News and Happenings

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.

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?

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?

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!

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.

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?