logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2023
37m 52s

Scorpions vs. Butterflies: a critter deb...

American Public Media
About this episode

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 Abrams here to tell us why butterflies are breathtaking. Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won!


This week’s sponsors are:


Pawpatrol.movie - Catch PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE in theaters on September 29th!


IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP - To get a 20% off an IXL membership.


Greenlight.com - The banking and investing app for kids and teens.


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!

Up next
Nov 2023
Hungry? Check out the Snacktacular Road Trip!
Grab your traveling gear because Smash Boom Best and Brains On host Molly Bloom and Forever Ago host Joy Dolo are going on a road trip. Not only will this be a fun-filled video romp with two buddies cruising the highway, but this trip has a theme that everybody loves: SNACKS! Mmm ... Show More
2m 36s
Oct 2023
NEW SHOW ALERT!!! What's that smell?
Who’s ready for a stinkin’ good time? Join the crew from Brains On, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago on their next virtual Field Trip - What’s that smell? There’s a mighty stank a comin’ from somewhere deep inside Brains On headquarters, and Sanden Totten is going to track down th ... Show More
3m 1s
Sep 2023
Join us at the Big Dig!
Wow, wow wow have we got some big news! Brains On!, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago are coming together for the Big Dig - an archeological, paleontological extravaganza that you can participate in through YouTube. The show has it all: Megaladons vs Giant Sloths, dinosaurs covered ... Show More
3m 10s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
Scorpions vs. Butterflies: a critter debate
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 Abrams h ... Show More
37m 52s
Apr 2024
Blobfish vs. Naked Mole Rat: a wild debate
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 Naked ... Show More
32m 5s
Mar 2024
Hippopotamus vs. Dragonfly: a sizeable debate
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 podcas ... Show More
33m 34s
Nov 2023
Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies: a deadly debate
Today’s debate is a 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! Radiolab co-host and science historian Latif Nasser gives it his all for the steal ... Show More
35m 3s
May 2024
Stripes vs. Polka Dots: a stylish debate
Today’s debate is a charming challenge between two patterned phenoms. It’s Stripes vs. Polka Dots! Voice actor and podcaster Merk Nguyen is ready to straighten the record for team Stripes, and actor, playwright and improviser Shanan Custer is ready to round out the story for team ... Show More
33m 50s
Nov 2023
Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons: a creature debate
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! Brains On producer and archaeologist Anna Goldfield reps the captivating Capybaras, while writer, acto ... Show More
31m 54s
Aug 2023
Electric Eels vs. Tasmanian Devils: A nocturnal debate
Today’s debate is chock full of shocks. It’s electric eels vs. Tasmanian devils! Comedian, puppeteer, and podcaster Tim Platt reps electric eels in this scream-worthy smackdown with science journalist, Brains On! editor and Tasmanian devil defender Shahla Farzan. Which beast will ... Show More
35m 36s
Apr 2023
Narwhals vs. Jellyfish: A marine debate
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, while pod ... Show More
35m 2s
Mar 2023
Tardigrades vs. Elephants
Today’s debate is an extreme animal face-off. One team is large, in charge, and loves to eat peanuts, the other is smaller than a peanut but stronger than steel! It’s tardigrades vs. elephants! Actor, director, and playwright Duck Washington reps team tardigrade, while actor, wri ... Show More
32m 51s
May 2024
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vs. My Little Pony: a friendly debate
Today’s debate is a friendly debate between two groups of special besties. It’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vs. My Little Pony! Putting on the bandana for team Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is actor and improviser Alsa Bruno, while playwright and performer Heather Meyer is ready ... Show More
37m 5s