News and Happenings

Which classic Tom Hanks movie would you rather re-watch: A League of Their Own or Apollo 13? Normally, the co-hosts of the Born to Love podcast are the best of friends, but this week Ellie Kemper and Scott Eckert take a turn as rivals with Ellie arguing for A League of Their Own and Scott taking up for Apollo 13. Ellie says that A League of Their Own is a delightful ensemble film that offers laughs, tears, and even some American history while Scott points out that Apollo 13 includes both tragedy and triumph and was the role that changed the course of Tom Hanks’s career. Which film will Ronald Young Jr. choose to re-watch? His decision settles the debate at the end of the show.

Which is the best movie soundtrack: Trainspotting or Purple Rain? The co-hosts of the One Song podcast square off this week with Diallo Riddle taking the side of Trainspotting and LUXXURY representing Purple Rain. However, the planned debate gets derailed immediately when host Ronald Young Jr. admits he’s “neutral” on Prince. In a PCDC first, the guests join forces and try to convince Ronald to give Prince another shot. Will they succeed?

Who is the better filmmaker: Spike Lee or Tyler Perry? Jonquilyn Hill, the host of Explain It to Me, is Team Spike while Nichole Hill, the host of The Secret Adventures of Black People, is Team Tyler. And the neutral arbiter – until the end – is Ronald Young Jr. Jonquilyn argues that Spike Lee is a true artist who has made biopics, documentaries, music videos, and TV shows. Nichole says that Tyler Perry is an entertainer who makes films that are more broadly accessible. Which side will Ronald ultimately join this week?

Which comic book publisher is superior: DC or Marvel? The co-hosts of the X-Ray Vision podcast duke it out this week with Rosie Knight on the side of DC and Jason Concepcion arguing for Marvel. And Ronald Young Jr. has the near-impossible task of picking a winner. Jason argues that Marvel is a more modern type of comic book experience and the characters are more grounded in reality. Rosie says that DC is arguably the originator of superhero comics whose characters have become cultural figureheads. Which way will Ronald rule this week?

Which mass transit action film is better: Speed or Passenger 57? Comedian Wyatt Cenac is here to represent Passenger 57, while comedian Chris Duffy argues in favor of Speed. And Ronald Young Jr. will cast the deciding vote. On the one hand, Speed launched Keanu Reeves’s action movie career and Chris says its legacy is undeniable. On the other hand, Passenger 57 did the same for Wesley Snipes and Wyatt says it holds up better. Which movie will Ronald select as this week’s winner?

Which children’s cable TV channel is better: Disney Channel or Nickelodeon? Two comedians square off this week in this nostalgic battle, with Evan Mills taking the side of Disney Channel and Hoja Lopez here to fight for Nickelodeon. And Ronald Young Jr. will listen to what they each have to say and then declare a winner. On the one hand, Evan says Disney Channel produced a longer list of lasting stars, movies, and shows. On the other hand, Hoja argues that Nickelodeon’s alt-humor did a better job of embracing, as she calls it, “the chaotic nature of childhood.” Which argument will sway Ronald this week?

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?

Which political TV show is better: Veep or The West Wing? Two familiar voices square off this week, with former host Aminatou Sow returning to argue on behalf of Veep and previous guest Hrishikesh Hirway taking the side of The West Wing. This is not going to be an easy decision for new host Ronald Young Jr. to make! Aminatou says that recent political headlines prove that Veep is a realistic portrayal of American politics, warts and all, while The West Wing is a liberal fantasy. Hrishi contends that The West Wing wasn’t meant to be realistic and was rather an incredibly entertaining TV show, and that Veep’s satire became too biting to be enjoyable. Which show will Ronald cast his vote for?

Who is the truest New Yorker on Sex and the City? The hosts of 2 Black Girls, 1 Rose are here to make Aminatou Sow choose between Carrie Bradshaw and Samantha Jones. Justine Kay is Team Samantha – a sex-obsessed PR executive who lives in the Meatpacking District and whose girlboss ways Justine argues scream New York. Natasha Scott-Reichel comes representing Team Carrie – a fashion-loving sex columnist living on the Upper East Side who Natasha says embodies a NYC “It Girl.” Whom will Aminatou declare the truest New Yorker on Sex and the City?

Who is the worst fictional American abroad in pop culture? Two comedians square off this week and try to convince Aminatou Sow that their pick should be barred from international travel. Solomon Georgio wants to ban Indiana Jones from leaving America while David Gborie thinks it’s Deuce Bigalow who needs to stay Stateside. Solomon says Indy steals antiquities and didn’t stop Nazis when he had multiple chances. David isn’t a fan of Deuce’s homophobic language and use of racial stereotypes. Ultimately, Aminatou Sow must revoke one passport and declare the worst fictional American abroad.