The Debaters

Is “everything in moderation” good advice? Erica Sigurdson argues it’s best to live your life in moderation mode, but Derek Seguin is ready to say yes to excess. Then, when it comes to communication, does texting reign supreme? Chad Anderson gives texting two thumbs up, but Big Daddy Tazz is tired of the tyranny of typing.

Featuring: Erica Sigurdson, Derek Seguin, Chad Anderson, and Big Daddy Tazz.

Is copying the ultimate compliment? This Hour Has 22 Minutes’s Chris Wilson makes a good impression with his pro-plagiarism argument, but Sean Cullen says there’s nothing worse than a cheap imitation of the real thing. Next, we’re asking if everybody needs therapy. Nikki Payne claims we could all use some time on the counselling couch, but Ashwyn Singh refuses to talk it out.

Featuring: Chris Wilson, Sean Cullen, Nikki Payne, and Ashwyn Singh.

This week, we’ve got a saucy question: Is no meal complete without dipping sauce? Matt Falk’s pro-dip argument is a slam dunk, but Charles Haycock claims these sauces just don’t cut the mustard. Then, we’re taking on boycotts. Martha Chaves believes in the power of a boycott, but Abdul Aziz champions other ways to make change.

Featuring: Matt Falk, Charles Haycock, Martha Chaves, and Abdul Aziz.

On this week’s new episode, London’s calling, when we pit London, Ontario against London, England. Ron Sparks says Canada's London is a city after his own heart, but Arthur Simeon believes the British version is better. Then, we’re deciding if Facebook Marketplace is the best place to buy and sell. Graham Chittenden gives this platform a five-star rating, but Kaitlin Shuvera refuses to use Meta’s marketplace.

Featuring: Ron Sparks, Arthur Simeon, Graham Chittenden, and Kaitlin Shuvera.

The Big Five answers the most pressing question of our time: what are the “Big 5” of any given category? Not the best 5. Not the top 5. Not anyone’s favourite 5. But objectively, the Big 5. In each episode, Donovan Woods, Tom Power, and a celebrity guest tackle new topics and debate things like: what are the Big 5 farm animals? Types of hats? Slang terms for “butt”? Ways to cook a potato? Guys named Paul? Guests in this season include Vivek Shraya, Jordan Canning, William Prince, Lindsay Ell, Elamin Abdelmahmoud and more!

More episodes of The Big Five are available wherever you get your podcasts, and here: https://link.mgln.ai/TB5xTD

In this week’s all-you-can-laugh episode, we’re asking if table service is better than a buffet. Simon Rakoff serves up his best jokes in support of table service but Wassim El-Mounzer is ready to make us believe in buffets. Then, does Toronto offer the best quality of life? Juno award-winner Adam Christie says yes, his city CN Towers above the rest, but Clare Belford thinks the “T-Dot” has lost the plot.

Featuring: Simon Rakoff, Wassim El-Mounzer, Adam Christie, and Clare Belford.

This week, we’re covering a topic from A to Gen Z. Do millennials win the parenting prize? Levi McCachen says millennials have totally won parenting, but Simon King says other generations do it better. Next, it’s rain versus shine. Charles Haycock says rain rules, but Katie-Ellen Humphries is ready to argue her position with a sunny disposition.

Featuring: Levi McCachen, Simon King, Charles Haycock, and Katie-Ellen Humphries.

Prepare to be floored! This week, we’re deciding if carpet conquers hardwood. Jan Caruana’s on a roll when she argues in favour of carpet, but Sean Cullen says wood floors are best, plank you very much! Then, from London, Ontario, home of Western University, we’re asking: does nothing beat living in a university town? Courtney Gilmour's in-tuition says yes, but Rob Bebenek believes it’s better to live far away from any campus.

Featuring: Jan Caruana, Sean Cullen, Courtney Gilmour, and Rob Bebenek.

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. 

Does being a night owl beat being an early riser? Don Kelly supports the late night life, but Yumi Nagashima believes the early bird gets the worm. Then, we decide if dogsledding is paws-itively thrilling. Graham Clark is ready to gush about mushing, but Jenny Hamilton is dog-tired of this winter activity.

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

This episode of The Debaters first aired on Nov. 27, 2025. We’ll be back with brand new episodes Sept. 10!

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.

This week, we’re deciding if it’s better to plan ahead or play it by ear. Graham Chittenden is all for flying by the seat of your pants, but Nour Hadidi says winging it never wins. Then, are small airports the best? Shawn Hogan says when it comes to airports, the smaller the better, but James Mullinger refuses to get on board.

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

This episode of The Debaters first aired on Nov. 6, 2025. We’ll be back with brand new episodes Sept. 10!

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.

Is wireless technology superior to wired? Arthur Simeon says all signals point to yes, but Matt Falk believes Bluetooth just makes you blue. Next, does everyone need a driver’s license? Jackie Pirico has never been driven to get one, but Derek Edwards says it’s time to hit the road.

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

This episode of The Debaters first aired on Sept. 18, 2025. We’ll be back with brand new episodes Sept. 10!

This week, we’re deciding if it makes sense to say “I do” all over again. Charlie Demers vows to support vow renewals but Erica Sigurdson says these ceremonies are superfluous. Then, is living up north worth it? Gavin Clarkson is all for living north of sixty, but Quincy Thomas is ready to give the North the cold shoulder.

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

This episode of The Debaters first aired on Sept. 11, 2025. We’ll be back with brand new episodes Sept. 10!

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!