Pop Culture Debate Club with Ronald Young Jr.

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.

Which version of The Office is better: UK or US? Comedian, actor, and writer Liam Williams takes on radio and podcast host Julia Cunningham in today’s debate. Liam points out that The Office UK reinvented sitcom comedies and is the original series, making the US version inherently derivative. Julia counters that the US version improved upon the original, creating a show that remains incredibly popular even though it’s been off the air for over a decade. Which version of The Office will Ronald Young Jr. rule is the superior franchise?   Follow Liam @funnylad5 on Twitter and Julia @juliacunninghaaam on Instagram and  @juliacunningham 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.

This week we're featuring one of our favorite debates. Which phone is superior: the iPhone or the Android? Taking the side of iPhones is actor and comedian Langston Kerman, while fellow actor and comedian Baron Vaughn is Team Android. And here to adjudicate is Ronald Young Jr. Langston says iPhones look better, are easier to use, and that the majority of Americans agree with him because iPhones are a majority of cell phones in the US. Baron says Androids offer customization that iPhones do not and don’t fall victim to “planned obsolescence” the way iPhones do. How will Ronald rule? And will his personal phone preference influence his choice?   Follow Langston @langstonkerman on Instagram and X and Baron @barvonblaq 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 show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.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.

Which wedding film is better: Father of the Bride or The Wedding Planner? Squaring off in today’s debate are the hosts of the Betches Brides podcast: Chelsea White and Selena Coppock. Chelsea says The Wedding Planner has an all-star cast and flips the wedding movie genre on its head by focusing on the person planning the wedding, not the person in the wedding. Selena argues that Father of the Bride has an even more stellar cast and manages to tug at your heartstrings while also giving you slapstick physical comedy. Which rom-com will Ronald Young Jr. declare the best wedding movie?   Follow Selena @selenacoppock on Instagram 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 show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Which daytime talk show host reigns supreme: Oprah Winfrey or Wendy Williams? This debate features returning guests Jonquilyn Hill and Nichole Hill, with Jonquilyn taking up for Team Wendy and Nichole repping Team Oprah. Jonquilyn says that Wendy is unabashedly authentic who will always tell you her truth without any pretense. As for Oprah, Nichole argues that she’s extraordinarily successful in so many different ways and laid the groundwork for people like Wendy. Which talk show queen will Ronald crown this week’s winner?    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 show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PCDC is taking a holiday break and we wanted to share another BBC podcast with you this week: History's Youngest Heroes. Stripped of her crown and trapped In the Tower of London will Lady Jane Grey give up her faith or face the executioner’s axe? Nicola Coughlan shines a light on extraordinary young people from across history. Join her for 12 stories of rebellion, risk and the radical power of youth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which new classic has become the best Christmas song of all time: All I Want for Christmas Is You or Last Christmas? Writer, journalist, and poet Kyla Marshell is here to argue for Mariah Carey while radio host, music journalist, and documentary producer Jenny Eliscu takes the side of Wham! Kyla says Mariah created a new standard, which is hard to do in any genre. Jenny must admit that All I Want for Christmas Is You is an excellent song but says Last Christmas resonates with all the people for whom the holidays aren’t a joyful time, but does so in an incredibly catchy way. Which way will Ronald Young Jr. rule? The result is a PCDC first!   Follow Kyla @khellonmars on Instagram and Jenny @jennylsq 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.

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 show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.  See 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.