logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2023
35m 3s

Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies: a deadly d...

American Public Media
About this episode

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 stealthy, seriously poisonous cone snail and Radiolab co-host and award-winning science reporter Lulu Miller defends the humdinger of blood suckers, tsetse flies. Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who 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
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
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
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
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
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
Oct 2023
Hot Sauce vs. Butter: a flavorful debate
<p>Today’s debate is a saucy matchup of two flavorful feasts. It’s zesty tang meets creamy dream – hot sauce vs. butter! Brains On co-creator Marc Sanchez is ready to sizzle for team Hot Sauce and podcast producer Tracy Mumford will take you from bland to grand with Team Butter. ... Show More
35m 20s
Feb 2023
Scuba Diving vs. Skydiving
<p>Ready to take a whirling, twirling plunge into the unknown? Then this splashy smackdown is for you. It’s scuba diving vs. skydiving!<em> </em>Comedy writer and lego master model builder Sam Suskiri dukes it out with writer and co-host of the podcast <em>Million Bazillion</em>  ... Show More
32m 40s
May 2024
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vs. My Little Pony: a friendly debate
<p>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 rea ... Show More
37m 5s
Oct 2023
Lemonade vs. Hot Chocolate: a sippable debate
<p>Today’s debate is a sippable smackdown that is sure to refresh, relax and reward your sweet tooth. One side has sour power and the other comes with marshmallow might! Grab all the glasses and mugs you can possibly handle because it’s Lemonade vs. Hot Chocolate! Listen as actor ... Show More
35m 37s