Podcast Summary: Smash Boom Best – "Snakes vs Spiders" (July 11, 2019)
Episode Overview
In this lively and family-friendly debate from Smash Boom Best, host Molly Bloom invites two expert debaters—science reporter and self-proclaimed snake lover Anna Rothschild, and comedian/spider enthusiast Jenny Yang—to face off in a hilarious and fact-filled showdown: Which is cooler, snakes or spiders? Guest judge Harriet, an experienced young debater, listens and awards points for argument strength, creativity, and wit across several rounds, culminating in a sudden-death tie-breaker. Listeners are encouraged to vote for their side at home.
Main Segments & Key Points
1. Introductions & Judge Profile (00:00–04:48)
- Host Molly Bloom sets up the classic showdown of legless vs. eight-legged creatures.
- Judge Harriet introduces herself as a seasoned debater, explaining how she looks for strong, substantive points and arguments that not only build up but also challenge the opponent’s side.
- Quote – Harriet (01:42): "You have to prove why the other side is absolutely destructive."
- Snakes and Spiders: Initial opinions are lighthearted, with some panelists finding snakes less troubling, others enamored with spider venom powers.
2. Declaration of Greatness
Round 1: Snakes (Anna Rothschild) (05:06–10:51)
- Cultural Reverence: Snakes have symbolized everything from power and fertility to protection and healing across multiple civilizations.
- Quote – Anna (05:52): “For cultures all over the world, snakes have held deep symbolism...power, fertility, rebirth, protection, and healing.”
- Powerful Predators: Snakes’ hunting prowess—eating prey larger than themselves, even humans (very rarely!), and handling entire crocodiles.
- Quote – Snake Character (07:04): "True story. I once ate a whole crocodile...Took me 10 days to digest that meal."
- Variety and Beauty: The "Hiss Universe" pageant highlights the incredible diversity of snakes (e.g., rainbow boa, green anaconda, tiny Barbados thread snake).
- Versatility and Innovation: Snakes’ unique movement inspires robotics; their predatory habits help control rodents, thus supporting agriculture.
- Patriotism: Benjamin Franklin once advocated for the rattlesnake as a symbol of the US.
Harriet’s Impressions:
- Loved the balance of danger and helpfulness.
- Quote – Harriet (10:57): “They can be incredibly dangerous. But incredibly helpful.”
Rebuttal – Jenny Yang (11:22)
- Points out that some spiders can kill snakes and questions whether snakes can do some of the more fantastic things spiders do.
Round 2: Spiders (Jenny Yang) (12:10–17:05)
- Superpowers: Spiders are models for superheroes (Spider-Man) and have a plethora of tricks: walking upside-down, shooting silk, "spidey senses."
- Bizarre Abilities: Spiders taste through their feet/fingers and display wild diversity (from the loaf-sized Goliath to pencil-tip Patu marplessi).
- Diversity and Dance: Spiders have species with unbeatable names and moves—happy face spider, peacock spiders (like "Sparkle Muffin") who attract mates through beatboxing moves.
- Quote – Jenny Yang (13:01): "Spiders can beatbox. Okay, well, not beatbox with their mouths like humans, but their legs shake and their bodies buzz."
- Mythbusting: Spiders almost never kill humans; most are non-aggressive and important for ecosystems.
- Ballooning: Some spiders travel vast distances—across oceans—by ballooning on silk, riding wind and electricity.
- Quote – Jenny Yang (15:47): “Spiders can basically fly without wings...They can literally surf sky electricity.”
- Unsung Heroes: Spiders are essential natural exterminators—without them, human crops would be devastated and humans would starve.
Harriet’s Reaction:
- Impressed by the superhero argument and the essential ecological role.
- Quote – Harriet (17:12): "Spiders are so amazing they're worthy of their own superhero. And I don't see a snake man anytime soon."
Rebuttal – Anna Rothschild (17:29)
- Counters with points on snake charmers, snake fashion, and snakes’ highly advanced sense of smell via their forked tongues.
3. Micro Round: "Be My Roommate" (22:49–26:35)
Debaters create roommate ads for their creatures.
- Jenny/Spider: Paints spiders as quiet, tidy, responsible for pest control; assures that spider babies leave immediately and that housemates will hardly notice their presence—unless the roommate is a meal-ready husband.
- Quote – Jenny (24:29): "My hubby already came by for honeymoon visit and luckily he wasn't too small and weak or else I would have eaten him. Lol."
- Anna/Snake: An expressive, musically inclined rattlesnake looking for a roommate; warns that being smaller than the snake is risky (hangry moments!). Highlights the perks of pest control and a warm house.
Judge’s Reaction (Harriet)
- Spider roommate is "way better than I thought living with a spider could ever be."
- Snake roommate "definitely" sounded cool, especially for non-small animals.
4. Sneak Attack: Species List-Off (26:56–28:40)
Anna and Jenny alternate naming real and fictional snake/spider species or types. Jenny includes silly/extrapolated answers (e.g., "The one in the corner of my bedroom").
Harriet finds this round especially fun and awards a point without revealing the choice.
5. Final Six (29:03–29:26)
Each debater gives a six-word summary of why their creature is best.
- Jenny/Spider: “Spiders. Helpful. Don’t be a snake.”
- Anna/Snake: “Who needs legs? Not these guys.”
Outcome: It’s a tie, 2–2, forcing sudden death.
6. Sudden Death: Critter Cardio (29:49–32:38)
Each finalist leads a workout as their creature.
- Anna/Snake: Guides listeners in stretching jaws wide, undulating their bodies, and squeezing like snakes constricting prey—"That's how you eat a crocodile whole."
- Jenny/Spider: Energetic spider-themed dance, moving legs in all directions, crawling up a wall, and shooting web silk like Spider-Man.
- Quote – Jenny (31:41): “If you have more than one leg on either side, just eight-step, eight-step!”
- Quote – Jenny (32:33): “Now, against the wall everyone...Now hug the wall. Pretend you're a spider.”
Harriet declares Spiders the winner!
- Quote – Harriet (32:59): "And the winner is... Spiders."
- Jenny responds with delight; Anna takes defeat with humor and grace.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Anna (on snake digestion, 07:04): "True story. I once ate a whole crocodile. Do you know any spiders out there that can do that?"
- Jenny (on spiders’ diversity, 13:30): "There are nearly 40,000 different spider species...Some species jump like a kangaroo or scurry super fast like a leopard."
- Harriet (on superhero argument, 17:12): "Spiders are so amazing they're worthy of their own superhero."
- Jenny (on spider ballooning, 15:47): "Spiders can literally surf sky electricity."
- Anna (on snake senses, 17:46): "Snakes can smell through their tongues...based on which prong has more chemicals...they know exactly where their prey is."
- Jenny (Critter Cardio, 31:41): "Now, against the wall, everyone...Now hug the wall. Pretend you're a spider."
- Harriet (declaring winner, 32:59): "And the winner is... Spiders."
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Introduction & Judge’s Criteria: 00:00–04:48
- Snake Declaration of Greatness: 05:06–10:51
- Spider Declaration of Greatness: 12:10–17:05
- First Rebuttal (Snakes): 11:22; (Spiders): 17:29
- Micro Round (Roommate Ads): 22:49–26:35
- Sneak Attack (Species List-Off): 26:56–28:40
- Final Six Words: 29:03–29:26
- Sudden Death Workout: 29:49–32:38
- Winner Announced: 32:50–33:21
Tone & Atmosphere
The episode is high-energy, educational, and very funny—packed with puns, playful banter, and clever use of creative challenges. The debate is accessible to kids but packed with fascinating scientific facts and quirky trivia that engages all ages. The judge brings a fair and thoughtful perspective, and both debaters excel at blending humor and information.
Conclusion
Spiders triumph in a close, entertaining match. The debate highlights the importance of celebrating both misunderstood creatures for their unique powers and ecological value, reminding listeners that witty arguments, teamwork, and a curious mind are always smash boom best.
For more debates or to cast your vote, visit: smashboom.org.
Listener challenge: Who do you think is cooler—snakes or spiders?