The Debaters
CBC
The Debaters is the hit show where comedians go toe-to-toe in a battle of laughs and logic. Hosted by award-winning funnyman Steve Patterson, the program is a combustible combination of sharply crafted comedic rants and hilarious ad libs. The engaging format is part stand-up, part quiz show and part comedy competition, with the live audience picking the winners.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 18, 2025 • 38min
Do candles deserve more appreciation? And is Tom Cruise the greatest movie star?
We’re waxing on about the pros and cons of candles, we feel the need for speed when we ask if Tom Cruise really is the Top Gun.Featuring: Jon Steinberg, Jan Caruana, Adam Cawley, and David Pryde.
Dec 11, 2025 • 38min
Does every home need a landline? Is Saint John superior to St. John’s?
We’re getting dialed in with a debate on landline phones. Then, we’re pitting two easily confused cities against each other - it’s Saint John, New Brunswick versus St. John’s, Newfoundland.Featuring: Matt Wright, Nikki Payne, James Mullinger, and Peter White.
Dec 4, 2025 • 28min
Should snowball fights be banned? And is 60 the new 40?
We’re right on target with a debate on snowball fights, then, it’s an ageless discussion on whether 60 is the new 40. Note, for all you keen Debaters fans, this is one from our vaults!Featuring: Derek Edwards, Dave Hemstad, Mike Wilmot, and Deborah Kimmett.
Nov 27, 2025 • 35min
Are night owls superior to early birds? Does dogsledding bring the excitement?
It’s never too late for night owls to take on early birds, then, we decide if dogsledding is paws-itively thrilling.Featuring: Don Kelly, Yumi Nagashima, Graham Clark, and Jenny Hamilton.
Nov 20, 2025 • 37min
Is pool superior to darts? Does nothing beat growing up on PEI?
Right on cue, we’re pitting pool against darts. Then, two Prince Edward Islanders go potatoe-to-toe on whether their home province is the best place to grow up.Featuring: Kelly Taylor, Clare Belford, Meg MacKay, and Patrick Ledwell.
Nov 17, 2025 • 34min
Are baby showers great? Does nothing beat winter in Alberta?
We’re ready to rattle some nerves with a battle on baby showers, then, we’ve got an un-brr-lievably funny debate on Albertan winter.Featuring: Erica Sigurdson, Dakota Ray Hebert, Brittany Lyseng and Ola Dada.
Nov 6, 2025 • 34min
Is having a plan superior to winging it? Are small airports a delight?
We’re deciding if it’s better to plan ahead or play it by ear, and if we should all get on board with small airports.Featuring: Nour Hadidi, Graham Chittenden, Shawn Hogan, and James Mullinger.
Oct 30, 2025 • 36min
Are high school friends the best friends you'll ever have? And are nosy neighbours better than noisy neighbours?
We’re deciding if high school friendships are forever, then, it’s no time to be a fencesitter when we debate whether a nosy neighbour beats a noisy neighbour.Featuring: Charlie Demers, Heidi Brander, Lisa Baker, and Derek Seguin.
Oct 16, 2025 • 32min
Are podcasts superior to music? Are date nights the key to a good relationship?
It's full stream ahead when we pit podcasts against music. Then, we go to town on whether date nights should be crucial to every couple.Featuring: Erica Sigurdson, Myles Anderson, Kyle Brownrigg, and Kate Davis.We value your input. Fill out our listener questionnaire here!
Oct 9, 2025 • 40min
Should curling be Canada’s national sport? Is Canada's Thanksgiving better than America's?
We’ve got a stone cold debate on whether curling should be Canada’s national sport. Then, who dishes out a better Thanksgiving, Canadians or Americans?Featuring: John Cullen, Elvira Kurt, Clifton Cremo, and Nathan Macintosh.Fill out our listener survey here. We appreciate your input!
