The Debaters

The Debaters is the podcast version of the CBC Radio show of the same name. Host Steve Patterson is a stand-up comedian, actor, and producer. He invites comics to debate fun things like, “Which is better, muffins or donuts?” Two comedians perform a monologue to defend their side. Then, they critique each other's statements. Patterson conducts "The Firing Line" to quiz contestants about the subject. The audience gets to select the champion of each debate.

One episode of The Debaters features the two Canadian comedians Yumi Nagashima and Lara Rae. They debate the positivity of Barbie's renewed popularity. Nagashima jokes that people shouldn't get rid of Barbies because burning plastic is bad. She says Barbie now represents 35 skin tones. Nagashima argues that Barbie is a better role model than Japan's Hello Kitty.

The cat has no mouth, which suggests women are beautiful if they don't talk. Rae disagrees, saying Ken is better than Barbie. As a trans woman, Rae appreciates Ken's non-specific anatomy. She jokes that Ken and Barbie are sterile, and parents wouldn't want that for their kids. Patterson quizzes the comics about Barbies. The hilarious answers involve Teslas and man buns. Nagashima says Barbies shouldn't disappear. They should represent more people. She asks Rae, "Don't you want to see a Lara Rae Barbie?" Rae's quick response is hilarious.

Erica Sigurdson and Sean Lecomber debate hosting Thanksgiving on the podcast. Sigurdson touts the host's gifts and the Tupperware she steals from guests. Lecomber presents an opposing scenario. The father must eat by 5 p.m. or he'll fake dizziness. On the other hand, the brother can't arrive until 7 p.m. because he gets a new girlfriend every ten minutes.

Patterson adds his humor throughout the show. He won Best Male Stand-Up at the Canadian Comedy Awards. It's one of many accolades for the comedian who wrote The Book of Letters I Didn't Know Where to Send. The Debaters includes relatable topics argued by hilarious people. It makes life feel more absurd than stressful. New podcast episodes air on Thursdays.