The Debaters - Are tourists the worst? Should people stop comparing themselves to others?

Episode Date: February 19, 2026

We’ve got a debate on tourists that’s fanny-packed with jokes, then, it’s a vali-date with destiny when we discuss comparing yourself to others.Featuring: Myles Anderson, Yumi Nagashima, Graham Clark, and Syd Bosel.

This program is brought to you in part by Spex Savers. Every day, your eyes go through a lot. Squinting at screens, driving into the bright sun, reading in dim light, even late-night drives. That's why regular eye exams are so important. At Spec Savers, every standard eye exam includes an advanced OCT 3D eye scan, technology that helps independent optometrists detect eye and health conditions at their earliest stages. Take care of your eyes. Book your eye exam at Specsavers today from just $99, including an OCT scan.

Book at Spexavers.cavers.caps are provided by independent optometrists. Prices may vary by location. Visit specksavers.com to learn more. This is a CBC podcast. Hey, Canada, we're awfully fond of you from Vancouver, home of the Grand Fondo bike race. It's the debater! The debaters where comedians fight with facts and funny in this audience picks the winner. Now here's a man who's really, really funny, Steve. Welcome back to the debaters.

We have returned to our favorite home on the West Coast. Vancouver, B.C. A city of many beautiful parks. Everyone knows that Stanley Park is the city's biggest, but do you know what the smallest is? Okay, I will tell you then. Macaulay Park in East Vancouver. Yes, it is a triangular strip of grass on the median

between the busy streets of Kingsway and Fraser. A perfect place for a picnic if you like one person picnics and getting your sandwiches run over by traffic. Time now to meet two debaters who always knock it out of the park. This comic felt that the lack of a smoke detector in his apartment was caused for alarm. It's Victoria's Miles Anderson. Miles Anderson, there he is. Making his way across the stage to my right.

clipboard in hand Miles Anderson And it's this comic's unwavering belief in gravity that keeps her feet planted firmly on the ground Vancouver's Yumi Nagashima

and Miles Anderson Hi Yumi Your topic is one that I have some reservations about tourists Are they the worst Vancouver? You get a of tourists from around the world,

and there will probably be more from the rest of Canada, now that American politics are keeping people from vacationing down south. We might also get Americans visiting us while posing as Canadians, and you know what? I say let them. Because maybe if they pick up on our niceness,

it'll rub off on their neighbors when they get home. And that's neighbors with a U. Time now for a debate we hope will be a tour-de-for. a tour to force. So, whereas they can be rude, entitled, and ignorant, and do nothing but increase congestion, prices, and noise, be it resolved, there's nothing worse than a tourist. Miles, you're arguing for this, please. You have two minutes starting now, Miles Anderson. Thanks so much. People don't visit other places because they are mentally healthy. It's quite the opposite. People travel because they have.

are sad and they think that being sad somewhere else will cure them. It won't. Tourists drive up the price of everything. BC has turned into Disneyland and now locals are forced to pay Disney prices. Why is it $35 for my Mickey Mouse pancake? Sure, tourists bring money. They also bring the flu. Stay home.

Keep your money and your phlegm. to yourself. Locals have places to be. Tourists have no direction. They wander around, aimlessly, bumping into things and taking pictures like robot vacuum cleaners. Tourists are rude. It wasn't always this way. In the medieval times, tourists were known as pilgrims, and they didn't take annoying selfies. They took small bones and body parts from dead saints and went straight. I can't stand American tourists. Just because their dollar is stronger, they think they're 30% better than us. Americans, stop trying to use US money to pay for stuff here.

If I tried to use Canadian dollars in America, I would be detained and deported to Germany. The only tourist I approve of is the one that travels to see me do comedy. But there is no need for you to leave your hometown, For $75, I will do comedy anywhere in the world. Modern tourists are not romantic adventurers. There is almost no risk to travel nowadays. In the past, voyages were perilous, and the poor would endure being crammed in steerage for weeks.

Now, if you have enough points, you can ride in Air Canada's Steeridge Plus. Thank you. Miles Anderson, everybody. says no to tourists. Now, to tell us why when she spots tourists, they're a sightsee for her sore eyes. Let's welcome Yumi Nagashima.

So sad. How can a man named Miles hate travel so much? In Japan, we have a proverb, "'KawaiiqoSasayo.'" It means, if you love your child, send them on a journey, because travel makes you a better person with empathy, which suddenly explains mild debate. Tourists aren't ignorant, they are buffering. If you walk up at 4 a.m., crossed nine time zones, and couldn't nap at the connecting

airport because of latex glove customs nightmares. You'd stand in the middle of the sidewalk too. The travel industry contributes over $10 trillion to global GDP every year. So if you hate tourists, what you actually hate is money. Tourists are Japan's biggest source of income right now. And I know many Canadians visiting Japan because the yen is cheap. You can't complain about tourists. in Canada and enjoy affordable ramen in Japan at the same time.

Pick aside. Many locals were once tourists who arrived here with a suitcase and a dream. I was once a tourist in Vancouver. December 2005, I learned three things very quickly. Winter here is cold. The Christmas lights on Robson Street are beautiful, and sushi is fresher than in Japan. So I stayed.

Tourists fall in love with your city. Locas get bored because they are in a long-term relationship. Tourists look at Vancouver's gas and steam clock and say, wow, a steam clock! And locals look at it and say, yes, it goes off every 15 minutes, like clockwork. Many tourists love the Hop on Hopoff bus. Miles, I invite you to hop off the Bat Attitude Express.

And hop on the bus of prosperity, cultural dialogue, and funny packs. Chima, ladies and gentlemen, we got ourselves a debate. Sign now for the bare-knuckle round. We're debating whether tourists are the worst. So, debaters, now that we've matched you, it's time to peach you against each other. Be sure to give this audience an eyeful. Otherwise, you'll have to Taj Mahal your butt out of here,

as we say, Dubai, bye. But, Thames the brakes. So, go ahead. I won't say to Fee no to that, Starting now. Miles, you say tourists are mentally unhealthy and they travel because they're sad? First of all, sadness is a healthy emotion.

At least tourists are doing something about it. And if only sad people traveled, Vancouver would be empty in February. Honestly, Vancouver being empty sounds like a dream to me. It took me 90 minutes to get here and I had to park in Squamish. I don't travel unless there's a reason. In fact, the last time I was in North Vancouver

was to do the debaters. Honestly, the biggest red flag on a dating profile is loves to travel. You know who else likes to love to travel? Fugitives. Excuse me? You know what's a bigger red flag? The guy doesn't go anywhere unless there's debaters.

Or the guy who eats Mickey Mouse pancake. And you say tourists are worse than pilgrims because they bring the flu. Are you sure? I think tourists are better because pilgrims brought the black death. I don't know if you've been reading the news, Yumi, but the black death is starting to come back in Alberta.

I think we'll stop it there. Yeah, that's the bare knuckle round, everybody. Time now for the firing line. In my hand, I have a list of questions on tourists brought to you by the Locals Association in Whistler, BC, a.k. Australians. Finish this quote from G.K. Chesterton. The traveler sees what he sees.

The tourist sees what. Yumi. Where the gift shop is. Good guess. Miles? Great deals on hair plug surgery. The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.

Pretty deep, G.K. Chesterton. The wise philosopher who also stuck three chairs together to create the Chesterton field. In summer 2025, anti-tourist protests in Barcelona, Spain, made international news with locals expressing their displeasure with tourists by doing what? Miles? Running the bowls ahead of schedule.

Good. Four points. Anti-tourist protests in Barcelona, Spain made international news with locals expressing their displeasure by spraying tourists with water guns. Honestly. put Spanish in charge of all public unrest because I think water is better than ice. Paris-based journalist Peter Young says, to become a better tourist, you should aim for

slowness and what else? Yumi. Better sushi quality. I like that. Miles Anderson. The center of the urnol. Peter Young says to become a better tourist, you should aim for slowness and, Imperfection. Theadventurebeckons.com says some common mistakes tourists make when visiting Vancouver are,

expecting the weather to be like the rest of Canada, renting a car when you don't need one, and what else? Miles. Respect the crows or they will destroy you. Sounds good. Full point. Yumi Nagoshima. making Miles your tour guide. I would go anywhere that clipboard told me to go.

Vancouver, expecting the weather to be like the rest of Canada, renting a car when you don't need one, and thinking Victoria is just a quick side trip. That's true. Idiots, that's what I thought the first time I came home. That's the firing line, everybody. We are in the home stretch here in North Van at the beautiful Centennial Theater,

and it's almost time for the audience to vote. But first, here again to deliver an all-inclusive defense of tourists. Let's hear from Yumi Nagoshima. I just came back from my honeymoon in Hawaii, and they're incredible with tourists. They call you a hoana family, while setting clear boundaries to protect sea turtles, and coral reefs.

They don't dislike tourists. They educate them. Because Miles, resentment never saved a sea turtle. And you'd like the turtles, Miles. They also refuse to come out of their shells. We live in a world where too many people are closing their doors and their hearts. That's wrong. Miles is like,

keep them out build a wall meanwhile I'm like come visit my place in Vancouver please take your shoes off thank you Nubinagashima now to tell us why in his eyes

tourists extra revenue ain't worth the extra hassle let's hear again from Miles Anderson Tourist is such a polite term. We used to call them drifters. You'd crack your door and peek at them from behind your lantern and ask if they meant any trouble or if they'd be on their way. Now they walk right into the apartment next door and have a huge party in the illegal Airbnb.

I won't need to argue my point for long. Vancouver is about to host millions of tourists for the World Cup and we have exactly five hotel rooms available. There will be at least one drunk soccer fan sleeping in each of your homes. Thank you. Miles Anderson. Giving them a lot to think about here.

Let's see what the audience has decided. It's time to vote by applause. Who agreed with Miles that the sound of tourists leaving is like Munich to his ears? Miles Anderson. What the love for Miles. And who loved how Yumi totally talked tourists up? Yumi Nagashima.

A well-fought debate. But I've got to go with Yumi Nagoshima. Letting me and Miles Anderson, everybody. You're listening to CBC's The Debaters. Want access to bonus content and information on upcoming tour dates? Then be sure to follow us on Instagram. You can find us at at CBC debaters. This program is brought to you.

in part by Specsavers. Every day, your eyes go through a lot. Squinting at screens, driving into the bright sun, reading in dim light, even late night drives. That's why regular eye exams are so important. At Specsavers, every standard eye exam includes an advanced OCT 3D eye scan, technology that helps independent optometrists detect eye and health conditions at their earliest stages. Take care of your eyes. Book your eye exam at Specsavers today from just $99, including an OCT scan. Book at Spexsavers.cavers.caps are provided by optometrists. Prices may vary by location. Visit specksavers.cavers.cai to learn more.

Hi, listeners' ears. Steve here. I'd like to talk to your eyes for a minute, please. Eyes? I want you to know that I see you, and I know that every day you go through a lot. Like squinting at screens, or squinting in the bright sun. Anyway, regular eye exams are very important, and that's why at spec savers, eye exams include an advanced OCT 3D eye scan, technology that helps detect eye and health conditions at early stages. So take care of yourself, eyes, and book yourself an eye exam at at specksavers.cavers today from just $99, including your OCT scan. Now, to remind your ears

of what I just said to your eyes, here's my best fast announcer voice. Book an eye exam with an OCT scan from $99 at specksavers.ca.c. Ae exams are provided by independent optometrists. Prices may vary by location. Visit specksavers.caver's.cah to learn more. Hey, pretty good, fast talking Steve. Thanks, normal talking, Steve. You were good, too. Are you ready to meet your next pair of debaters? Crab Canada. This comic teaches a course in crab walking, but only as a side hustle. It's Vancouver's Graham Clark. Graham Clark. Hi, Steve. Hi, buddy.

And this comic recommends getting your hair curled at a casino. because she likes the high rollers. It's Comox P.C.'s, Sid Bozanne. Debaters, your topic is a comparatively good one. Should we compare ourselves to others? Our youngest fan thinks so. For instance, we're the best comedy debating show on the radio. Partly because we're the only comedy debating show on the radio.

So I guess by default, we are also the worst comedy debating show on the radio. That's the kind of comparison that makes our listeners just curious enough to keep listening. Now, time for a debate where you get to compare my two funny friends. So, whereas it can magnify insecurities, undermine confidence, and steal joy, be it resolved you should not compare yourself to others.

Graham, you're arguing for this, please. You have two minutes. Starting now, Graham, Clark. President Theodore Roosevelt is rumored to have said, Comparison is the thief of joy. Oh man, he's really good at coming up with quotes. The only phrase I've coined is,

if nobody saw you drop it, you can eat it at your leisure. Comparing leads to coveting, and looking at the commandments, I'm coveting all over the place. And also the seven deadly sins, I'm all about envy. And sloth, I think you'll agree from hearing what I've written so far. You guys know the Bible? You know the Seven Deadly Sins there? One time I was at an addition,

and the waiting room all looked like they were going for the role of creepy janitor. Comparing myself to them was just awful, and I didn't get the part. Sometimes I'll be performing at a bar, and I'll compare myself to the pay pool table, because I'm pretty sure it's making more than me. I don't want your pity.

I... The goal is the last. In short of that, I'll take claps. I don't want them now. Comparing myself to Sid, it's no contest. She's been on Canada's Got Talent. She's officially been crowned as a talented Canadian comedian.

I once had a comedy special called Comedy Now. And that's something you demand to a comedian who's not being funny. Comedy! Now! I will admit, I'm good at some things like comparing myself to others and feeling bad about it. I'm the best there is at that. Thank you. says don't compare yourself. Now, to tell her fellow debater

to stick his argument where the compare a sun don't shine, let's hear from Sid Bozell. Thank you, Graham. Nice try. And Steve, in this amazing CBC audience, you're so much better compared to that last audience. I'm here to argue that we absolutely should compare ourselves to others. Comparing is an opportunity to great. grow, it's natural. We should practice it with intention, but don't like go deep.

The key is to only compare yourself to what we see on the surface of others. Have you ever taken the time to get to know someone, Graham? It's overrated. These are all good things. Comparing Steele's joy, there will always be someone better at something than you are. That's what I told my kids. Well, one kid more than the other. Comparing magnifies insecurities, who is more painful to be around

than someone who exudes confidence anyways? And comparing undermines confidence. This keeps us humble, ergo more pleasant to be around. Thank you, both of you. If I didn't compare myself to you and other comedians, Graham, I would never stand in the wings of a stage throwing up. No, I consistently compare myself to you, causing enormous angst and subsequent barfing,

all of which culminates into my trademark, authentic, eloquent, and sophisticated stand-up comedy. I judge my worth, based on how many likes I get on the Facebook. This gives me goals. It's my process as an artist. If I didn't compare myself to other parents, I wouldn't know the ever-motivating pastime of guilt.

I compare myself to others all the time, and I'm fine. Thank you. Sid Moselle says, go ahead and compare yourself. We've got ourselves a debate here. Sit and Graham, and it's time now for the bare knuckle round. We're debating whether you should stop comparing yourself to others. So, this is your valid date with destiny. I'll be right here to make sure things don't go compare-shaped.

That was the grown I was looking for. That was nice. Give us jokes that are self-worth the price of admission, and put a confidant in your opponent's logic. Time to work up a full head of esteem, starting to work up. Starting now. Oh, Graham. Graham, you shouldn't compare yourself to a pool table.

Is it because of how it felt? That's all right. If I can do it, she can do it. Or, oh. Or is it the balls in your pocket? I'm sorry. Q Graham. Yep.

Just soaking that in. You said, like, who is more painful to be around than someone exudes confidence? anyways. I wouldn't know I only hang out with comedians. And so for those of you in Radio Land, when he refers to himself as comedian, he does it with like air quotes. Sid doesn't know that air quotes went out in the 90s. Says the guy who can't bring up a more recent reference than Teddy Roosevelt or the Ten Commandments.

All right. That's the bare knuckle round, everybody. I'm going to stop this one before. before someone gets hurt. It is time now for the firing line. In my hand, I have a list of questions on comparing yourself to others brought to you by Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. When it comes to which is the best,

they're all beyond Com Prairie, son. Come on! Oh! Here we go. Medium.com says if you find yourself comparing yourself to others, replace the self-talk I'm not good enough with I'm what? Graham?

Not smart enough. Listen to that crowd. Two and a half points. Sid? I am good enough and they're just dumb. Also good? No, according to Medium.com, you should replace the self-talk I'm not good enough with,

I'm working on it. That's how I feel so far in this debate. I'm working on it. Finish this lyric from Olivia Rodriguez's song, Jealousy, jealousy. I kind of want to throw my phone across the room because all I see are girls too good to be true with paperwhite teeth and perfect bodies.

I wish what? Sid. That phones weren't so expensive. That's a good answer. Three full points, Sid. Enjoy them. Three points. The answer is, I wish I didn't.

I didn't care. And I wish I knew the song. Psychology Today says you're less likely to negatively compare yourself to others if you're what. Graham? Successful and handsome and tall. Those are right at the ready. Those rolled right off the tug. Three points. Can you repeat the cross? Yeah. Yeah.

Psychology today says you're less likely to negatively compare yourself to others if you're what. Sid? Over 60. Good point. Some nice response from the crowd. Psychology today says you're less likely to negatively compare yourself to others if you're committed to being grateful for what's good in your life. I do not have a psychology today subscription, and I'm not getting one.

And that is the firing line, everybody. All right. We're nearly at that magical time when our Centennial Theater audience places their votes, but first here again to compare and contrast with what Graham is saying. Let's hear from Sid Bozell. Thank you, Graham. Your points are excellent compared to mine. See what I did there?

Who hasn't heard these morally guiding comparisons? If Graham jumped off a bridge, would you? Or, why can't you be more like your sister? Or, you're dressed like a whore. I didn't compare myself to other parents. I'd never have read my daughter's diary. comparing remorse and jealousy are arguably the ultimate motivators. Think I'm not debating well? We'll find out.

Because our audience will compare us. That's how this works. That's how life works. Thank you. Sid Fossel. Now, here to remind us why, when it comes to comparing ourselves to others, we all need a good gratitude adjustment. Let's hear from our friend Graham Clark. Okay. Now, you may not know this,

but I was nominated for a Juno Award. Yeah, that's right. But why listen to me when you could listen to a Juno Award winner? Please welcome the stage, Jacob Samuel, everybody. Oh, all right. Jacob's coming out. Hey, buddy. And he's got his Juno Award with him.

That's nice. Hi. I'm Juno Award winner, Jacob Samuel. I'm just here to say, Graham, don't compare yourself to me. Because we all know the kind of success and money that comes with being a Juno Award winner as opposed to a lowly and pathetic nominee.

Get the hell off the stage. I'll be signing autographs in the parking lot. Finally, I'll say this, that for all you know, someone could be comparing themselves to you right now. And it's me. and I'm furious. Good night.

Graham Clark. Audience that is up to you by applause who agrees that no one can compare with Graham's anti-comparison conversation. Graham Clark, listen to the love here in Vancouver. Yeah. And how many of you compared notes and agreed with Sid's pro-comparison

communicates, Sid Bozell. If it sounds close to you, get your radios fixed, because the winner by far is Sid Bozell. Big amp for Sid Bozell and Graham That's all for this week. I'm Steve Patterson saying I really do think Canadian comedians are the best.

We just need to start paying them that way. I'll argue with you again soon, Canada. Good night. The debaters is created by Richard Side. This week's episode was produced by Nicole Calendar, Chloe Edbrook, Dean Jenkinson, and Graham Clark. With continuity by Graham Clark, Diana Francis, and Gary Jones.

With technical production by James Ferrella and Keenan O'Connor. Story editing by Gary Jones. With special thanks to Katie Ler Humphreys, David Pride, and Emily Ferrier. Executive producer of CBC Radio Comedy is Lee Pitts. And thanks to everyone at the Centennial Theater in North Vancouver. For more CBC podcasts, go to cBC.ca.ca slash podcasts.