Smash Boom Best: Wizard of Oz vs Mary Poppins

Podcast: Smash Boom Best
Host: Molly Bloom (Brains On Universe)
Debaters: Alex Nader (Mary Poppins), Andrew Barbado (The Wizard of Oz)
Judge: Rita from Long Island
Date: January 8, 2026

Episode Overview

In this colorful and laughter-filled debate episode, Smash Boom Best pits two magical and iconic childhood stories against each other: The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins. Each champion gets a passionate debater—Andrew Barbado argues for Oz, while Alex Nader stands up for Poppins—as judge Rita listens, weighs facts, hears both silly and serious rebuttals, and ultimately decides which classic reigns supreme. Expect fun facts, witty jabs, surprising history, and a finale that’s too close to call—until the very last second.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

Meet the Participants (01:25–05:11)

• Debaters introduced:
  • Alex Nader (Mary Poppins): “Like Mary Poppins, I'm about to be practically perfect in every way.” (02:03)
  • Andrew Barbado (Wizard of Oz): “Strap on your ruby slippers because we're about to follow the yellow brick road straight to the winner's circle.” (02:15)
• Judge Rita:
  • Hobbyist crocheter, chemistry lover, tennis player. Shares a story about seeing a cat with newborn kittens in Turkey.
  • Discusses how good arguments need both “facts and also emotion...the debater really, like, understands their topic 100% and really believes in it.” (04:13)

Round 1: Declaration of Greatness & Rebuttals

Mary Poppins’ Case (05:35–11:22)

• Alex positions Mary Poppins as the ultimate magical nanny—a character teaching joy, imagination, and meaningful lessons to the Banks family.
• Emphasizes Poppins’ literary origins, Disney’s pivotal adaptation, and Julie Andrews’ Oscar-winning, iconic performance.
• Blends of animation/live-action, British and American actors, and an irrepressible sense of whimsy and heart.
• Fun fact: Mary Poppins’ success financed Disney World (“Without Mary Poppins, who knows if we would even have Disney World.” 09:45)
• Elevates “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” as “objectively the greatest word of all time.”
• Memorable quote: “We all need role models in this world, and truly, Mary Poppins is one of my role models. She shows us the way one spoonful of sugar at a time.” (11:13)

Reactions & Rebuttal (11:22–12:53)

• Judge Rita: “Who wouldn't want to have a magical babysitter? Like, imagine like a woman just flying down from the sky and she just mends your family all back together.” (11:31)
• Andrew’s rebuttal: Acknowledges family focus, but asserts, “Sometimes you don't have the opportunity to get a nanny. You need to go on a magical adventure. And that's what happens in the wizard of Oz.” (11:55)

Wizard of Oz’s Case (14:58–20:31)

• Andrew crafts a rhyming, rapid-fire summary: highlights Dorothy’s journey, moral challenges, and enduring appeal.
• Explores Wizard of Oz’s roots in L. Frank Baum’s books and its “allegory about the politics of the time.”
• Argues Oz’s characters show personal growth: “Dorothy learns she's strong and capable... Scarecrow learns he's smart without a brain… Glinda learns you can't judge a book by its cover. And Elphaba learns that people in power aren't always good.” (17:02)
• Praises wizardry of the film: black and white to Technicolor transition, movie magic still impressive 80+ years later—including live events like screenings at the Las Vegas Sphere.
• Cites enduring musical legacy: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “If I Only Had a Brain,” “They’ll never bring us down.”
• Dismisses Poppins as “a tale about some rich kids with everything they could ever want, getting even more nice things.”
• Memorable quote: “If you want complicated characters, pure movie magic, and a soundtrack that just, you know what it is, it’s gotta be the Wiz.” (20:28)

Reactions & Rebuttal (20:31–21:37)

• Judge Rita: “The beginning song really sold me.” (20:39)
• Alex’s rebuttal: leverages star power—“I would challenge you in the original [Oz] movie to think of another star that came out of it other than Judy Garland. I bet you can't. But Mary Poppins had Dick Van Dyke. The sequel had Lin Manuel Miranda, who I think you personally insulted.” (21:15)

Microround: Fact-Off (25:36–31:02)

Each debater presents three quick fire fun facts:

Wizard of Oz Facts (Andrew)

• The real ruby slippers from the film were stolen in 2005, recovered by the FBI 13 years later, but with no arrests made. “The theft could make its own hit movie.” (25:56)
• Actor originally cast as Tin Man was replaced due to illness caused by makeup. “The drama of this can only match the drama of the best movie of its time.” (27:11)
• Toto the dog (real name Terry), starred in 16 films; Judy Garland wanted to adopt him but was turned down. (“Judy Garland desperately wanted to adopt this dog...she's going to star in about 10 more films.” 28:41)

Mary Poppins Facts (Alex)

• Inspiration for “A Spoonful of Sugar” came from giving the polio vaccine to children on sugar cubes—a real public health win. (26:35)
• Julie Andrews only got the role of Mary Poppins after being passed over for My Fair Lady. Her heartbreak led to an Oscar-winning breakout instead. “What’s meant for you is meant for you.” (27:47)
• Dick Van Dyke’s famously “worst accent on record of any American playing an Englishman,” but he remains iconic. (“Now if you ask any English actor, they will say Dick Van Dyke had the worst accent on record.” 30:08)

Sneak Attack: Fantastical Fitness (32:09–35:30)

Debaters improvise as characters from their chosen stories, leading a themed fitness class.

• Alex (as Mrs. Banks, Mary Poppins):
  • Advocates for exercise and women’s suffrage:
    • “Throw your hands in the air, fists up, like a cheerleader, and I want you to say, women should have the right to vote!” (32:54)
    • “Kick one leg out... Absolutely everyone should have the right to vote!” (33:13)
• Andrew (as the Mayor of Munchkin City, Wizard of Oz):
  • Cheerily leads group to do cleanup exercises and campaign for office:
    • “As mayor...stretch up to the sky and say, vote for me in the next election!” (33:43)
    • “Take some of that wood [house debris] and remove it from the center of Munchkinland... Not only have we gotten fit today but we've beautified our land.” (34:28)

Final Six (35:32–36:22)

Each side sums up their entire case in exactly six words.

• Wizard of Oz (Andrew):
  • “Somewhere over the rainbow. Transform.” (35:58)
• Mary Poppins (Alex):
  • “A bag. Feed the birds.” (36:07)
  • Alex quips, “There you have to think about it. But when you really think it's gonna get you, you know what I mean?” (36:15)

Decision and Closing (36:24–39:40)

• Winner Announcement:
  • Rita crowns The Wizard of Oz the winner, but says “It was a tie until the final six.” (36:49–37:04)
• Gracious Exit:
  • Andrew praises Alex’s skills: “To know that Mary Poppins...was neck and neck speaks to the power of my friend Alex... I would love to do a rematch of any topic!” (37:10–37:38)
  • Alex: “I will have nightmares about my last six words for a really long time.” (37:38)
• Shoutouts:
  • Alex: “I would love to give a shout out to Mary Poppins. Girl, I love you.” (38:33)
  • Andrew: “This is going all the way to Turkey. A single mom who works two jobs, who loves her cats and never stops. The single mom cat.” (38:40)
  • Rita thanks the team and her family. (38:54)

Notable Quotes & Moments by Timestamp

• “I never explain anything.” – Alex as Mary Poppins, perfectly channeling the character (07:46)
• “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is the exact feeling of hanging out with your favorite babysitter.” – Alex (10:19)
• “Dorothy learns she's strong and capable...people in power aren't always good.” – Andrew on character growth (17:02)
• “Like a rainbow exploded in my eyeballs.” – Andrew on the Technicolor switch in Oz (18:10)
• “Feed the birds. Tupin Sabag.” – Alex closes with classic quirky Poppins sign-off (39:37)
• “There's no place like winning.” – Andrew celebrates the Oz victory (36:52)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Debater & Judge Intros: 01:21–05:11
• Mary Poppins’ Opening Case: 05:35–11:22
• Oz’s Opening Rebuttal: 11:43–12:53
• Wizard of Oz’s Opening Case: 14:58–20:31
• Poppins’ Rebuttal: 21:02–21:37
• Micro Round (Fact-Off): 25:36–31:02
• Sneak Attack (Fitness): 32:09–35:30
• Final Six Words: 35:32–36:22
• The Verdict: 36:24–39:40
• Memorable Quotes & Wrap-Up: 37:10–end

Tone & Style

The episode is bursting with friendly rivalry, playful banter, and creative improvisation. Both debaters blend solid facts and pop culture references with humor and warmth, keeping things accessible and fun for kids and families—while judge Rita offers thoughtful, spirited, and genuine feedback throughout.

Summary for New Listeners

If you missed this episode, you can expect a rollercoaster of magical arguments, engaging personality-driven facts, and a finale that comes down to just six words. Whether you prefer your stories with dancing chimney sweeps or flying monkeys, you’ll leave this episode with a newfound appreciation for both Mary Poppins and The Wizard of Oz—and probably a song or two stuck in your head.