The Debaters

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1413: Home for the Holidays & Telemarketers

Lara Rae and Rob Pue refuse to overstay their welcome in their debate on going home for the holidays. Then, John Hastings and Derek Seguin dial it up a notch on telemarketers.

Download 1413: Home for the Holidays & Telemarketers
[mp3 file: runs 00:30:06]

1412: Festivals & Best Friends Forever

Don Kelly and Ali Hassan Wood-stock up on jokes when they discuss festivals. Then, Nour Hadidi and Courtney Gilmour exchange friendly fire on the subject of best friends.

Download 1412: Festivals & Best Friends Forever
[mp3 file: runs 00:30:01]

1411: Correcting Grammar and Spelling & A Day on the Slopes

Erica Sigurdson and Sterling Scott make their punctuation mark when they discuss correcting others on their spelling and grammar. Then, Tim Nutt and Ryan Williams are a black diamond in the rough in their debate on skiing and snowboarding.

Download 1411: Correcting Grammar and Spelling & A Day on the Slopes
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:47]

1410: Plate vs. Bowl & Soap Operas

Simon Rakoff and Sean Cullen offer their dinner-most thoughts when they compare plates to bowls. Then, Michelle Shaughnessy and Deborah Kimmett offer bold and beautiful arguments in their debate on soap operas.

Download 1410: Plate vs. Bowl & Soap Operas
[mp3 file: runs 00:33:14]

1409: Carbon Tax & City Slogans

Charlie Demers and Glen Foster refuse to look fuel-ish when they discuss the carbon tax. Then, Evany Rosen and Todd Graham try to stay civil in their debate on city slogans.

Download 1409: Carbon Tax & City Slogans
[mp3 file: runs 00:32:42]

1408: Fake Meat & Scuba Diving

Rob Bebenek and Dave Hemstad air their beefs when they discuss plant-based foods. Then, Elvira Kurt and Hunter Collins take the plunge in their debate on scuba diving.

Download 1408: Fake Meat & Scuba Diving
[mp3 file: runs 00:34:43]

1407: New Brunswick Ugliest Province & Parks

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when Peter Anthony and James Mullinger discuss if New Brunswick is the ugliest province. Then, Nikki Payne and Jon Steinberg take swings at each other over whether or not everyone should go to the park.

Download 1407: New Brunswick Ugliest Province & Parks
[mp3 file: runs 00:34:06]

1406: Call Ahead vs. Drop-In & Canada Food Guide

Nathan Macintosh and Tim Steeves make quite the appearance when they discuss if notice is needed for a visit. Then, David Pryde and Elvira Kurt take a bite out of their debate on the Canada Food Guide.

Download 1406: Call Ahead vs. Drop-In & Canada Food Guide
[mp3 file: runs 00:36:04]

1405: Ghosts & Pie vs. Cake

For this special episode, The Debaters are opening the vault and airing two classic debates from past seasons! Jon Steinberg and Jonny Harris go head to headstone over ghosts. Then, the oven mitts come off when Dave Hemstad and Sean Cullen compare pie and cake.

Download 1405: Ghosts & Pie vs. Cake
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:30]

1404: Pumpkin & English vs. French Culture

Laurie Elliott and Kyle Brownrigg refuse to patch things up when they question the hype surrounding pumpkin in the fall. Then, it’s the clash of the titans when James Mullinger and Derek Seguin compare English and French culture.

Download 1404: Pumpkin & English vs. French Culture
[mp3 file: runs 00:35:35]

1403: Visit Cape Breton & Weather Forecasters

Ed Macdonald and Patrick Ledwell try to East Coast to victory when they discuss if everyone should visit Cape Breton. Then, Jay Malone and Matt Wright are in a high-pressure situation when they debate weather forecasters.

Download 1403: Visit Cape Breton & Weather Forecasters
[mp3 file: runs 00:30:12]

1402: Cashier vs. Self-Checkout & Own a Boat

Nikki Payne and Patrick Ledwell push each other's buttons when they compare cashiers to self-checkout machines. Then, Sean Cullen and Graham Chittenden deliver waves of laughs in their debate on owning a boat.

Download 1402: Cashier vs. Self-Checkout & Own a Boat
[mp3 file: runs 00:37:51]

1401: Oysters & Alexander Graham Bell vs. Alexander Keith

For the season 14 premiere, Lara Rae and Katie-Ellen Humphries crack things wide open with their debate on oysters. Then, smooth operators Mark Farrell and Trent McClellan compare Alexander Graham Bell to Alexander Keith.

Download 1401: Oysters & Alexander Graham Bell vs. Alexander Keith
[mp3 file: runs 00:33:01]

1333: Nature Programs & Public Transit

In The Debaters' season finale, Eric Peterson and Gavin Crawford go wild over nature programs. Then, Debra DiGiovanni and Arthur Simeon get from point A to point B in their debate on public transit.

Download 1333: Nature Programs & Public Transit
[mp3 file: runs 00:27:40]

1333a Extended: There's nothing more exciting than a nature program

Street Legal’s Eric Peterson and Because News’ Gavin Crawford address the elephant in the room when they debate the entertainment value of nature programs.

Download 1333a Extended: There's nothing more exciting than a nature program
[mp3 file: runs 00:19:51]

1333b Extended: Take public transit!

Debra DiGiovanni and Arthur Simeon take their Toronto audience on quite the ride when they discuss if everyone should take public transportation.

Download 1333b Extended: Take public transit!
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:23]

1332: Public Art & Blue Collar Jobs

Charlie Demers and Lori Gibbs paint quite the picture when they discuss public art. Then, Brittany Lyseng and Sean Lecomber roll up their sleeves to debate blue collar jobs.

Download 1332: Public Art & Blue Collar Jobs
[mp3 file: runs 00:27:40]

1332a Extended: Every city needs more public art

Charlie Demers and Lori Gibbs are in Calgary mastering their crafts when they question the value of public art to a city.

Download 1332a Extended: Every city needs more public art
[mp3 file: runs 00:17:47]

1332b Extended: Nothing beats workin' a blue collar job

Brittany Lyseng and Sean Lecomber fight with nerves of steel-toed boots when they determine if blue collar jobs are the best way to earn a living.

Download 1332b Extended: Nothing beats workin' a blue collar job
[mp3 file: runs 00:14:53]

1331: Alberta Should Secede & The Bachelor

Peter Brown and Derek Seguin have separate views when they question if Alberta should leave Canada. Then, Nour Hadidi and Erica Sigurdson have a date with destiny in their debate on reality TV's The Bachelor.

Download 1331: Alberta Should Secede & The Bachelor
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:25]

1331a Extended: Alberta should secede from the rest of Canada

Albertan Peter Brown and Quebecer Derek Seguin refuse to play referen-dumb in front of their Calgary audience when they discuss if Alberta should separate from Canada.

Download 1331a Extended: Alberta should secede from the rest of Canada
[mp3 file: runs 00:17:33]

1331b Extended: The best place to find love is on the reality TV series The Bachelor or The Bachelorette

Nour Hadidi and Erica Sigurdson are looking for love and victory in their debate on whether or not reality TV's The Bachelor or The Bachelorette is the best place for romance.

Download 1331b Extended: The best place to find love is on the reality TV series The Bachelor or The Bachelorette
[mp3 file: runs 00:14:29]

1330: Denim vs. Leather & Stadiums

DeAnne Smith and Lorne Cardinal keep their audience in reinforced stitches over which is superior: denim or leather. Then, Dean Jenkinson and Trent McClellan deliver quite the event when they discuss stadiums.

Download 1330: Denim vs. Leather & Stadiums
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:25]

1330a Extended: Denim is superior to leather

DeAnne Smith and Corner Gas' Lorne Cardinal are dressed to impress when they compare denim and leather.

Download 1330a Extended: Denim is superior to leather
[mp3 file: runs 00:17:04]

1330b Extended: Stadiums are a great investment

Gatecrashers Dean Jenkinson and This Hour Has 22 Minutes' Trent McClellan come out swinging over the notion that all cities should invest in an arena or stadium.

Download 1330b Extended: Stadiums are a great investment
[mp3 file: runs 00:17:28]

1329: Slurpees & Honeymoons

Graham Clark and Paul Rabliauskas play it cool when they debate Slurpees. Then, newlyweds Tim Gray and Dana Smith question the value of a honeymoon.

Download 1329: Slurpees & Honeymoons
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:09]

1329a Extended: Slurpees are the king of frozen treats

Graham Clark and Paul Rabliauskas are in Brandon, Manitoba using a slush-fund of jokes when they discuss if Slurpees are the superior frozen treat.

Download 1329a Extended: Slurpees are the king of frozen treats
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:20]

1328b Extended: All newlyweds should take their honeymoon

Newlyweds Tim Gray and Dana Smith provide all-inclusive arguments on the importance of a honeymoon.

Download 1328b Extended: All newlyweds should take their honeymoon
[mp3 file: runs 00:14:41]

1328a Extended: Canada does not need more political parties

Simon Rakoff and Jon Steinberg are in Ottawa trying to earn votes when they debate if Canadians need more options on the ballot.

Download 1328a Extended: Canada does not need more political parties
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:30]

1328b Extended: Gum is superior to mints

Pat Thornton and Elvira Kurt provide long-lasting laughs over which breath freshener comes out on top: gum or mints.

Download 1328b Extended: Gum is superior to mints
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:15]

1328: Political Parties & Gum vs. Mints

Simon Rakoff and Jon Steinberg poli-tickle their audience's funny bone over Canada's number of political parties. Then, Pat Thornton and Elvira Kurt deliver a burst of minty freshness in their debate on gum vs. mints.

Download 1328: Political Parties & Gum vs. Mints
[mp3 file: runs 00:27:42]

Introducing Personal Best

Hey Debaters fans, we're sharing a bonus episode from the new season of the CBC podcast Personal Best. Do you have a goal you want to achieve, but you're too embarrassed to even admit you need help? Welcome to Personal Best - a humorous podcast dedicated to pushing everyday people to new and very attainable heights. In this episode, Chandler, a woman in her thirties without a credit card, is worried she isn't responsible enough. She turns to hosts Rob and Andrew for guidance, but the answer might be found in an unusual self-help book. Subscribe to the Personal Best podcast at cbc.ca/personalbest.

Download Introducing Personal Best
[mp3 file: runs 00:36:38]

1327: Hockey Parents & Travelling to the U.S.

Kelly Taylor and Sean Lecomber stay in the attacking zone when they discuss if hockey parents are the unsung heroes of hockey. Then, Martha Chaves and Rob Bebenek are stars and stripes in their debate on Canadians travelling to the U.S.

Download 1327: Hockey Parents & Travelling to the U.S.
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:15]

1327a Extended: Hockey parents are the unsung heroes of hockey

Kelly Taylor and Sean Lecomber fight to come out on top-shelf with their Brandon, Manitoba audience when they question the value of hockey parents to the sport.

Download 1327a Extended: Hockey parents are the unsung heroes of hockey
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:44]

1327b Extended: Canadian tourists should boycott travelling to the U.S.

Martha Chaves and Rob Bebenek try to Trump one another in their debate on whether Canadians wanting to peacefully protest American politics, should boycott travelling to the United States.

Download 1327b Extended: Canadian tourists should boycott travelling to the U.S.
[mp3 file: runs 00:18:13]

1326: Booth vs. Table & Stupid Questions

Big laughs are on the menu when Laurie Elliott and Graham Chittenden argue for their superior seating option: booth or table. Then, inquiring minds Chris Locke and Courtney Gilmour discuss if there's such thing as a stupid question.

Download 1326: Booth vs. Table & Stupid Questions
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:15]

1326a Extended: When dining out, a booth is superior to a table

Laurie Elliott and Graham Chittenden are in Toronto food fighting over the best way to dine at a restaurant: at a table or in a booth?

Download 1326a Extended: When dining out, a booth is superior to a table
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:00]

1326b Extended: There's no such thing as a stupid question

Chris Locke and Courtney Gilmour provide awesome answers when they debate if there is such a thing as a stupid question.

Download 1326b Extended: There's no such thing as a stupid question
[mp3 file: runs 00:15:49]

1325: Opinion on Everything & Horror Movies

Peter Anthony and Aisha Brown have a war with words when they discuss having an opinion on everything. Then, Allyson Smith and Don Kelly give a spooktacular performance when they debate horror movies.

Download 1325: Opinion on Everything & Horror Movies
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:15]

1325a Extended: It's good to have an opinion on everything

Peter Anthony and Aisha Brown are in Ottawa firing funny feedback when they question if it's important to have an opinion on everything.

Download 1325a Extended: It's good to have an opinion on everything
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:42]

1325b Extended: Horror movies are spooktacular

Allyson Smith and Don Kelly deliver petrifying punch lines when they examine the value of horror movies.

Download 1325b Extended: Horror movies are spooktacular
[mp3 file: runs 00:14:47]

1324: Easter & Second Place

Lara Rae and Derek Seguin deliver an egg-cellent performance when they discuss Easter. Then, Jon Steinberg and Bruce Clark try to be good sports over the benefits to coming in second place.

Download 1324: Easter & Second Place
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:10]

1324a Extended: Easter is a fun holiday

Whereas it's a long weekend of fun, family and spiritual reflection, be it resolved Easter is a truly 'hoppy' occasion. Lara Rae and Derek Seguin deliver very bunny jokes when they tackle this popular holiday.

Download 1324a Extended: Easter is a fun holiday
[mp3 file: runs 00:17:43]

1324b Extended: Nothing beats coming in second place

Jon Steinberg and Bruce Clark race to the finish when they discuss if coming in second place is actually better than placing first.

Download 1324b Extended: Nothing beats coming in second place
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:34]

1323: The Toronto Maple Leafs & Let Yourself Go

Hunter Collins and Ryan Belleville hit the ice when they question if the Toronto Maple Leafs are the worst franchise in hockey. Then, Carol Zoccoli and Dave Hemstad shape up when they discuss letting yourself go.

Download 1323: The Toronto Maple Leafs & Let Yourself Go
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:10]

1323a Extended: The Toronto Maple Leafs are the worst franchise in hockey

Hunter Collins and Workin' Moms' Ryan Belleville face-off in Toronto over whether or not the Maple Leafs are a hockey team that should be respected or ridiculed.

Download 1323a Extended: The Toronto Maple Leafs are the worst franchise in hockey
[mp3 file: runs 00:19:28]

1323b Extended: Once you're in a long-term relationship it's okay to let yourself go

Carol Zoccoli and Dave Hemstad address to impress when they discuss if partners in a long-term relationship have earned the right to relax and let themselves go.

Download 1323b Extended: Once you're in a long-term relationship it's okay to let yourself go
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:18]

1322: Ottawa Nightlife & Never Take Back an Ex

Jen Grant and Don Kelly call the shots when they examine Ottawa's nightlife. Then, it ain't over till it's over when Arthur Simeon and Adrienne Fish discuss taking back an ex.

Download 1322: Ottawa Nightlife & Never Take Back an Ex
[mp3 file: runs 00:27:41]

1322a Extended: Ottawa has the worst nightlife in Canada

Ottawa natives Jen Grant and Don Kelly go disco-toe to toe over whether or not Ottawa is the worst city to party in.

Download 1322a Extended: Ottawa has the worst nightlife in Canada
[mp3 file: runs 00:17:31]

1322b Extended: Never take back an ex

There are no takebacks when Arthur Simeon and Adrienne Fish question if it's ever a good idea to get back together with an ex.

Download 1322b Extended: Never take back an ex
[mp3 file: runs 00:14:12]

1321: Poutine & Jury Duty

Laurie Elliott and Derek Seguin side-dish it out when they question if poutine should be Canada's national food. Then, court is in session when David Pryde and Ron Sparks deliberate over jury duty.

Download 1321: Poutine & Jury Duty
[mp3 file: runs 00:27:41]

1321a Extended: Poutine is Canada's national food

Laurie Elliott and Derek Seguin are in our nation's capital going potatoe-to-toe over whether or not poutine should be considered Canada's national dish.

Download 1321a Extended: Poutine is Canada's national food
[mp3 file: runs 00:18:40]

1321b Extended: Jury duty should be avoided

David Pryde and Ron Sparks go on the strength of their convictions to argue whether jury duty is our civic obligation or just a burden.

Download 1321b Extended: Jury duty should be avoided
[mp3 file: runs 00:17:25]

1320: Snowball Fights & 60 is the New 40

Things really snowball when Derek Edwards and Dave Hemstad debate if snowball fights should be banned. Then, Mike Wilmot and Deborah Kimmett deliver an ageless debate over whether or not 60 is the new 40.

Download 1320: Snowball Fights & 60 is the New 40
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:15]

1320a Extended: Snowball fights should be banned

Derek Edwards and Dave Hemstad pummel their Ottawa audience with jokes when they discuss if to avoid injuries, snowball fights should stop.

Download 1320a Extended: Snowball fights should be banned
[mp3 file: runs 00:18:25]

1320b Extended: 60 is the new 40

Mike Wilmot and Deborah Kimmett combine a healthy dose of facts and funny when they answer the question: "With so many baby boomers being healthy, productive and having fun, is 60 is the new 40?"

Download 1320b Extended: 60 is the new 40
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:39]

1319: Trudeau vs. Trudeau & Sharing Food

Glen Foster and Elvira Kurt deliver a liberal dose of laughs when they compare Pierre Trudeau to his son, Justin. Then, Ali Hassan and Patrick Ledwell have a mouthful to say on the subject of sharing food.

Download 1319: Trudeau vs. Trudeau & Sharing Food
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:09]

1319a Extended: Pierre would be the superior politician to his son, Justin Trudeau

Trudeaumania meets Wrestlemania when Glen Foster and Elvira Kurt discuss who would be the superior politician: Pierre Trudeau or his son, Justin.

Download 1319a Extended: Pierre would be the superior politician to his son, Justin Trudeau
[mp3 file: runs 00:18:09]

1319b Extended: Stop sharing food!

Ali Hassan and Patrick Ledwell take a bite out of their topic on whether sharing food is a good idea.

Download 1319b Extended: Stop sharing food!
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:24]

1318: Movie Trailers & Japan

Howie Miller and Simon King make their audience blockbust a gut when they discuss movie trailers. Then, Kyle Bottom and Yumi Nagashima chop-stick it to one another over Japan's advanced society.

Download 1318: Movie Trailers & Japan
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:09]

1318a Extended: Movie trailers enhance the movie-going experience

Coming soon, Howie Miller and Simon King question if movie trailers make going to the movies better or worse.

Download 1318a Extended: Movie trailers enhance the movie-going experience
[mp3 file: runs 00:15:50]

1318b Extended: Japan has the most advanced society in the world

Culture, technology and food are all up for debate when Kyle Bottom and Yumi Nagashima discuss if Japan leads the world in advanced societies.

Download 1318b Extended: Japan has the most advanced society in the world
[mp3 file: runs 00:17:39]

1317: Toronto vs. Vancouver & Travelling with Parents

Sean Cullen and Charlie Demers take it to the city limits when they discuss who has it harder: the people of Toronto or the people of Vancouver. Then, pack your bags for Jane Stanton and Sophie Buddle's debate on adults travelling with their parents.

Download 1317: Toronto vs. Vancouver & Travelling with Parents
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:12]

1317a Extended: The people of Toronto have it harder than the people of Vancouver

Torontonian Sean Cullen and Vancouverite Charlie Demers represent their cities when they argue over whose citizens have it tougher.

Download 1317a Extended: The people of Toronto have it harder than the people of Vancouver
[mp3 file: runs 00:18:56]

1317b Extended: Adults should travel with their parents

Jane Stanton and Sophie Buddle let their arguments take flight when they question if it's a good idea for adults to take vacations with their parents.

Download 1317b Extended: Adults should travel with their parents
[mp3 file: runs 00:14:58]

1316: Flowers as Gifts & Doctor vs. Internet

Katie-Ellen Humphries and Tim Nutt deliver some blooming fun when they discuss if flowers make a great gift. Then, Mayce Galoni and Julie Kim keep the audience in stitches when they question if in the age of the internet, is going to the doctor even necessary?

Download 1316: Flowers as Gifts & Doctor vs. Internet
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:13]

1316a Extended: Flowers are the best gift for any occasion

Katie-Ellen Humphries and Tim Nutt have fresh cut jokes when they debate if flowers make the perfect present.

Download 1316a Extended: Flowers are the best gift for any occasion
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:07]

1316b Extended: Checking online for a diagnosis beats going to the doctor

Mayce Galoni and Julie Kim are just what the doctor ordered when they debate if the best place to find a diagnosis is on the internet or with a doctor.

Download 1316b Extended: Checking online for a diagnosis beats going to the doctor
[mp3 file: runs 00:14:51]

1315: Don't Try Marijuana & Go Viral

Lara Rae and Dave Hemstad deliver blunt force when they discuss trying marijuana. Then, Fatima Dhowre and Graham Clark fire off a million hits in their debate on going viral.

Download 1315: Don't Try Marijuana & Go Viral
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:13]

1315a Extended: Don't try marijuana!

Lara Rae and Dave Hemstad light up the joint when they discuss if now that it's legal, should people try marijuana?

Download 1315a Extended: Don't try marijuana!
[mp3 file: runs 00:17:33]

1315b Extended: We should all aspire to go viral

Fatima Dhowre and Graham Clark are at the lap-top of their game when they discuss if going viral on the internet is something we should all aim for.

Download 1315b Extended: We should all aspire to go viral
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:41]

1314: Fad Diets & In-Laws

It's time for the hunger games when Sean Proudlove and Steph Tolev question the effectiveness of fad diets. Then, real-life brother in-laws, Gavin Clarkson and Sterling Scott, have a marriage license to kill when they debate in-laws.

Download 1314: Fad Diets & In-Laws
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:13]

1314a Extended: Fad diets are worth trying

Sean Proudlove and Steph Tolev throw their weight around over whether or not fad diets such as Atkins, Paleo or the Cabbage Soup diet are worth trying.

Download 1314a Extended: Fad diets are worth trying
[mp3 file: runs 00:13:13]

1314b Extended: In-laws are not your family

Brother in-laws, Gavin Clarkson and Sterling Scott, recite their vows over whether in-laws are strangers you're forced to get along with or if they are in fact your family.

Download 1314b Extended: In-laws are not your family
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:13]

1313: Cancelling Plans & Airbnb

Jacob Samuel and Wes Borg schedule in some quality time to discuss if there's an issue with cancelling plans. Then, Abdul Butt and Erica Sigurdson make themselves at home when they debate Airbnb.

Download 1313: Cancelling Plans & Airbnb
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:11]

1313a Extended: It's not okay to cancel plans

Jacob Samuel and Wes Borg have a reservation to go head-to-head over whether or not it's okay to cancel plans.

Download 1313a Extended: It's not okay to cancel plans
[mp3 file: runs 00:16:12]

1313b Extended: No one should use Airbnb

Abdul Butt and Erica Sigurdson both believe they have the key to winning their debate on whether we should all try online accommodation website Airbnb.

Download 1313b Extended: No one should use Airbnb
[mp3 file: runs 00:13:39]

1312: Niagara Falls & First Dates

Ron Sparks and Sean Cullen deliver barrels of laughs over the value of a visit to Niagara Falls. Then, Kate Davis and Graham Clark break the ice when it comes to first dates.

Download 1312: Niagara Falls & First Dates
[mp3 file: runs 00:28:11]

1312a Extended: It's not worth the trip to Niagara Falls

Ron Sparks and Sean Cullen are in the Niagara region putting their crowd over the edge when they question if both the Falls and the city are worth the trip.

Download 1312a Extended: It's not worth the trip to Niagara Falls
[mp3 file: runs 00:18:07]

1312b Extended: There's nothing more fun than a first date

Love is in the air when Kate Davis and Graham Clark go head-to-head over whether or not a first date is actually enjoyable.

Download 1312b Extended: There's nothing more fun than a first date
[mp3 file: runs 00:14:30]