Pop Culture Debate Club with Ronald Young Jr.

This week, we’re excited to introduce you to Evil Genius from the BBC.   Was she a tyrant in a tall hat – or the original girlboss, defying gravity and public opinion? Was she a product of her environment who experienced prejudice, and even if she was, does that allow her to terrorise Oz?   Emmanuel Sonubi, Joe Sutherland and Jess Fostekew join the great and powerful Russell Kane to decide if Elphaba Thropp - The Wicked Witch of the West - is evil or genius.   Evil Genius: It’s good, bad, ugly - and very, very funny. Russell Kane and guests change the way we see heroes and villains in history and fiction.   Additional Material: Eve Delaney Researcher: Christina Riggs Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls Executive Producer: Paul Smith   The Producer was Gwyn Rhys Davies. Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Sounds. An EcoAudio certified production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which classic Black film is better: Coming to America or Friday? It’s the final episode of Season 1 and it only felt right to bring back Nichole Hill and Jonquilyn Hill to settle their best-of-three series. Nichole says Coming to America is a more complete film with visionary casting featuring extraordinary songs. Jonquilyn says Friday is so ingrained in our culture that people quote it without even realizing they’re quoting the film. Which film will Ronald Young Jr. pick as the final victor in the first season of Pop Culture Debate Club?   Follow Nichole @nicholewthanh on Instagram and @nichill732 on Twitter and Jonquilyn @jonquilynhill on Instagram and Twitter.  Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which comedy TV show is better: Wild ‘N Out or Def Comedy Jam? Writer and performer Carma Anderson and storyteller and director Jameer Pond return for their winner-takes-all third debate. Jameer says Wild ‘N Out is a comedic institution that is more wide-ranging and versatile than Def Comedy Jam. Carma argues the superstars that came out of Def Comedy Jam have profoundly impacted culture and influenced generations of comedians – including Jameer and herself. How will Ronald Young Jr. rule in the battle between two influential comedic TV shows?   Follow Carma @goodcarmawon on Instagram and Jameer @jameerpond on Instagram and Twitter.    Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know from Lemonada Media. Hosted by comedian Hasan Minhaj (from The Daily Show and Patriot Act), he sits down with some of the biggest names in politics, culture, and tech.  Hasan asks the tough questions, some thought-provoking, some straight-up absurd—but all of them come from a real place of curiosity. Every episode is tailored to the guest, their story, their vibe. So if you're out here trying to make sense of the world and find answers—come hang and find out. Because at the end of the day, Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know!  We’re going to play you a little sneak peek of the first episode, featuring legendary TV weirdo Rainn Wilson, about spirituality, ambition, and atheists. Featuring the WORLD PREMIERE of his lyrics to The Office theme song. After you listen, search Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/hasanminhajdoesntknowfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which action movie franchise is better: Mission: Impossible or The Fast and the Furious? Journalist and podcaster Sam Sanders says the answer is The Fast and the Furious while writer Audrey Cleo Yap argues for Mission: Impossible. Audrey likes that the Mission: Impossible franchise centers on Tom Cruise, who she says is the last true action star. Sam prefers that The Fast and the Furious includes an exciting (and ever-expanding) ensemble and argues that the franchise is progressive and continues to evolve with each subsequent film. Ronald Young Jr. considers their arguments and renders his verdict in the debate over which franchise is better. Follow Sam @samsanders on Instagram and Twitter, and Audrey @audreycleo on Instagram and Twitter.    Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the best way to watch TV shows: binge watching or weekly watching? Podcast hosts Greta Johnsen and Anna Sale square off this week. Greta says that binge watching is inherently superior because she believes in full unfettered access to information when you want it. Anna counters that weekly watching is the platonic ideal of TV watching and is what the TV gods intended when they created TV. After considering these well-crafted arguments, which side will Ronald Young Jr. pick in the battle between binge watching and weekly watching?    Follow Greta @gretamjohnsen on Instagram. Anna is @annasalepics on Instagram.   Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which artist is better: Alanis Morissette or Fiona Apple? Radio and podcast hosts Jenny Eliscu and Julia Cunningham take on this nostalgic alternative rock battle. Julia argues that “Jagged Little Pill” hits her just as hard at age 40 as it did at age 10, which is a remarkable feat for an artist to achieve. Jenny says Fiona has gotten better with each album she’s released, and her willingness to be vulnerable in her music combined with her willingness to retreat from the limelight make for a combination that’s hard to top. Which singer-songwriter will Ronald Young Jr. decide should win this tough debate?   Follow Jenny @jennylsq on Instagram and X. Julia is @juliacunninghaaam on Instagram and  @juliacunningham on X.   Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which film score composer is better: John Williams or Hans Zimmer? Two musicians, Bobby Lopez and Jonathan Coulton, join Ronald Young Jr. today to settle the debate. Bobby says John Williams is the most prolific and influential film composer of the 20th century, who continued his prolific career well into the 21st. Jonathan argues that Hans Zimmer excels at making music that enhances and supports the film without taking it over. Which movie composer will Ronald declare the greatest of all time?   Follow Jonathan @realjonathancoulton on Instagram and @jonathancoulton on Twitter.    Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re excited to introduce you to Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan, a new show from Lemonada Media. As Meghan, Duchess of Sussex builds out a business of her own, she’s getting advice and insights from a handful of amazing women who have scaled small ideas into successful companies. These fly-on-the-wall conversations will no doubt inspire anyone who’s interested in turning their own entrepreneurial dreams into a reality and anyone else who just wants to hear what really happens behind the scenes. We’re going to play the first episode, featuring Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble. After you listen, search Confessions of a Female Founder wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/confessionsofafemalefounderfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which Law & Order: SVU character is better: Olivia Benson or Elliot Stabler? Liza Treyger and Kara Klenk, hosts of That’s Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, are on the case. Liza says Benson has better communication, better vibes, better patience, and the better wardrobe. Kara counters that Stabler is so dedicated to the job that he neglects all other people and things in his life, from his family to his clothing. This case will not be presented to a jury; it’s up to Ronald Young Jr. alone to render a verdict and determine whether Benson or Stabler should win this one. Case closed!   Follow Liza @glittercheese on Instagram and Kara @karaklenk on Instagram. Their podcast is @thatsmesseduppod on Instagram.   Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which filmmaker is better: Steven Spielberg or Christopher Nolan? X-Ray Vision co-hosts Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight complete their debate trilogy with this cinematic clash. Jason argues that Spielberg redefined cinema by establishing the blueprint for the modern blockbusters that dominate summer releases. Rosie counters that Nolan also redefined cinema by taking that blockbuster blueprint and adding grittiness, seriousness, and severity, creating the first billion-dollar superhero movie. Will Ronald Young Jr.’s ruling give Rosie a series sweep or will Jason pull off his first PCDC victory?   Follow Jason @x_netw3rk_x on Instagram and @netw3rk on Twitter, and Rosie @rosiemarx on Instagram.    Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who is better: Nicolas Cage or John Travolta? Text Me Back co-hosts Lindy West and Meagan Hatcher-Mays return for this live debate from On Air Fest! Lindy argues that Cage has much more range on-screen and is far less controversial off-screen. Meagan (who used to run a John Travolta hate page on MySpace) points out that Travolta is a triple threat: Oscar-nominated actor, dancer, and singer with four top-40 hits. How will Ronald Young Jr. rule? And will the live audience agree?   Follow Lindy @thelindywest on Instagram and Meagan @importantmeagan on Instagram.    Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We wanted to share an episode of one of our favorite new podcasts, Our Ancestors Were Messy, hosted by one of PCDC's favorite guests: Nichole Hill. A Victorian Era love triangle rocks the elites of DC and the Washington Bee newspaper is on the scene, thrilled to cover every scandalous detail! To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ourancestorsweremessy.com. To access bonus content and support this independent production visit https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.com. For more information about Black Storytelling Week visit https://www.blackstorytellingweek.com. Check out The Washington Bee digitized and stored at The Library of Congress. The show is hosted by Nichole Hill (https://www.nicholelhill.com). This week's guest is Jonquilyn Hill (@jonquilynhill)Executive Producer A.A. HernandezSound design by Helena de Groot (https://www.helenadegroot.me/about)Story Producer Martina Abrahams Ilunga (@m_tina)Research Producer Chioke I'Anson (https://www.chiokeianson.com)Story Editing by Shonte Hill  As promised, the recipe for the Dick Francis Special. Enjoy! https://imbibemagazine.com/dick-francis-special/ Episodes release bi-weekly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which is better: calling or texting? Comedians Selena Coppock and Chelsea White return to argue this one out. Selena peppers her argument with nostalgic props and says – at the risk of sounding like a Boomer – that calling is more efficient and you don’t have to feel like you’re always available like you do with texting. Chelsea counters that texting is actually the more efficient form of communication and it allows you to communicate in places and at times when you can’t speak on the phone. Plus, you can’t send a meme to someone’s home phone. With all that said, which form of communication will Ronald Young Jr. pick: calling or texting?   Follow Selena @selenacoppock and Chelsea @thechelseawhite on Instagram.   Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which card game is better: Uno or Spades? Comedian and podcast host Abe Gatling and comedian and writer Talib Babb square off in today’s debate. Abe touts Uno’s “unmatched inclusivity” as the main reason it’s the superior card game. Talib says what’s great about Spades is that if you have a deck of cards you can play it. Plus, he adds, the teamwork element builds character. Which game will Ronald Young Jr. choose to play at the next family cookout?   Follow Abe @abe.gatling and Talib @talibbabb on Instagram.    Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which Larry David show is better: Seinfeld or Curb Your Enthusiasm? Our most heated debaters – writer and performer Carma Anderson and storyteller and director Jameer Pond – return to settle this question. Jameer says Curb would never have been made without the success of Seinfeld, whose stars and guest stars became TV icons. Carma agrees with Jameer, and argues that Curb builds on Seinfeld’s solid foundation and ultimately surpasses it comedically. Ronald Young Jr. will either hand Carma her second PCDC win or even the series with a Jameer victory.     Follow Carma @goodcarmawon on Instagram and Jameer @jameerpond on Instagram and Twitter.    Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pop Culture Debate Club will be back with a new debate next week. Today, we wanted to share an episode of a BBC podcast we think you'll enjoy. You’re Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past.   Greg Jenner is joined in 19th-Century America by Dr. Michell Chresfield and comedian Desiree Burch to learn all about abolitionist and suffragist Sojourner Truth. Born into slavery in a Dutch-speaking area of New England, Sojourner Truth fought to free herself and then others, becoming one of the best-known abolitionist activists in America. She even succeeded in freeing her son, making her the first Black American woman to win a court case.   A devoutly religious woman, Truth felt that God had called her to travel the country, preaching and advocating for the end of slavery, women’s rights and universal suffrage. Along the way, she rubbed shoulders with abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, and politicians including Abraham Lincoln himself.   This episode tells the story of her incredible life, beliefs and fight for justice, and even examines the true story behind her famous “ain’t I a woman?” speech.   If you’re a fan of inspirational activists, courtroom drama and questionable cults, you’ll love our episode on Sojourner Truth.   If you want more from Desiree and Michell, check out our episodes on Harriet Tubman and Josephine Baker. And for more abolitionist history, listen to our episode on Frederick Douglass.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which actor had the better childhood career: Macaulay Culkin or Elijah Wood? Text Me Back co-hosts Lindy West and Meagan Hatcher-Mays battle it out today. Lindy argues that Macaulay’s childhood career undoubtedly has had the bigger impact on popular culture. Meagan counters that Elijah’s 90s repertoire proves his superior range as an actor, and foreshadows his more successful adult career. Ronald Young Jr. considered this very debate when he was a kid during the height of Elijah and Macaulay’s childhood stardom. But how will he rule today?   Follow Lindy @thelindywest on Instagram and Meagan @importantmeagan on Instagram.    Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We couldn't let the big SNL50 weekend pass without revisiting our debate pitting Saturday Night Live against In Living Color. So without further ado ... which sketch comedy show is better: Saturday Night Live or In Living Color? Writer and performer Carma Anderson says it’s SNL while storyteller and director Jameer Pond votes for In Living Color. Carma says SNL’s longevity is proof of its superiority and argues that it’s produced more stars and has showcased a diverse array of cast members over its 50-year run. Jameer says In Living Color had better quality, brought Black culture into the mainstream, and created cultural icons. After a heated debate, it’s up to Ronald Young Jr. to cast the deciding vote to determine this week’s winner. Follow Carma @goodcarmawon on Instagram and Jameer @jameerpond on Twitter and Instagram.     Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which fantasy series is better: Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones? X-Ray Vision co-hosts Rosie Knight and Jason Concepcion are back to tackle today’s topic. Rosie says that J.R.R. Tolkien, as the father of modern fantasy literature, has created an entire universe that is enjoyed by people of all ages, and which provides an accessible entry point for those new to fantasy. Jason argues that Game of Thrones provided us with a last-of-its-kind cultural phenomenon where millions of people watched the same thing at the exact same time. Rosie won the duo’s first debate. Will Jason even the score or will Rosie take a 2-0 series lead? It all comes down to Ronald Young Jr.’s verdict in the debate between Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones.   Follow Jason @x_netw3rk_x on Instagram and @netw3rk on Twitter, and Rosie @rosiemarx on Instagram.    Keep up with Ronald Young Jr. @OhitsBIGRON on X and Instagram. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.