08)
• Oscar: “Joy, you did a fantastic job … you did amazing. You did fantastic.” (36:19–36:25)

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Memorable Moments & Humorous Highlights

• Playful puns and banter throughout, e.g. “You didn’t Sasquatch my feelings!” (03:30)
• Joy’s recurring pandemic beard jokes: “I haven’t shaved during the pandemic. So we are both furry and cuddly.” (03:51)
• Sheriel’s “scuba-scribe” sign-off in the mermaid YouTube micro round.
• Both sides accused the other’s mythical being of being “stinky.”
• Joy’s meta-rap as Bigfoot (“I can rap. My name is Bigfoot and I’m coming to dismantle all that negative info about these huge mammals…” 26:01)
• Merk’s color name “Rainboy G Biv,” a pun on “Roy G Biv” (the rainbow colors).
• Oscar kept the judgements secret until the dramatic final reveal.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Meet the Judge & Debaters: 01:02–04:57
• Mermaid Declaration of Greatness: 05:16–10:20
• Oscar and Joy’s Mermaid Rebuttal: 10:22–11:46
• Bigfoot Declaration of Greatness: 11:58–17:55
• Oscar and Merk’s Bigfoot Rebuttal: 18:10–19:39
• Micro Round (YouTube Star): 24:00–29:48
• Sneak Attack (Crayon Color): 31:12–34:28
• Final Six: 34:41–35:17
• Winner Announced: 36:00–36:54

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Tone and Style

• Whimsical, kid-friendly, and filled with enthusiastic, sometimes self-deprecating humor.
• Both debaters skillfully mix facts with jokes, puns, and pop culture references.

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Who Should Listen

• Families, kids, and anyone who loves friendly debates, mythical creatures, or smart, funny banter.

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Conclusion

This episode brings out the best in friendly debate, mixing silly jokes with studies of legend, pop culture, and the power of believing in yourself (or your favorite cryptid). In a showdown as close as a dolphin’s tail swipe or a Bigfoot footprint, Mermaids take top honors—thanks to a clever use of words, a celebration of self-expression, and a perfectly timed cliffhanger. But listeners may find both arguments equally enchanting!

"Even if you don't believe in me, I believe in you." (17:50, Bigfoot channel rap)

“After all, you can’t spell mermaid without the me, which in this case is you.” (29:08, Merk Nguyen)

— “We all finished it in our heads.” (35:20, Molly Bloom, about the final six-word argument)

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Decide for yourself: Are you Team Mermaid or Team Bigfoot? Smash Boom Best lets you be the judge!

Transcript

[Molly Bloom]

Lemonade.

[Merk Nguyen]

Brains on Universe.

[Molly Bloom]

Hi, friends, it's me, Molly. We are coming back next week with brand new episodes of Smash Boom Best. We cannot wait for you to hear them. Also, we are still on tour with the Brain Zahn live show coming up. We have shows in live Lawrence, Kansas, Buffalo, New York, Toronto, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Columbus, Ohio and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Head to brainson.orgevents to learn more and get your tickets. That's brainson.org events. We would love to see you there and give you a huge high five. Now, this week we're playing a fan favorite episode. It's a delightful debate featuring Merk Nguyen and Joy Dolo. It is mermaids versus Bigfoot.

[Merk Nguyen]

Enjoy from the brains behind Brains On.

[Oscar Wolf]

It's 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 between two marvelous mythical legends. It's mermaids versus Bigfoot. In one corner, we've got mermaids, half human and half fish. They're known for their super scaly powerful tails. And in the other, Bigfoot, the ever elusive ape like creature living in forests all over the world. Which creature will win this Smash Boom Best battle? It's going to be a tough one, but luckily Oscar is here to help us decide. Hi, Oscar.

[Caller]

Hi.

[Molly Bloom]

When I say mermaid, what comes to mind immediately?

[Oscar Wolf]

Ariel. When I was younger, that was my number one favorite favorite movie. I had little action figures of every character from the Little Mermaid.

[Molly Bloom]

And what about Bigfoot? What pops in your head when you hear the word Bigfoot?

[Oscar Wolf]

When I hear Bigfoot. Weird TV shows where it's like a bunch of old men going into the forest and like setting up traps. You know, that kind of stuff.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, that's what comes to mind for Bigfoot.

[Oscar Wolf]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, that.

[Molly Bloom]

So, Oscar, do you find yourself debating or arguing with friends and family?

[Oscar Wolf]

All the time. They hate me for it. I do it way too much.

[Molly Bloom]

Do you have sort of some tactics you use to try to persuade your opponent?

[Oscar Wolf]

I spent some time, like, memorizing a few logical fallacies.

[Joy Dolo]

Nice.

[Oscar Wolf]

People will appeal to common sense all the time as if that's like a fact. But it's kind of just the stuff that everybody tends to agree on, but everybody tends to be wrong a lot.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, Oscar, you are going to be a fabulous judge today. But now it's time to meet our debaters. Here to defend the fabled and fabulous team mermaid. It's Merk Nguyen. Hi, Merk.

[Merk Nguyen]

Hello.

[Molly Bloom]

So, Merk, in a single sentence, why are mermaids the smash boom best?

[Merk Nguyen]

They're intelligent, powerful, gorgeous and just mermaid to be part of our world.

[Molly Bloom]

And here to represent extraordinary and elusive team Bigfoot. And it's Joy Dolo. Hi, Joy.

[Joy Dolo]

Hi. I'm here. I am ready to be a part of your world. I took your line. You're welcome.

[Merk Nguyen]

It's okay. You didn't Sasquatch my feelings. Not yet anyway.

[Oscar Wolf]

Oh, jeez.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, you just slipped that right through my fingers. Oh, come on. This is gonna be a great show. You're welcome ahead of time, Oscar.

[Oscar Wolf]

No, I fully appreciate the mystical puns.

[Molly Bloom]

So Joy, in one sentence, why is Bigfoot clearly the cooler creature?

[Joy Dolo]

Bigfoot is the cooler creature because he's a lot like me. He lives on land, he's got a heart of gold, and I haven't shaved during the pandemic. So we are both furry and cuddly.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, I think the two of you are going to make all of us believers today. Let's review the rules of the game. First, we've got the declaration of greatness. In this round, each team will present moving, fact filled arguments for their side. Each team will also have 30 seconds to rebut their opponents declarations. Then we've got the micro round. A creative challenge both debaters have prepared for in advance. Next, we've got the sneak attack. A surprise challenge to see how well our debaters can improvise. And last but not least, we've got the final six. In this round, each team will have just six words to capture why their side is the best. Oscar will award points throughout the debate, but he'll keep his decisions top secret until the end. Listeners, be your own judge and tally your points along the way too. We want to know who you think won. Is everyone ready?

[Merk Nguyen]

Oh yes.

[Joy Dolo]

I was born ready.

[Oscar Wolf]

Yes. Yes, I am ready.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, it's time for the declaration of greatness. Our debaters are ready to deliver the most persuasive facts and stories about their side. We flipped a coin and Merc, you're up first. It's time to tell us about those mythical, mesmerizing sea dwelling legends. Mermaids.

[Merk Nguyen]

Let me ask you this. Would you rather wake up to an alarm clock that sounds like this. Or this? I'm guessing you went for the first one, also known as mermaids. But hey, I wouldn't judge you if you chose a second one, AKA Bigfoot. It undeniably leaves a big impression.

[Audience Member]

Yeah, Team Sasquatch. I'd Wake up to that voice any day. What, the dolphin flipper is a mermaid anyway?

[Merk Nguyen]

Well, like Bigfoot, the mermaid is a mythological creature. The word mermaid is a combination of two words from Old English. Mir meaning sea, and maid, meaning young lady. That's not to say mermen and merpeople don't exist. They did or do, depending on what you believe. Just know when I say mermaid, I'm mostly referring to any gender human from the waist of up, who's got a singular powerful fin from the waist down.

[Audience Member]

So what makes these merpeople so much better than Bigfoot?

[Merk Nguyen]

Bigfoot is a big old scaredy cat who lives in the woods. Mermaids are multifaceted symbols who represent power, stunning skill and individual freedom for the good of humankind.

[Audience Member]

Oh, so they're like, pretty brave?

[Merk Nguyen]

Uh, yeah. Let me show you by diving into their history. The first recorded mermaid tale dates back to 1000 BC when legend has it Attargadis, one of the most important goddesses in northern Syria, dove into a lake and shape shifted into a half fish, half human. From there, mermaid myths popped up in different forms all over the world. In South Africa, they were called caiman and were known to mesmerize locals with their hypnotic red eyes. And in Ireland, they were known as meroes, beautiful creatures with long green hair. Throughout Southeast Asia, there's folklore of a mermaid princess named Supana Macha, who's known to bring good luck. And in addition to being stunning to

look at, they're stunningly powerful too.

A study done by the University of Leicester in 2018 showed that based on all the lore there is about mermaids, their tails would have the same kind of power as a bottlenose dolphin. With that, they found hypothetical mermaids could swim as fast as 3, 13 mph. For comparison, Michael Phelps, the world's fastest swimmer, can swim up to 6 mph. Dashing, but not as swimmingly strong as mermaids. And with that speed, they can cover

a lot of ground, er, water.

Right, and one of Bigfoot's downfalls is that it's a land creature. Mermaids, however, dominate the ocean, which makes up 71% of the Earth's surface. Surface. This means more folks have probably discovered so much more of our own planet than we ever could. Doesn't that make your brain bubble with awe? But enough with the numbers. Let's get into my favorite mermaids as symbols of freedom and self expression in modern pop culture. One big name in particular. Oh, you're surprised I waited this long to finnily mention the most Popular mermaid story of all time, AKA the Little Mermaid. If you're not as familiar with the Disney version of the story, it goes like this. Ariel is a 16 year old mermaid who dreams of living life on land instead of under the sea. That's where she lives with her strict dad, King Triton, and her sisters, who basically obey their father's every wish. Ariel's not like that. She loves doing what she wants. Swimming around with her friend Flounder, visiting Scuttle, her seagull friend, or you know, making a deal with the sea witch Ursula to get a pair of legs in exchange for her voice. That's how badly she wants to be human. She really doesn't feel like she belongs in her mermaid body. For anyone who has ever felt out of place for being different, Ariel's story is relatable. Maybe like Ariel, what your body looks like doesn't match what you feel on the inside. Maybe you feel like you don't fit in with your family and that they might not accept you for who you really are. You know that iconic song Part of youf World, that's in the movie?

[Chorus/Singer]

Up where they walk, up where they run up where they stay all day in the sun Wandering free Wish I could be part of that world.

[Merk Nguyen]

These lyrics encapsulate what it feels like to want to embrace some kind of truth about yourself in order to truly be free to be your awesome, independent self. And when you sing the song, you can get a special kind of joy out of it.

[Joy Dolo]

Who, me?

[Merk Nguyen]

Uh, I guess if you're singing, then yeah, you'll get double the joy. In closing, mermaids are the smashboom best because of A, the strong powers they possess, B, their aquatic agility, and C, how they inspire all of us to just be ourselves. Oh yeah. And D, since they're underwater most if not all the time, they don't stop stank like Bigfoot, who hasn't showered in forever.

[Joy Dolo]

Ooh,

[Molly Bloom]

that declaration definitely made a splash. Oscar, what do you think about Merc's argument? What stood out to you overall?

[Oscar Wolf]

I thought actually that at the very beginning, Merc's point about the alarm was very valid. And also I love the argument about being a symbol of self expression and freedom. And I think that that is very accurate today. So, yeah, altogether very good argument on the part of mermaids.

[Molly Bloom]

And we had a really good dose of Ariel in there, which I'm sure you enjoyed.

[Oscar Wolf]

Definitely.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Joy, it's time for your rebuttal. Time to sink some of the facts you've just heard. You've got 30 seconds and your time starts now.

[Joy Dolo]

Okay, first of all, nobody knows what Bigfoot looks like or sounds like. Nobody knows what he sounds like. So he could sound like Ariel. He could sound like a mosquito. You don't know that. Nobody knows. And Ariel wants to walk, walk on land like Bigfoot. I mean, obviously she wants to be a part of his world. You're welcome. Also hypnotic. They can mesmerize you. That sounds like they can make you do all kinds of things that you don't wanna do. I don't know if I could trust something like that. And then. Brave. It's brave to live in the forest. It's brave to live on your own and to stay away from society. Ah, God. I have more facts.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Joy, I know you have more to say, and it's awesome because it's your turn. Right now, we want to know why Bigfoot deserves to be crowned the Smash Boom beast.

[Joy Dolo]

It's three o'clock in the afternoon. You and some friends are on an expedition in China's northwest lush Hubei forest. What's that? Probably wood creatures. Suddenly, a hairy figure in the distance, running. No, walking very quickly. Black and red fur covers its whole body as two feet carry the eight foot human Curious George up the top of a hill. You pull your rifle out. As you take your aim, your friend says, wait a minute, what if that's a person? What are you doing, you silly guns are dumb. Stop it. And the creature disappear. This and thousands of similar stories are what the Chinese legend of the Yeren is all about. The Yeren are also known as Yeti in the Himalayas, Sasquatch in North America and Canada, Abominable Snowman in Russia, Daryl from Geico, or in this podcast as Bigfoot, y'.

[Molly Bloom]

All.

[Joy Dolo]

Bigfoot is straight up global. No matter the name or the location, these legends all describe a large ape like creature that lives in the forest. Bigfoot's size varies, but he's roughly between 6 to 9ft tall, weighing about a thousand pounds. So for reference, I'm five, seven and weigh. You know, never mind. It's pandemic weight, any weight. The point is, everybody and their mama knows about Bigfoot friend. Hashtag bff, hashtag rebranding. BFF is the greatest of all time because he is great. Despite his bad reputation. People are all, oh, Bigfoot takes your kids or Bigfoot is scary, or oh, Bigfoot is stinky. Well, guess what, everybody stinks at some point. How many times have you showered during the pandemic? Huh? Huh?

[Interjector/Announcer]

Did you Hear that Joy? It's time to change your clothes. You haven't showered for a week.

[Joy Dolo]

See, everybody stinks. And besides his smell and negative vibes, Bigfoot is the best social distancer in the history of social distancing. Sightings are few and far between, especially when it comes to having documented evidence. One of the most famous reported sightings happened in 1967. These two dudes in California spotted and recorded a film of BFF. They got tape. A few others have gotten photos and videos from a distance, but they're often blurry and hard to tell exactly what's going on. Is Bigfoot even real? Dun dun, dun. Bigfoot is real. A real celebrity. He is killing the game in the entertainment industry. He's the spokesman for Jack Link's Beef Jerky. Messing with Sasquatch. There was the whole American film classic, Harry and the Hendersons or Abominable, starring a lovable bff. And there's even a song called Sasquatch by rapper Ice Cube. Mermaids cannot compare. Mermaids have Disney, which is great if you're five. Bigfoot is for all ages. States the United States, States. States use BFF as an advocate for conservation, protecting his forest home against wildfires and litter. Unlike Ariel, who collects garbage and hoards it on the seafloor. Look at this stuff. Isn't it neat? No, it's called pollution. And if I had a choice to live in the ocean or live in the forest, I mean, come on, when was the last time you walked outside in the rain? You're like, ah, this is nice. I think I'll leave my umbrella at home and take off my raincoat and boots and live my life in this H2O nightmare. Who could live like that? And not to burst your bubble, but mermaids are a lot more not realer than than bff. Okay. Educated scientists or people of fine book learning believe there's a possibility of a humanoid living in the forests. Grover Krantz was an anthropologist that studied and believed in Bigfoot.

[Interjector/Announcer]

You just need one, meaning one real one.

[Molly Bloom]

And then you know that the species is real.

[Joy Dolo]

His theory was that Bigfoot started in China and made its way over to the U.S. he pioneered the research for our BFF and collected footprints. Grover paved the way for institutions like bfro, Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization. Even as early as the year 2020, BFRO collects sightings and speculations of the theory that we are not alone in the forests like this one.

[Sam (Listener)]

How big was it? Oh, I'd say he was pretty close to almost 7ft tall. Anyway, I Thought he was about that. He was big and big. Broad shoulders, black, furry hair, kind of brownish color. Black and brownie.

[Joy Dolo]

In some Native American cultures, BFF is not a friend to be recorded for tweets and tick tocks. The state sales First Nation people claim a close bond with Bigfoot and believe him to be a spiritual being that travels between our physical and spiritual realm. Others say he only appears during a time of change.

[Interjector/Announcer]

Joy, it's time to change.

[Joy Dolo]

I took a shower, man. Leave me alone.

[Interjector/Announcer]

No, change the subject.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, yes. All this to say there are enough stories about Bigfoot, Sasquatch, yeti all around the world. There are enough sightings, there are enough scientists looking for proof that you can't write Bigfoot off. Even if we never meet a Bigfoot

[Beatrice (Bigfoot YouTube Star)]

friend, people want to believe in it.

[Joy Dolo]

We all want to believe in something larger than ourselves. It's not about where or what he is. It's about what he represents. We search our whole lives for something to hold onto so we can belong. But what if the very thing we are searching for is inside of us all along?

[Interjector/Announcer]

Even if you don't believe in me, I believe in you.

[Joy Dolo]

What a great way to end Bigfoot friend. Hey, you. Get back in the basement.

[Molly Bloom]

A colossal and inspiring argument for Team Bigfoot. Oscar, what stood out to you about Joy's argument?

[Oscar Wolf]

I think that her point about Ariel and mermaids wanting to walk on land is very, very observant. It's a smart point because why would we praise mermaids for swimming if they don't even want to be swimming? If walking on land is what we want, then Bigfoot would be better in that sense. I love that Bigfoot can represent the less desirable parts of us, but in a good way. I love that Bigfoot is good at social distancing. And I also think that the pollution thing is hysterical. I never thought about it that way. Ariel is totally polluting the ocean.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Mark, I have guessing you have a few points you'd like to make.

[Merk Nguyen]

Oh, many. Oh, gosh.

[Molly Bloom]

So it's time for your 30 second rebuttal. What were the weaknesses in Team Bigfoot's declaration? And your time starts now.

[Merk Nguyen]

Pollution is not Ariel's fault. That is land people's fault, including possibly Bigfoot himself. She's reducing using recycling. She's not putting it back on land. So you're welcome, humans. Ariel is the exception. Most people. Oh my gosh. Want to stay underwater. Mermaids are global too. And you're talking about BFF having a bad reputation. While you said that mermaids Are bad and evil. Well, yeah, that's a logical fallacy right there. Mermaids are more appealing in self expression too. So is that time.

[Molly Bloom]

You have seven more seconds. Oh.

[Merk Nguyen]

Oh, shoot. Oh, Yaron rhymes with Karen. We know how we feel about Karen's.

[Molly Bloom]

And die. Oscar, you have so much to consider here. It's time to evaluate these debaters deliveries. Who had the stronger declaration which rebuttal was the best, Award a point for each go to the same debater. Or you could give one to each depending on what you heard. Have you awarded your points?

[Oscar Wolf]

Yes, I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Perfect. Joy and Merk, how are you feeling about this battle so far?

[Merk Nguyen]

I'm heated.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh. Oh, goodness.

[Merk Nguyen]

And I'm hurt for my girl Ariel and all of the mer people. Not just because. Yes, yes, I am using Ariel as like the main focal point, but there are so many other mermaids out there, and I feel a little bad for Bigfoot too. Not gonna lie.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, it's all right.

[Joy Dolo]

You know, like I said, Bigfoot's been out here doing his thing, so it's like we're used to kind of getting spit on a little bit. So I'm doing okay. I feel like I am very much representing for the Bigfoot culture, and I know he's out there listening right now because he's real.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, we'll be back for more debate right after a quick break.

[Oscar Wolf]

Don't go anywhere.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Taylor Lincoln here with.

[Molly Bloom]

Ugh.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Gosh, I've lost track of how many debates you've won.

[Todd Douglas]

Well, at this point, everyone knows I'm a debate genius. Taylor, just introduce me.

[Merk Nguyen]

Okay.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Taylor Lincoln here with debate champ Todd Douglas.

[Todd Douglas]

Howdy doody, debate heads. Taylor and I just started as coaches for a local debate team.

[Taylor Lincoln]

The Great Debaters.

[Todd Douglas]

That's right. It's a group of debaters in training, and they're actually shadowing us in the studio today. Say hello, debate heads.

[Chorus/Singer]

Hey.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lincoln]

We're going to train these young debaters to sharpen their debate skills so they can attack with precision and defend their

[Todd Douglas]

claims with killer facts and logic.

[Silas]

Yeah, and if you're not on our team, you'll never be good at debate.

[Molly Bloom]

Whoop.

[Todd Douglas]

Hold up, Taylor. I think I just heard a logical fallacy.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Yeah, me too. Silas, would you mind repeating what you just said?

[Silas]

Uh, yeah.

[Joy Dolo]

If you're not on our team, you'll never be good at debate.

[Todd Douglas]

So, Silas, you just used a logical fallacy called a false dichotomy.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh.

[Todd Douglas]

Can you tell us what a logical fallacy is?

[Oscar Wolf]

Yeah.

[Silas]

A logical fallacy is a debate mistake. That makes it really easy for your opponent to take your argument out.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Exactly. And a false dichotomy is when you simplify your argument to an either or situation. Do you see how you did that?

[Oscar Wolf]

Yeah.

[Silas]

I made it seem like there were two options if you wanted to be good at debate. Like, you could be on our team and be awesome or not on our team and never be awesome.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Exactly. Nice work, Silas.

[Todd Douglas]

Now, what are some other ways our listeners can develop their debate skills?

[Silas]

They could join their local debate league.

[Merk Nguyen]

Yes.

[Taylor Lincoln]

And practice with their family and friends

[Todd Douglas]

and follow the news and even get

[Taylor Lincoln]

into arguments with themselves.

[Todd Douglas]

So, as you can see, there are many ways to practice debate and become great.

[Merk Nguyen]

It's true.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Let's give it up for our listeners. Well, that's all we got time for today. Great example, Silas.

[Silas]

Thanks.

[Beatrice (Bigfoot YouTube Star)]

Two T's.

[Oscar Wolf]

Yeah.

[Todd Douglas]

And thanks for taking one for the team. Sure.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Keep on honing those debates and we'll catch you next time on City of Debate.

[Chorus/Singer]

Best Smash. Smashboom Best.

[Molly Bloom]

And we're back. You're listening to smashboom Best, the show about showdowns. I'm your host, Molly Bloom.

[Oscar Wolf]

And I'm your judge, Oscar Wolf.

[Molly Bloom]

We get amazing debate ideas from our listeners all the time. Like this one from Sam in Lexington, Virginia.

[Merk Nguyen]

My debate idea is numbers versus letters.

[Molly Bloom]

We'll check back with Sam at the end of this episode to see which side he thinks would win.

[Oscar Wolf]

And now it's back to our incredible debate of the day. Mermaids versus Bigfoot.

[Molly Bloom]

That's right. And it's time for round two, the

[Merk Nguyen]

micro round.

[Molly Bloom]

Today's micro round challenge is called YouTube star. Each team was asked to imagine their side as a YouTube star, telling us why they're the smash Boom. Best. Merc went first last time. So, Joy, you are up. Let's hear your YouTube video about Bigfoot.

[Beatrice (Bigfoot YouTube Star)]

Welcome. What's up, everyone? It's your favorite Bigfoot friend, Beatrice. Welcome to my channel. It's a Bigfoot after all. The show where we talk about all things Bigfoot related. Brought to you by. Combs. We need them.

[Joy Dolo]

Gotta have a comb. Oh, yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

Sounds good.

[Beatrice (Bigfoot YouTube Star)]

Today we're keeping it green. And I don't mean money. We are live from the forest. Yep, we're in my home, the woods.

[Joy Dolo]

And it has wi fi.

[Beatrice (Bigfoot YouTube Star)]

Today, the word of the day is fictitious, meaning not real or true. Here's an example. Mermaids are fictitious. As you know, our animity, anonymity, our animal is very important. And this week we've reached 0 views and we have 30 dislike down thumb buttons. Thanks for your support today. I want to talk to other Bigfoots. What's it like out there for you? How are you holding up? Oh, we have a caller.

[Caller]

Yeah, hi.

[Joy Dolo]

Hi.

[Caller]

I'm a first time caller and long time Lister X and I'm just sick and tired of how people treat us. It's. It's not fair.

[Joy Dolo]

I know.

[Caller]

We can't all make it like Daryl from Geico. Some of us are just regular Bigfoot. Try to live our big feet lives.

[Beatrice (Bigfoot YouTube Star)]

Amen.

[Caller]

But it's so.

[Beatrice (Bigfoot YouTube Star)]

It's just. It's okay.

[Caller]

So hard out here.

[Beatrice (Bigfoot YouTube Star)]

Let it out.

[Joy Dolo]

I know.

[Beatrice (Bigfoot YouTube Star)]

I can't. I can't even wrap my head around it. I can't even wrap my head around it.

[Caller]

Oh, I can rap. My name is Bigfoot and I'm coming to dismantle all that negative info about these huge mammals. The one candle, hold a flame to this gargantuan candle on for conservation efforts. Don't you change the channel. They call me Sasquatch Bigfoot Yeti clucking in at nine feet tall and I'm a tad bit, bit heavy. People think I am scary when I'm really just heavy making me shake my head. No need to be weary. Bigfoot just likes his solitude. Despite what they say, I'm not a rude dude. Talking to him will change your own view. That is if you can find me ineptitude.

[Beatrice (Bigfoot YouTube Star)]

Well, I gotta say, I. I did not see that coming. That's all the time we have for today. I'm Beatrice. Make sure when you're out there you throw away your garbage because I'm done picking up all these packages of ketchup. See you next time. Don't forget to subscribe.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh wow. That was truly legendary. I was subscribed to that YouTube channel for sure.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh my gosh, what a great rap. Whoever wrote that must be very pretty.

[Molly Bloom]

Wow. All right, well, now it's time to Hear Team Mermaids YouTube video.

[Merk Nguyen]

Welcome back, mermaids to the channel where you are reminded of how merd amazing you are with my confidence boost, makeup tutorials and music covers. It's Cheriel, you know, the mermaid who loves singing covers of Cher, the pop singer with hits like do you achieve

[Joy Dolo]

in life up above.

[Merk Nguyen]

Not gonna lie. Idk if those lyrics are right. I'd ask my cousin Ariel, but she spends like all her time on land. Anyway, today I want to get into some real talk to combat rumors from people who say I'm perfect because the truth is I'm not. But Cheriel, you're gorgeous.

You've got so many friends.

You're so bubbly.

[Taylor Lincoln]

I could never be like you.

[Merk Nguyen]

Thanks for the compliments, but honestly, I often feel like a fish out of water. One, you can't see them because I don't show them on video. But my fins are smaller and less colorful than most mer people I know. Some days that makes me wish I looked different. I know I shouldn't think like that, but it's hard not to. Two, a lot of my school friends, like Freddy the fish, are actually really sick because our waters are so poor polluted. I use filters to edit my videos so the water looks more blue. But for real, the water down here has gotten a lot murkier. And anyone who knows mermaids knows we don't live deep under the sea. Most days I've got oil in my lungs or see trash from the surface floating downwards toward me and my community. That's not healthy and it makes me sad. So let's protect the sea and thinly.

[Molly Bloom]

3.

[Merk Nguyen]

My wifi down here is a bummer. You know how long it takes to upload one video from sea level? I get down on myself when I can't bring you all videos faster. But you know what? It's all worth it because I've got mermaids like you. Maybe you can relate to what I said. Or maybe not. Either way, I don't think we're much different, you and me. I know I'm far from perfect and you're more mermaid than you think. After all, you can't spell mermaid without the me, which in this case is you. Well, thanks for watching. Don't forget to scuba scribe

[Molly Bloom]

an inspiring video. I would watch that on a daily basis just for some affirmations. Oscar, you heard some big claims, some fantastic facts, some really beautiful singing in both sides and rapping. So it's time to award a point.

[Oscar Wolf]

So for joy, on behalf of Bigfoot, that song absolutely was amazing. I know that none of you can see me, but I was in my room just dancing to that beautiful, beautiful music. And for the mermaids, Sheriel could have been a million actual YouTubers. If I saw that on YouTube, I would not question it for a second. And the puns were on fire.

[Joy Dolo]

Yes. Yes, they are on fire.

[Molly Bloom]

Merc is a very talented punstress. Oscar, it's time to award a point. Have you decided on a winner?

[Oscar Wolf]

I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent. Then it's time for our third round. The secretive, the stealthy sneak attack. Today's sneak attack is called Crayon Color. If your side was a crayon, color one. What color would it be and what would the name of the color be? So describe the shade and then tell us what you would name that crayon. So we'll give you a few minutes to brainstorm while we listen to some lovely hold music.

[Chorus/Singer]

Mermaids, ladies of the sea. Tails that look like a manatees. Sailors love them. Seaweed in their head. In the shadows. Bigfoot hikes.

[Molly Bloom]

Some call him Sasquatch.

[Chorus/Singer]

What a sight. Stomp, stomp. Creature in the woods.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Merk, you're up. It's time to make some waves with team Mermaid's color. What do you got?

[Merk Nguyen]

All right, this, this crayon, which is a high tech waterproof audio recording technology, is called Rainboy G Biv because when you use this crayon, it shows you all colors of the rainbow. Not only do you got Roy G Biv, you got brown, you got white and you got black in there too. So the reason why it's called Rainboy G Bib is to show it's like, well, you know, this, this color brought to you by the mermaid collection is not just a binary color. There's a boy in there, there's a girl in there, and there's like anyone who's not in that bina. And it's cool cause you could record your audio inside the crayon. It's that high tech and you can use it underwater. It just goes to show however you want to express yourself that day. I mean, all the colors are there.

[Molly Bloom]

I love that. A high tech color shifting crayon. Love it. All right, Joy, it's your turn. Let's hear about team Bigfoot's color.

[Joy Dolo]

Yeah. So this team, our color is called bursting chocolate Tootsie roll fireplace Caramel brown. And brown like Bigfoot is often mistaken for like something gross. Right. And there's all these wonderful things that brown is, you know, it's. It's Bigfoot's color one, but it's also like yummy, like chocolate. Who doesn't like chocolate? Fireplace. Who doesn't like something cozy? You know, Tootsie rolls. Don't get me started. And not only is it delicious looking and smelling and tasting, you can eat it. That's right. It's also a gps, so if you get lost in the forest, you can use it, you know, because sometimes you don't have wi fi, so you don't can't use all that technology out there. So you need something old school. Something old school like the chocolate fireplace campfire. Tootsie Roll Caramel brownie.

[Molly Bloom]

So a high tech edible crayon that shows us the beauty in brown.

[Joy Dolo]

Yes.

[Taylor Lincoln]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Oscar, it's time to award a point to the side you liked best. Do some thinking and mark it down, but don't tell us who's getting the point.

[Oscar Wolf]

All right. I do love that they both had some pretty sweet high tech in there. And also I noticed both of them managed to connect this point back to their original declaration of greatness. With mermaids, Merc was able to connect it back to being something that helps you express yourself and having all things be beautiful. And Joy was able to connect Bigfoot back to, in this case, brown. But in general, having something that's typically perceived as negative be something that's actually pretty good. So good job for both teams that time.

[Molly Bloom]

Our debaters are not making your decision easy, but it's time to award a point. Have you decided?

[Oscar Wolf]

I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, then. It's time for our last round,

[Merk Nguyen]

the final six.

[Molly Bloom]

Team Bigfoot, you're up. You've got just six more words to make a final impression on Oscar. Let's hear them.

[Joy Dolo]

Big foot friend equals big hearts. The question mark there is for free.

[Molly Bloom]

Beautiful. And now, Merk, it's your turn. Let's hear Team Mermaid's final six self expression activists.

[Merk Nguyen]

Part of your.

[Oscar Wolf]

Oh, that's awful. But so good.

[Joy Dolo]

Talk about a cliffhanger.

[Molly Bloom]

We all finished it in our heads.

[Merk Nguyen]

Tune in next week and scuba scribe and you will know what the rest of your what?

[Joy Dolo]

Part of your what.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Oscar, the moment has come between these two larger than life legendary icons.

[Oscar Wolf]

I have awarded my final point.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, listeners, feel free to pause and take a moment to talk it over if you need to. But Oscar, it's time to tally up the points you've awarded and let us know who is the winner of today's debate. And the winner is.

[Oscar Wolf]

The winner is. Mermaid. It was extremely close. It came down to the last six words. It was a tie up until then.

[Merk Nguyen]

Wow.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, wow.

[Molly Bloom]

This is a close one. Both debaters did so well.

[Oscar Wolf]

It was really close. Joy, you did a fantastic job.

[Merk Nguyen]

You did amazing. You did fantastic.

Fin.

Tastic.

[Joy Dolo]

Fincly. Thank you. Thank you.

[Oscar Wolf]

Well, just with the last six words, I just thought it was so funny. I had to, because even though Merc was only allotted six words to work with, she effectively used those six words to get at least seven because we were all finishing it in our heads. So even though she only said six, I had to.

[Joy Dolo]

Yeah.

[Merk Nguyen]

Well, Joy, I think you and I were made to be friends with each other. Because you have some awesome arguments that proved a lot of great points about Bigfoot. And I don't think want to hate on Bigfoot because he and, you know, his species seem awesome and that fire rap was everything and you truly do bring so much energy. So I loved. I loved this debate.

[Joy Dolo]

Yeah, you know, thanks. And I feel like I said a lot of smack against Ariel, but I mean, I could quote that movie by heart, like still and I'm 33 years old.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, that's it for today's debate Battle Oscar crown Mermaids. The smashboom piss. But what do you think?

[Oscar Wolf]

We want to know. 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 American Public Media.

[Merk Nguyen]

It's produced by Molly Bloom, Rosie Dupont,

Sandon Totten, and Jennifer Lai.

[Joy Dolo]

We had engineering help from Veronica Rodriguez and Cameron Wiley.

[Merk Nguyen]

And we had production help from Elissa Dudley, Christina Lopez, Mark Sanchez and Manika Will Home.

[Molly Bloom]

Anna Wegel is the voice of our hold music and our announcer is Marley Foyer Worker Otto. We want to give a special thanks to Austin Cross, Taylor Kaufman, and David Ja. Joy, is there anyone you want to thank today?

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, you know, I got to give a shout out to Jeremy Walton from Thailand. That actually was the voice of Bigfoot. I did a wonderful job with that rap he did.

[Molly Bloom]

That was amazing.

[Merk Nguyen]

Amazing.

[Molly Bloom]

How about you, Merc? Any special shout outs today?

[Merk Nguyen]

So many. Joy and the BFF YouTube channel. My friends Josh, Joe, Juan, Matt Ponder, Susan, David, Quincy, Alex, Ariel, and Howard and Alan who wrote Part of youf World, that beautiful song.

[Molly Bloom]

I love that song. Oscar, is there anyone you want to give special thanks to today?

[Oscar Wolf]

All of you, everyone involved in creating this awesome show and everybody listening to it.

[Molly Bloom]

Thank you. Oscar, we are so happy to have you back. And before we go, let's hear hear who Sam thinks should win in their numbers versus Letters debate.

[Merk Nguyen]

I think numbers should win because there

[Sam (Listener)]

are a lot more of them.

[Molly Bloom]

Fair point. Do you have an idea for a debate? Head to smashboom.org and tell us about it. This is the last episode of the season, but don't despair. We'll be back later this year with season four. And if you don't want to wait until then and you want to support the show, you can donate to get our super awesome awesome bonus episode, Coyotes vs Roadrunners. Head to smashboom.org donate and you'll get the bonus episode when it's published on February 25th. Thanks for listening. This season, we'll be back soon.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, I got proof. He's in my basement. Didn't you hear my declaration? He's here. He's sleeping right now, but he's here.