logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2023
30m 12s

Kraken vs. Cyclops

American Public Media
About this episode

Are you ready for a mythological match-up between two mighty yet misunderstood creatures? Check the horizon and batten down the hatches because it’s Kraken vs. Cyclops! Writer, actor and creator of Reverend Matt’s Monster Science Matt Kessen is here to get things kraken, while Brains On producer and archaeologist Anna Goldfield fans the fires of fandom for the cyclops! Which team will take the crown– a monster squid who’s hundreds of feet tall? Or a giant with one eyeball? Splash on over to smashboom.org to vote for the team YOU think won!


Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!

As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Nov 19
New episodes of Smash Boom Best!
<p>Get ready for Smash Boom Best season 10! We promise more facts than you can shake a stick at (that's a lot, right?). Declarations of Greatness? We got 'em. Sneak Attacks? Ha-ha-who-YEAH! Arguments about ridiculous things judged by teenagers? You bet your Doja Cat!<br><br>Make ... Show More
1m 6s
Oct 21
See Smash Boom Best live in Princeton, NJ!
Get tickets for Smash Boom Best live! Nothing’s better than a good debate. Except maybe a good debate -- LIVE! That’s why we’re bringing Smash Boom Best to Princeton, New Jersey. It’s gonna be a knock down, drag out brawl of words, jokes and probably some impromptu dance moves. O ... Show More
52s
Oct 8
We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters
We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop u ... Show More
7m 30s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2024
Blobfish vs. Naked Mole Rat: a wild debate
<p>Today’s debate has some real skin in the game. It’s a wild matchup between two creatures of the depths. It’s Blobfish vs. Naked Mole Rat! In one corner we’ve got actor and comedian Mike Cabellon ready to put on the pressure for team Blobfish! And donning the mantle for team Na ... Show More
32m 5s
Apr 2023
Narwhals vs. Jellyfish: A marine debate
<p>Today’s debate is a marine dream! One side has a giant tooth that's brought it acclaim, while the other wobbles on without a brain. Get ready to dive into this debate because it’s Narwhals vs. Jellyfish! Actor and writer Allison Reese is here to defend notable narwhals,<strong ... Show More
35m 2s
Nov 2023
Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons: a creature debate
<p>Today’s debate is a fantastic face-off between a relaxed rodent and a raging reptile. We’ve got a cuddly meme, and a hissing, hunting machine! It’s Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons!<strong><em> </em></strong>Brains On producer and archaeologist Anna Goldfield reps the captivating ... Show More
31m 54s
Nov 2023
Trolls vs. Leprechauns: a legendary debate
<p>It’s a mythological mashup for the ages! Will mischievous fairies prevail or will cave creatures conquer? It’s Trolls vs. Leprechauns! Circle Round host Rebecca Sheir will leap for lovely leprechauns while What if World host Eric O’Keefe will tell us why trolls should triumph. ... Show More
33m 11s
Sep 2023
Scorpions vs. Butterflies: a critter debate
<p>Today’s debate is a colossal critter competition! One of them stings, the other has wings. It’s scorpions vs. butterflies! We’ve got standup comedian and health educator Khadijah Cooper ready to sing the praises of the snazzy scorpion and writer, actor and comedian Becky Abram ... Show More
37m 52s
May 2024
Pegasus vs. Centaur: a mythological debate
<p>Today’s legendary debate features two mighty, mythological horses. It’s Pegasus vs. Centaur! In a never-before-seen matchup between father and daughter, we’ve got Greeking Out creator and host Kenny Curtis here to defend Centaurs and Greeking Out writer Jillian Hughes ready to ... Show More
37m 30s
Nov 2023
Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies: a deadly debate
<p>Today’s debate is a<strong> </strong>poisonous, blood-sucking battle between two dangerous creatures. One hides out in a decorative shell, the other buzzes ‘round like a carousel. It’s Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies! <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/elhTn8sm?sid=sbb" class="defau ... Show More
35m 3s
Apr 2024
Sand vs. Grass: an earthy debate
<p>oday’s debate is a brawl between two terrestrial titans. A gritty gladiator versus a plucky plant. It’s Sand vs. Grass! In one corner, we’ve got editor and <em>Brains On!</em> co-creator Sanden Totten ready to grind it out for team Sand! And standing tall for team Grass is act ... Show More
33m 34s
Mar 2024
Hippopotamus vs. Dragonfly: a sizeable debate
<p>Today’s debate is a supreme smackdown of size and scale! On one side we’ve got a powerhouse pachyderm and on the other we’ve got a pretty fly dragon. It’s Hippopotamus vs. Dragonfly! Actor and improviser Jada Pulley is ready to go for Team Hippopotamus, while comedian, and pod ... Show More
33m 34s
Mar 2024
Squirrels vs. Crows: a brilliant debate
<p>Today’s debate is a brawl that can be seen on any power line. One is a feisty furry phenom who goes nuts for acorns, the other is a sleek, feathered enigma who represents the melancholy and mysterious. It’s Squirrels vs. Crows! In one corner we’ve got improviser, content creat ... Show More
33m 42s