Pop Culture Debate Club with Aminatou Sow

Lemonada Media and BBC

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. That’s what Pop Culture Debate Club is all about. Each week, two notable mega-fans square off, ready to convince host Aminatou Sow that their opinion on TV, movies, and music is the only one that matters. And then Aminatou picks a winner. But we’re all friends, so even though someone wins, no one loses. From Lemonada and the BBC.

  • 58 minutes 2 seconds
    Introducing: You're Dead to Me

    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.

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    27 February 2025, 8:30 am
  • 34 minutes 27 seconds
    Macaulay Culkin vs. Elijah Wood

    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 @imporantmeagan 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.

    20 February 2025, 8:30 am
  • 45 minutes 43 seconds
    Relitigating: Saturday Night Live vs. In Living Color

    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 PodcastsSpotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16 February 2025, 8:30 am
  • 39 minutes 28 seconds
    Lord of the Rings vs. Game of Thrones

    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 PodcastsSpotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    13 February 2025, 8:30 am
  • 40 minutes 32 seconds
    The Office UK vs. The Office US

    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.

    6 February 2025, 8:30 am
  • 36 minutes 48 seconds
    Relitigating: iPhones vs Androids

    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.

    30 January 2025, 8:30 am
  • 41 minutes 40 seconds
    John Williams vs. Hans Zimmer

    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.

    23 January 2025, 8:30 am
  • 37 minutes 44 seconds
    Father of the Bride vs. The Wedding Planner

    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.

    16 January 2025, 8:30 am
  • 36 minutes 54 seconds
    Oprah Winfrey vs. Wendy Williams

     

    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.

    9 January 2025, 8:30 am
  • 29 minutes 51 seconds
    Introducing: History’s Youngest Heroes — The Brief Reign of Lady Jane

    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.

    26 December 2024, 8:30 am
  • 31 minutes 18 seconds
    All I Want for Christmas Is You vs. Last Christmas

    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.

    19 December 2024, 8:30 am
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