The Debaters

Is avoiding scammers mission imposter-ble? Craig Fay argues that it’s easy to fall for a scam these days, but Elvira Kurt is a born skeptic. Next, we’re talking book clubs. Martha Chaves says they’re a novel idea, but Kyle Brownrigg refuses to join the club.

Featuring: Craig Fay, Elvira Kurt, Martha Chaves, and Kyle Brownrigg.

This week, we’re in London, Ontario, aka “The Forest City” and we’re asking if trees are overrated. Dave Hemstad says yes, it’s time to fir-get our forest friends, but Jon Steinberg believes he’s barking up the wrong tree. Then, we talk about the pros and cons of praise. Kate Davis disapproves of excess approval but Faris Hytiaa is ready to rave about recognition.

Featuring: Dave Hemstad, Jon Steinberg, Kate Davis, and Faris Hytiaa.

Everyone likes a massage, right? Emily Woods argues that we all knead one, but Ivan Decker says, “Can’t touch this!” Then, trouble bubbles up when we debate the best way to wash your dishes. Ryan Williams is Team Dishwasher and Sean Devlin is Team Hand Wash - which side are you on?

Featuring: Emily Woods, Ivan Decker, Ryan Williams, and Sean Devlin.

Are social media influencers trustworthy authorities? Elvira Kurt argues yes, and she’s prepared to influence us but Andrew Johnston downvotes that idea. Next, we’re debating the switch to electric vehicles. Jacob Samuel’s on board but Julie Kim believes we Musk not do it!

Featuring: Elvira Kurt, Andrew Johnston, Jacob Samuel, and Julie Kim.

The CBC has some great fans, but are they the greatest ever? Charlie Demers thinks yes, and Abdul Aziz says no way. If you’re a CanCon connoisseur, this one’s for you! Next, we tackle coffee dates. Are they the best kind of date? Faris Hytiaa thinks they'll perk you up but Shirley Gnome believes they're actually unromantic. 

Featuring: Charlie Demers, Abdul Aziz, Faris Hytiaa, and Shirley Gnome

Because News is Canada's funniest news quiz. Every week, host Gavin Crawford quizzes comedians and celebrities about the headlines.

This week’s guests include Brandon Ash Mohammed, Leslie Seiler, and Emma Hunter. They’re talking about why health-conscious men are eating boy kibble, if Canadian curlers are the real villains at the Olympics, if ‘Janice’ is our best chance at negotiating with the US, and dive into the new awkward controversy that is shocking the ski jumping world.

Find and follow to Because News wherever you get your podcasts, and here: https://link.mgln.ai/BNxTD

We’ve got a debate on tourists that’s fanny-packed with jokes, then, it’s a vali-date with destiny when we discuss comparing yourself to others.

Featuring: Myles Anderson, Yumi Nagashima, Graham Clark, and Syd Bosel.

We’re trail mixing it up with a debate on a classically contentious food: raisins. Then, do rom-coms rule? If you’re Bridget Jones-ing for a laugh this Valentine’s Day weekend, don’t miss this one. Note, for all you keen Debaters fans, this episode is from our vaults! 

Featuring: Deborah Kimmett, Ivan Decker, Katie-Ellen Humphries, and Levi McCachen.

(Originally recorded in February 2020) 

Canada’s capital takes on the crème de la crème when we decide if Ottawa is more exciting than Montreal. Then, we’re keeping score on whether it’s best to meet people through playing sports.

Featuring: Ron Sparks, Derek Seguin, Rob Pue, and DeAnne Smith.

We’ve got a brainy battle on whether museums are the secret to smarts. Then, are rules meant to be broken? Stay tuned for a criminally funny debate.

Featuring: Isabel Zaw-Tun, Wassim El-Mounzer, Deborah Kimmett, and Don Kelly.

We’ve got a meaty debate on whether shawarma is the best midnight meal, then, two comedians school each other on parent-teacher conferences.

Featuring: Ali Hassan, Courtney Gilmour, Matt Falk, and Jenny Pue.

We’re bringing shear brilliance when mullets take on perms, then, be prepared to laugh when we discuss if everyone should become a doomsday prepper.

Featuring: Dave Hemstad, Laurie Elliott, Martha Chaves, and Paul Myrehaug.

We’re waxing on about the pros and cons of candles, we feel the need for speed when we ask if Tom Cruise really is the Top Gun.

Featuring: Jon Steinberg, Jan Caruana, Adam Cawley, and David Pryde.

We’re getting dialed in with a debate on landline phones. Then, we’re pitting two easily confused cities against each other - it’s Saint John, New Brunswick versus St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Featuring: Matt Wright, Nikki Payne, James Mullinger, and Peter White.

We’re right on target with a debate on snowball fights, then, it’s an ageless discussion on whether 60 is the new 40. Note, for all you keen Debaters fans, this is one from our vaults!

Featuring: Derek Edwards, Dave Hemstad, Mike Wilmot, and Deborah Kimmett. 

It’s never too late for night owls to take on early birds, then, we decide if dogsledding is paws-itively thrilling.

Featuring: Don Kelly, Yumi Nagashima, Graham Clark, and Jenny Hamilton.

Right on cue, we’re pitting pool against darts. Then, two Prince Edward Islanders go potatoe-to-toe on whether their home province is the best place to grow up.

Featuring: Kelly Taylor, Clare Belford, Meg MacKay, and Patrick Ledwell.

We’re deciding if it’s better to plan ahead or play it by ear, and if we should all get on board with small airports.

Featuring: Nour Hadidi, Graham Chittenden, Shawn Hogan, and James Mullinger.

We’re deciding if high school friendships are forever, then, it’s no time to be a fencesitter when we debate whether a nosy neighbour beats a noisy neighbour.

Featuring: Charlie Demers, Heidi Brander, Lisa Baker, and Derek Seguin.

It's full stream ahead when we pit podcasts against music. Then, we go to town on whether date nights should be crucial to every couple.

Featuring: Erica Sigurdson, Myles Anderson, Kyle Brownrigg, and Kate Davis.

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We’ve got a stone cold debate on whether curling should be Canada’s national sport. Then, who dishes out a better Thanksgiving, Canadians or Americans?

Featuring: John Cullen, Elvira Kurt, Clifton Cremo, and Nathan Macintosh.

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We’re deciding if meeting the parents is a major milestone, and whether Victoria, BC has the cool factor.

Featuring: Syd Bosel, Abdul Aziz, Ivan Decker, and Katie-Ellen Humphries.

Fill out our listener survey here. We appreciate your input!

We have a fasten-ating debate on Velcro vs. laces, then, we get down to business when we discuss dress codes at work.

Featuring: Lisa Baker, Sean Cullen, Chad Anderson, and Brittany Lyseng.

We’re deciding if Bluetooth just makes you blue, and if everyone should be driven to get a driver’s license.

Featuring: Arthur Simeon, Matt Falk, Jackie Pirico, and Derek Edwards.

We’re deciding if it makes sense to say “I do” all over again, and whether we should give living in the North the cold shoulder.

Featuring: Charlie Demers, Erica Sigurdson, Gavin Clarkson, and Quincy Thomas.

It’s the premiere of our 20th season! So we’re asking: Is 20 years a long time? Then, what’s in a name? We’re deciding if these signifiers need significance.

Featuring: Derek Seguin, Lara Rae, Ola Dada, and Wes Borg.

For the start of our 20th season, we're giving you a behind-the-scenes interview with our host Steve Patterson and Richard Side, creator of The Debaters! We'll be bringing you some of our most unforgettable debates, hearing from your favourite comedians, and getting the facts behind the funny!

Our season finale episode is a grocery grudge match and a real re-treat!

Featuring: Matt Wright, Jan Caruana, Laurie Elliott, and Tamara Shevon.

We’re pitting parental holidays against each other, and deciding if coaches are a make or break mentor.

Featuring: Dave Hemstad, Elvira Kurt, Emmanuel Lomuro, and Patrick Dussault.

Is wearing denim a dream? Stacey McGunnigle is jazzed about jeans, but Myles Anderson says these pants just make him blue. Then, is food delivery a breeze these days? Graham Clark and Lachlan Patterson deliver the goods on ordering eats.

Featuring: Stacey McGunnigle, Myles Anderson, Graham Clark and Lachlan Patterson.

We decide if plastic beats paper and whether being hated has its benefits.

Featuring: Ivan Decker, Martha Chaves, Nikki Payne, and Bruce Clark.

When it comes to raising kids, does Winnipeg win? And is compromise a happy ending?

Featuring: Chad Anderson, Lara Rae, Courtney Gilmour, and Jon Dore.

It’s a homerun when we talk about a day at the baseball stadium, and whether commuting in Toronto is enough to drive you up the wall.

Featuring: Patrick Dussault, Simon Rakoff, Isabel Zaw-Tun, and Don Kelly.