Introducing: Smash Boom Best!

Summary

Story Pirates Podcast: “Introducing: Smash Boom Best! — Tag vs. Hide and Seek”

Release Date: December 25, 2025
Episode Theme:
This special crossover episode showcases a full debate from the award-winning kids’ debate show “Smash Boom Best,” pitting two classic playground games—Tag and Hide and Seek—against each other. Story Pirates’ own Peter McNerney and Nick Kanellis face off, each championing their game with humor, creativity, and plenty of audience engagement. The debate is judged by Truman, a theater-loving kid from Minnesota.

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Main Theme and Purpose

• Highlight: The episode brings the fun and smart “Smash Boom Best” format to Story Pirates’ listeners, letting them experience a lively, comedic debate between two iconic children’s games.
• Purpose: To entertain, engage young (and young-at-heart) listeners, and inspire them to think critically and creatively about everyday favorites.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction & Episode Setup

• Host Lee (Story Pirates) introduces the "Smash Boom Best" show and explains that Story Pirate regulars Peter and Nick are the debaters.
• Fun Fact (00:59, Lee): “On August 14, 2019, I did appear on Smashboom Best and I did beat Peter in a debate about the Ice Age versus the Jurassic. … I have never been invited back. Whereas Peter has been invited back … Is it fair? No, it's not. ... But it's okay. I'm still a huge fan of smashboom Best…”

2. Meet the Judge (Truman) [03:17]

• Truman shares his experience in musical theater and interest in mental health.
• Advice for debaters (04:08, Truman): "Make me laugh. And references."

3. Debate Structure Overview (Molly Bloom, 04:11)

• Four rounds: Declaration of Greatness, Micro Round, Sneak Attack, and Final Six.

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Round 1: Declaration of Greatness & Rebuttals

Team Tag — Nick Kanellis [05:15]

• Nick presents a “Tag Gym,” highlighting the physical excitement, variety, and worldwide popularity of Tag.

  • Many variations: freeze tag, TV tag, octopus tag, etc.
  • Even gorillas play tag! (07:01)
  • Tag is accessible anywhere, by anyone.

• Memorable Quote (07:43, Nick):

  • "You want to know what happens if you get good at hide and seek? You go missing."
  • “You could even play on the moon.” (08:27, with a funny lunar Tag sketch)

Judge Reaction [09:22]

• Truman: "I liked the switch of scenes. … I could see it in my head. I loved it. The wording was great. And, you know, tag is a go to."

Team Hide and Seek — Peter McNerney [10:40]

• Peter brings immersive audio comedy with a mock “extreme” hide and seek.

• Explains the evolutionary roots of hide and seek (“humans are hardwired to search for stuff”).

• Interviews Truman as a “professional kid”: hide and seek “by a mile” is better because it takes brains, while Tag is just for the fast.

• Hide and seek is ancient and “universal”.

• Notable Quote (13:31, Truman):

  • “Well, as a professional kid, I'd like to say that hide and seek rules and tag sadly drools.”

Judge Reaction [15:06]

• Truman: "I really did like the Minecraft reference. … it was just very immersive… and the sprinkled in like extremes of hide and seek I really liked. Four days is a long time."

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Rebuttal Highlights

• Peter on Tag [09:49]:

  • “I call it running around...I'm faster than you, you’re it, game's over…who wants to go to the gym?...I need to be distracted in my exercise, and tag does not do the job. Tag. No one's it.”

• Nick on Hide and Seek [15:38]:

  • “Hide and seek, the game where you can't go to the bathroom… Also, that kid sounded an awful lot like Peter's child. I wonder if they're biased at all… it's the only game where you could fall asleep while you're playing it.”

• Funny Interlude (16:09, Peter):

  • “I hid in the toilet. I could go whenever I want to. That's the fun of hide and seek, is that you can. You know, let's not get too specific.”

Hosts’ Banter and Camaraderie (17:32–17:51)

• Peter: “Nick is my best friend and I love you.”
• Nick: “I would echo what Peter has said. I would love to play either hide and go seek or tag with Peter.”

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Round 2: Micro Round – “Top of the Hour” [23:09]

Prompt: Deliver a breaking news report about your game.

Peter (Hide and Seek) [23:39]

• Reports from a town where the “most obnoxious” member is about to win the annual hide and seek game.
• Comedic twist: The winner (Devin) is so annoying that the town dreads his victory—until he appears in disguise to gloat.

Nick (Tag) [25:21]

• News report on the mysterious “It” phenomenon:

  • Interview with someone who’s briefly “It”—describes a wild, contagious urge to run, laugh, and “pass it on”.

• Even the reporters get caught up and run out to play.

• Judge’s Response [27:09]

  • “I liked that both of them were like, everybody's involved.”

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Round 3: Sneak Attack – “Sonic Stealth” [27:55]

Prompt: Invent a version of your game played with just sound; explain and then play it.

Nick’s “Ta Tag” [28:35]

• Players chant “T” repeatedly; when someone says “Ta,” the “it” player can tag them by saying “Ta” before they say “T” again.
• Hilarious, chaotic, tongue-twisting gameplay ensues.
  • “Peter’s the new tar!” (29:39)
  • “Todd is it. Todd, is it?” (29:47)

Peter’s “Can You Hear Where I’m Hiding?” [30:08]

• Hiders pick secret locations and give clues by adjusting their voices to sound like they’re in those spaces.

• Seekers guess the location from audio-only clues.

• Host Reaction (31:08, Molly): “I want to play that again.”

• Peter: “I’m going to call the game Can you hear where I’m hiding?” (31:25)

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Round 4: The Final Six [31:51]

Each side gets six words to sum up their game’s greatness.

• Peter (Hide and Seek):
  • “Ready or not, here comes fun.” (32:03)
• Nick (Tag):
  • “Why hide. Have more fun. Run.” (32:16)

Winner Announced [32:47]

• Truman: “It is… Hide and seek.”
• Truman reflects: “Ready or not, Here I Come is such a classic, but adding the fun, it was just… perfect.” (33:07)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nick Kanellis promoting Tag’s variety (07:32):
  • “There’s also octopus tag, hot dog tag, blob tag, Star wars tag, and more.”
• Truman, as “professional kid” (13:31):
  • “Hide and seek rules and tag sadly drools.”
• Molly Bloom, loving the new game (31:08):
  • “I want to play that again.”
• Peter and Nick, on their friendship (33:19):
  • Peter: “Your presence makes everything better.”
  • Nick: “I feel like I won, even though I lost.”

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Important Timestamps

• 00:07: Lee introduces the crossover and sets context for the debate.
• 02:23: Molly Bloom introduces the debate: Tag vs. Hide and Seek.
• 03:17: Judge Truman is introduced.
• 05:15: Nick’s declaration for Tag.
• 10:40: Peter’s declaration for Hide and Seek.
• 13:31: “Professional kid” Truman gives the edge to Hide and Seek.
• 15:38 & 16:09: Quick, funny rebuttals.
• 23:39: News-style micro rounds.
• 28:35: “Sonic Stealth” (audio games).
• 31:51: The Final Six-word showdown.
• 32:47: Winner revealed—Hide and Seek.

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Episode Tone & Language

• The debate is playful, quick-witted, and very kid-centric, filled with puns, jokes, and good-natured ribbing.
• Both debaters—Nick and Peter—use cartoonish voices, creative sketches, and meta-commentary to keep the audience laughing.
• The judge, Truman, brings genuine curiosity and humor to the proceedings, often riffing on pop culture and Dungeons & Dragons.

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Final Thoughts and Takeaways

• Creativity and Imagination: Both Nick and Peter use wild scenarios, fictional interviews, and sound effects to bring the debate to life.
• Camaraderie: Despite the competitive setup, the friendly banter and admiration between Peter and Nick shines through.
• Interactivity: Audience is encouraged to vote for their favorite; listeners are also invited to invent their own debates or games.

Best for:
Listeners seeking fun, unpredictable comedy; families looking for screen-free entertainment; and anyone nostalgic for playground games.

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Ready or not, here comes fun!

Transcript

[Molly Bloom]

Lemonade.

[Lee]

Hey, Story pirates podcast listeners. Lee, here. Today we have a special treat for you. An episode from our friends at smashboom Best. Smashboom Best is a funny and smart debate show for kids and families from the Brains on universe. And we just love it. And the episode we're gonna share with you today is called Tag versus Hide and Seek. An exhilarating debate, which means two very funny people are going to be debating which is better, tag or hide and seek. But get this, the two people debating, they are story pirates. And not just any story pirates. It's Peter and Nick.

[Molly Bloom]

Who will win.

[Lee]

You're gonna have to listen to find out. And I know what you're thinking. Lee, didn't you debate Peter once in an episode of smashboom Best and didn't you win that debate?

[Molly Bloom]

So.

[Lee]

So why aren't you on this episode? Who is Nick? Why does Peter keep getting invited back on Smash Moon Best despite not winning? Well, those are all good questions and it's true. On August 14, 2019, I did appear on Smashboom Best and I did beat Peter in a debate about the Ice Age versus the Jurassic. And despite my massive victory, I have never been invited back. Whereas Peter has been invited back, I think three times now. Is it fair? No, it's not. Has smashboom Best commented on this injustice? No, they are eerily silent on the matter. But it's okay. I'm still a huge fan of smashboom Best because it's a really great show, even if whoever books their guests has a grudge against me. Oh, and by the way, Nick, he's the guy that's facing Peter in this episode. He indeed is a story pirate and he's really, really funny and nice. I bet he wins. So get ready for Tag versus Hide and Seek coming up right after a few words for the grown ups.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

From the brains behind brains on. It's Smash Boom Best, the show for.

[Truman]

People with big opinions.

[Molly Bloom]

Hi, I'm Molly Bloom and this is Smash Boom Best. The show where we take two things, smash them together and and ask you to decide which one is best. Today's debate is a fun filled face off between two timeless playground favorites. It's Tag versus Hide and seek. Story pirate, improviser and motion capture actor Nick Kanellis is here to demonstrate speed and agility for team tag.

[Nick Kanellis]

No need to brag. It's the game that doesn't drag. It's more fun to play tag. Let's hear it for the tag team champions of the world.

[Molly Bloom]

And story pirate pet Peter McNerney. Is here with a heavy dose of stealth and strategy for team Hide and.

[Peter McNerney]

Seek, Your long search has ended, for you have found the greatest game in human history. It is hide and seek.

[Molly Bloom]

And here to judge it all is Truman from Stillwater, Minnesota. Truman is currently starring in his first professional musical, enjoys Dungeons and Dragons, and would one day love to be a Broadway actor who moonlights as a professional therapist. Hi, Truman. Hi. So what is it like to be in a professional musical?

[Truman]

It's so much fun. It's so cool being surrounded by, like, the people you want to grow up to be.

[Molly Bloom]

That sounds very, very cool. And what draws you in about being a therapist someday?

[Truman]

My mom's a therapist and I think it's just a really cool job because you get to help people. And I've always been, like, intrigued about mental health and I just think it's super interesting.

[Molly Bloom]

It's great. And you've judged Nash Moon best multiple times now.

[Truman]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

Do you have any advice for our debaters today?

[Truman]

Make me laugh. And references.

[Molly Bloom]

References and laughs. Will Truman side with Nick or Peter? Only time will tell. But first, here are the rules. Every debate consists of four. The declaration of greatness, the micro round, the sneak attack, and the final six. After each round, our judge Truman will award points to the team that impresses him the most. But he'll keep his decisions top secret until the end of the debate. Listeners, we want you to judge too. Mark down your points as you listen. At the end of the show, head to our website, smashboom.org and vote for whichever team you think won. Okay, Nick, Peter, and Truman, are you ready?

[Peter McNerney]

Yeah, Born ready.

[Nick Kanellis]

Take the letter E, color it red.

[Molly Bloom]

Then it's time for the declaration of greatness. In this round, our debaters will present a well crafted immersive argument in favor of their side. Then they'll each have 30 seconds to rebut their opponent's statements. We flip to coin and Nick, you're up first. Tell us what is so terrific about tag.

[Nick Kanellis]

I love tag. It's easily my favorite game. But lately I'm getting tagged way too often. So I decided to join my local gym to get in shape and up my game. By the way, did I mention this is a tag gym?

[Lee]

Yo, what's up, tagamaniacs? My name's Bryce Climb, owner of the Fountain, AKA the best tag gym Des Moines has to offer. Let me show you around. Over here we've got slopes, rails and a wicked jumping wall. Everything you need to practice death defying escapes from an epic tagger isn't that right, Lexi?

[Molly Bloom]

For sure, Bryce.

[Lee]

Lexi's one of our best clients.

[Molly Bloom]

Before I joined the Fountain, I played like an amateur, chasing tigers like a puppy chases her tail.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

But now I'm no puppy.

[Molly Bloom]

I'm top dog. I used to be it, but now I'm killing it. Running it, flexing it, ownin it.

[Lee]

We're so happy you came by to check out the place, Nick. Sign up today, and the first month's free. And if you catch me, the second month's free.

[Peter McNerney]

But you won't.

[Nick Kanellis]

Wow. I can't wait to up my tag game. In case you've been living under a rock, which is, sadly, a winning hide and seek strategy, tag is a worldwide phenomenon that people have been playing for centuries. Besides being super fun, tag is really good for you. It gets your heart pumping. It requires speed, quick reflexes, and helps you master the art of watching several targets at once. And humans aren't the only ones who love playing tag. Scientists have noticed that young gorillas also play a version of this classic game. Tag is so beloved, it's even played by other species.

[Peter McNerney]

Hey, Jill, do you want to play.

[Lee]

Tag like a silverback gorilla?

[Peter McNerney]

Or would you rather play hide and seek like that? Turtle tag.

[Molly Bloom]

Tag.

[Peter McNerney]

I love gorillas.

[Nick Kanellis]

Not only is the game fun, but there are a ton of different ways to play tag. Like freeze tag, where you get tagged and stay still until someone unfreezes you. Or TV tag, where you can avoid getting tagged if you say the name of a TV show. Or my favorite, Smashboom Best tag. It's just like TV tag. But you share a fact about Molly tag.

[Truman]

You're it. Oh, wait. Molly Bloom has a phobia of birds named Kevin. Aw, man, you're right.

[Nick Kanellis]

There's also octopus tag, hot dog tag, blob tag, Star wars tag, and more.

[Peter McNerney]

More.

[Nick Kanellis]

And if you get really good, you can play tag professionally. World Chase Tag is a competitive sport where two teams race to tag each other in an arena filled with obstacles. It's played internationally and has killer rounds like chase offs and sudden death. Chase offs. That's for players who are really good at tag. You want to know what happens if you get good at hide and seek? You go missing. Hide and seek requires a lot of space, dark and musty old places to hide. But you can play tag anywhere with anyone. You could even play on the moon.

[Peter McNerney]

That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. Tag you're at, Neal. Ah, you rascal. Get over here. Uh, Houston, we have a problem. Neil is never gonna Catch me.

[Nick Kanellis]

Whether you're playing in a gym, a playground, or outer space, any place is a perfect space for our game of chase tag. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to catch Bryce, because, you know I'm not gonna pay full price for that gym membership.

[Peter McNerney]

You're never gonna catch me, dude. Yes, I am.

[Nick Kanellis]

Come here, Bryce. He's really good at this.

[Peter McNerney]

He's fast.

[Molly Bloom]

You just had to mention Kevin, my phobia of birds named Kevin. I don't know if I can go on in this taping. Oh, Nick, what an excellent job. Truman, what stood out to you about Nick's declaration of greatness?

[Truman]

I liked the switch of scenes. It was like the perfect amount of each scene where you, like, I could see it in my head. I loved it. The wording was great. And, you know, tag is a go to.

[Molly Bloom]

Mm. It's true. Peter, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why tag is just a red flag. You've got 30 seconds and your time starts now.

[Peter McNerney]

Tag. Tag? Really? That's a fun game. You know what I call tag? I call it running around. Ooh, the strategy. Oh, guess what. I'm faster than you. You're it. Game's over. Yeah, you know, that gym thing was very apt. Because you know what? Who wants to go to the gym? That's what tag is. Exercise. Just exercise. I need to be distracted in my exercise, and tag does not do the job. Tag. No one's it.

[Molly Bloom]

And tag.

[Nick Kanellis]

I don't really understand why Peter doesn't like to exercise. I think exercising is fun, and I think tag is the perfect way to trick yourself into exercising.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, it is your turn, Peter. Tell us why hide and seek is so unique.

[Peter McNerney]

Oh, hi, everyone. Sorry to whisper, but I'm in the middle of playing the greatest game of all time. Hide and seek. And, well, things may have gotten a little out of hand. Peter, where are you? You've been hiding for four days. That's my friend, Gary. We're very competitive. Neither one of us has slept since the game began. What was that? You're clearly right here in this cookie jar. What? You're not in here. This jar is full of delicious cookies in the shape of your face. Did you make these just to mock me? I did. You'll never defeat me, Peter. I'll find you.

[Molly Bloom]

Wow.

[Peter McNerney]

This game rules. But why? Why is the simple act of hiding or seeking so fun? To answer that question, here's me recorded earlier when I wasn't hiding in an incredibly cramped spot. Peter. Thanks, Peter. Hi, everyone. Now you're probably wondering, what am I doing in this idyllic forest untouched by civilization? Is it to set the scene for what life was like for our Paleolithic hunter gatherer ancestors? Wow, Good guess. It is. You see, we as humans are hardwired to search for stuff. To seek for animals, for plants to eat, for shelter, for water, or any other thing that you might file under needed to live. If your great great greatest of great grandparents didn't have treasure hunting brains, you probably wouldn't be here. Hey Gurgs, are you coming? Time to hunt Saber Tooth Tiger. Oh shoot, that's today? Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

What?

[Peter McNerney]

You have something else to do? I thought maybe I'd just relax and do some Minecraft. You mean dig for stones and minerals? Yeah, what else would I mean? I don't know. Well, good luck not eating. Bye. So the urge to hide and seek is likely what helped humans survive and thrive.

[Molly Bloom]

Whoa.

[Peter McNerney]

So you're saying it's not just for fun, it's important? Yes. I am inexplicable, Other Peter. So cool. I know. That's why even to this day, we love to play hide and seek. And to prove it, I interviewed the ultimate expert on games. A child. Hello there. Now, is it true that you are in fact a real kid?

[Truman]

Yes.

[Peter McNerney]

And have you played hide and seek?

[Molly Bloom]

Yes.

[Peter McNerney]

And have you played tag?

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

Yes.

[Peter McNerney]

Tell me, which one is better?

[Truman]

Hide and seek by a mile.

[Peter McNerney]

Whoa, really? Why?

[Truman]

I like hide and seek a lot more. Because you actually have to use your brain. If you're playing tag with someone who's faster than you, then they'll just keep winning.

[Nick Kanellis]

What fun is that?

[Peter McNerney]

Indeed. Is there anything else you'd like to say?

[Truman]

Well, as a professional kid, I'd like to say that hide and seek rules and tag sadly drools.

[Peter McNerney]

Wow. An excellent point, wouldn't you say? So weird other Peter? I would. Hey, how come I never noticed that there are two of me? Where have you been this whole time? I was hiding. Hahaha. Nice. Anyway, hide and seek really is the universal game. Stretching from antiquity all the way to our modern age. Back to you, original Peter. Still playing that game of hide and seek. Thanks, Peters. Wow, this really is a great game. And one that I refuse to stop playing until Gary admits defeat. I think he's close. Fine. I give up. You win. Peter, are you happy? Come out, come out, wherever you are. Okay, here I go. I'm right here. Peter, were you hiding in the toilet? Yes. For four days. Didn't anyone have to use the bathroom in that time?

[Molly Bloom]

Umm.

[Peter McNerney]

Ahem. Well, I win.

[Molly Bloom]

Wow. Peter really does love hide and seek. Going to amazing lakes to win.

[Truman]

It sounds like no way home. The amount of Peters that are there.

[Molly Bloom]

Absolutely. Now, Truman, what stood out to you about Peter's declaration of greatness?

[Truman]

I really did like the Minecraft reference. I thought it was like a perfect, perfect timing and it was just very like, immersive in a way. And then like the sprinkled in like extremes of hide and seek I really liked. Four days is a long time.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Nick, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why hide and seek is super weak. You've got 30 seconds. And go. Great.

[Nick Kanellis]

Well, Peter said it himself. Hide and seek, the game where you can't go to the bathroom. You gotta hold it the entire time. What a wonderful way to just feel in pain. Also, that kid sounded an awful lot like Peter's child. I wonder if they're biased at all. I don't know. I hope Peter's taking care of him. Okay. And also the whole conversation about like, you gotta find a saber toothed tiger, well, then you gotta catch. And that part would be tag. Hide and go. Seek's kind of the preamble and it is the only game where you could fall asleep while you're playing it.

[Molly Bloom]

And time.

[Peter McNerney]

Oh, you can't go to the bathroom. Did you listen to the argument, Nick? I hid in the toilet. I could go whenever I want to. That's the fun of hide and seek, is that you can. You know, let's not get too specific. We already made a serious potty humor joke. But you know what? Let us not forget half of tag is seeking, AKA catching you. It's already in the game. More complex. That was a sound effect just to sound exciting. Have you ever.

[Truman]

Have you ever thought of hide and seek tag.

[Peter McNerney]

That it is a variation of hide and seek.

[Nick Kanellis]

I would call that a variation of tag because you have to finish with the tag. The tag is friends.

[Peter McNerney]

No. Are we becoming friends? Let's make up a game.

[Molly Bloom]

Truman, it is time to award some points. Please give one point to the declaration of greatness that you liked best and one point to the rebuttal that won you over. You get to decide what makes a winning argument. Did one team's jokes make you giggle? Was another team's logic impeccable? Award your points, but don't tell us who they're going to. Have you made your decision? I have. Wonderful. Peter and Nick. How are you two feeling so far?

[Peter McNerney]

I'm feeling pretty good. I do feel bad. I've been yelling at Nick. I just want to pause and say that Nick is my best friend and I love you.

[Nick Kanellis]

I would echo what Peter has said. I would love to play either hide and go seek or tag with Peter. I feel like I should yell more.

[Molly Bloom]

It is time for a quick break. Stretch out your calves or close your eyes and count to ten and we'll.

[Truman]

Be right back with more smash.

[Molly Bloom]

Boom.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

Best this episode of Wiser Than Me is brought to you by the Cancer Guard Test from the makers of the cologuard test. Nearly 70% of cancers diagnosed have no routine screening, including some of the most aggressive like pancreatic, ovarian, liver, esophageal, stomach and lung cancers. Cancer Guard helps address this unmet need and complements existing recommended screening to expand the ability to help detect more cancers or earlier. Cancer Guard is a simple blood test that helps screen for over 50 cancer types and subtypes even before symptoms appear. When treatment may be more effective, the Cancer Guard test helps you take proactive steps for your health with confidence and peace of mind. Talk to your doctor about Cancer Guard to see if the test is right for you or visit cancerguard.com for more information and to connect with a telehealth provider. You can also give the gift of peace of mind this holiday with a Cancer Guard gift [e-mail] org wiser this test is not recommended for individuals who have had cancer in the last three years or are pregnant and it is not a replacement for recommended screening. The Cancer Guard test may be HSAFSA eligible. You're listening to State of Debate. Home to raging rhetoric and awe inspiring argumentation.

[Nick Kanellis]

Hello debate fans. I'm Todd Douglas and I'm here with.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

The one and only Taylor Lincoln. And lucky me because I just hooked a big old logical fallacy.

[Nick Kanellis]

Logical fallacies are debate mistakes that make your argument weaker.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

I just saw someone using the special pleading fallacy. That's when a person asks for an exception to be made for their side without any support to back it up.

[Nick Kanellis]

Let's take a listen.

[Peter McNerney]

Thanks for fishing with me, Jesse. I've been dying to test out this new bait I've been developing.

[Molly Bloom]

No problem, James. Besides, I've been dying to go fishing for months.

[Peter McNerney]

What's been keeping you?

[Molly Bloom]

It's really hard to get a fishing permit this year. Without a permit, you're not allowed to fish. But luckily I was able to get one yesterday.

[Peter McNerney]

Oh yeah, Those permits sure are important for conserving wildlife. Every angler should get one.

[Molly Bloom]

Exactly. Hey, when did you get your permit?

[Peter McNerney]

Oh me? Oh No, I never got one, but I think we'll be okay.

[Molly Bloom]

What? What? You just said people should have them.

[Peter McNerney]

Yeah, but I'm a really good fisherman. I think I'll be fine if I don't get one. You know what I mean? Besides, what could go wrong if just one guy doesn't have a permit?

[Molly Bloom]

Woof.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

We're gonna need a bigger boat for a logical fallacy this large.

[Nick Kanellis]

James knows having a fishing permit is really important, so it's unfair that he didn't get one himself.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

That's right. You're not allowed to fish without a permit. But he wants a second special exception because he's good at fishing.

[Nick Kanellis]

That's a fishy excuse to me.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

Exactly. James should have gotten a permit like Jesse did before they hit the lake.

[Nick Kanellis]

Wow, all this fishing talk has put me in the mood for some seafood.

[Peter McNerney]

How about you, Taylor?

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

Ooh, I'm always open for a fine filet of fish. We'll see you next time on State of Debate.

[Molly Bloom]

Brains On Universe is a family of podcasts for kids and their adults. Since you're a fan of Smash Boom. Best, you'll love the other shows in our universe. Come on, let's explore. It's alien exercise hour.

[Truman]

Hi yah hoo ha.

[Molly Bloom]

While I stretch my snoodles and bounce on my trampolini, I'll listen to a new podcast. I'm going to try Brains on, the best science podcast ever. It's starting. Yay.

[Lee]

Hello and welcome to Pop Planet, the.

[Nick Kanellis]

Only show that gets you up close.

[Peter McNerney]

And personal with space. I'm your host, Star Eden.

[Molly Bloom]

Come back here. Podcast must listen to Brains on now listen to Brains on wherever you get your podcasts.

[Peter McNerney]

Smash Boom Best.

[Molly Bloom]

You are listening to smashboom Best. I'm your host, Molly Bloom.

[Truman]

And I'm your Judge Truman.

[Molly Bloom]

And we love getting debate suggestions from our listeners. Take a listen to this adventurous debate idea.

[Truman]

Hello, my name is Isaiah and I'm.

[Molly Bloom]

From Europe, even though I live in New York City.

[Truman]

And my debate is Harry Potter versus Indiana Jones. Ooh, a battle of wands and whips.

[Molly Bloom]

We'll check back in at the end of this episode to see which side Isaiah thinks should win.

[Truman]

And now it's back to our debate tag versus hide and seek.

[Molly Bloom]

That's right. And it's time for round two, the.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

Micro round.

[Molly Bloom]

For the micro round challenge, each team has prepared a creative response to a prompt they received in advance. For Nick and Peter, the prompt was top of the hour, where each debater has to fill us in on the latest breaking News about their side. Nick went first last time. So, Peter, you're up. Give us the breaking news on hide and seek.

[Peter McNerney]

And now we go to our reporter in the field. Trip Grassley. Trip. Thanks, Ted. I'm here in a small town rocked by a not so small tragedy. A beloved Part of their annual fall festival is a village wide game of hide and seek. And unfortunately, it seems the most obnoxious member of this community is about to win. Ma', am, how are the people feeling?

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

We're obviously devastated. We've been searching for days, but there's no sign of Devin.

[Peter McNerney]

Now, as I understand it, normally not finding Devin is a good thing.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

Yes, he's incredibly annoying. And he finds a way to gloat about literally everything. If he won, he'd totally rub our faces in it. Frankly, we're heartbroken by the idea that he's about to win.

[Peter McNerney]

Wow. So, despite all that, I guess you would have to say that Devin is officially the best hider in town.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

I don't know how I came to this, but yes, I must admit, he's very good at hiding. Just please don't tell him I said that.

[Peter McNerney]

Huh? Well, it's too late.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

What?

[Peter McNerney]

Fake mustache.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

Jevin.

[Molly Bloom]

Ha ha.

[Peter McNerney]

Baby, you said it. I'm the best. Woo Ha. I'm the lord of hiding. In your face. In your face.

[Molly Bloom]

You are so obnoxious.

[Peter McNerney]

I think you mean so good at hiding. Back to you in the studio.

[Nick Kanellis]

Wow.

[Peter McNerney]

Annoying.

[Molly Bloom]

Wow. Nick, now it's your turn to give us your top of the hour on tag.

[Nick Kanellis]

Welcome back to the News at Nine. I'm James Cranberry with tonight's top story. There's a brand new sensation sweeping through the nation known as it.

[Lee]

Scientists aren't exactly sure what it is, but it's clear that it is a lot of fun.

[Nick Kanellis]

Those who come down with this curious condition are overcome with a sense of.

[Lee]

Thrill and a primitive urge to pass it on.

[Nick Kanellis]

For more, here's Robert Laundrie in the field. Robert? Hi, James. I'm here with Tabitha Woodpile, who claims that she was briefly it. Tabitha, tell us about your experience.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

It was wild. I was myself. But then the next thing I knew, I felt this. This light touch on my shoulder. And then I knew I was it. And I had this powerful urge to pass it on. It was like I was a lioness or a cheetah.

[Nick Kanellis]

But what was it you were trying to pass on?

[Molly Bloom]

I don't know.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

But I know it was making me and everyone around me laugh and run around and yell like wild.

[Molly Bloom]

Uh oh.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

I think that guy's it.

[Peter McNerney]

Gotta run.

[Molly Bloom]

I love tags so much.

[Nick Kanellis]

Haha. You're it. Uh oh. It appears that now I am it. I don't know what to say other than I gotta go catch someone. Back to you, James.

[Truman]

Whee.

[Peter McNerney]

This is the best day of my life.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, Okay. These games are so fun that even the newscasters have to play. Truman, what did you like about Nick and Peter's micro rounds?

[Truman]

Ooh, I. I liked that both of them were like, everybody's involved.

[Molly Bloom]

Absolutely.

[Truman]

And like, I'd love to know more about this. It, like, it's. Is there, like, did it start with one person in every country? Is it? And if one person is it and they tag another person, does the person who tagged the other person stay it?

[Molly Bloom]

We need a 12 part investigative podcast series, I think. All right, Truman, it is time to award a point. Have you made your decision?

[Truman]

I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Fantastic. Then it's time for our third round. The super stealthy sneak attack. This is our improvised round where debaters have to respond to a challenge on the spot. Today's sneak attack is called Sonic Stealth. For this challenge, we want you to come up with a version of your game that could be played with just sound. Again, your game should be audio only. As this is a podcast, we want you to name your sound game inspired by your side. Explain it, then let's play it. Debaters, does this make sense?

[Nick Kanellis]

I believe it does, yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, we're gonna start with Nick.

[Nick Kanellis]

I would like to play a brand new version of tag called T. Tag. The way that it works is one person is it, and they're trying to listen for the ta. Everybody else says T. Whenever you say T, you can't be caught. But as soon as somebody says ta, the person who's it has to say TA before they can say T again, and then that person becomes it. All right, so great. I'll be it to start. So everyone else can only say T. As soon as I hear somebody say ta, I can tag them. If I say TA before somebody else says T again.

[Molly Bloom]

Whoa. Okay, do we take turns saying T?

[Nick Kanellis]

You can all say TI as many times times as you want. But if I hear a TA and I say ta, that person who taed is it.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, I'm ready.

[Truman]

I'm partially ready.

[Molly Bloom]

Yes. Set, go.

[Peter McNerney]

I sort of get it.

[Molly Bloom]

T. Ta.

[Peter McNerney]

TA. TA TA.

[Nick Kanellis]

Oh, no, no.

[Peter McNerney]

I TA I taught a TA I taught a Todd. I'm pretty sure you didn't TA I taught a T. Stop. I can't stop saying T. Peter's the new tar.

[Nick Kanellis]

Peter's it. I taught his I, Todd. Your Todd, Peter. You Todd early. And I taught it.

[Peter McNerney]

All right.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay. You taught it.

[Nick Kanellis]

Todd, is it? It is Todd. Todd, is it?

[Truman]

Taught it.

[Peter McNerney]

Yeah. And you taught it well.

[Nick Kanellis]

I'm glad that I taught you well. Good. That was. I taught it well.

[Peter McNerney]

Thank you.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent work. That was fun. I want to play that again. All right, Peter, it is your turn. Let's hear about your new audio only version of Hide and Seek.

[Peter McNerney]

My audio only version of Hide and Seek is very simple. We all close our eyes and in your mind, if you're the hider, you decide where you want to hide. And then you say, guess where I'm hiding. But in a voice that makes it sound like you're in that space. And you have to guess what kind of space I'm in. For example, I'm gonna pick in my mind a suitcase.

[Nick Kanellis]

And then we go.

[Molly Bloom]

All right.

[Lee]

Ready?

[Molly Bloom]

Go. I'm hiding.

[Peter McNerney]

And then you say, are you in a box?

[Molly Bloom]

No.

[Peter McNerney]

All right, great.

[Molly Bloom]

I got.

[Nick Kanellis]

I'm ready. I'm ready.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay. Yeah. You guys.

[Nick Kanellis]

All right.

[Molly Bloom]

Ready?

[Peter McNerney]

All right.

[Molly Bloom]

Yes. All right.

[Nick Kanellis]

Are you ready?

[Peter McNerney]

Are you hiding her? Guess what I'm hiding in. A turkey.

[Nick Kanellis]

No, I was underwater. Underwater. Underwater. Yes. Yes. Truman's correct.

[Truman]

I was right.

[Nick Kanellis]

Points for Truman. Truman's. Truman's the seeker.

[Molly Bloom]

Truman, found you.

[Peter McNerney]

I'm trusting a suitcase and I can't get in.

[Nick Kanellis]

Are you in a suitcase and you can't get out.

[Peter McNerney]

Are you.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, my gosh. These are both so fun. So we've got two excellent games here. We've got ta tag. Ti Ta and the audio version of Hide and Seek. Guess where I'm hiding. It is very tough.

[Peter McNerney]

I'm gonna call the game. Can you hear where I'm hiding?

[Molly Bloom]

Ooh. Love it. Okay, so we've got ta tag. Can you hear where I'm hiding? I need you, Truman, to award a point to your favorite game.

[Truman]

I'm awarding.

[Molly Bloom]

It is time for our final round.

[Various Announcers/Reporters]

The final six.

[Molly Bloom]

In this round, each team will have just six words to sum up the glory of their Peter. Let's hear your six words for the heart pounding. Hide and seek.

[Peter McNerney]

Ready or not, here comes fun.

[Truman]

I applaud you.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent. Okay, Nick, it's your turn. Give us six words that will help you brag about tag.

[Nick Kanellis]

Why hide. Have more fun.

[Molly Bloom]

Run. Oh, man. Two really good final sixes there. But Truman, only one of them can receive your final point. Have you made your decision?

[Truman]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Are you ready to crown one team the Smashboom Best I am. All right. Drum roll, please. And the winner is.

[Truman]

It is. Hide and seek.

[Peter McNerney]

Fair. Fair. Fair enough. I'll take it.

[Truman]

It was very close.

[Peter McNerney]

Take it.

[Nick Kanellis]

Congrats.

[Truman]

Came down to the final six, and Ready or not, Here I Come is such a classic, but adding the fun, it was just. It was.

[Peter McNerney]

Here comes perfect.

[Truman]

I loved it. And I forgot that that was six words, so I thought it was really clever.

[Molly Bloom]

Nicely done, both of you.

[Peter McNerney]

What I enjoyed about Nick's performance was, besides every single second of it, thinking about it later, I also loved Nick. You did make me want to run around. And for that, thank you. And your presence makes everything better. Aw, thanks, Peter.

[Nick Kanellis]

I feel like I won, even though I lost. Wow. I'm blown away by Peter's creativity. Just hearing him do all the different voices was so fun. I think that game, Guess Where I'm Hiding now is brilliant. I think we're gonna hopefully play it constantly on road trips. I just want to keep playing that game. I could play all day. It sounds so fun. You know, I. I found Peter's performance of it very impressive. So I. I get it. I get it. I. I think he deserves the win.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, that's it for today's debate battle. Truman crowned Hide and seek the Smashboom Best. But what about you?

[Truman]

Head to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who you think won.

[Molly Bloom]

Smashboom Best is brought to you by Brainson and APM Studios. It's produced by Molly. Molly Bloom, Anna Weigel and Aron Woldeselassi. We had engineering help from Alex Simpson and Gary o', Keefe, with sound design by Anna Wegel. Our editors are Shayla Farzan and Sandon Totten, with fact checking by Rebecca Rand. And we had production help from the rest of the Brainzone universe team. Rosie Dupont, Rachel Breese, Anna Goldfield, Nico Gonzalez Whistler, Ruby Guthrie, Lauren Humpert, Joshua Wright, Mark Sanchez and Charlotte Traver. Our executive producers, Beth Perlman. And the APM Studios executives in charge are Chandra Kavadi and Joanne Griffith. Our announcer is Marley Feuer, worker Otto. And we want to give a special thanks to Austin Cross and Taylor Kaufman. Nick, is there anyone you'd like to give a shout out to today?

[Nick Kanellis]

I'd like to give a shout out to my kids, RJ and Nico, and to the kids at PS 145 and 154.

[Molly Bloom]

Woohoo. And how about you, Peter? Any special shout out?

[Peter McNerney]

My kids, Bryn and Maven, and their school, BS 11 across the street. Now you know where I live.

[Molly Bloom]

We love the story. Pirates. Truman, you want to give any special thanks?

[Truman]

I want to give a special thanks to my mom, my dad, and everybody who's helped me throughout my life.

[Molly Bloom]

That is a beautiful thing.

[Truman]

Smashboom Best is a non profit public radio program.

[Molly Bloom]

If you're between the ages of 13 and 18 and you can like to be a judge, or if you're any age and you have an idea for a knockdown drag out debate, head to smashboom.org contact and drop us a line. And while you're at it, join Smarty Pass for bonus episodes and ad free versions of all four shows in the Brainz universe. We'll be back with a new smashboom Best debate battle next week. Frankenstein's Monster versus Frosty the Snowman. Goodbye.

[Truman]

See you later, alligator.

[Peter McNerney]

You're it. You're it.

[Molly Bloom]

You're it.

[Peter McNerney]

Gotcha.

[Nick Kanellis]

I was gonna say same thing, Peter. That's hilarious. Can you hear where I'm hiding?

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, go ahead.

[Peter McNerney]

Are you hiding inside the dream of an alien?

[Molly Bloom]

Close.

[Truman]

No. Are you a free elf, Dobby?

[Nick Kanellis]

Not quite.

[Molly Bloom]

Are you inside a fan?

[Peter McNerney]

Yes.

[Nick Kanellis]

I was in a fan. Yeah, How'd you know.