The Debaters - Are podcasts superior to music? Are date nights the key to a good relationship?
Episode Date: October 16, 2025It'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!
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This is a CBC podcast.
Hey, Canada, are you ready to be suitably impressed?
From the home of the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, it's the debater!
The debaters where comedians fight with facts and funny in this audience picks the winner.
Now here's a man whose comedy always checks out.
Steve Platterson.
Hey!
Thanks, Graham Clark.
Hello, Canada.
Welcome back to the debaters.
It's always great to be back here in Victoria, BC,
a city with fantastic shopping.
That's not a joke.
If you have the time, you could browse Canada's first Umbrellatorium
called,
wait for it, the umbrella.
the Umbrellatorium.
I have no idea there were so many different kinds of umbrellas.
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Time now to meet two debaters who are always ready to rain down the fire
and bumbers shoot their mouths off.
This comic recorded her trip to Wall Street
and now has a lot of stock footage.
It's Vancouver's Erica Sigerson.
Erica Sigerson.
There she is.
Hi, Erica.
Hi, Steve.
And this comic gets a lot of mileage out of every joke.
It's Victoria's Miles Anderson.
Miles Anderson.
There he is.
smartly dressed as always
your topic is one that will ring in your ears
podcasts are they superior to music
I don't know which way this will go
but I do know that listening to either of those things
without headphones in public should be illegal
yeah
apparently listening to your device without headphones
has a name. It's called loudcasting. And a lot of young people loudcast on purpose, which makes me
want to cast their listening device into the ocean. Older people, however, sometimes do it because they
can't get their headphone wires untangled. And because Peter Mansbridge's podcast deserves to be heard
by everyone, damn it! It's the bridge to the future. Time now for a debate that is loud and
proud. So, whereas they cover a wide range of subjects are more compelling, informative, and creative,
be it resolved that podcasts are superior to music. Erica, you are arguing for this, please. You have two
minutes, starting now, Erica Sigurdson. Thank you, Victoria. I'm here to tell you
podcast rule. You've got someone in your ear telling you who to vote for, or describing a gruesome
murder or best of all celebrities interviewing other celebrities about
relatable topics like booking a ski holiday in San Maritz coal plunging or
candles that smell like vaginas people talk about music bringing people
together but no one talks about when music tries to kill you in 2001 a young
Erica Sigurton had a goal to run a half marathon but
no podcast to tell her how.
It was me, a bright yellow Sony Walkman, and my dream.
As I started jogging through my hilly neighborhood, I ran at a moderate pace,
when suddenly the song Cotton Eye Joe filled my ears with a sick beat and my soul with confidence.
No, no one had warned me not to run downhill listening to Cotton Eye Joe.
and I, Joe.
So as the music sped up, I sped up.
And then I heard, where did you come from?
Where did you go?
I'll tell you where I went, into the dirt.
My feet came out from under me,
and I was somersolling out of control down a hill
when my face skidded across the sidewalk
and brought me to a stop.
I held in my hand a bloody, smashed walkman in my heart,
Smash Dream.
None of that would have happened with a podcast.
Thank you.
Erica Sigerson says podcasts are better than music.
Now, here to tell you that the Hills aren't alive with the sound of podcasts.
Let's hear from the musical, lyrical, and we think darn funny.
Miles Anderson.
Thank you.
Podcasts are the worst.
I have a permanent podcast playing in my head
that is hosted by comedian Miles Anderson.
All he does is talk about how I need to make more money
or I'm going to starve.
Sometimes he introduces a guest
who suggested I should start robbing banks.
But when I listen to music,
podcast is silenced, and I can lose myself in the infectious beat of Lou Bega's fifth
mombo.
This show will be broadcast on public radio, a noble institution, but it will also be released
as a filthy podcast.
Unlike the radio version, edited for timing and efficiency,
the podcast version will include several 90-second ad breaks
where Steve Patterson hawks his cure-all multivitamins.
Patterpills.
The radio is so much better than podcasts
because it has music and any talkies.
usually relates to a local area.
I've heard so many comics say offensive things
because of the influence of American comedy podcasts.
This is Canada.
If you want to tell offensive jokes,
you need to do a land acknowledgement first.
Podcasts are a symptom of toxic productivity culture.
Many people believe that listening to a podcast about business and finance will help them make more money.
This won't work. It's 2025. If you need to make more money, it's already too late.
Music is just so much better than podcasts. Would you rather listen to Kanye West the musician or Kanye West the podcaster?
Thank you.
Myles Anderson, everybody.
All right.
Podcasts versus music, it is time for the bare knuckle round.
We're debating whether podcasts are superior to music,
so let me give you some advice on the download.
It's time to go Joe Roe Gunning for your opponent
and broadcast your aspersions on them.
Don't just stand there in stereo.
Trust me, the audience can spot a fine comic argument
from wherever they get their podcasts.
So it's time to hit all the right notes, starting now.
Miles, you know that we don't have to listen to Kanye West at all.
That's not a choice anyone has to make.
I try to stay cool if I can.
Sorry.
Erica, I was just wondering, what is a walk man?
Why were you running with it when the name implies, you should walk?
Okay, okay.
That voice in your head telling you to make more
more money, that's your mom.
I mean, that's true, but to be fair, I also tell her the same thing.
And speaking of money, Miles, you seem really concerned about it.
Can you tell the audience, what is your degree in?
Music.
Podcasts are also awesome because as a comedian, you're on the road with other comics all the time,
and you can just put on a podcast so you don't have to talk to them.
That's why you put it on?
You know, you could have just told me we didn't have to listen to all of Megan Markle's podcasts.
That's a good place to stop.
That's the bare knuckle round, everybody.
We are debating podcasts versus music.
and you could well be listening to this on a podcast
or you're listening to it on the radio.
And when CBC Radio sometimes does play music too,
we're trying to keep it neutral.
All right.
It's time now for the firing line in my hand.
I have a list of questions on podcasts versus music
brought to you by whale music.
Whale music, the ultimate podcast.
We did it.
We got one.
We got one.
Good night, everybody.
The term podcast was coined in 2004 by reporter Ben Hammersley,
who brainstormed what to call the growing trend of amateur online broadcasting.
Two other names he pitched were audio blogging and what else.
Erica.
Mansplaining Manifestos.
A lot of high-pitched support for that one.
Three points.
Miles Anderson.
Microsoft Zooning.
Hey, just because I don't know what it means, doesn't mean it's not funny.
One point.
Two other names that he pitched were audio blogging and guerrilla media.
Don't know why that didn't stick.
Flyingrunner.com says when it comes to going for a run,
listening to music can help boost energy and maintain a steady rhythm,
while listening to a podcast can help what?
Erica?
Plan a murder
Two points.
Terrifying. Absolutely terrifying.
It can distract you
and help time pass more quickly.
Or you can get disinformed
while your body improves its form.
Thank you. That counts.
Lifewire.com says
the best places to listen to music for free
are YouTube, Spotify, and wherever else.
Miles?
In my apartment after my neighbor wakes up and decides to play music for 10 hours a day.
I don't know how he even does this. I don't know what he does.
I don't know if he got like a settlement from ICBC or something.
But like 10 hours.
I hope he hears this.
Not surprisingly, not what I have here.
The actual answer, SoundCloud, good luck remembering the question.
Soundplate.com says the average person listens to 20.1 hours of music a week,
up from 18.4 hours in 2021.
And the increase can be attributed to what?
Miles.
My latest flute album.
What was it called again?
We'll give it a plug.
It's called flute for miles and miles.
Flute for Miles and Miles.
Eric Sigurtson.
The Death of the Queen.
God.
Some of them just found out.
The increase in the average person listening to 20.1 hours of music a week up from 18.4
can be attributed to the growing popularity of streaming services.
And that's the firing line, everybody.
It is almost time for our...
our magnificent McPherson Playhouse
audience to vote, but first here again to tell us
why music is in and podcasts
should be cast out. Let's hear
again from Miles Anderson.
When a whole
society is musical, you
get orchestras, choirs, bands,
and communal joy.
When everybody has a podcast,
you get an infinite feedback loop of
terrible opinions.
Everybody has a podcast.
because they think they are smart because they listen to a bunch of podcasts.
Truly great music makes us emotional and introspective.
It makes us question the meaning of life and death.
The most popular podcasts make people question vaccines and fluoride.
Music is deeply meaningful
and often accompanies our life's biggest moments.
At my funeral, I don't want you to play a compilation of podcast clips
in the cathedral.
I want a live orchestra to perform a heartfelt rendition of
All-Star by Smash Mouth.
Thank you.
Miles Anderson.
On behalf of music, he's against podcasts, and he's put it out there.
He wants Smash Mouth.
Now, here to tell us why her podcast would be called Music, Meh.
Let's hear from Erica Sigerson.
Yes, music can unite people.
It sounds lovely, but it's also how we got line dancing.
And have you ever got a song stuck in your head?
That's torture.
All day, your boss is breathing down your neck,
asking for the Johnson file and all you can think is baby shark.
Do do do do do do, do baby shark.
Next thing you know, you're fired.
Thanks, music.
When your life falls apart, who helps you get through it?
A therapist, Pasha.
No one can afford that.
that. Instead, we turn to our friend the podcast, because there's podcasts for mental health,
financial advice, relationship advice, and even sleep podcasts. And if you're trying to get in
the mood, there's even a sexy podcast called Dirty Diana. I've heard. And if that doesn't do
it for you because you're from Alberta, you can always listen to that episode of Joe Rogan
interviewing Jordan Peterson. Thank you.
Erica Sigerson.
On behalf of podcasts and against music, Miles Anderson,
it says the opposite, and it is time for Victoria to vote.
By applause, how many of you thought that Erica's love of the pod
left you all awed?
A-W-D, Erica Singerson.
Some good support for Erica here.
All right.
And how many thought Miles' music musings were music to your ears,
Miles Anderson?
The crowd has spoken, and they want the music.
The winner is Miles Anderson, music over podcast.
Big hand for Miles Anderson and Erica Sigurtson, everybody.
Hey, debaters, listeners, we've got more laughs and logic coming your way.
And now we're changing locations from Victoria, BC, and heading over to Steve Patterson
at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto.
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Just got one question for you, Toronto.
Are you ready to meet your next pair of debaters?
Listen to that.
Listen to that.
All right.
This comic thinks tightening up his belt is really just a cinch.
It's Ottawa's Kyle Brownray.
Come on out, Kyle.
There he is, taking his place to my right.
And this comic never argues with her chiropractor
because she was raised not to engage in backtalk.
It's Toronto's own Kate Davis.
Kate Davis, riling up the hometown crowd.
Your topic is one that's a sense.
sweetheart of a debate. Date night, is it vital to a relationship?
Hmm, not so much a reaction as a quiet pondering. Let's just take a quick poll. How many people
here tonight are on a date? Okay, very nice. Very nice. I like it. It's pretty risky coming to
the debaters on a date night. If you laugh too hard at the wrong thing,
you'll have your own heated debate on the ride home.
And you better not remember your favorite joke of the night
and start giggling while you're making up,
if you know what I mean.
And you shouldn't, young man.
Time now for a debate that will be an intimate affair.
So, whereas it's a ritual that strengthens communication, intimacy, and bonds of affection,
be it resolved, date nights are the key to a good relationship.
Kyle, you are arguing for this, please.
You have two minutes.
Starting now, Kyle Brown-ray.
Listen, date night is key to a good relationship
because it's the much-needed time off
that you have been requesting for months
to keep your murder tendencies at bay.
Right?
Nothing kills passion like routine.
In my house, I do all the cooking, all the cleaning,
and it's fine.
It's fine.
But if you don't take me out once in a while to show your appreciation,
like the Soprenos, I will take you out.
You may argue, date night is expensive.
It's still cheaper than a divorce.
And besides, with the price of groceries these days,
there is no difference to cooking a romantic dinner at home
or dining at a fancy restaurant.
Either way, it's guaranteed to spice things up with a threesome
because whether you stay in or go out,
Galen Weston is screwing both of you.
Date nights are crucial because they remind you that you are romantic partners,
not just unpaid janitors who split the Wi-Fi bill.
At the end of the day, date night, it's not about the place, it's not about the cost, it's not about the food.
It's about taking one night off of binging your true crime series on Netflix to avoid you and your spouse starring in the next episode.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Kyle Brownrigg tells us we should be going on more date nights.
Now, here to tell us why date.
nights for her are when she stays home eating dates all night. Let's hear from Kate Davis.
Thank you. Thank you, Steve. Date nights, guys, are not the key to a good relationship.
I've been with the same man now for 35 years. Yeah, don't. His idea of romance and date
nights are taking out the garbage every Tuesday. Yeah, he's an idiot.
Garbage Day's Monday.
35 years, Steve, 35, and there's a reason why it has lasted so long.
Yeah, no date nights.
I mean, look, we have tried it.
When we were young, like Kyle over there, and naive.
Yeah, we used to go on date nights.
Yeah, every Monday, we'd go for dinner and salsa classes.
It was the one thing we could do where we could have multiple partners
and not catch anything.
Honestly, ask any parent
what is the perfect date night?
I'll tell you.
Getting a hotel
and getting a full night's sleep.
Yeah.
We enjoy different things, my husband and I.
We're opposites.
He doesn't drink.
He doesn't smoke.
He doesn't eat meat.
He works out every day.
He is so going to die first, guys.
It's always a health nuts.
Right?
And there's so much.
pressure on date nights to talk to each other.
Ugh.
So much pretending to like each other.
Ugh.
Once we went to Cirque de Soleil for a date night.
Yeah, that was hot.
I spent the entire time reminding him of the time when he could lift me.
Not anymore.
And why would you want to go out with a person you are with every day?
Ew!
So you can talk about the same stuff you talk about in your kitchen?
Stop!
You always strengthens communication, intimacy, and bonds of affection,
a stiff drink, and a healthy bank account.
Thank you.
Oh, my God.
I sound like my mother.
Kate Davis, everybody.
All right.
We got ourselves a debate, and it's time now for the bare knuckle round.
We're debating whether date nights are great nights,
so you should have no reservation.
about being a champagne in your opponent's neck
and letting them know that you're in for a world of flirt.
It's time to intimidate your opponent, starting now.
Oh, okay, okay.
I'm going to say, like, just listening to Kyle, and he is amazing.
But honestly, you said you feel like an unpaid janitor
and who splits the Wi-Fi?
You sound like roomies, not in a relationship.
Just, roommates, was the only way
that we could tell my grandmother
about my relationship.
Look, Kyle, you also said,
I do all the cooking, I do all the cleaning,
so you're owed a date, and I, like, what is this,
in 1950s?
Like, why are you kink shaming, right?
Listen, I can't judge your marriage.
It sounds amazing.
But the bar is so low for heterosexual relationships.
I'm sorry, but it really is.
Kate, you broke my number one rule.
Never marry a heterosexual man, all right?
At your first estate.
Look, date nights are for ever.
Amateurs. You know, like, they really are. Look, what do you do on a date? You go to a movie,
you go to the theater, you go to a concert. Why? So you don't have to talk to each other.
Right? That's what we do. Go out with your bestie. Go home and tell your partner about it.
That's a great date night.
Honestly, I think you're missing the point. Date nights are key to a good relationship, not a long relationship.
That's the bear knock around, everybody.
It's time now for the firing line.
In my hands, I have a list of questions on date nights brought to you by Best Before Dates.
Remember, using mouthwash is Best Before Dates.
Destinationonterio.com recommends a fun night for couples is going to the devil's workshop.
What happens at the devil's workshop?
Kyle?
You get to return and get a full refund for your children.
That was a mixed reaction.
Yeah.
No.
That's good for two points.
Kate.
What happens at the devil's workshop?
Stay at the devil's workshop.
All right.
All right.
Oh, right.
Ah.
I like it.
No.
The answer is you make jewelry.
Williamsburg Therapy Group says couples should follow the 2-2-2 rule,
go out on a date every two weeks,
plan a weekend getaway every two months,
and do what every two years?
Kyle?
Rob a circle K to afford all that crap.
I like that.
Every two years,
go on a week's vacation every two years.
Williamsburg Therapy Group, not a lot of happy clients.
ThriveCouplescounseling.com says there are three things you should never discuss on date night.
Money, work, and what?
Kyle.
How that shirt used to fit.
Three points for Kyle.
Kate?
The last date night.
Also true.
One point.
One.
You should never...
All right, half a point.
You should never discuss money, work, or the kids.
Just occurring to some of you.
That is the firing line, everybody.
All right.
It's almost that magical time
when our Danforth music hall audience votes
but first here again to say
nighty night and put date nights to bed
let's hear again from Kate Davis.
Thank you. Thank you Steve.
I don't want to take my husband.
I already did that. And look what it got me.
Three kids, two dogs, and a tattoo
that says may the best person win.
Now we just go on dates to shooting ranges
and we take hikes next to steep cliffs with selfies.
Date nights are not the key to a good relationship.
Staying in our PJs, spending two hours
trying to decide what to watch on Netflix
and falling asleep in our PJs,
now that is love.
Thank you.
Kate Davis.
Pating a pretty cozy picture here.
Thank you, Kate.
Now, here to remind us
that it's been scientifically proven
even Neanderthal couples
went out on carbon date nights.
Let's hear from Kyle Browning!
Date nights are essential
because sometimes we need a reminder
that our partner owns clothing
other than mystery-stained sweatpants.
It's especially difficult if you have parasites.
I mean, kids.
Some of them are here tonight.
Hi, guys.
Having kids is like being in a group chat
where you can't leave or silence the constant notifications, right?
Date night mutes those notifications temporarily,
but long enough so that you can get mom drunk at the keg.
It's not about grand gestures or expensive restaurants.
It's about reconnecting with the person that you love the most
and finally communicating in a way that doesn't involve yelling
because there's two people in the kitchen at the same time.
Thank you.
Kyle Browbrigg.
He's all brought.
for dates. Kate Davis says we don't need them. Let's see what the audience has decided.
By applause, how many of you agreed with Kate that you wouldn't give the time of day to a date
Kate Davis?
Showing the love for Kate. And by applause, who enjoyed Kyle's date nights of the roundtable
discussion, Kyle Brownray.
The audience has decided that date nights are still for them. The winner is Kyle Brownray.
Thank you for Kyle Browderick and Kate Davis, everybody.
Well, that's all for this week.
I'm Steve Patterson saying if you're listening to our show
while on a date, remember if you score, we get the assist.
I'll argue with you again soon, Canada.
Good night.
The Debaters is created by Richard Seid.
This week's episode was produced by Nicole Calendar,
Chloe Edbrook, Dean Jenkinson, and Graham Clark.
With continuity by Graham Clark, Diana Francis,
Gary Jones. Technical production by James Ferella, Todd Reimer, and Kean Dunn. Story editing by
Gary Jones and Graham Clark. With special thanks to Katie Ellen Humphreys, David Pride, and Emily
Ferrier. Executive producer of CBC Radio Comedy is Lee Pitts. And thanks to everyone at the
McPherson Playhouse in Victoria and the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto. For more CBC
podcasts, go to cbc.ca slash podcasts.