Smash Boom Best: Sharks vs Skunks

Podcast: Smash Boom Best (Brains On Universe)
Host: Molly Bloom
Judges: Henry
Debaters: Rachel Ward (Team Skunk), Wendy Zuckerman (Team Shark)
Date: August 29, 2019

Episode Overview

This high-spirited episode of Smash Boom Best pits two iconic animals against each other: the stinky, forest-foraging skunk and the ancient, misunderstood predator, the shark. Debaters Rachel Ward and Wendy Zuckerman battle it out with facts, folklore, songs, and some truly creative challenges to determine which creature is the ultimate Smash Boom Best. Judge Henry keeps score—without revealing his votes until the very end. Expect laughs, knowledge, witty comebacks, and even a musical number, all woven into an educational (and hilarious) debate for kids and families.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introductions

[00:07-02:19]

• Host Molly Bloom sets up the debate, describing both animals and introducing the debaters:
  • Rachel Ward (Chompers podcast) argues for skunks: “I think skunks are wildly cute, but I also love that they have this built-in smell that makes them even more desirable because you can't have them.” (03:00)
  • Wendy Zuckerman (Science Vs) takes up the shark side: “A shark is awesome and cool and scary and complicated.” (04:03)
• Judge Henry reveals an initial bias towards sharks but is open-minded.

2. Declaration of Greatness

Each side gives a fact-filled, passionate pitch:

Team Skunk – Rachel Ward

[05:52–11:19]

• Opens with a historical story from 1634 Paris, describing Europeans' first encounter with skunks and their famous smell.
• Shares Algonquin legend explaining why skunks are small and have potent spray.
• Describes skunks’ defense protocol: tail up, foot stomping, handstands, then spraying up to 10 feet—smell can be detected half a mile away!
• Highlights ecological value: omnivorous diet beneficial to farmers (insect and pest control), nocturnal habits, and ability to eat bees.
• Ends with Charles Darwin’s praise:
  • “Conscious of its power, it roams by day about the open plain and fears neither dog nor man…every animal most willingly makes room for the skunk.” (10:50)
• Memorable Rachel quote:
  • “I invite you to make room in your heart for the skunk.” (11:19)

Judging/Discussion

[11:26]

• Henry: Enjoyed learning how skunks warn before spraying, calling them “polite.”
• Molly: “If you get sprayed by a skunk, it kind of sounds like it’s your own fault.” (11:41)

Team Shark – Wendy Zuckerman

[12:50–21:22]

• Debunks shark myths popularized by Jaws: “Forget all that, because it's time for the truth about sharks. The whole tooth and nothing but the tooth.” (13:15)
• Fun shark facts:
  • Hundreds of species (e.g., the shy shark, the wobbegong).
  • Unique adaptations: fast swimmers, specialized skin to reduce friction, rolling eyes back to protect themselves when attacking.
  • Terrifying but fascinating teeth, described by shark scientist Taylor Chappell:
    • “The teeth on the bottom of the jaw are sort of like fork tines...the top teeth are big, triangular, and serrated to...cut down through that prey.” (15:51)
  • Massive bite force.
  • Sharks are more visual predators than scent-driven.
• People are not a preferred food:
  • On average, only 60–100 bites (6 fatalities) worldwide a year, millions swim safely.
  • Shark researcher: “You're way more likely to...have a TV fall on you and die.” (17:47)
• Sharks’ bad PR comes from media. Debater and researchers advocate for sharks’ misunderstood status.
• Includes a full musical number parodying Wicked, advocating that sharks only want to eat seals and fish—not humans:
  • “But human flesh, it’s just not my cup of tea. So I won’t pull you down, Sharky.” (21:22)

Judging/Discussion

[21:22]

• Henry: Flattered by the song; appreciates the evolutionary avoidance of humans as prey.

Rebuttals

[21:43–22:36]

• Rachel (Skunks): “I'd like to apologize to all of the seals and manatees...Second of all, there's a lot my opponent is hiding about shark biology. Sharks are also scavengers...they hang out around sewage outlets so that they can eat poop.” (21:53–22:23)
• Adds that shark teeth are attached only to their gums, not jaws.

3. Micro Round: Advice Column

[26:05–29:07]
Debaters respond as their animal to a complaint about noisy chickens hogging a favorite tree.

• Wendy (Sharks):
  • Asks fellow shark “Ruth Bader Finsburg” for advice: Sit directly on the chickens—since sharks don’t care about chickens, this will make them move.
• Rachel (Skunks):
  • Recommends skunk-style intimidation—steal and eat the chickens’ eggs in front of them so their reputation scares them off.

Henry: Both were “really good ways to just show your dominance over the chickens,” enjoying both the sitting and egg-theft strategies.

4. Sneak Attack: Podcast Trailer

[30:41–31:43]
Create a catchy trailer for a podcast hosted by their side.

• Rachel (Skunks):
  • Title: “Think Before You Stink: The Skunk’s Guide to Confrontation and How to Avoid It”
    • Topics: conflict resolution, skunk strategies (handstands, stamping, escape tactics), humor for listeners who want to avoid causing a stink.
    • “Find Think Before You Stink near the garbage cans, by the cat food and the compost heap, or wherever you listen.” (31:13)
• Wendy (Sharks):
  • Title: “Shark Shark”
    • Host: Nicki Finaj.
    • Focus: Explores misunderstood animals each week (dolphins, orcas, tuna).
    • “There’ll be no canned laughter in this podcast...with your host, Nicki Finaj.” (31:43)

5. Final Six: Six-Word Closing Argument

[32:09–32:34]

• Wendy (Sharks):
  • “Knife set in. Mouth wobbegong.” (32:18)
• Rachel (Skunks):
  • “Glorious omnivorous nocturnal, black and white.” (32:29)

6. The Decision and Sudden Death

[32:52–36:13]

• Initial result: Henry declares a tie, explaining:
  • Enjoyed shark facts and the musical number most, but preferred Skunk’s micro round and podcast pitch. Final round for sharks due to the “wobbegong”.
• Sudden Death – Sandwich Art:
  • Rachel (Skunk): Toasted dark rye, cream cheese, hardboiled egg—“a black sandwich with two stripes of white”—called “the chicken buster.” (34:46)
  • Wendy (Shark): Skunk-based sandwich (not cannibalistic about sharks), with tomatoes, lettuce, and Great White bread—called “Skunky McSkunk.” (35:46)
• Final Point: Henry gives it to sharks but praises both entries.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Rachel Ward (Skunks):
  • “They give you a warning. The tail goes up. They give it a shake. They stomp their feet. They might even do a handstand...do you know what this thing can do? I am warning you, pal.” (08:48)
• Wendy Zuckerman (Sharks):
  • (on teeth) “Great whites basically have a set of flatware in their mouths.” (16:20)
  • “Shark Week? More like Shark Weak...with an E and an A.” (19:17)
  • (on the musical) “No, I just want to fight humanity. Or maybe a seal.” (21:22)
• Taylor Chappell (Shark Scientist):
  • “You're way more likely to...have a TV fall on you and die. Not very many people are terrified of walking past their televisions.” (17:47)
• Henry (Judge):
  • “It's really tough to pick between the podcasts, but I ended up going with the skunks.” (33:32)
• Rachel Ward (Sudden Death):
  • “A black sandwich with two stripes of white to represent the beautiful skunk...the chicken buster in honor of my win in the micro round.” (34:45)
• Wendy Zuckerman (Sudden Death):
  • “I'm not a cannibal, so I don't recommend you eat my brethren. Instead, I've decided that the key ingredient in my sandwich is a skunk.” (35:04)

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | | -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | 00:07–02:19 | Opening theme, debate introductions, and contestant bios | | 05:52–11:19 | Declaration of Greatness: Skunks (Rachel Ward) | | 12:50–21:22 | Declaration of Greatness: Sharks (Wendy Zuckerman + Song) | | 21:43–22:36 | Rebuttals | | 26:05–29:07 | Micro Round: Animal Advice Columns | | 30:41–31:43 | Sneak Attack: Podcast Pitch Trailers | | 32:09–32:34 | Final Six: Six-word Summaries | | 32:52–36:13 | Tie, Sudden Death, and Final Decision |

Conclusion

Winner: Sharks (by sudden death tiebreak!)

This episode was a showcase of wit, creativity, and fun scientific facts. Both debaters highlighted their animal’s most remarkable talents, with the judges and audience reminded to appreciate these wild creatures—be it for their evolutionary prowess or for their misunderstood reputations. Whether you’re spooked by skunk spray or enchanted by sharks’ ancient mystery, you’re sure to have learned plenty by the end!

You Decide: Head to smashboom.org to cast your own vote—which side are you on: stealthy team shark or stinky team skunk?