Super Speed vs. Super Strength

Summary

Podcast Summary: Smash Boom Best

Episode: Super Speed vs. Super Strength
Date: May 24, 2018
Host: Molly Bloom
Debaters: Brandi Brown (Super Speed) & Mark Sanchez (Super Strength)
Judge: Daisy (student from Los Angeles)

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Overview

This episode of Smash Boom Best, the debate show for kids and families, pits two classic superhero powers against each other: Super Speed vs. Super Strength. The debaters, Brandi Brown and Mark Sanchez, each defend their chosen side in a lively, fact-packed competition. Daisy acts as the judge, and listeners are encouraged to keep score at home.

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Main Segments and Key Discussion Points

1. Introduction & Framing the Debate

• Theme: Comparing the benefits, science, and fun factor of super speed versus super strength.
• Judge Daisy: Admits both powers sound “really cool” and is excited to judge impartially.
  • Quote: “Actually, I'm not. I actually want to see. They both sound really cool.” — Daisy [01:46]
• Debate structure is explained: Declaration of Greatness, Micro Round, Sneak Attack, Final Six, and a tiebreaker, if needed.

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2. Declaration of Greatness

Super Speed – Brandi Brown [04:48–09:29]

• Appeal: Make chores fast, get extra sleep, win sports.
• Science & Records:
  • Highlights Usain Bolt, Flo Jo, Paralympian Leo-Pekka Tähti.
  • Fact: Cheetah’s 100m in 5.95 seconds; imagine 10x faster!
• Bonus Powers: Requires fast reflexes, heat resistance, superior physiology, and fireproofing.
• Expert Input:
  • Quote: "I will choose superhuman speed 100 times out of 100, and here's why. Speed is a function of strength... So give me the superhuman speed every time." — Morgan Campbell, sports writer [06:40]
• Real Life Logic: Speed includes a component of strength; fast runners are strong runners.
• In Emergencies: Speed lets you get help, rescue people swiftly, escape danger (from bears or bee swarms).

Super Strength – Mark Sanchez [10:57–15:21]

• Mythological Appeal: Hercules, Wonder Woman, Milo of Croton, Black Panther—strength is fundamental.
• Historical Story:
  • Milo of Croton lifted a calf every day as it grew into a bull, becoming stronger, aiding his friend Pythagoras in a crisis.
  • Quote (as Milo): "Picked up that same animal every day. And as the calf grew into a bull, Milo's muscles expanded. Who needs a gym when you have a farm?" [12:02]
• Real Life Heroism: Michael Archuleta, an ordinary man, lifted a car off a child in crisis due to an adrenaline rush.
• Scientific Point: Strength underlies speed; muscles power movement, so it’s the root superpower.

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Rebuttal Highlights

• Mark (to Brandi): "It is a pretty good thing that you actually don't have super speed because by the time you would have gotten here, you would have been out of breath and you couldn't have given your argument."
• Brandi (to Mark): "Power is not just about strength, but about how quickly you can generate and use strength." [10:33–10:43]

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3. Micro Round: Stump Speech [18:48–22:36]

• Candidates deliver campaign-style speeches for their side.

Super Strength Campaign – Mark [19:04–20:58]

• Emphasizes getting things done (dig subway tunnels, lift cars, entertain crowds).
• Quote: "Let super strength put you to work. Parking on crowded city streets will be a thing of the past. With super strength, just pick up your car and gently set it down..." [19:47]

Super Speed Campaign – Brandi [21:05–22:36]

• Makes life easier and more meaningful: sleep in, spend more time with people, see sunrises worldwide, serve your community, help in emergencies.
• Quote: "Super speed isn't just about moving quickly. It's about taking the time to help others." [21:46]

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4. Sneak Attack: Connect the Dots [23:17–26:23]

• Debaters must link random objects to their power creatively.

Highlights

• Brandi (Cheeseburger): Links Usain Bolt eating McNuggets at the Olympics, leading to a gold-medal sprint. [24:06]
• Mark (Mechanical Pencil): Pencils from trees, forged with super strength. [24:45]
• Brandi (Cactus): Roswell (UFOs), which travel at super speed. [25:06]
• Mark (Litter of Puppies): "Litter" as "leader" in French, requires strength to lift.
• Brandi (Clifford): Clifford, the big red dog, is super strong. [25:53]

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5. Final Six (Six-Word Summary) [26:56–27:13]

• Mark (Super Strength): “Through strength, we win. Full stop.” [27:03]
• Brandi (Super Speed): “Super speed gets you super power.” [27:10]

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6. Tiebreaker: Stranded on an Island [28:07–29:08]

• Mark: Build houses, provide food, protect survivors.
• Brandi: Swim to shore and fetch rescue.
• Daisy's Judgement: Picks super speed because being rescued and reunited with loved ones is most important.
  • Quote: “I love my family very much, so I'd rather go home to my loved ones than stay isolated, away from.” — Daisy [29:16]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Super speed is a complete package." — Brandi Brown [02:33]
• "Super strength not only gives you muscles on top of muscles, it unlocks the door to a whole new world of superpowers." — Mark Sanchez [02:45]
• “What good is a magic lasso if you aren't strong enough to hold it?” — Mark Sanchez [11:29]
• “Super speed is the only way to superpower.” — Brandi Brown [22:20]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:21] – Show & guest introductions
• [04:38] – Start of Declaration of Greatness
• [06:40] – Expert interview on super speed
• [10:02] – Rebuttals begin
• [10:57] – Super Strength Declaration
• [18:48] – Micro Round (Campaign Speeches)
• [23:17] – Sneak Attack round
• [26:56] – The Final Six (Six-Word Argument)
• [28:07] – Tiebreaker: Stranded on an Island debate
• [29:08] – Daisy picks the overall winner

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Outcome & Final Thoughts

Winner: Super Speed (by tiebreaker)

• Daisy values the ability to rescue and return to loved ones above all.

Final Reflections: The debate was close, lively, and full of science, stories, and humor. Daisy and the participants concluded that the best power depends on what you value—community and building with strength, or freedom and rescue with speed. And maybe, as Mark and Brandi joked, the real answer is both.

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Additional Credits and Thanks

• Guest experts, creative voice actors, and contributors thanked at [30:52–31:13].

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For Listeners

• Listeners are encouraged to vote at smashboom.org and send in their own debate topics.
• Episode helps to highlight critical thinking, the fun of debate, and respect for opposing views.

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Smash Boom Best: Where opinions smash and facts boom—making debate a blast for the whole family!

Transcript

[Mark Sanchez]

Let's face it, I'm gonna. Eventually, I'm gonna have to pick up the bus.

[Molly Bloom]

You just wanna pick up the bus? Yeah.

[Brandi Brown]

You're just showing off, which. That's not Superpower. That's helpful.

[Daisy]

It's helpful.

[Brandi Brown]

I'm a super braggart. From the brains behind brains on. It's Smash Boom Best, the show for.

[Daisy]

People with big opinions.

[Molly Bloom]

Hello, 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 on the show, we're exploring limits of human ability in a super power smackdown. It's super strength versus super speed. If you're stuck in traffic, you could.

[Daisy]

Just get out the car.

[Molly Bloom]

You're just gonna be right there in your job.

[Daisy]

I would rather have super strength. Since I live in the apartment, I have to go upstairs and sometimes we get groceries and I have to carry the heavy stuff.

[Brandi Brown]

So that would be useful.

[Mark Sanchez]

Super strength so I could punch my.

[Daisy]

Way into buildings like the Kool Aid Man. Super speed because I can run to, like, a specific SP in the world without having to pay for a plane ticket.

[Mark Sanchez]

If you have super speed, you have to eat a lot of food to sustain the energy to go that fast. Super speed all the way.

[Molly Bloom]

Will it be muscly might or supersonic speeds that triumph in today's smashboom battle? Here today to preside over this supercharged debate battle is Daisy from Los Angeles, California. Hi, Daisy.

[Brandi Brown]

Hey.

[Molly Bloom]

So, Daisy, what do you think of when you think of super strength?

[Daisy]

I think of Superman, I guess.

[Molly Bloom]

And what about super speed?

[Daisy]

I think of superheroes.

[Molly Bloom]

Mostly.

[Daisy]

I think of the Flash.

[Molly Bloom]

And are you already leaning in one direction or another about which of these two superpowers is cooler?

[Daisy]

Actually, I'm not. I actually want to see. They both sound really cool.

[Molly Bloom]

Good. So you're a fair and impartial judge. That's excellent. Yes. So do you ever get in debates with your family or friends?

[Daisy]

Yes, sometimes. Like, me and my brother argue over soccer players.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh.

[Daisy]

Like when he used to like Ronaldo, I liked Messi, and it was like that. It was like, stuff like that. But now we both agree that Messi's the better player.

[Molly Bloom]

So did you. Did you sway him?

[Daisy]

I don't know. I feel like he just realized that, like, I don't know, it just hit him.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah. I think he wore him down.

[Daisy]

Yeah, probably.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, Daisy, we are ready to meet our debaters. Here to represent all things swift and nimble is Brandi Brown. Hi, Brandi.

[Brandi Brown]

Hi.

[Molly Bloom]

So, Brandi in one sentence, why would superspeed win this debate?

[Brandi Brown]

Super speed is a complete package.

[Molly Bloom]

And here to argue for all things brawny, powerful, and iron pumping is Mark Sanchez.

[Mark Sanchez]

Hey, how's it going, Mark?

[Molly Bloom]

What makes super strength the best?

[Mark Sanchez]

Super strength not only gives you muscles on top of muscles, it unlocks the door to a whole new world of superpowers.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, well, before we get started, let's review the rounds. First up is declaration of greatness, when both teams have a chance to take us on a deep dive into the science, history, and lore of the their side. Next is the micro round. Every episode, it's a different challenge that'll push our debaters to get creative with their arguments. The third round is sneak attack. When we give our debaters a challenge that's a complete surprise. They'll have to make strong points on the fly. And last but not least, the fourth round is the final six, when our contestants have to make their case in just six words. And after each round, Daisy will award a point to the side that won her over. And we want all of you listeners at home to pick a winner, too. So find some scratch paper to keep score on, and we'll let you know whenever it's time to award a point. We also have a poll on our website, smashboom.org where you can vote after the show. Okay, Daisy, are you ready to do this?

[Daisy]

Super ready.

[Molly Bloom]

Brandi and Mark, are you guys all set?

[Brandi Brown]

Absolutely.

[Mark Sanchez]

I'm pumped up.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay. And to set the terms, when we say super speed or super strength, we mean you'd have both the power we mentioned and any of the adaptations needed to survive it. So quick reflex for speed, strong bones for strength, et cetera. Plus any tights, capes, gloves, or other things you would need to use your superpower would also work like they do in comics. And if you use a wheelchair or other assistive device, those would be able to withstand the superpowers, too. And we're assuming you can control these superpowers. Does that sound fair, everybody?

[Mark Sanchez]

Sounds good to me.

[Brandi Brown]

Sounds great.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, it's time for both sides to make their declaration of greatness.

[Brandi Brown]

Declaration of greatness.

[Molly Bloom]

We flipped a coin, and super speed is going to go first in this round. So, Brandi, let's hear what you've got.

[Brandi Brown]

Hello. Are you tired of spending all day doing chores? Sick of having to get up early to get ready for school? Do you want to be everyone's first pick for their sports team? Well, if any of these things sound like you, you should join us over on team Superhuman speed. A team that's way better than team superhuman strength. But what exactly is superhuman speed? Let's take a look at the fastest track athletes. Usain Bolt briefly reached a speed of 27.8 miles per hour while running the 100 meter dash in 9.58 seconds. Runner Florence Griffith Joiner, better known as Flo Joe, ran the distance in just 10.49 seconds. And Leopka Tahati holds the men's wheelchair 100 meter record at 13.6. But that's nothing compared to Sarah. She's a cheetah. And in 2012, she ran 100 meters in 5.95 seconds, hitting a speed of 61 miles per hour. Now imagine you were over 10 times faster than Sarah the cheetah. That's super speed. And if you had functional super speed, you'd also get other bonus powers to survive it. According to James Kakalios, author of the book the Physics of Superheroes, the Flash would need several adaptations to survive super speed. The ability to withstand the forces of accelerating and decelerating quickly, fast reflexes, superior eyesight and anti static protection. Also at those speeds, the Flash would need to protect himself from heat because of all the friction from wind. And his suit rubbing against itself would cause a fire otherwise. So durability, fast reflexes and fireproof. Obviously, super speed is the best. I also asked a sports expert if he'd rather have super speed or super strength. And here's what he had to say.

[Morgan Campbell]

This is Morgan Campbell, an award winning sports writer from the Toronto Star here in Toronto, Canada. I will choose superhuman speed 100 times out of 100, and here's why. Speed is a function of strength. You cannot have superhuman speed without having nearly superhuman strength. This holds for fast runners in track and field like Usain Bolt, fast football players like DeSean Jackson, Fast Animals like cheetahs. Cheetahs are very strong. Elephants, meanwhile, are strong as heck. They're also slow as heck. So I would rather be fast and strong than strong and slow. So give me the superhuman speed every time.

[Brandi Brown]

Why would you want one power when you can have two? In fact, the fastest sprinters on Earth aren't fast because they move their feet quickly. It's because their legs are powerful. Peter Wyand, a biomechanics professor at Southern Methodist University, told Popular Science magazine. When a runner hits the ground, 90% of the force goes vertically to push him up again, while only 5% propels him horizontally. Wheelchair racing and hand cycling sprinters also need to generate short bursts of powerful force to Propel their chairs down the track. But what happens when things aren't all fun and games? You hear that? A distress call. In an emergency, super speed is definitely way better than super strength. I guess if you were in the middle of nowhere alone with no phone, and you needed to free someone trapped by a fallen tree, then of course, superhuman strength would be useful. But in most emergencies, speed is preferable. A group of people can produce the strength of one strong person. But a group of people can never run as fast as someone with superhuman speed. With speed, you can quickly seek help or provide assistance. Suppose someone is suddenly swept down a river in a fast moving current. You could easily catch them. Superhuman speed is especially helpful in getting you out of dangerous situations like a large angry bear coming after you or an asteroid. It's definitely way better to move out of the way than try to take them on. No matter how strong you are. Don't fight bears, kids. Also, what if the dangerous thing isn't something that can be defeated with strength, like a swarm of bees? Also, super speed means you don't have to risk severely injuring or killing someone or something with your strength when you just wanted them to leave you alone. Although, worst case scenario, Dr. Kokalios, the physics superhero guy, says the Flash punching someone while traveling at a sound barrier breaking speed of over 767 miles per hour would generate almost 74,000 pounds of force or the weight of more than two Greyhound buses. So once again, speed is all you need.

[Molly Bloom]

Those are some ultra fast fighting words. So, Daisy, what do you think? What was the most convincing part of Brandy's argument?

[Daisy]

I really like the fact that she interviewed people that were like experts when it comes to speed. Also how she provided a lot of facts about track stars and bonus powers that you can get from having super speed. I think that was amazing.

[Molly Bloom]

So good work, Brandi. We are going to give team super strength a chance to respond. Mark, you have just 30 seconds for a rebuttal. On your mark, get set, go.

[Mark Sanchez]

Brandi, it is a pretty good thing that you actually don't have super speed because by the time you would have gotten here, you would have been out of breath and you couldn't have given your argument. So bravo for that. Bears. Super strength can handle bears. And I think your expert proves the point that you actually need muscles to be fast. Muscles come first. Then comes the speed. The speed is generated through super strength. So thanks for proving my point.

[Molly Bloom]

Time is up. Brandi, anything you want to say to Mark?

[Brandi Brown]

Yeah, well, actually, speed is a part of power, which is strength times speed. So power is not just about strength, but about how quickly you can generate and use strength.

[Molly Bloom]

Got some physics going on in here, everybody. Okay, so now, Mark it is time for you to flex your persuasive powers. Let's hear your declaration of greatness.

[Mark Sanchez]

That's the sound of people lifting weights getting strong. It's one of the oldest, most noble quests known to humans. We've always wanted to be stronger. And for good reason. Greek and Roman mythologies tell us how Hercules used his strength to defeat everything from the Cretan bull to the N Hydra serpent. And there's no way I'm gonna talk about super strength without bringing up superheroes.

[Brandi Brown]

No one can resist the Golden Lasso. It binds all who it encircles and compels them to tell the truth.

[Mark Sanchez]

From Wonder Woman to Wolverine or Black Panther, what happens now determines what happens.

[Molly Bloom]

To the rest of the world.

[Mark Sanchez]

They all have specific superpowers, but their foundation is strength. What good is a magic lasso if you aren't strong enough to hold it? And if your only superpower is doing things really fast. Ahem. This means you, Team Superspeed. Well, good luck actually stopping the bad guys once you get there. But super strength doesn't just exist in the realm of fantasy. Did you know that math as we know it today would not be the same if it wasn't for strength? This is the story of Milo of Croton. He was a wrestler living in the Greek city of Croton around 530 B.C. milo's extreme strength led him to six Olympic victories. His secret, lifting a bull. The story goes that when he was young, he picked up a calf. And for the next four years, he picked up that same animal every day. And as the calf grew into a bull, Milo's muscles expanded. Who needs a gym when you have a farm? Milo was friends with a fella named Pythagoras.

[Pythagoras]

Milo, how are you, my friend?

[Molly Bloom]

Sup?

[Pythagoras]

Pdog?

[Mark Sanchez]

Maybe you've heard of his Pythagorean theorem.

[Pythagoras]

A squared plus B squared equals C squared.

[Mark Sanchez]

That formula is tight, bro. Pythagoras figured out that when you have a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the square of the other two sides. It's one of the foundations of geometry and why many consider Pythagoras the father of modern math. One day, Pythagoras and Milo found themselves in a dangerous situation. They were in a building when a fire broke out.

[Pythagoras]

Great Zeus, we're trapped.

[Mark Sanchez]

The pillars that held up the roof were burning and the building was about to collapse. But being a guy who thought it was totally normal to hoist a bull over his head, Milo simply raised his mighty arms and held up the roof.

[Pythagoras]

Right this way, PDogg.

[Molly Bloom]

I got you.

[Mark Sanchez]

So Milo's strength saved Pythagoras and math. We don't know if this story is more lore than fact, but we do know that in dangerous situations, even ordinary people can summon superhuman strength. Take the case of Michael Archuleta. In 2012, he was across the street from his three year old neighbor who became trapped under a car. Here he is telling the local news that without even thinking, he went into action. He just grabbed the car and just lifted it up.

[Brandi Brown]

I mean, the adrenaline was pumping so.

[Mark Sanchez]

Much, tires came off at least a good 10 inches off the ground. Michael Archioletta doesn't have the body of the Hulk or even Milo of Croton. It turns out we all have super strength inside us. In super stressful situations, our bodies release loads of adrenaline, a hormone that can increase our alertness. Our hearts pump faster to give the body more oxygen. Our pupils get bigger to see more. And most importantly, our muscles contract to get stronger. Strong enough in this case, to hoist up the corner of a car. You know what Michael Archiolletta didn't do? He didn't use super speed to save his trapped neighbor. Because how exactly would that work? Oh, yeah, it wouldn't. And while I'm on the subject of superspeed, I'm just gonna come right out and say what we've all been thinking. There would be no super speed without super strength. It's the development and training of muscle that makes people get faster. Whether you're lifting up cars or bulls, it is Without a doubt 100% clear that having superhuman strength is. Is the cause and therefore a much, much better option than super speed.

[Molly Bloom]

Team super strength coming out swinging. So, Daisy, what impressed you the most there?

[Daisy]

Well, that was a great argument too. Wow, this is going to be hard. I really liked how he also used some of Brandy's facts. That that was like, whoa. Like, he just had, like, a comeback to it, like, real quick.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, I'm guessing Brandy has some things to say about this, so. Brandy, you have 30 seconds to respond. Your time starts now.

[Brandi Brown]

Okay, we need to talk about power. We know what strength is, and we know what speed is, but power is actually what makes you fast and strong. Like you say in bolt, power is how quickly you can use that strength to do work. Like weightlifters. Can take all day to lift a strong weight, but somebody who's really powerful can lift it quickly and with a fast burst. So therefore, you can't get power from just strength alone.

[Molly Bloom]

Time. Excellent. All right, Mark, do you have any words you want to share with Brandy?

[Mark Sanchez]

No.

[Molly Bloom]

It was too powerful to even muster a response.

[Brandi Brown]

It was a very quick response.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Daisy, it is time. How are you feeling? Is it pretty close? Someone winning in your mind? Don't say who yet.

[Daisy]

I don't know. I'm still thinking.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, so, well, now you need to think about in this round, who won this particular point. So don't say it out loud, but mark it down on your score sheet. Who took the first round? The declaration of greatness. Did you decide?

[Daisy]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, and all of you listeners at home, we want you to mark down a point for the team that you think did the best. You can always pause if you need some time to think or talk it through. And we have a favor to ask.

[Daisy]

Smashboom Best is a brand new show, and we need your help to keep it going.

[Molly Bloom]

Yes. So rate and review the show on Apple podcasts and tell your debate loving friends all about it.

[Mark Sanchez]

Gouda is obviously better. No brie, no Gouda.

[Daisy]

Whoa, whoa, you guys. Why don't you send your debate into smashboom Best to get a second opinion and maybe just make a cheese platter.

[Mark Sanchez]

Ooh, and then we could have a cave aged cheddar too.

[Brandi Brown]

And gruyere and parmesan. And Colby Jack.

[Molly Bloom]

Yes.

[Mark Sanchez]

Colby Jack is so good, man.

[Molly Bloom]

Can we get an invite to this cheese party?

[Daisy]

I'll see what I can do.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, fellow cheese lovers, don't go anywhere. We'll be right back with more Smash Boom Best.

[Daisy]

Castle Fresco.

[Molly Bloom]

Best.

[Mark Sanchez]

Boom.

[Molly Bloom]

Smash. Smash Boom Best. You're listening to smashboom Best, the show about showdowns. Do you have an idea for an awesome debate battle? We want to hear it. Send us an [e-mail] that's what Ava from Florida did.

[Brandi Brown]

My debate topic is desert versus mountains.

[Daisy]

I chose this topic because they have.

[Brandi Brown]

Two very unique climates and animals.

[Molly Bloom]

We'll call her up at the end of the show to see who she thinks would win. Okay, now it's on to the second round of this superhuman showdown. Micro round. It's the micro round. We sent this challenge to our contestants in advance, and they've come prepared with their best stuff. Today's challenge is stump speech. We asked Mark and Brandi to imagine that their side is running for political office and then to write a rousing Speech in support of their superpower. Are you too ready to hit the campaign trail?

[Mark Sanchez]

Ready as ever.

[Molly Bloom]

And how about you, Daisy? Are you ready to have team Superspeed and Team Super Strength fight for your vote?

[Daisy]

Totally ready.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay. Brandy went first in round one. So Mark is up. Let's welcome candidate Super Strength to the stage.

[Pythagoras]

Hello, Smash.

[Mark Sanchez]

Boom. Best friends.

[Pythagoras]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much for joining me today. As you know, we are nearing the end of this historic race. Super strength and super speed have never been so hotly contested. And for good reason. Both traits would help any of you, your family, your friends, and this land become even better. But let's face it, super strength is just better at getting things done. Have you ever seen a crane lifting heavy objects with super strength? That could be you. Subway tunnels could be dug by you. Let super strength put you to work. Parking on crowded city streets will be a thing of the past. With super strength, just pick up your car and gently set it down with nanometers between the other cars and good people. Think of the entertainment value super strength could bring. Weightlifting competitions could move mountains. Baseball stadiums would boast mile long home runs. We would all soar into the stratosphere off of backyard trampolines. I believe in every single person listening to this today. We all have the potential for super strength. Vote for humanity. Vote for super strength. And remember, you can't have speed without strength. Thank you, thank you, thank you. See you at the polls.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Brandi, let's hear what kind of campaign Superspeed is running.

[Brandi Brown]

Future speedsters. I am not here to tell you why Team Super Strength is bad. And trust me, it's bad. I'm here to tell you why Team Super Speed is great and why it is super powerful. Just the other day, I was in a park feeding some birds and someone approached me and said, brandy, what can super speed do for me? And that was weird because I didn't know that person at all. But you know what I said? I told them how they could spend more time with their friends, friends and family doing fun stuff. Imagine being able to sleep in late or stay over at your friends an extra hour because you could just get to school or home in seconds. Imagine being able to travel the world in a matter of hours because you can move faster than the speed of sound. You'd be able to watch the sun rise and set multiple times per day or even ring in the new year multiple times in one night. But super speed isn't just something for you. Superspeed is for everyone. With super speed, you can run errands for others, saving them time. You can warn people of incoming danger and help guide them to safety. Super speed isn't just about moving quickly. It's about taking the time to help others. But future speedsters, I'm going to be honest with you. No one cares about super strength in the long term. How many weightlifting competitions have you seen on tv? I've only seen a few during the Olympics, and I've seen a lot of Olympics. There aren't many. It's all about super speed and superpower. And super speed is the only way to superpower.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, I am thinking this is going to be a very close race. Daisy, how are you feeling? Don't name any names right now, but is there a clear winner in your mind?

[Daisy]

No, there isn't. They're so good. Oh, my gosh.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay. Well, the polls are close, but it's time for you to award a point for this round. Take a minute to think if you need to. Who would have your vote on election day? Superspeed or super strength? Okay, you decided.

[Brandi Brown]

Yes.

[Mark Sanchez]

Are we going by electoral or popular vote here?

[Molly Bloom]

Well, Daisy's the only vote that matters right now. All right, both moving on to round three. It's time for a sneak attack.

[Brandi Brown]

Sneak attack.

[Molly Bloom]

Our debaters have no idea what they're in for because this round is always a surprise. Today's challenge is connect the dots. We're going to give both of you an object that you have to connect back to your side efficiently and as creatively as possible. So if you were arguing for water slides and I said panda, you might come up with bamboo. Bamboo shoots, chutes and ladders. Ladders to climb up two Ding, ding, ding. Water slides. All right, so you're going to each get two objects. We're going to take turns, and then Daisy will judge who did it the most efficiently and creatively. So Mark went first last round. So it's Brandy's turn to be up first. The first object is cheeseburger. Go.

[Brandi Brown]

All right. Cheeseburger goes on top of a hammer. You can get those at McDonald's. McDonald's was also in the Olympic village. At the Olympic village, Usain Bolt, who is the fastest man alive, ate McNuggets at McDonald's before winning the race, where he went very quickly, as close as a human can get to super speed.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent. I got there. I followed you. Okay, Mark, your turn. The second object is mechanical pencil.

[Mark Sanchez]

Well, mechanical pencils are like regular pencils, which are made of wood, which are made from trees with super Strength. You forge those trees into a pencil with your one hand, and that is super straight, and that is super strong.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent work. Okay, Brandi, it's your turn again. Your object is cactus.

[Brandi Brown]

Cactus or cacti, are in New Mexico. And in New Mexico is Roswell. Roswell is where UFOs are. And UFOs travel the universe at super speed.

[Molly Bloom]

Very well done. Okay, Mark, last one is litter of puppies.

[Mark Sanchez]

Litter of puppies to super strength is pretty easy. Litter, if you spell it the French way, is leader. And if you have a liter of puppies, that would be very hard to lift up. You would need super strength to lift a leader of puppies.

[Molly Bloom]

I don't even understand, but I like it.

[Daisy]

I like it.

[Brandi Brown]

I would say that you've got a litter of puppies. And you know who the biggest dog of them all is? Clifford, the big red dog. He is very strong. That's true. Super strong.

[Molly Bloom]

He is super strong. Super big.

[Brandi Brown]

Big dog.

[Daisy]

That is very true. That is very true. Clifford is a very big dog.

[Brandi Brown]

You can't count that for him. That was mine.

[Daisy]

No, I know, I know.

[Mark Sanchez]

Maybe we should have had the opposite.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, guys, so Daisy, and this is probably a very hard decision, but you have to award one of these two a point for that round.

[Brandi Brown]

Yes.

[Mark Sanchez]

Who did the least worst? Is that the thing?

[Molly Bloom]

So who connected the dots most efficiently and creatively? Award a point. All right, all right. We have heard our debaters. Go deep, get creative, and think fast. But there's still one more round to help you decide. It's the final six. The final six. Mark, you have just six words to leave us with. Why should we crown Super Strength the smash Boom. Best?

[Mark Sanchez]

Well, I only need six words, so this is good. Through strength, we win. Full stop.

[Molly Bloom]

And Brandi, tell us why super speed is actually the super best in a super short six word sentence.

[Brandi Brown]

Super speed gets you super power.

[Molly Bloom]

That's a thinker. Yeah. Okay, Daisy, both sides have said their piece, and now it's time for you to decide. Team Super Strength is making an emotional appeal. And Team Super Speed is arguing with science. Take a minute. This is a very big decision. And award the final point. Now tell us who won.

[Daisy]

Oof. It's gonna be a tie.

[Molly Bloom]

What? It's a tie.

[Mark Sanchez]

Oof. Now what?

[Molly Bloom]

Well, we have a tiebreaker.

[Brandi Brown]

Sudden death.

[Molly Bloom]

It all comes down to this. Okay, Daisy, so you have one more decision to make. So listen closely, Brandy and Mark. You're stranded on an island after your plane spiraled out of control over the Atlantic. Don't worry, everyone's fine. How would your superpower help you and all your castaway friends survive?

[Mark Sanchez]

It's easy.

[Molly Bloom]

Go ahead, Mark.

[Mark Sanchez]

My super strength. I'm building houses. I'm shaking the coconut trees to get the coconuts down. I'm rounding up the scary creatures that are on there to provide food. That's super strength wins hands down.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Brandy, how would super speed just.

[Brandi Brown]

Quickly swimming to shore and telling people, hey, we're trapped out there? The end. Then a plane comes with regular people who will rescue them. I mean, there's no contest. Like, he's built a whole community, but, like, everyone on my side can just go home.

[Mark Sanchez]

People are happy there. People are happy there.

[Brandi Brown]

They can just go home to their families and their loved ones.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Daisy, one more point. Who won you over with that final argument? Staying in a happy community on the island or going home, it's like a.

[Brandi Brown]

Luau to your loved ones. Ooh.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Daisy. Okay, who gets your last and final point?

[Daisy]

I'm gonna have to go with Brandy. Yay, super speed. No, let me explain why. Let me give you my argument.

[Molly Bloom]

Yes. Let's hear it.

[Daisy]

So I love my family very much, so I'd rather go home to my loved ones than stay isolated, away from.

[Mark Sanchez]

I think they were on the plane with you, though.

[Brandi Brown]

No, you can't just add things.

[Mark Sanchez]

Oh, I saw the itinerary. Yeah, they saw the passenger log. They were there.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, thank you for doing the hard work, Daisy. And we debate hard around here, but we're always good sports. So, Mark and Brandy, how about a handshake?

[Brandi Brown]

Yeah.

[Mark Sanchez]

Well done. I think. I think having both super speed and super strength would be the best. The real winner.

[Daisy]

Yeah, it would be the best.

[Brandi Brown]

Someone with super strength wins in terms of, like, upper body strength. Definitely. Or lower body strength, depending on kind of all strength.

[Mark Sanchez]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

But.

[Mark Sanchez]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Daisy]

Kind of all strength. Yeah. Like, muscles are all over the place.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, super speed may have won today's debate, but I'm sure there are some dissenting opinions out there. So tally up your points and go cast your vote@the smashboom.org and we want to hear your best arguments for your superpower of choice. Email [e-mail] and don't forget to rate and review Smashboom Best anywhere you can. It helps us find more opinionated people like you. That's a wrap on lifting ability versus speedy agility. Smashboom Best is brought to you by the good people at Brainson and American Public Media.

[Brandi Brown]

It's produced by Mark Sanchez, Sandon Totten Molly Bloom and Alyssa Dudley.

[Mark Sanchez]

We had engineering help from Corey Schreppel and Drew Jostad.

[Molly Bloom]

Production help comes courtesy of Lauren D. And John Lambert. And many thanks to Monica Garcia, Alex Bomhart and Phil Picardi and Brandi Mark. Is there anybody you guys want to thank? Yeah.

[Brandi Brown]

I want to say thank you to Morgan Campbell from the Toronto star and to Dr. Chanda Prescott Weinstein from the University of Washington physics department, who helped me understand some basic physics definitions.

[Mark Sanchez]

I would like to thank Eric Ringham and Corey Schreppel for being the voice of Milo and Pythagoras and Daisy.

[Molly Bloom]

Is there anybody you want to thank?

[Daisy]

I want to give a shout out to Alejandro from 826 LA for giving me the chance to be here too.

[Molly Bloom]

And we want to give a big thanks to the students who shared their opinions at the beginning of the show. That's Hector Martinez, Jessica Kino, Jahim Bernal, Gisele Aguiluis and Luis Hernandez. Alright, before we sign off, let's go back to Ava's matchup. Remember, she sent in desert versus mountains, which is cooler. Here's what she had to say. I think desert will win because desert has very strange animals that are well adapted to their climate and the climate.

[Brandi Brown]

Is so hot that very few humans can survive.

[Molly Bloom]

Do you have an idea for our next debate battle? Head to smashboom.org and tell us all about it. That's it for this episode of Smash. Boom. Best. We'll be back real soon with another epic showdown.

[Brandi Brown]

Catch you later.

[Mark Sanchez]

See you at the gym.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh. In the smashable west.

[Pythagoras]

It'S smashable west.

[Mark Sanchez]

It'S smash the West.