Smash Boom Best: Swimming vs Soccer

Podcast: Smash Boom Best (Brains On Universe)
Episode Date: August 21, 2019
Host: Molly Bloom
Debaters: Anna Wegel (Swimming) & Tommy McNamara (Soccer)
Judge: Claire

Episode Overview

This episode of Smash Boom Best brings a high-energy, family-friendly debate to the classic showdown: Swimming vs Soccer – which is the coolest? The debaters Anna Wegel (for swimming) and Tommy McNamara (for soccer) face off in a series of creative, fact-packed rounds, judged by Claire. Listeners join the debate by learning about each sport's benefits, history, and quirks—with plenty of humor and puns along the way!

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Meet the Judge & Debaters (00:44–03:12)

• Claire comes in with preference for swimming (“Probably swimming just because it’s what you do in the summer. It's fun. You can splash around…”), but is open-minded and sets the debate criteria: humor, strong arguments, and personal stories.
• Anna (Swimming): “Because it’s cooler in temperature. I’m gonna take the literal literally of your question.”
• Tommy (Soccer): “I don’t even need a sentence. All I need is one word. Go.”

2. Declaration of Greatness — Swimming (04:55–10:57)

Anna’s Arguments:

• Inspiration & Achievement: Shares the stories of young swimmer Mae Bowers and legendary long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad, highlighting triumphs, resilience, and pushing human limits.
• Health & Strength: References scientist and ex-athlete Lisa Bowers:

  “It’s a total body sport. It exercises every muscle of your body. It’s aerobic, great for your heart and lungs... not hard on any of your joints.” (09:27)

• Team & Individual Benefits: Relays function as team events, while individual races test self-improvement.
• Vital Skill: “Swimming isn’t just a sport. It’s a vital survival skill, too… Is soccer gonna save your life? No. But knowing how to swim will.”
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “I have the arms of a superhero.” (09:01)
  • Diana Nyad: “One is we should never, ever give up. Two is, you’re never too old to chase your dreams.” (08:38)
• Humor: “Soccer players aren’t even allowed to use their arms. Sick. Burn. I have the arms of a superhero.” (09:10)

Judge Claire Reacts (11:05)

• “I thought when you started making the point about awards…not everything’s about winning. But then you went on to make the point about the journey and pushing yourself, which I think is a good point...”

3. Declaration of Greatness — Soccer (12:41–18:36)

Tommy’s Arguments:

• Worldwide Appeal: “Soccer is the most popular sport in the whole world. Even more popular than Fortnite.” (13:14)
• History: Roots going back over 2,000 years to Han Dynasty China.
• Health & Fitness: “Soccer players average seven full miles of running per game… and you won’t smell like chlorine afterwards.” (14:05)
• Teamwork: Collaboration highlighted with a quote from pro player Tommy McNamara:

  “You get to play with some of your best friends. You’re pushing each other...Soccer is such a team sport.” (14:59)

• Celebrity Power: “Some soccer players' legs are worth millions of dollars.” (15:46)
• Fans: “3.5 billion people watched at least part of the World Cup in 2018.” (16:19)
• The Legendary Foggy Game: Humorously recounts a 1945 match with rampant cheating due to fog—“mayhem”—showing soccer’s passion and chaos.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “Like the Avengers, but with chiller uniforms.” (15:22)
  • “Let’s pretend, let’s pretend, let’s pretend we score the gold!” (16:53)
  • “It’s about a group of people coming together with a common goal. Like the Avengers, but with chiller uniforms.” (15:22)

Anna’s Rebuttal (18:55)

• “Soccer balls had feathers and hair in them. That’s disgusting and terrifying and I’m gonna have bad dreams tonight. And lastly, I’m slightly allergic to oranges, so that was triggering.”

4. Micro Round: PUNdemonium (22:47–24:09)

• Format: Three rounds of rapid-fire puns related to each sport.
• Sample Puns:
  • Tommy (Soccer): “Why do soccer players stay on land? Because they’re too cool for pool.”
  • Anna (Swimming): “If you're not swimming, what are you even doing with your life?”
• Judge Claire: “I liked the speedo one, but speedos are kind of gross, so… yikes, let's turn around.” (24:16)

5. Sneak Attack: Speed Facts (24:37–26:51)

• Challenge: How many facts can you say about your sport in one breath?
• Anna impresses with swimming facts and stamina.
• Tommy tries, but runs out of breath and laughs.
• Claire: Judges based on “style, substance, length…”

6. The Final Six (28:12–28:38)

• Each debater makes a last six-word pitch:
  • Tommy: “Beautiful game. No hands. No problem.” (28:24)
  • Anna: “Swim. Because it’s fun. Full send.” (28:33)
• “Full send” moment explained by Claire earlier—youth slang for going all-in. (27:23)

7. Sudden Death Tiebreaker: Jingle (29:38–31:51)

• Challenge: Create a catchy sport jingle.
• Anna (Swimming):

  “Da na na na splash.
  If you have a certain problem, like being real smelly,
  Slap on a swimsuit and flop on your belly.
  Everything is fun in the pool.
  Hey, everyone will think you are cool. Yay.
  Plus, it’ll keep you alive when you fall off your jet ski.” (30:37–31:06)

• Tommy (Soccer):

  “With soccer, you can use your feet.
  Just kick the ball with your favorite cleat.
  Pass the goalie, the crowd cheers.
  Soccer, soccer. No more tears.” (31:14–31:26)

• Judge Claire’s Final Decision:

  “I loved the rhyme and the melody of the soccer jingle, so I had to give it to Tommy. So, soccer for the win. I'm sorry.” (31:59)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I played…when I was little, but that was about it. And I got hit in the shins a lot.” — Claire (01:20)
• “You get to play with some of your best friends…Soccer is such a team sport.” — Pro player Tommy McNamara (14:59)
• “Soccer balls had feathers and hair in them. That’s disgusting and terrifying.” — Anna (18:55)
• “Full send.” — Youth slang explained by Claire (27:23)
• “Soccer for the win. I’m sorry.” — Claire (31:59)
• “Now I’m gonna have to learn how to play soccer… I’ll be expecting my care package of orange slices in the mail.” — Anna (32:21)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Intro & setup: 00:00–04:55
• Declaration of Greatness—Swimming: 04:55–10:57
• Declaration of Greatness—Soccer: 12:41–18:36
• Rebuttals: 18:55–19:27
• Micro Round (PUNdemonium): 22:47–24:09
• Sneak Attack (Speed Facts): 24:37–26:51
• The Final Six: 28:12–28:38
• Sudden Death Jingle: 29:38–31:51
• Winner Announced: 31:59

Final Outcome & Tone

Throughout the episode, the debaters combine humor and kid-friendly facts. Claire, the judge, emphasizes the importance of teamwork and personal growth in both activities. Ultimately, after a tiebreaker, soccer squeaks out the win due to Tommy’s catchy jingle and melody (“I loved the rhyme and the melody of the soccer jingle, so I had to give it to Tommy.” – 31:59). The tone is fun, inclusive, and lively, offering lots of laughs and a genuine appreciation for both sports.

For Listeners Who Missed It

This episode is a playful, sharp, and relatable debate where both swimming and soccer shine for their unique strengths—but soccer wins the day on a lyrical technicality. Whether you love the pool or the pitch, you’ll come away with an appreciation for the skill, teamwork, and fun behind both sports.