Pop Culture Debate Club with Ronald Young Jr.

Pop Culture Debate Club with Ronald Young Jr.

Being a pop culture fan naturally comes with a lot of opinions. You’ve got your favorites and you’re ready to defend your picks at a moment’s notice. But who’s right, and who’s just plain wrong? That’s what Pop Culture Debate Club is here to decide. Each week, two notable mega-fans square off, ready to convince host Ronald Young Jr. that their opinion on TV, movies, music, and more is the only one that matters. And after carefully considering all the arguments, Ronald picks a winner. Will you agree with him? From Lemonada and the BBC.

Episodes

Introducing: Evil Genius — Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West)

June 19, 2025 • 34 mins
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 o...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Coming to America vs. Friday

June 12, 2025 • 36 mins
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 fi...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Wild ‘N Out vs. Def Comedy Jam

June 5, 2025 • 44 mins
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 – in...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Introducing: Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know (feat. Rainn Wilson)

May 29, 2025 • 43 mins
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 v...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Revisit: Mission: Impossible vs. The Fast and the Furious

May 22, 2025 • 34 mins
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) en...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Binge Watching vs. Weekly Watching

May 15, 2025 • 39 mins
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...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Alanis Morissette vs. Fiona Apple

May 8, 2025 • 39 mins
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 ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Revisit: John Williams vs. Hans Zimmer

May 1, 2025 • 44 mins
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. Wh...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Introducing: Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan

April 24, 2025 • 48 mins
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 realit...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Olivia Benson vs. Elliot Stabler

April 17, 2025 • 39 mins
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 pre...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Steven Spielberg vs. Christopher Nolan

April 10, 2025 • 45 mins
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, a...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Nicolas Cage vs. John Travolta

April 3, 2025 • 42 mins
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 You...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Introducing: Our Ancestors Were Messy

March 27, 2025 • 62 mins
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 indep...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Calling vs. Texting

March 20, 2025 • 42 mins
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 communic...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Uno vs. Spades

March 13, 2025 • 44 mins
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 nex...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Seinfeld vs. Curb Your Enthusiasm

March 6, 2025 • 41 mins
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 surpass...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Introducing: You're Dead to Me

February 27, 2025 • 57 mins
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 l...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Macaulay Culkin vs. Elijah Wood

February 20, 2025 • 37 mins
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 deba...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Revisit: Saturday Night Live vs. In Living Color

February 16, 2025 • 48 mins
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 m...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Lord of the Rings vs. Game of Thrones

February 13, 2025 • 42 mins
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-...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Betrayal Weekly

    Betrayal Weekly

    Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

    Stuff You Should Know

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Bobby Bones Show

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Wearables

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices