Smash Boom Best – “Pigs vs. Frogs”

Podcast: Smash Boom Best (Brains On Universe)
Host: Molly Bloom
Debaters: Anna Goldfield (Team Pig) & Billy Siltonya Coco (Team Frog)
Judge: Emmy (NYC, 8th Grade, theater & debate enthusiast)
Date: December 18, 2025

Episode Overview

In this high-spirited, family-friendly debate, two beloved animals go head-to-head: pigs versus frogs! Hosted by Molly Bloom, with debate judge Emmy in the hot seat, Anna Goldfield champions the noble pig, while Billy Siltonya Coco leaps to defend frogs. Through humor, pop culture references, science facts, and quick-witted improvisation, each side makes their case in hopes of winning Emmy’s—and the listeners’—final vote.

Key Discussion Points & Episode Structure

Introduction and Rules ([00:21])

• Molly introduces the format: two contenders, four rounds (Declaration of Greatness, Micro Round, Sneak Attack, Final Six) with a secret points system.
• Emmy, the guest judge, is introduced, noting her love of animals and her sharp eye as a debater for logical fallacies.
• Notable Quote:
  Emmy: “If you use logical fallacies, I will not cast you as the winner.” ([02:01])

Round 1: Declaration of Greatness ([03:09])

Team Pig (Anna Goldfield) ([03:30])

• Key Arguments:
  • Pigs are misunderstood: they’re cute, clean, and incredibly smart.
  • Cleanliness: Given enough space, pigs keep eating, sleeping, and bathroom areas separate.
  • Mud is skincare, not dirtiness: Pigs use mud as sunscreen (they can get sunburned!) and to cool off.
  • Intelligence: Pigs have great memories, recognize friends (pig and human), and can identify themselves in the mirror—a sign of self-awareness.
  • Pop Culture dominance: Three Little Pigs, Babe, Wilbur (Charlotte’s Web), and Miss Piggy.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Anna: “Mud is just part of their skincare routine…this all-natural organic sunscreen.” ([05:44])
  • “Pigs recognize themselves in the mirror, which is something most animals don’t do. It’s a sign of intelligence and self-awareness.” ([06:47])
• Judge Comment:
  Emmy: “I liked her use of the examples from pop culture, as well as explaining how pigs are smart and clean at the same time.” ([08:21])

Frog Rebuttal (Billy) ([08:43])

• Frogs suggest mirror self-recognition is vanity, not intelligence.
• Jokes about pigs being historically “not the best.”

Team Frog (Billy Siltonya Coco) ([11:34])

• Key Arguments:
  • Frogs are “the coolest”—amphibious (land & water).
  • Superpowers: South African sharp-nosed frog can leap 90x body length; tongues snatch prey at gravity-defying speeds.
  • Metamorphosis: Frogs change from tadpoles, highlighting unique life cycles. “Meanwhile, pigs are born as little pigs and just become bigger pigs. Oh, boring.” ([14:07])
  • Diversity & Adaptiveness: Glass frogs (see-through), flying frogs, mossy frogs (camouflage), red-eyed tree frogs (bright colors).
  • Music makers: Croaking is called “frog calling,” connects to nature’s chorus.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Billy: “Frogs are stacked with superpowers!” ([12:29])
  • “If you want the okayest animal, pick a pig. But for the coolest, it’s gotta be a frog.” ([15:53])
• Judge Comment:
  Emmy: “I actually didn’t realize that those frogs may be singing…And you love theater and singing.” ([16:22])

Pig Rebuttal (Anna) ([16:44])

• Points out frog “singing” is basically catcalling.
• Pigs, thanks to domestication, are built for companionship and work; their oinking is equal-opportunity and not just mating calls.

Notable Quotes – Quick Exchange ([17:22])

• Billy: “Just to clear the record, it’s frog calling. And, you know, I think a serenade is a really sweet gesture…sometimes when you gotta sing, you gotta sing.”
• Anna: “Frogs don’t sing as much as they cat call.”

Micro Round: Fact Off ([22:15])

Each side shares three quick-fire facts.

Top Facts Presented

• Frog: Brightly colored frogs warn predators; frogs have existed for 200 million years (as long as dinosaurs!); Wood frog can survive being 65% frozen.
  • Quote: “How can something so ancient be so cute?” ([22:58])
• Pig: Domestication makes pigs cuter (bigger eyes, floppier ears); pigs can swim; wild pig bristles were historically used in art brushes and toothbrushes.
  • Quote: “Pigs make art with their hair.” ([24:11])

Judge’s Take:
Emmy was especially wowed by the frogs’ longevity and the pig bristle fact.

Sneak Attack: Be My Roommate ([26:09])

Debaters improvise a roommate ad from their animals’ perspective.

Team Pig ([26:09])

• Pigs keep areas clean, will eat anything (“om nom nomnivore”), are playful and love games, can sniff out truffles (a luxurious roommate hobby!), and are symbols of luck and wealth.
• Quote: “I can use my snoot to snuffle up some truffles.” ([27:05])

Team Frog ([27:27])

• Room in a “350-room lily pad, two bathroom apartment” (the swamp); busy schedule leaping to work, nightly choir practice (“we sing all night”); easy-going about temperature; and welcomes new choir members.
• Quote: “So long as you’re okay with a little singing throughout the night…I like that purse.” ([28:31])

Final Six ([29:14])

Each side delivers their closing statement in just six words.

• Frog: “Frog legs, hot. Cold. We rise.” ([29:33])
• Pig: “Charming, intelligent, classy. Gourmets. Cute. Oink.” ([29:45])

Notable Moments & Quotes

• On mirrors & intelligence:
  Anna: “Pigs recognize themselves in the mirror, which is something most animals don’t do. It’s a sign of intelligence and self-awareness.” ([06:47])
  Billy (Rebuttal): “What it equates is vanity.” ([08:43])

• On diversity of frogs:
  Billy: “Glass frog...flying tree frog...Vietnamese mossy frog… red-eyed tree frog…so many rad varieties!” ([15:19])

• On roommate skills:
  Anna (Pig): “Fine dining is in my skill set…with my snoot to snuffle up some truffles.” ([27:05])
  Billy (Frog): “Me and a few friends, we sing all night. So long as you’re okay with a little singing throughout the night, then I think this is going to work out really well.” ([27:44])

• On pop culture pig stars:
  Anna: “Miss Piggy. Iconic.” ([07:31])

Judge's Decision & Reflections ([30:22])

Winner: Team Pig

Why?

• Emmy was tipped over by the “final six” round but appreciated the intelligence, cuteness, usefulness, and domesticity of pigs.
• Appreciated the fun facts and diversity from Team Frog, especially the frogs’ survival in the Arctic.

Notable Reflection:
Anna: “If Miss Piggy can love a frog, then I can too.” ([31:03])
Billy: “I think Kermit and Miss Piggy really exemplify the connection that frogs and pigs have and will always have.” ([31:15])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Rules: [00:21]
• Declaration of Greatness (Pigs): [03:30]
• Declaration of Greatness (Frogs): [11:34]
• Micro Round: [22:15]
• Sneak Attack: [26:09]
• Final Six: [29:14]
• Winner Announced: [30:26]

Summary Table

| Segment | Pigs (Anna) | Frogs (Billy) | |-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Main Appeal | Clean, smart, cute, helpful, pop culture | Amphibious, ancient, adaptive, musical, cool | | Best Fact | Domesticated = cuteness; pig bristles used in art | Frogs as old as dinosaurs; survive being frozen | | Funniest Moment | Oink-themed skincare ad and truffle sniffing | Frog roommate choir & “I like that purse.” | | Judge’s Deciding Factor | Final Six round, intelligence and utility | Close—loved frog diversity and Arctic fact |

Final Thoughts

This episode showcases the fun and educational spirit of Smash Boom Best, blending playful banter, creative facts, and kid-centered logic. While Team Pig takes home the trophy, both sides showed off the quirky wonders of frogs and pigs, leaving listeners ready to spark a friendly debate at home or on the next car ride.

Memorable Quote to Close:

“If Miss Piggy can love a frog, then I can too.” – Anna ([31:03])