Podcast
Great Pop Culture Debate
Hosted by W!ZARD Studios · EN
Finding the best in movies, music, TV and more--and YOU get a say!
41episodes
Episodes
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Best Yacht Rock Song
Yesterday00:47:05Tap to summarize“Yacht rock” as a term dates to the early 2000s, but the music it describes lives squarely in the late 1970s and early 80s. We’re talking the smooth sounds of summer, a little bit jazz, a touch of funk, a generous dollop of soulful crooning, all undercut by rock instrumentation by some of the grooviest white guys in the biz. You don’t have to be on a boat to enjoy yacht rock. It’s the perfect summer soundtrack no matter where you are. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate for one of our 2026 Summer Specials as we say ALL ABOARD and attempt to name the best Yacht Rock Song of all time.Songs discussed: “Africa” by TOTO, “Peg” by Steely Dan, “How Long” by Ace, “Ride Like the Wind” by Christopher Cross, “This Is It” by Kenny Loggins, “Steal Away” by Robbie Dupree, “Lido Shuffle” by Boz Scaggs, “All Out of Love” by Air Supply, “What a Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers, “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes, “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty, “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon, “I Keep Forgettin’” by Michael McDonald, “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Hall & Oates, “Baby Come Back” by PlayerJoin host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD Panelists Derek Mekita, Jonny Minogue, and Kate Racculia as they discuss and debate 16 of the smoothest jazz-rock jams from the 70s and 80s.For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional yacht-rock gems that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.socialWebsite: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebateEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Eric RezsnyakPanelists: Derek Mekita, Jonny Minogue, Kate RacculiaProducer: Bob ErlenbackEditor: Bob ErlenbackIntro/Outro Music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch#yachtrock #yacht #70smusic #80smusic #jazz #softrock #jazzrockfusion #toto #chicago #kennyloggins #doobiebrothers #michaelmcdonald #reospeedwagon #steelydan #christophercross #gerryrafferty #hallandoates #bozscaggs #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatestSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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HOT TAKE: Best X-Men Team: 80s Outback X-Men vs. Morrison's New X-Men
1w ago00:07:52Tap to summarizeWe're breaking again from new episodes this week, but don't worry, we'd never leave our fellow mutants stranded without a Cerebro signal to follow. Instead, we're dusting off a Hot Take from our Best X-Men Team Line-Up episode, originally released on May 13, 2025 as part of our Season 11.This argument features a very special guest, AJ LoCascio, the voice of Gambit in X-Men '97 on Disney+, joining our panel for a debate that's more heated than the Dark Phoenix Saga. In this clip, two legendary mutant squads enter the Danger Room, but only one survives the bracket: Grant Morrison's New X-Men versus the Outback X-Men.It's evolution versus revolution, psychic power versus sheer grit, and enough mutant mayhem to make Professor X ask everyone to please stop using their powers indoors. So grab your favorite yellow spandex, or black leather, if that's more your vibe, because it's time to find out which roster is truly uncanny.If you enjoyed what you heard, be sure to check out the full Best X-Men Team Line-Up episode in our podcast feed for even more mutant-sized debates, or visit greatpopculturedebate.com for dozens of other pop culture showdowns.We'll be back next week with an all-new, all-difference summer episode!EPISODE CREDITSEditor: Bob ErlenbackIntro/Outro Song: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc TorchSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Best Heist Film
2w ago00:55:24Tap to summarizeHeists have been a part of cinema since at least 1903, when The Great Train Robbery became one of the most successful movies of its time. There’s something intrinsically compelling about people stealing things – the thrill of transgression, the desperation that leads to the act, the anxiety of getting caught. Heist films have changed tremendously over the intervening 120-plus years, but the best of them still retain that sense of excitement and danger, and in many cases have us actively rooting for the thief to win. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the Best Heist Film of all time – at least until mid-2026, when we’re recording this.Movies discussed: Ocean’s 11 (2001), Baby Driver, Reservoir Dogs, The Thomas Crown Affair (1999), Heat, Inception, The Italian Job (2003), Point Break (1991), Three Kings, The Great Muppet Caper, Inside Man, Jackie Brown, Dog Day Afternoon, Now You See Me, A Fish Called Wanda, The TownJoin host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD Panelists Karissa Kloss and Kevin Dillon, and special guest panelist Paul Caiola from the That Aged Well Podcast as they discuss and debate 16 of cinema’s most memorable heist films.For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional movies featuring robberies that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. EPISODE CREDITSHost: Eric RezsnyakPanelists: Karissa Kloss, Kevin DillonSpecial Guest: Paul Caiola, That Aged Well PodcastProducer: Bob ErlenbackEditor: Bob ErlenbackIntro/Outro Music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch#movies #film #heistfilms #heistmovies #oceans11 #thetown #jackiebrown #reservoirdogs #theitalianjob #thomascrownaffair #babydriver #heat #inception #nowyouseeme #dogdayafternoon #insideman #greatmuppetcaper #threekings #afishcalledwanda #podast #popcultureSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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HOT TAKE: Best Disco Song: "Dancing Queen" by ABBA vs. "Le Freak" by CHIC
3w ago00:07:09Tap to summarizeWe’re taking a short break from new episodes this week, but we didn’t want to leave you without a little something to listen to. Instead, we’re bringing you a Hot Take from our Season 4 Best Disco Song episode, initially released in September 2021.In this clip, panelists Eric Rezsnyak, Karissa Kloss, Gary Jackson and Derek Mekita square off over two dance floor classics: ABBA's "Dancing Queen" and Chic's "Le Freak." One is an irresistible pop masterpiece withstanding generations, while the other is a funky, bass-driven anthem that helped define the disco era. BUT only one can move forward in the bracket.If this clip leaves you wanting more, check out the full episode in our podcast feed—or head over to greatpopculturedebate.com for more pop culture showdowns. We’ll be back next week with an all new debate, but until next time, remember, everyone’s entitled to their wrong opinion.EPISODE CREDITS:Editor: Bob ErlenbackIntro/Outro Song: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch#podcast #podcastclips #disco #discomusic #music #abba #lefreak #chic #dancingqueen #70smusicSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Best Woman-Led Comedy Film
4w ago00:51:39Tap to summarizeWhile women have been featured in comedy films since the beginning of the motion picture, around the 1980s, studios seemed to realize: women are funny, and women can be big business. Over the past four decades, some of the sharpest, wittiest, most bonkers films have been centered on – and in some cases created by – women. We want to celebrate these funny ladies, so join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the Best Woman-Led Comedy Film from 1980 to 2025.Movies discussed: Legally Blonde, Miss Congeniality, Clueless, Sister Act, 9 to 5, Mean Girls, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Death Becomes Her, The Devil Wears Prada, Pitch Perfect, Charlie’s Angels (2000), Bridesmaids, A League of Their Own, Easy A, First Wives ClubJoin host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Amma Marfo, Joelle Boedecker, and Maggie Hartman as they discuss and debate 16 of our favorite women-centered comedy movies.For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional women-led films that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks.EPISODE CREDITSHost: Eric RezsnyakPanelists: Amma Marfo, Joelle Boedecker, Maggie HartmanProducer: Derek MekitaEditor: John HigginsTheme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch#movies #film #comedy #sisteract #legallyblonde #misscongeniality #clueless #bridesmaids #meangirls #firstwivesclub #deathbecomesher #mybigfatgreekwedding #devilwearsprada #pitchperfect #charliesangels #aleagueoftheirown #9to5See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Best Sci-Fi TV Series (2000-2025)
Jun 1600:54:12Tap to summarizeScience fiction has been part of television since at least the 1950s, when “Lost in Space” and “Star Trek” gave us charmingly quaint visions of what the future could look like. By the dawn of the 21st Century, technology had caught up to creators' visions, leading to a Golden Age of genre television. Series celebrated by critics and embraced by audiences with their mind-blowing imagination and, at their best, critique and comment on the human condition, even as they chronicle society’s intersections with technology, time, and space. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the Best Sci-Fi Television Series from 2000 to 2025.Shows discussed: “The Expanse,” “Firefly,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “Star Wars: The Mandalorian,” “The X-Files,” “Star Wars: Andor,” “Westworld,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” “Doctor Who,” “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” “Black Mirror,” “Orphan Black,” “Stargate SG-1,” “3 Body Problem,” “Foundation,” “Fringe”Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Kara Austin, Victor Manibo, and Zack Derby as they discuss and debate 16 of the most influential science-fiction TV series of the past 25 years.For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional 21st Century sci-fi shows that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks.Host: Eric RezsnyakPanelists: Kara Austin, Victor Manibo, Zack DerbyProducer: Curtis CreekmoreEditor: Bob ErlenbackTheme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch#scifi #sciencefiction #tv #tvseries #scifitv #startrek #starwars #firefly #theexpanse #battlestargalactica #themandalorian #mandalorian #andor #xfiles #westworld #voyager #doctorwho #strangenewworlds #startreksnw #blackmirror #orphanblack #stargate #3bodyproblem #foundation #fringe #appletv #netflix #hboSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Best Stevie Wonder Song
Jun 900:43:40Tap to summarizeStevland Hardaway Morris – better known to the world as Stevie Wonder – signed his first record deal at age 11, and scored his first Billboard No. 1 by age 13. He transitioned from child musical prodigy in the 1960s to one of the most influential artists of the 1970s and 80s, bringing jazz, r’n’b, reggae, and funk into the mainstream, and having a major hand in bringing synthesizer sounds into mainstream music, and he became the first black artist ever to win the Grammy for Album of the Year. He is one of only four artists to ever win Album of the Year three times. Simply put, Stevie Wonder is one of the most important songwriters and musicians of our time, with an absolutely astonishing catalogue of solo songs and collaborations. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as get uptight and try to name the Best Stevie Wonder Song.Songs discussed: “As,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” “For Once In My Life,” “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” “Superstition,” “Higher Ground,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” “Sir Duke,” “Master Blaster (Jammin’),” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours,” “Overjoyed,” “I Wish,” “Do I Do,” “My Cherie Amour,” “Part-Time Lover,” “Living for the City”Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Amma Marfo, Derek Mekita, and Gary Jackson as they discuss and debate 16 of the most legendary songs from one of the most defining musical artists of the past 50 years.For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional Stevie Wonder songs that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. EPISODE CREDITS:Host: Eric RezsnyakPanelists: Amma Marfo, Derek Mekita, Gary JacksonProducer: Bob ErlenbackEditor: John HigginsIntro/Outro Music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc TorchIG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.socialWebsite: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate#steviewonder #60smusic #70smusic #80smusic #funkmusic #rnb #blues #superstition #mycherieamour #livingforthecity #signedsealeddelivered #sirduke #jazz #foronceinmylife #overjoyed #higherground #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatestSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Best LGBTQ TV Series
Jun 200:54:31Tap to summarizeIt’s the year 2026, and while the LGBTQ community is under attack politically and socially, we remain blessed when it comes to queer representation on our TV screens – at least for the time being. Even 20 years ago, we couldn’t have conceived of how accepting the small screen would become, with gays, lesbians, bi, and trans folx appearing not only in series created specifically for them, but hes, shes, theys and thems being included as featured characters in mainstream hit series. We may be living in the Golden Age of queer TV, or we may just be getting started in the era of inclusivity. Either way, join the Great Pop Culture Debate for its 2026 Pride Special as we attempt to name the best LGBTQ TV Series, at least up until 2026.TV shows discussed: Schitt’s Creek, Heated Rivalry, Queer as Folk (2000), Modern Family, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, The L Word, Trixie Motel, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Torchwood, Heartstopper, Pose, Will & Grace, The Real World, Angels in America, Looking Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Karissa Kloss, Kevin Dillon, and Victor Manibo as they discuss and debate 16 of the most queer-affirming television series of all time.For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional queer TV shows that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Episode CreditsHost: Eric RezsnyakPanelists: Karissa Kloss, Kevin Dillon, Victor ManiboProducer: Bob ErlenbackEditor: Bob ErlenbackTheme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc TorchIG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.socialWebsite: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate#lgbt #lgbtq #queer #queerculture #lgbtpodcaster #heatedrivalry #schittscreek #queerasfolk #thelword #rupaulsdragrace #dragrace #rupaul #queereye #angelsinamerica #therealworld #heartstopper #trixiemotel #trixiemattel #looking #posefx #modernfamily #torchwood #pridemonth #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatestSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Best Looney Tunes Character
May 2600:58:15Tap to summarizeThe Looney Tunes animated anthology series premiered in 1930, and in its nearly 100 years has become a pop-culture juggernaut, conquering movie theaters, television, video games, theme parks, and more. The franchise launched entertainment icons like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and others that have entertained generations, won a slew of accolades including five Academy Awards, and has generated an estimated $17 billion. While entertainment industry mergers and misfortunes have bruised the property’s prestige in recent years, the characters retain incredible cultural cache, and the classic shorts remain outrageously entertaining. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the best Looney Tunes character.Characters discussed: Bugs Bunny, Granny, Foghorn Leghorn, Sylvester the Cat, Yosemite Sam, Pepe LePew Penelope Pussycat, Elmer Fudd, Marvin the Martian, Daffy Duck, Michigan J. Frog, Tasmanian Devil, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, Speedy Gonzales, Tweety Bird, Porky Pig Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Andrea Guerrero, Joelle Boedecker, and Steven Salvatore, as they discuss and debate 16 of the most beloved Looney Tunes characters of all time.For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss Looney Tunes characters that didn’t make the bracket, along with other Looney Tunes-related properties, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.socialWebsite: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebateEpisode CreditsHost: Eric RezsnyakPanelists: Andrea Guerrero, Joelle Boedecker, Steven SalvatoreProducer: Curtis CreekmoreEditor: Bob ErlenbackTheme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch#looneytunes #looneytoons #bugsbunny #daffyduck #marvinthemartian #tasmaniandevil #wileecoyote #roadrunner #speedygonzales #sylvesterthecat #tweetybird #yosemitesam #pepelepew #porkypig #michiganjfrog #cartoons #spacejam #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatestSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Best Kylie Minogue Song
May 1900:48:19Tap to summarizeAustralian Kylie Minogue has released 17 studio albums, nearly 100 singles, and sold more than 80 million records worldwide. And yet, most Americans remain largely unaware of this international princess of Pop. While Kylie has had numerous breakthroughs in all of the last five decades, her 2023 dance-pop track “Padam Padam” became one of the biggest hits in her nearly 40-year career, proving that we still can’t get Miss Minogue out of our heads. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the Best Kylie Minogue Song.Musicals discussed: “Padam Padam,” “The Locomotion,” “Love At First Sight,” “Aphrodite,” “Come Into My World,” “I Should Be So Lucky,” “All the Lovers,” “Slow,” “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” “Your Disco Needs You,” “Confide In Me,” “Spinning Around,” “Get Outta My Way,” “I Believe In You,” “Wow,” “Timebomb”Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Bob Erlenback and Jonny Minogue, and special guest panelist, Australian screenwriter and director Lee Galea, as they discuss and debate 16 of Kylie Minogue’s most enduring songs.For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss literally DOZENS of other Kylie Minogue that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. EPISODE CREDITS:Host: Eric RezsnyakPanelists: Bob Erlenback, Jonny MinogueSpecial Guest: Lee Galea, Screenwriter & Director, "Single, Out"Producer: Curtis CreekmoreEditor: Bob ErlenbackIntro/Outro Song: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch#kylieminogue #kylie #kylieminoguesongs #popmusic #pop #australia #1980s #1990s #2000s #2010s #2020s #padampadam #cantgetyououtofmyhead #getouttamyway #timebomb #aphrodite #thelocomotion #comeintomyworld #yourdisconeedsyou #loveatfirstsight #ishouldbesolucky #allthelovers #spinningaroundSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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