Great Pop Culture Debate

Writer, director, actor, and artist John Waters has been making avant-garde cinema since the 1960s. His movies have pushed boundaries and shocked audiences with their wild characters and surreal storylines, even as they offer piercing insights into popular American culture and society. While he experienced mainstream crossover success by the 1980s and into the 2000s, and has been embraced by many in the entertainment industry, John Waters is inherently an outsider –- and he wouldn't have it any other way. He is a unique, visionary queer voice in American cinema. So for one of our 2025 Pride specials, the Great Pop Culture Debate looks back on 8 of The Pope of Trash's most notable movies and attempts to name the Best John Waters Film. Movies discussed: Hairspray (1988), Serial Mom (1994), Pink Flamingos (1972), Cry-Baby (1990), Female Trouble (1974), Mondo Trasho (1969), Polyester (1981), Pecker (1998). Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelist Jonny Minogue, and special guests Erin Marlow from the It's a Fandom Thing podcast, and Joshua Grannell AKA Peaches Christ, alternative drag icon and host of the Midnight Mass podcast, as they discuss 8 of the most notorious John Waters films. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss the other John Waters 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. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Jonny Minogue Guest Panelist: Erin Marlow, It's a Fandom Thing podcast Guest Panelist: Joshua Grannell AKA Peaches Christ Producer: Bob Erlenback Editor: Eric Rezsnyak Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #johnwaters #johnwatersfilm #johnwatersfilm #movies #pinkflamingos #hairspray #serialmom #femaletrouble #pecker #crybaby #mondotrasho #polyester #divine #divinedragqueen #70smovies #80smovies #90smovies #podcast #moviepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our 2025 Pride Special episode devoted to the best John Waters film -- and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, June 24, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch ⁠⁠https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/blog/top-10-reasons-to-join-great-pop-culture-debate-patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While comic books have traditionally been defined by heroes that reflect the extremes of masculinity and femininity, and aimed at a primary straight-male audience, a notable shift has happened over the past 20 or so years. Where queer characters were once merely hinted at, or when included portrayed as grotesque stereotypes, since at least the 2000s comics have become increasingly more inclusive. Now it's common for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, asexual and other gender nonconforming characters to be featured in even the biggest comic-book franchises, and to even helm their own solo books. So join us for our 2025 Pride Month Special as the Great Pop Culture Debate attempts to name the Best LGBTQIA+ Super Hero. Characters discussed: Batwoman, Black Cat, Midnighter, Wiccan, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Green Lantern (Alan Scott), Miss America (America Chavez), Northstar, John Constantine, Apollo, Deadpool, Mystique, Iceman, Dreamer, Superman (Jon Kent). Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Bob Erlenback and Brendan Hay, and special guest Steve Orlando, prolific comic-book writer for Marvel, DC Comics, and other publishers, as they discuss 16 of the most-popular out super-heroes in comics. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss even more gay super-heroes 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 Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Bob Erlenback, Brendan Hay Guest Panelist: Steve Orlando Producer: Derek Mekita Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #comics #comicbooks #comicbooksuperhero #lgbt #marvelcomics #dccomics #batwoman #midnighter #northstar #mystique #iceman #jonkent #dreamer #deadpool #poisonivy #harleyquinn #blackcat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our 2025 Pride Special episode devoted to the best LGBTQIA+ superheroes featured in comic books -- and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, June 17, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch ⁠https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/blog/top-10-reasons-to-join-great-pop-culture-debate-patreon⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few rock bands have had a greater global impact than Queen. The British act, whose core line-up included Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon, and absolutely iconic frontman Freddie Mercury – emerged from scrappy prog-rock band in the early 1970s, to pop-rock superstars in the late 70s, to arena-rock gods in the 1980s, selling out shows on almost every continent. Queen's Greatest Hits album from 1981 remains the best-selling album in United Kingdom history, and as of late 2024, has spent more than 600 weeks on the United States Billboard 200. Queen's set at 1985's Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium is regarded as one of the greatest rock performances of all time. While Queen's golden age ended with the tragic death of Mercury in 1990, its legacy lives on more than 30 years later, and if there is any justice, will never diminish. So join us as the Great Pop Culture Debate attempts to name the Best Queen Single of all time. Songs discussed: “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Don't Stop Me Now,” “Under Pressure,” “Radio Ga Ga,” “We Are the Champions,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Somebody to Love,” “Killer Queen,” “Fat-Bottomed Girls,” “I Want to Break Free,” “Bicycle Race,” “You're My Best Friend,” “I Want It All,” “Flash,” “The Show Must Go On.” Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Derek Mekita and Zack Derby, and special guest John Higgins, archivist and legacy consultant for Sir Elton John, as they discuss and debate 16 of the most revered songs by iconic rock band, Queen. Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Derek Higgins, Zack Derby Guest Panelist: John Higgins Producer: Curtis Creekmore Editor: John Higgins Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #queen #queenband #music #rock #rockmusic #1970s #1980s #70srock #80srock #liveaid #freddiemercury #bohemianrhapsody #flashgordon #rockband #podcast #musicpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best musical singles released by British rock legends Queen -- and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, June 10, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/blog/top-10-reasons-to-join-great-pop-culture-debate-patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Video games made their way into American homes as early as the 1970s. But it wasn't until the console wars in the 1990s that in-home video-game consoles became nearly ubiquitous. Nintendo, Sega, Sony, and Microsoft were all pumping out quality machines that played increasingly awe-inspiring games, and that trend has continued ever since. As Nintendo prepares to kick off the next generation of console releases with the imminent arrival of the Switch 2, the Great Pop Culture Debate wanted to look back at the slickest systems from the past and name the Best Video-Game Console. Systems debated include: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Game Boy, NES (Nintendo Entertainment System), Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sega Genesis, Sony PlayStation 3. Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Andrea Guerrero, David Silbert, and Jim Czadzeck as they discuss 16 of the most legendary video-game systems of all time. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss even more video-game consoles 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. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Andrea Guerrero, David Silbert, Jim Czadzeck Producer: Bob Erlenback Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #videogames #games #nintendo #nintendoswitch #switch2 #nes #snes #n64 #gameboy #3ds #ds #wii #nintendowii #playstation #ps2 #ps3 #ps4 #xbox #xbox360 #sega #segagenesis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best video-game consoles, and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, June 3, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch ⁠https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/blog/top-10-reasons-to-join-great-pop-culture-debate-patreon⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As of late 2024, more than 170 women had been cast on one of the 12 Real Housewives franchises to air on cable network Bravo. But not all of those housewives were worthy of the title. Each franchise has had its peaks and valleys, but at their best, they have given us incredible reality television generated by the unique alchemy of their casts. So grab your oranges, apples, peaches, diamonds, snowflakes, and more as the Great Pop Culture Debate considers the best Real Housewives casts of all time – or at least until early 2025, when we're recording this. “Housewives” casts discussed: “Real Housewives of New York” Seasons 9/10; “Real Housewives of Atlanta” Season 10; “RHOA” Seasons 3/4; “Real Housewives of New Jersey” Seasons 1/2; “Real Housewives of Miami” Seasons 4-6; “Ultimate Girls Trip” Season 2; “Real Housewives of Orange County” Season 11; “RHOA” Season 5; “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” Season 4; “RHONJ” S9-S12; “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” Season 5; “RHONY” S3; “RHOBH” S1-S2; “RHOM” S2; “RHOSLC” S1; “Real Housewives of Potomac” Seasons 3-4. Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Jake Lewis, Jake Pitochelli, and Kevin Dillon as they discuss 16 of the most iconic “Real Housewives” casts. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss even more notable films from 1988 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. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Jake Lewis, Jake Pitochelli, Kevin Dillon Producer: Curtis Creekmore Editor: Eric Rezsnyak Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #realhousewives #bravo #bravotv #bravohousewives #rhoc #rhony #rhobh #rhoa #rhonj #rhom #rhoslc #rhop #andycohen #realitytv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best casts from Bravo TV's "Real Housewives" franchises, and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, May 27, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/blog/top-10-reasons-to-join-great-pop-culture-debate-patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flashback to 1988! The world was changing in significant ways. And in the movie theaters, Americans were treated to a wonderfully inventive, original slate of films that would delight both audiences and critics. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we throw it back to determine the Best Film of 1988. Films discussed: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Gorillas in the Mist, Scrooged, Heathers, The Naked Gun, Die Hard, The Land Before Time, Rain Man, Beetlejuice, Big, Beaches, Twins, A Fish Called Wanda, Hairspray, Coming to America. Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Bob Erlenback, Kate Racculia, and Michael Schwarz as they discuss 16 of the most-loved movies of 1988. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss even more notable films from 1988 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. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Bob Erlenback, Kate Racculia, Michael Schwarz Producer: Derek Mekita Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #film #movies #1980s #80smovies #80sfilms #rogerrabbit #whoframedrogerrabbit #big #bigmovie #beetlejuice #beaches #rainman #heathers #thenakedgun #diehard #comingtoamerica #hairspray #afishcalledwanda Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best American films release in 1988, and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, May 20, wherever you listen to podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Make sure to subscribe to the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! For even more exclusive content, including the warm-up for this episode in which we discuss even more films from 1988 that didn't make the bracket, ⁠⁠⁠⁠become a Patreon subscriber today.⁠⁠⁠⁠ CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since Marvel Comics introduced the X-Men in 1963, Marvel's merry mutants have gone through any number of permutations. Countless characters have joined and left the squad, and the team has produced a slew of spin-off groups that still undeniably fall under the X-banner. With the X-Men back in the public spotlight thanks to Disney+'s blockbuster “X-Men 97” animated series, and the property's slow but sure introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we wanted to look back at the many iconic rosters of X-Men from the comics, and attempt to name the Best X-Men Team Line-Up ever. Teams discussed: Original X-Men, All-New All-Different Team, Outback X-Men, Blue Team, Gold Team, New Mutants, X-Factor Government Team, Excalibur, Generation X, the Krakoan Quiet Council, and more! Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Brendan Hay and Kevin Dillon, and EXTRA-SPECIAL GUEST AJ Locasio, the voice actor who brings to life Gambit on “X-Men ‘97” as they discuss 16 iconic rosters from the comics featuring Marvel's Merry Mutants. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss even more notable X-Men squads that didn't make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Want to check out our Season 0 episode about the Best X-Men Team Member? It's only available to Patreon subscribers! Support us today! Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Brendan Hay, Kevin Dillon Special Guest: A.J. Locasio, Gambit from “X-Men ‘97” Producer: Bob Erlenback Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #xmen #xmencomics #xmenteam #marvelcomics #x-men #xfactor #newmutants #excalibur #marvel #mcu #comicbooks #superheroes #mutants #superhero #phoenix #krakoa #generationx #outbackxmen #utopiaxmen #podcast #comicbook #comicbookpodcast #xmen97 #ajlocasio #gambit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best team line-ups that have been featured in Marvel Comics' X-Men series (and its spin-off titles), and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, May 13, wherever you listen to podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Make sure to subscribe to the podcast⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! For even more exclusive content, including the warm-up for this episode in which we discuss even more X-Men teams that didn't make the bracket, ⁠⁠⁠become a Patreon subscriber today.⁠⁠⁠ CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

William Martin Joel – better known to the world simply as Billy Joel – is one of the defining American popular music artists of the late 20th Century. From the 1970s to the early 1990s, he released a dozen studio albums, selling more than 160 million records worldwide on the strength of numerous hit singles that were embraced by both audiences and music critics alike. Billy Joel's music crosses generations, genres, and moods, entertaining and delighting us while also providing a reminder that the good old days weren't always good, and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems. Join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we discuss 16 of Billy's most beloved songs as we attempt to name the Best Billy Joel Single of all time. Songs discussed include: “Movin' Out (Anthony's Song),” “The Longest Time,” “Allentown,” “Big Shot,” “My Life,” “It's Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “Just the Way You Are,” “The Entertainer,” “Piano Man,” “Pressure,” “Uptown Girl,” “And So It Goes,” “Only the Good Die Young,” “She's Always a Woman,” “You May Be Right,” “The Stranger.” Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Amy Pilott, Brendan Hay, and Joelle Boedecker as they discuss 16 of Billy Joel's biggest hits. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss even more Billy Joel hits 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. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Amy Pilott, Brendan Hay, Joelle Boedecker Producer: Bob Erlenback Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #billyjoel #billyjoelmusic #music #70smusic #80smusic #90smusic #pianoman #uptowngirl #thestranger #allentown #stillrockandrolltome #theentertainer #pressure #youmayberight #mylife #bigshot #thelongesttime #shesalwaysawoman #podcast #musicpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best singles released by music icon Billy Joel, and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, May 6, wherever you listen to podcasts. ⁠⁠Make sure to subscribe to the podcast⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! For even more exclusive content, including the warm-up for this episode in which we discuss even more Billy Joel songs that didn't make the bracket, ⁠⁠become a Patreon subscriber today.⁠⁠ CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Upon its release on April 28, 2011, Judd Apatow's Bridesmaids became a commercial and critical smash. The film would go on to earn more than $300 million at the worldwide box office — nearly 15 years later it remains the highest-grossing Apatow picture – and receive a Golden Globe nomination for Best Comedy Film, and two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Screenplay. That script, by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, is a big part of the film's success, a hilarious yet insightful exploration of women's friendships, class divides, and mid-life crises. So join us as the GPCD Players put on our Fritz Bernaise designs and attempt to determine the best Bridesmaids movie quote. Join host Eric Rezsnyak and the GPCD Players — Jake Pitochelli, Jonny Minogue, and Kevin Dillon — as they discuss 16 of the most iconic lines from Bridesmaids. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss even more hilarious Bridesmaids lines 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. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Jake Pitochelli, Jonny Minogue, Kevin Dillon Producer: Curtis Creekmore Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #bridesmaids #bridesmaidsmovie #moviequotes #bestquote #quotes #kristenwiig #melissamccarthy #mayarudolph #rosebyrne #juddapatow #wilsonphillips #comedy #comedyfilm #podcast #filmpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best lines from 2011's critical and commercial smash hit movie, Bridesmaids, and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, April 29, wherever you listen to podcasts. ⁠Make sure to subscribe to the podcast⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! For even more exclusive content, including the warm-up for this episode in which we discuss a bunch of OTHER Bridesmaids quotes that didn't make the bracket, ⁠become a Patreon subscriber today.⁠ CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many of us, 2015 feels like just a few years ago. But the reality is, we are now a full DECADE away from the midpoint of the 2010s. You know what that means: time for a potent hit of nostalgia, arguably more comforting than ever in these unprecedented times. Thankfully, 2015 was loaded with incredible music, including career-defining singles for more than one pop-music superstar, some strong debuts by new and fresh voices, and some totally unexpected bangers. So join us as we go back to a slightly simpler time as the Great Pop Culture Debate determines the Best Song of 2015. Songs discussed include: "Hello" by Adele; "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran; "All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor; "Bang Bang" by Jessie J., Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj; "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith; "Ex's & Oh's" by Elle King; "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars & Mark Ronson; "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon; "Chandelier" by SIA; "Delilah" by Florence + The Machine; "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift; "I'm Not the Only One" by Sam Smith; "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift; "Bitch Better Have My Money" by Rihanna; "Love Me Like You Do" by Ellie Goulding; "I Can't Feel My Face" by The Weeknd. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks. https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/blog/top-10-reasons-to-join-great-pop-culture-debate-patreon Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Curtis Creekmore, Gary Jackson, Jake Pitochelli Producer: Derek Mekita Editor: Eric Rezsnyak Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #2010smusic #2010snostalgia #music #popmusic #2015music #2010s #2010spop #songsof2015 #adele #edsheeran #arianagrande #jessiej #nickiminaj #meghantrainor #walkthemoon #samsmith #elleking #brunomars #markronson #sia #florenceandthemachine #taylorswift #rihanna #elliegoulding #theweeknd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best songs that were popular in 2015 -- which includes some songs released in 2014 -- and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, April 22, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! For even more exclusive content, including the warm-up for this episode in which we discuss a bunch of OTHER hits from 2015 that didn't make the bracket, become a Patreon subscriber today. CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it came to movies, 90s kids had it GOOD. Disney was firmly in its Renaissance period, churning out beloved blockbuster after beloved blockbuster. Kid stars like Macauley Culkin and Kirsten Dunst were featured in breakout roles, and kid-friendly vets like Robin Williams were given bonkers vehicles with which to let loose. And sports movies! So many sports movies, if you're into that kind of thing. The decade produced dozens of movies that helped to define the Millennial generation, and continue to resonate in pop culture. So join us as the Great Pop Culture Debate determines the Best 90s Kids Film. Movies discussed: Aladdin, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, The Sandlot, Jumanji, Toy Story, Matilda, The Mighty Ducks, Hook, Home Alone, A Goofy Movie, Hocus Pocus, Muppet Christmas Carol, Beauty & the Beast, The Parent Trap, Toy Story 2, The Lion King. Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Amy Pilott, Trey Radu-Blackburn, and Zack Derby as they discuss 16 of the most iconic children's films of the 1990s. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks. Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Amy Pilott, Trey Radu-Blackburn, Zack Derby Producer: Derek Mekita Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #90s #1990s #90sfilm #90sfilms #kidsmovies #childrensfilms #homealone #jumanji #aladdin #ferngully #thesandlot #toystory #matilda #mightyducks #hook #agoofymovie #hocuspocus #muppetchristmascarol #beautyandthebeast #parenttrap #toystory2 #lionking #disney #pixar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best kids' films of the 1990s -- films starring kids, or aimed at children and families released in American theaters between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 1999 -- and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, April 15, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! Check out the great perks you get by becoming a Patreon supporter of the podcast: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/blog/top-10-reasons-to-join-great-pop-culture-debate-patreon CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Television shows can live or die based on their premiere episodes – so-called “pilots” designed to make a series take off with viewers and critics alike. A great first episode can almost instantly cement a show's place in the television pantheon, and catapult a series into the cultural conversation. So join us as the Great Pop Culture Debate looks back at 16 of the most successful first episodes of all time as we attempt to name the Best TV Pilot Episode. Premiere episodes discussed include Breaking Bad, Lost, The West Wing, Six Feet Under, Schitt's Creek, How to Get Away with Murder, Dexter, Friends, Glee, The Walking Dead, Pushing Daisies, Twin Peaks, Stranger Things, Game of Thrones, Desperate Housewives, E.R. Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Amma Marfo, Joelle Boedecker, and Karissa Kloss as they discuss 16 of TV's most notable first episodes. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss even more notable TV premieres 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. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Amma Marfo, Joelle Boedecker, Karissa Kloss Producer: Derek Mekita Editor: John Higgins Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #tv #television #pilotepisode #premiere #firstepisode #lost #lostpilot #gameofthrones #got #breakingbad #dexter #schittscreek #friends #pushingdaisies #friends #htgawm #twinpeaks #strangerthings #desperatehousewives #glee #twd #walkingdead #thewestwing #sixfeetunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best TV pilot episodes -- the first episode of a series -- and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, April 8, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weird Al Yankovic emerged from the wild and wacky underground music scene of the 1970s and 1980s to become one of the world's most successful musical-comedy artists. Initially breaking into the mainstream with his parodies of mega-hit pop songs by Michael Jackson, Madonna, Nirvana, Coolio, and more, Yankovic has had astonishing pop-culture staying power. His lane may be comedy, but the facts are no joke: five Grammy Awards, eight Top 20 albums, and Top 40 singles in four consecutive decades. And the story isn't over yet; in 2025, Weird Al will head back on the road for his Bigger & Weirder Tour. So join us for this April Fool's Day Special as the Great Pop Culture Debate considers the Best Weird Al Song. Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Jim Czadzeck, Jonny Minogue, and Karissa Kloss as they discuss 16 of Weird Al's most notable tracks. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss even more “Weird Al” songs 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. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Jim Czadzeck, Jonny Minogue, Karissa Kloss Producer: Bob Erlenback Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #weirdal #alyankovic #parody #parodymusic #music #popmusic #comedy #comedymusic #weird #accordion #eatit #amishparadise #michaeljackson #madonna Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just in time for April Fool's Day, Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best "Weird Al" Yankovic songs and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, April 1, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollywood stars: they don't make ‘em like they used to. While there are still many fine actors and actresses working in film and television today, very few have the megawatt star power that used to bring audiences to the theaters from the mid- to late 20th Century. And as we move further and further away from the Golden and Silver ages of Tinseltown, the Great Pop Culture Debate podcast wants to determine: who WAS the Best Classic Hollywood Movie Star? We consider 16 film actors and actresses who made their big breaks prior to 1969, including: Cary Grant, Paul Newman, Judy Garland, Ingrid Bergman, Humphrey Bogart, Fred Astaire, Joan Crawford, Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Bette Davis, Gene Kelly, Gregory Peck, and Barbara Stanwyck. Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Derek Mekita, Jonny Minogue, and Karissa Kloss as they discuss 16 of the biggest Hollywood legends who made their big breaks prior to 1969. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss even more iconic Hollywood legends 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. Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Derek Mekita, Jonny Minogue, Karissa Kloss Producer: Bob Erlenback Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #classicfilm #classicmovies #hollywood #moviestar #goldenage #oscars #elizabethtaylor #katharinehepburn #paulnewman #carygrant #audreyhepburn #marilynmonroe #humphreybogart #ingridbergman #judygarland #jimmystewart #bettedavis #joancrawford Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best old-school movie stars -- actors and actresses who broke into Hollywood prior to 1969 -- and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, February 25, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the basic cable debut of The Disney Channel in April 1983, the House of Mouse has used its family-oriented network to feature its best movie ideas that weren't quite ready for the silver screen. At first the films were released under the name “Disney Channel Premiere Films,” but since 1997, they have been released under the banner Disney Channel Original Movie – or DCOM – up until 2022, when Disney+ took up the mantle. Regardless of the term you use to describe these feature-length gems, they bring to the fore a feeling of intense nostalgia. Generations are defined by the DCOM movies of someone's particular childhood! As always, this led the Great Pop Culture Debate team to wonder...what is the Best Disney Channel Original Movie? Movies discussed: High School Musical, The Thirteenth Year, Twitches, Smart House, Zenon: Girl of the Future, Tru Confessions, Quints, Descendants, Cadet Kelly, Brink!, Teen Beach Movie, Halloweentown, The Cheetah Girls, Get a Clue, Zombies, Camp Rock. Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Amma Marfo, Bob Erlenback, Joelle Boedecker, and Trey Radu-Blackburn as they discuss 16 of the most-popular Disney Channel Original Movies. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss even more DCOMs 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. Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Amma Marfo, Bob Erlenback, Joelle Boedecker, Trey Radu-Blackburn Producer: Curtis Creekmore Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #disney #dcom #disneychannel #disneychanneloriginalmovie #highschoolmusical #zenon #camprock #twitches #smarthouse #descendants #descendantsdisney #disneyzombies #cadetkelly #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best made-for-TV films released under the Disney Channel Original Movie banner, as well as walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, February 18, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Hamilton premiered off-Broadway on February 17, 2015, it created an instant sensation, making American history genuinely exciting for modern audiences, and transforming Broadway with his color-blind casting. Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda built on the blending of hip-hop and traditional Broadway musical styles that he brought to bear on In the Heights to tell the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and the birth of our nation. The show was nominated for 16 Tony Awards, winning 11 of them including Best Musical, and won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama; its original Broadway cast recording peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, and reached No. 1 on the Billboard rap albums chart. Now, 10 years after its debut, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to back to the room where it happened as we determine the Best Hamilton Song. Songs discussed include: “Satisfied,” “It's Quiet Uptown,” “Dear Theodosia,” “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” “Alexander Hamilton,” “Wait For It,” “What'd I Miss?” “You'll Be Back,” “Burn,” “Non Stop,” “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down),” “Helpless,” “The Schuyler Sisters,” “One Last Time,” “The Room Where It Happened,” “My Shot.” Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Gary Jackson and Joelle Boedecker, and Patreon sponsor Kathy Kingsley as they discuss 16 of the most beloved songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss even more Hamilton songs 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. Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Patreon Sponsor: Kathy Kingsley Panelists: Gary Jackson, Joelle Boedecker Producer: Curtis Creekmore Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our Patreon-sponsored episode devoted to the best song from Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway music, "Hamilton," as well as walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, February 11, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While mainstream comic books largely focus on exciting stories of good versus evil, over the decades comics have also given us a host of truly iconic romantic couples. From the pulps of the 1920s to the manga of today, comic books have featured inspiring – and sometimes tragic – tales of heroes – and even villains – in love. So for our 2025 Valentine's Day special, the Great Pop Culture Debate is pulling out the longboxes and diving into comic-book history as we discuss the Best Comic-Book Couples of all time. Couples discussed: Gambit & Rogue, The Flash (Barry Allen) & Iris West, Cyclops & Emma Frost, Cyclops & Jean Grey, Scarlet Witch & Vision, Hulkling & Wiccan, Black Bolt & Medusa, Batgirl & Nightwing, Batman & Catwoman, Spider-Man (Peter Parker) & Mary Jane Watson, Superman & Lois Lane, Green Arrow & Black Canary, Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy, Invisible Woman & Mr. Fantastic, Alana & Marko, Apollo & Midnighter. Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelist Brendan Hay, and special guest panelists Brad Gullickson and Lisa Gullickson from the Comic Book Couples Counseling podcast as they discuss 16 of the most legendary lovers in comics. For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss additional comic-book couples who 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. Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelist: Brendan Hay Special Guests: Brad Gullickson, Lisa Gullickson of Comic Book Couples Counseling Producer: Bob Erlenback Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #comicbooks #comics #xmen #batman #superman #spiderman #marvelcomics #dccomics #imagecomics #lgbtq #gambit #rogue #fantasticfour #avengers #scarletwitch #vision #wiccan #harleyquinn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our Patreon-sponsored episode devoted to our Valentine's Day special devoted to the Best Comic-Book Couple, as well as walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, February 4, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The WWE – formerly known as World Wrestling Entertainment, and before that, the World Wrestling Federation – is the largest professional wrestling promotion in the United States. Since its founding in the the 1950s, the WWE has been home to hundreds of performers, and launched the careers of more than a few bona fide Hollywood superstars. It's also big business; via its Smackdown, Raw, and NXT shingles, as well as merch, video games, etc., the company grosses more than $1 billion annually, drawing more than 1 million spectators per year to its various live events. While the company is currently in a moment of transition, for this Patreon-sponsored episode of the Great Pop Culture Debate we look back at these kings of the rings, these studs of the squared circle, as we aim to name the Best WWE Champion of all time. Wrestlers discussed: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Goldberg, Triple H, The Rock, The Undertaker, Bret “Hitman” Hart, Kurt Angle, Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels, CM Punk, Edge, John Cena, Randy Savage, Brock Lesnar, Eddie Guerrero, Hulk Hogan. Join host Eric Rezsnyak, Patreon sponsor Dr. Chad Rezsnyak, and tag-team guest panelists Brian Rezsnyak and Brayden Rezsnyak as they discuss 16 of the biggest superstars from the WWE. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss additional WWE champions who 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. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Patreon Sponsor: Dr. Chad Rezsnyak Special Guests: Brian Rezsnyak, Brayden Rezsnyak Producer: Bob Erlenback Editor: Eric Rezsnyak Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #wwe #wrestling #wwepodcast #wrestlingpodcast #prowrestling #stonecoldsteveaustin #therock #johncena #hulkhogan #randysavage #shawnmichaels #undertaker #cmpunk #kurtangle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our Patreon-sponsored episode devoted to the Best WWE Champion (1990-Present), as well as walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, January 28, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fox's Melrose Place was intended to be an introspective drama about young adult life in 1990s L.A. But by Season 2, the show leaned into its soapy elements, with ever-shifting love triangles, backstabbing office rivalries, and more than a few iconic villains stealing babies, faking pregnancies, and even blowing up the apartment complex. At its height, the show reached nearly 15 million viewers, and its young and restless stars were EVERYWHERE. The show ended on a whimper in 1999, and had a mediocre CW revival in 2009. But for this Patreon-sponsored episode, we're going to back Melrose, as the Great Pop Culture Debate seeks to determine the Best Melrose Place Character. Characters discussed: Sydney Andrews, Lexi Sterling, Jane Mancini, Jo Reynolds, Dr. Michael Mancini, Billy Campbell, Megan Lewis, Taylor McBride, Amanda Woodward, Jennifer Mancini, Brooke Armstrong, Jake Taylor, Dr. Kimberly Shaw, Dr. Peter Burns, Matt Fielding, Alison Parker. Join host Eric Rezsnyak, Patreon sponsor Bob Erlenback, and Special Guest Stars Courtney Fay and Todd Rezsnyak as they discuss 16 of the most notorious residents of 4616 Melrose Place. For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss the other Melrose Place lead cast members that didn't make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. For more reasons why you should become a Patreon supporter, check out this Top 10. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Patreon Sponsor: Bob Erlenback Special Guests: Courtney Fay, Todd Rezsnyak Producer: Curtis Creekmore Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #melroseplace #soapopera #90stvshows #aaronspelling #1990s #90s #2000stv #2000sthrowbacks #heatherlocklear #90ssoaps #primetimesoaps #grantshow #courtneythornesmith #marciacross #lisarinna Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our Patreon-sponsored episode devoted to the Best "Melrose Place" Character, as well as walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, January 21, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since 1927, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has awarded the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role 97 times, to 86 actors – as of 2024, when we are recording this. The collective winners of the Best Actor Oscar are a Who's Who of Hollywood, legendary performers who have defined what acting and arguably even manhood look like on screen. After debating the Best Film and Best Actress Oscar winners in previous episodes, for this Patreon-sponsored episode, the Great Pop Culture Debate now turns its attention to where the boys are, as we debate the Best Oscar Winners for Best Actor. Performances discussed: Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs, Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man, Daniel Day-Lewis in There Will Be Blood, Marlon Brando in The Godfather, Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird, Sean Penn in Milk, Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, Cillian Murphy in Oppenheimer, Tom Hanks in Philadelphia, F. Murray Abraham in Amadeus, Daniel Day-Lewis in Lincoln, James Stewart in The Philadelphia Story, Philip Seymour Hoffman in Capote, Robert De Niro in Raging Bull, Sidney Poitier in Lilies of the Field, Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Join host Eric Rezsnyak, Patreon sponsor Stephan Nikoloff, and GPCD panelists Karissa Kloss and Kevin Dillon as they discuss 16 of the most incredible performances in Oscars history. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss additional Oscar-winning performances we were bummed didn't make the bracket, and an extended version of the episode with 20+ more minutes of film conversation, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panel: Karissa Kloss, Kevin Dillon Patreon Sponsor: Stephan Nikoloff Editor: Eric Rezsnyak Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our Patreon-sponsored episode devoted to the Best Oscar Winner for Best Actor, as well as walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, January 14, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The late 1970s were a fascinating time for music. Where else could you have country songs, heavy rock, disco, r'n'b, electro-pop, jazz, and even novelty songs top the charts? Only the 70s, baby! Now, as we hurtle toward 50 years after their release, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to determine the Best Songs of 1978. Songs discussed: “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, “Le Freak” by CHIC, “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel, “Fat Bottomed Girls” by Queen, “I'm Every Woman” by Chaka Khan, “One Way Or Another” by Blondie, “I Wanna Be Sedated” by Ramones, “Roxanne” by The Police, “Stayin' Alive” by Bee Gees, “Copacabana” by Barry Manilow, “Take a Chance On Me” by ABBA, “We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions” by Queen, “Heart of Glass” by Blondie, “Rock Lobster” by The B-52's, “Big Shot” by Billy Joel, “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Note that while some of these songs were released in 1977, they were all on the Billboard Top 100 for the 1978 end-of-year charts. Join host Eric Rezsnyak, Patreon sponsor Derek Mekita, GPCD panelist Karissa Kloss, and special guest panelist Beth D'Imperio as they discuss 16 of the greatest songs from the late 1970s. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss additional songs that were popular in 1978 we were bummed didn't make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Need more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 reasons here! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panel: Derek Mekita, Karissa Kloss Patreon Sponsor: Derek Mekita Special Guest: Beth D'Imperio Producer: Curtis Creekmore Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #70smusic #1970s #music #disco #rock #funk #queen #billyjoel #blondie #thecars #barrymanilow #beegees #abba Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our Patreon-sponsored episode devoted to the Best Song of 1978, as well as walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, January 7, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most holiday pop songs tend to be joyful, energetic, or heartwarming, summoning nostalgia for the season and evoking what top scientists have defined as “feeling that gingerbread feeling.” But the holiday music canon is also peppered with bizarre little tunes that play up the ridiculous traditions we largely take for granted, or mock the treacly emotionalism of Christmas. While we have covered many of the more serious songs in the Christmas canon, this year the Great Pop Culture Debate is turning its attention to the intentionally absurd, the deliberately offputting as it debates the Best Novelty or Parody Holiday Song. Songs discussed: “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” “The Chipmunk Song,” “The Chanukah Song,” “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” “Dominick the Donkey,” “The 12 Pains of Christmas,” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” “Nuttin' for Christmas,” “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” “Christmas at Ground Zero,” “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” etc. Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Andrea Guerrero, Derek Mekita, and Jonny Minogue as they discuss 16 of the silliest holiday songs of all time. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including the warm-up in which we discuss additional parody and novelty songs we were bummed didn't make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panel: Andrea Guerrero, Derek Mekita, Jonny Minogue Producer: Curtis Creekmore Editor: Eric Rezsnyak Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our 2024 Holiday Special devoted to the best novelty or parody songs about the end-of-the-year holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, etc.), as well as walk you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, December 10, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024 marks the 35th Anniversary of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the third installment in Chevy Chase's Lampoon films. While the film was initially met with mixed reviews when it was released in December 1989, it has gone on to be considered a holiday classic, delighting audiences from multiple generations. A big part of the appeal is the laugh-a-minute script by 80s cinema icon John Hughes, who managed to wring biting sarcasm and genuine emotion out of the Griswold family's Christmas from hell. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate players as they refill their eggnog, take an imaginary dip in an inground pool, and bring out the rubber sheets and gerbils while reenacting the debating the Best Quote from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Karissa Kloss, Michael Schwarz, and Zack Derby as they check their shitters, and then debate 16 of the most iconic quotes from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including warm-up in which we discuss the quotes the panelists think SHOULD have made the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panel: Karissa Kloss, Michael Schwarz, Zack Derby Producer: Bob Erlenback Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our 2024 Holiday Special devoted to the best quote from 1989's National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, December 3, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! EPISODE CREDITS: Intro Music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bluey, the lovable animated series that debuted in 2018, has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with its charming characters, heartfelt storytelling, and delightful humor. Recently, the Australian import went on a hiatus of undetermined length, but Bluey fans of all ages are waiting excitedly for the show's inevitable return. While we wait for new episodes, the Great Pop Culture Debate wanted to bring together both adults AND kids to discuss the best Bluey episodes. Episodes discussed include “Granny Mobile,” “Keepy Uppy,” “Pass the Parcel,” “Baby Race,” “Grannies,” “Curry Quest,” “Mini Bluey,” “Hammerbarn,” “The Sign,” “Double Babysitter,” “Dance Moder,” “Unicorse,” “Faceytalk,” “Dunny,” “Takeaway,” “Sleepytime.” Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Amma Marfo, Brendan Hay, Courtney Fay, Jennifer Chen, Jim Czadzeck, and Joelle Boedecker, and our special-guest kid panelists as they debate 16 of the most beloved Bluey episodes from Seasons 1-3. For more exclusive content, including warm-up in which we discuss the Bluey episodes the panelists think SHOULD have made the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panel: Amma Marfo, Brendan Hay, Courtney Fay-Czadzeck, Jennifer Chen, Jim Czadzeck, Joelle Boedecker Special Guests: Chloe, Clark, Colin Czadzeck, Elliot Czadzeck, Ian Czadzeck Producer: Bob Erlenback Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #bluey #blueyepisodes #blueypodcast #blueycartoon #cartoons #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our Season 10 episode devoted to the best Bluey episode, and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, November 26, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! EPISODE CREDITS: Intro Music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since Super Smash Bros. first released in 1999 on the Nintendo 64 system, it has become one of the most-played fighting games of all time, appealing to both hardcore gamers and casual fans alike. Over five installments and six consoles, the crossover series has featured 80+ playable fighters from a host of Nintendo-owned properties, and iconic third-party publisher games as well. Now 25 years into the franchise, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to determine: who is the best Super Smash Bros. fighter of all time? Smash Bros. fighters discussed: Kirby, Villager, Mega Man, Duck Hunt, Donkey Kong, Wii Fit Trainer, Mr. Game & Watch, Jigglypuff, Link, Ike, Samus, Bowser, Pikachu, Captain Falcon, Ice Climbers, Zelda. Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Andrea Guerrero, Curtis Creekmore, and Gary Jackson as they debate 16 of the smashiest Smash Bros. fighters of all time. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For more exclusive content, including warm-up in which we discuss the Smash fighters we think SHOULD have made the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panel: Andrea Guerrero, Curtis Creekmore, Gary Jackson Producer: Bob Erlenback Editor:  Eric Rezsnyak Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #smashbros #supersmashbros #nintendo #videogames #fightinggames #smashfighters #smashultimate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our Season 10 episode devoted to the best playable fighters from Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. game franchise, and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, November 19, wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any upcoming episodes: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! EPISODE CREDITS: Intro Music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since 1960, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has presented the Best New Artist Grammy to celebrate up-and-coming performers with a bright future in the music industry. Over the intervening 64 years, many of those winners have indeed become superstars in their own right, and on occasion, the award has gone to never-weres, has-beens, and in one notable instance, a pair of total frauds. Crank up the gramophone as the Great Pop Culture Debate seeks to determine the best Best New Artist Grammy Winner of all time. Artists discussed: The Beatles, Olivia Rodrigo, The Carpenters, Sheryl Crow, Cyndi Lauper, Christina Aguilera, Tracy Chapman, Amy Winehouse, Mariah Carey, Megan Thee Stallion, Carly Simon, John Legend, Adele, Alicia Keys, Bette Midler, Billie Eilish. Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Andrea Guerrero, Gary Jackson, and Kevin Dillon as they discuss 16 of the most iconic Best New Artists of all time. For more exclusive content, including warm-up in which we discuss the Best New Artist winners we were bummed didn't make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what's new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panel: Andrea Guerrero, Gary Jackson, Kevin Dillon Producer: Curtis Creekmore Editor: Eric Rezsnyak Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices