The Debaters - Is a clothesline superior to a dryer? Should Saskatoon be the capital of Saskatchewan?

Episode Date: September 17, 2026

This week, we’re putting everything on the line when we pit clotheslines against dryers. Katie-Ellen Humphries is pro-clothesline and she’s prepared to hang her opponent out to dry, but Myles Morrison is ready to get into a tumble when he defends dryers. Then, should Saskatoon be Saskatchewan’s capital city? Peter Brown claims this cultural hub is ready for a new title, but Cory Mack believes Toontown just isn’t capital material.Featuring: Katie-Ellen Humphries, Myles Morrison, Peter Brown, and Cory Mack. 

Hey, I'm Vanessa, and I work on Q with Tom Power. And one thing I can promise you, our podcast is made by huge nerds. We love art, we're genuinely curious about the artists we talk to. Take Laura Marlene. I've loved her music for more than a decade. So when she put out a surprise album of Rafi covers, I knew there was a bigger story there, a story about getting older, letting your guard down, and letting life make you more tender. You can hear that now on Q with Tom Power, wherever you get your podcast.

This is a CBC podcast. Hey Canada, we're ready to saskill it like it is from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, home of the saskill Center. It's the debater. The debaters where comedians fight with facts and funny in this audience makes the winner. Now here's a man who I says, don't sask, don't tell. Steve Patterson. Hey, welcome back to the debaters. It is great to finally be back here in Saskatoon.

Out Canada. Saskatoon is a town with its own unique flavor. During the summer, you can head downtown to bus stop refreshments and get a delicious ice cream cone served from a classic double-decker bus. This is a real thing. I'm assuming they make bus-related flavors like previously enjoyed bubble gum,

or coughing and cream, or Rocky Road rage. Actually, they're great treats, and frankly, it's the only time that I'd suggest you lick anything that comes off a bus. Time now to meet two debaters who will bus stop at nothing to win. This comic almost choked on some baking ingredients,

but thankfully, coughed up the dough. It's Victoria's Katie Ellen Humphrey. Making a way to my left and getting some last second adjustments and this comic has smiles to go before he sleeps. It's Saskatoon's Miles Morrison. Debaters, your topic

is one that's sure to be filled with dry wit. Laundry clotheslines. Are they superior to tumble dryers? I'm not sure if I'm more worried that one man very clearly cares so the rest of you don't. I feel two ways about this topic.

On the one hand, I do like the convenience of clothes dried in a dryer. On the other hand, I do like the smell of clothes dried on an outdoor line. However, I live in Toronto. Our backyard can be seen from other houses in our neighborhood, and I don't think I need my neighbors guessing the age

of my, let's call them, vintage underwear. Now, for a debate with a laundry list of jokes. So, whereas it's gentler on fabrics, lower on energy costs, and allows for time outdoors, be it resolved when it comes to laundry, a clothesline is superior to a dryer. Katie Ellen, you're arguing for this, please. You have two minutes.

Starting now, Katie Ellen Humphreys. Thank you. A mechanical dryer is a hubristic attempt to mimic the awesome power of the Earth's sun. A tanning bed for your clothes. Stumping for the dryer? My opponent is clearly in the pocket of big sock. The dryer has broken up more good pairs than Ashley Madison. What's the argument against line dry?

It can make fabric stiff. Good. That's another money-saving hack. People spend a small fortune on skin region. when they could just leave their laundry out on the line a little too long. Who needs a chemical peel when you've got a towel that'll rub you raw better than a belt sander? Oh, air drying takes longer? Good. What's the rush? Where you got to be? Work? Gross. 2007 report by Statistics Canada showed Saskatchewan had the lowest instance of clothesline and drying rack use of all provinces.

A 2024 survey finds Saskatchewan similarly at the bottom spot of reported happiness by province. Coincidence? How dare you? The good people of this beautiful province are spending their one precious life, searching for lost socks and wondering what permanent press does. I wish you all the exquisite pleasure of sundrys. wrenched sheets. Linen's fluffed by a sweet-smelling breeze clothes ironed by our atmosphere.

I wish for you to be enveloped in divine sensory satisfaction. That is, unless, of course, like my opponent, you prefer your pleasure, drier. Thank you. Katie O' and Humphreys, everybody. Yeah.

She says, Dry your clothes on a clothes line. Thank you, Katie Ellen. Now, here to proclaim that when it comes to supporting the terrific tumble dryer, he's proud to be considered full of hot air. Let's hear from Miles Morrison. Fresh from the dryer is the best feeling in the world. Think about how your clothes must feel.

Would you rather be in the dryer spinning around with all your buddies, dancing? It's like a party in there. Your cat watches the whole thing. It's exciting. No wonder you need a static sheet. The air is electric. Yeah. That's why they put a window on the front.

They know it's worth watching. Or do you want to leave your clothes out to dry? Hanging there, lifeless, like a thieving pirate that's been used to send a message to all the other clothes. You don't want to end up like this. Now, do dryers shrink your clothes? Yes. But so does ice cream.

cream. I mean, where do we draw the line, Steve? Do dryers lighthouses on fire sometimes? What doesn't these days? And yes, things get lost in the dryer. I say let them go on a little adventure. And if they come back to you, it's really true love. If you hang dry your clothes outside, the whole plan becomes unraveled if it starts to drizzle. And if you hang dry them in the basement, all that moisture from the wet clothes has nowhere to go. It raises the humidity in your house. Mold starts to grow.

You breathe that in, you end up dead or worse. You end up dead and you soil yourself. And now your clothes need to be thoroughly washed and dried properly in a dryer. Thank you. Miles Morrison. On behalf of the first of, the tumble dryer.

And it's time now for the bare knuckle round. We're debating clothes lines versus dryers. So it's time to hang your opponent out to dry by taking them down a peg or two. It's time to maintain a permanent press and leave your opponent swinging in the wind. So go ahead and put yourself on the line starting now. You admit that clothes often shrink in the dryer.

I don't know about you good people. but I don't need help in that department. My clothes are shrinking up somehow all on their own. So you're anti-ice cream. I'm lactose intolerance. That's the same thing. I'm not hanging my underwear out for everybody to see. That's what my only fans is for.

Could I have that URL? There's no time to hang dry. clothes because I've got ADD and by the time I get to drying them I've already forgotten them in the washing machine twice and I've got to re-wash them so they don't smell musty anyway. Oh, I'm so sorry. Somebody's got

in sweet laundry. Hoover. If I leave my clothes in the laundry machine, I no longer have clothes. Driers are exciting to watch. My whole algorithm right now is, and I don't know if I went down a weird rabbit hole, it's just rednecks

throwing bricks into dryers and watch It'll blow up. You too? Yeah. It's amazing. I can watch them all night. And I typed in clothes hanging, drying? Zero views. Okay. That's the bear dog around, everybody. All right. It is time now for the firing line in my hand. I have a list of questions on line drying versus dryers brought to you by the motto of every dry cleaner. If at first you don't succeed, dry and dry again. Question number one. The farmer's almanac says some benefits of line drying include prolonging the life of your clothes, saving on energy bills, and what else? Katie Ellen?

The sense of moral superiority. Okay. I will give a point for that. Miles. Six more weeks of winter. That's an old groundhog line dry. The farmer's almanac says benefits of line drying include prolonging the life of your clothes, saving on energy bills, and getting outside. Pretty deep. Pretty deep, that farmer's almanac.

Martha Stewart.com says some items you should never put in your dryer are silk garments, faux fur, sneakers, and what else? Miles? Children under the age of two. Yes. Yes. Good point. Yes.

Full point. Other items you should never put in your dryer, according to Martha Stewart, are backpacks or lunch boxes. I don't know who Martha Stewart grew up with. A Newfoundland and Labrador tourism ad says a single tea towel hung on a clothes line signifies that you should drop in for a cup, while a collection of odd socks on the line means what?

Katie Ellen? Here be a one-legged man. That's good. That's good. That is a rare three-point answer. A Newfoundland and Labrador ad says a single detail hung on a clothesline signifies drop-in for a cup. A collection of odd socks means the youngsters have everyone drove. and now I have to explain that.

Means the children are driving everyone crazy. I should ask Lee. Lee are producers from Newfoundland, and sentences like that first one make sense there. What is one of the unique hacks from frugal and thriving.com for drying your clothes indoors without a dryer? Miles? If you dry your clothes in the oven, they'll smell like lasagna.

That's a good safety tip. One point. Katie Ellen? If you dry your unmentionables in the window, everyone knows you're going commando. I like it dryer. Yeah. A lot of these people are taking in this life advice.

Frugalandliving.com says that to dry your clothes indoors without a dryer, you can hang the clothes in the garage over the car. I'm guessing it's not Frugal and Thriving's own car because that would be ridiculous. That's the firing line, everybody. It is almost time for our boisterous Broadway theater audience to place their votes. But first, here, once again, to happily talk in circles about his delightful dryer.

Let's hear again from Miles Morrison. If I know people, everyone has a lot of extra time for longer chores. People love that. Katie, picture this. You get a little money saved up. You start small. You buy a microwave. saves time cooking. You like that. You want more.

You buy a dryer. It saves more time. Now you've got time for dating apps. You meet someone. You decide to get coffee. He's got time. He's got a dryer too. You like him. Next thing you know, he's pressing your delegates, if you know what I mean. Now, you want to make a horror movie scarier? Add white sheets hanging on the clothes line. They all do it. Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Halloween? It's Boogie. You want to get murdered, line dry. You want to fall in love?

Dryers. Thank you. Miles Morrison. Yeah. Well done, my friends. All right. Now here again to say that when it comes to drying clothes, Bob Dylan was right when he said, the answer is blowing in the wind.

It's Katie Helen Humphreys. The mechanical dryer emerged in the 1930s, followed immediately by the rise of fascism. We used to one another when we stopped publicly airing our laundry. Nothing humanizes someone more than seeing their unmentionables flapping in the breeze. I use a mechanical dryer, and you know how often I wash my bath mat? No, no one does. Is the grocer for it?

line dry keeps us accountable to ourselves and to our communities why line dry? Why right by hand? Why sing or dance or hug a loved one because we are human? Thank you. Katie Ellen Humphreys. She's all for the line dry.

Miles Morrison is all about the electric dryer and it is time for our Saskatchewan audience to place their votes. By applause, how many of you feel that while this debate may be a closed call, Katie Ellen had the better lines. Katie Ellen, Humphrey.

How to love for Katie Ellen. Who felt that Miles' argument never tumbled out of control and he consistently dried his best. Miles Morrison. This one is very, very close. Hard fought on both sides, but I've got to give it

by just a little bit. To Miles Moore. Hey, debaters listeners. We've got more facts and funny coming your way. But while you're here, why not drop us a five-star rating or review? It really helps new listeners find us. Thanks for your support. What if I told you that most of history's underwear wasn't remotely close to the underwear you're wearing right now? Hi, I'm Greg Jenner, host of the You're Dead to Me podcast, and we're back with a brand new season. And if you're a fan of fashion

trends of the past, you'll love our newest episode on the history of underwear. We explore how our underwear has changed throughout history and whether TV depictions of Regency era ladies in their lacy underwear are truly accurate. Listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey Saskatoon, are you ready to meet your next pair of debaters? This comic says sporting a beer gut would make him pleased as punch. It's Edmonton Alberta's Peter Brown. Peter Brown making his way across the stage to my left. Hello, Steve.

Hello, sir. Welcome back. And when this comic crafts her material, it's all Mac and no cheese from Dodsland, Saskatchewan, Cory Mack. Hello, Steve. Hi, friends. Hi, friends. Welcome back.

Thank you very much. Your debate, debaters, is one that we think is a capital idea. Saskatoon, should it be the capital of Saskatchewan? This is a hot topic question that literally no one outside of Saskatchewan was asking. Until just now. Because there's nothing I love more than showing up in a prosperous and picturesque city and creating unnecessary provincial tension. But don't worry, this will be a fun, lighthearted debate

until anyone from Regina hears it. And maybe then you can pay them off with some Baba's homestyle parogis. Am I right? All right. Now it's time for a debate that we be legislate sure to get some laughs. So, the puns are on purpose, just so you guys know. Whereas it's a lively city that features beautiful natural landscapes, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, and a growing population, be it resolved, Saskatoon should be the capital of Saskatchewan.

Peter, you lucky dog, you're arguing for this. You have two minutes, starting now, Peter Brown. I would like to begin by reading into the official record an official actual statement from the city of Regina. You can look it up February 15th, 2026. Quote, despite the odor, the city of Regina states that the water is safe to drink. I yield my time.

Okay, they want me to keep going. So why should Saskatoon, be the capital and not Regina. Have you seen the two cities? You can leave this theater walk one block, stroll across the Broadway bridge, taking gorgeous views of the river and the lush

green parks and pathways. Regina was built on bold prairie with literally no trees and no viable source of water. Regina has the topography of a bowling ball and the smell of bowling shoes.

What do you want in a capital? Saskatoon has a more dynamic economy, better theater and music, more attractive people who are immune... I was going to say who are immune to sucking up, but apparently not. Saskatoon gave the world Joni Mitchell and White Mouth Mason and the sheep dogs. Regina's most popular musical export is Streetheart. Do you know a streetheart song? Maybe raise a little hell? Well, that's not a streetheart song, so it doesn't count. So why is Regina the capital despite the odor?

Great question, Steve. Because the man in charge of the decision, Lord Edgar Dudney owned land in the part of town the railroad would go through. The longest street in Regina is still called Dudney Avenue. Try to imagine this. A rich real estate developer goes into politics, takes over the government,

only cares about profit and starts naming things after himself. That, my friends, is not a world we want to live in. Thank you. Peter Brown, ladies and gentlemen, is all about Saskatoon. It's going to be tough to trump that argument, Corey. Thank you, Peter.

Now, here to tell us why she thinks making Saskatoon the Capitol would be a capital offense. Let's hear her from Saskatoon own, Corey Mack. Friends, neighbors, young and old, and anyone who's ever fought over the last butter tart, let me begin by saying that Saskatoon should not be the capital of Saskatchewan. No other Canadian city has popped up and said, pick me, pick me, I want to be the capital city, ever in the history of Canada.

Hmm, so whose brilliant idea was this? A couple of guys on a patio at 2 o'clock in the morning with some bruskees stories and a plant. It starts with, hear me out. for the love of all things, reasonable. Sleep it off, Trevor. You know what I'm saying? Luckily for me, Peter's already made my next point. Regina earned that capital title,

the old-fashioned way, by being located exactly where no one has ever wanted to live beside the train track. Remember, we all drew the same picture of that wacky trapezoidal province, and we all learn in grade four. We memorize the capital Cesar. cities don't make it harder for the children of Saskatchewan, Peter.

They've been through enough. Come on. So no, Saskatoon shouldn't be the capital. It's a beautiful city, a great place to visit, eat, parogi, and kayak past some side-eye and goose on the river, right? But a capital city, come on. It's like, let's keep it what it is. The fun friend you party with, not the one you trust with your mortgage. Thank you.

Corey Mack, it is time now for the bare knuckle round. We're debating whether Saskatoon should be the capital of Saskatchewan, so it's time to give your opponent a proper Saskatoon-up. If you're wondering, Gordy how to bridge facts and funny, you'll need to use all your grain power and come up with some weedy repartee. Who will win? I canola guess.

It's time for me to turn it over to a couple of Sask kissers starting now. Thank you, Steve. I mean, Corey's argument appeals to rationality and reason and practicality. I want to speak to your soul and your stomach. The Cree name for Saskatoon refers to the delicious Saskatoon berries. The Cree name for Regina translates, you know, sir, pile of bones. So what should we do after this? berries or a pile of bones?

What do we feel like eating? Scoop a refreshing ice cream or that disgusting bowl of chicken bones left in the middle of the table on wing night. Lovely, lovely berry ice. Let's be realistic. Like, honestly, you'd have to change the slogan, the flag, the everything.

Like, what are you going to put on your coat of arms? Like, a little guy crying because you'll never have an NHL team in Saskatoon. Like, you'll never have anybody to cheer for? What are you going to do, Peter? No, that's a fair point. many of us remember, we thought we had the St. Louis Blues and we didn't get them, but I would argue the lack of an NHL team makes Saskatoon a capital.

We yearn for professional hockey, like other capital cities, Quebec City, and Toronto. And Winnipeg. And Edmonton. If you're the capital, you'll have more to be sad about. You think Parkinsbad now in Saskatoon. Imagine the old MLA is trying to whip past the first. fringe festival to get to the sessions. Democracy can't run if you can't find a parking spot because there's like some guy throwing fire flames in the air and singing Dixie.

It seems reasonable. Fire flames. You know, flame throwers, that's what I meant. The flame throwers, feet. Of all the kinds of flames to throw, fire flames are the most dangerous. All right, that's probably a good place to stop it. We're debating whether Saskatoon should become the capital of Saskatchewan. It is time now for the firing line. In my hand, I have a list of questions on Saskatoon, being the capital of Saskatchewan brought to you by the Saskatoon Barry, which apparently is not just a guy named Barry who wants the capital switched.

According to zolo.ca's list, four little-known facts about Saskatoon. Saskatoon is home to the coldest what on the planet? Peter. The coldest glit. when you go into Buds on Broadway and order an apparel spritz. Solid points. Corey Mack.

Saskatoon has the coldest truck nuts on the F-150s on 8th Street. In the world. All right. Two points. Two points. Two points for that. It's the coldest bicycle ride

on the planet with February's annual ice cycle. Which sounds terrifying to me. Saskatoon's nickname is the Paris of the Prairies. What is Regina's? Peter? Saskatoon's nickname is Paris of the Prairies. Regina's is the less sexy Minot, North Dakota.

That's a full point from the audience. Regina's, for those who don't know, is the Queen City. We also would have accepted the Peterborough of the Prairies. Regina is the only place in... all of Canada where you can train to be what? Corey. To be someone who could keep a straight face at a table full of ad exex asking for a fun wordplay on the city's name.

Okay. The audience has given you another point. It's the only place in Canada where you can train to be an RCMP officer. And they have to deal with geese. The city of Saskatoon's official website gives visitors a menu of options that all begin. with the phrase, I want to, including I want to report, I want to apply, I want to pay, and what else? Peter. I want two tickets to the rider's game or I am not going to Regina.

Two points for that. I want to register. That's it. That's all it says. And I've never been to the site and I'm never going to it. Unless you want to register. Unless I want to register. Then what are you going to do?

Trip Advisors' list of top things to do in Saskatoon includes Miwasson Valley, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo, and what museum? Corey? Three words, Steve. Bulk cheese museum. Bulk cheese museum. Not just a warehouse anymore. Imagine it just gets cheddar and cheddar.

Oh, a bonus. A bonus. Three point in. Sir. It just gets cheddar and cheddar. Yeah? You feta believe it. All right. Okay. Someone take away the horn.

So remember when we were talking about museums? Yeah. It's that. It's the museum of hockey players' teeth that Gordy Howe elbowed loose. I like that. I like that, too. One and a half broken teeth for that one. It's the Western Development Museum. Western Development Museum. It's a large window that says,

look, there's Regina. That is the firing line, everybody. Well, this has been a good one, and it's almost time for our Broadway theater audience to place their votes. But first, here again to remind us that Saskatoon becoming the provincial capital is a capital N-O, as far as she's concerned.

Let's hear from Corey Mack. Saskatoon already won the popularity conference. with their river views, their art scenes, their growth, their vibe. May it King Saskatoon, the capital city is like insisting you and Curry from the sheepdogs, not be the lead singer, maybe he's the accountant because he has more Instagram followers. Don't you want to be cool? Regina should be the capital for the same reason when you leave your parents' house. You don't take anything with you.

Where are you going to put everything? The boxes and boxes of legislature, the bags of institutions, the bureaucratic kitchen drawers full of bits and bobs of government, and everything is incursive. What's wrong with you? Live your life. Go have fun. Moving to be a capital city

would yuck your yum, Saskatoon. That's what I'm saying. Yes. And what kind of attention do you need? You already have a pie named after you. Thank you. Good points. Good points.

Now, here once again to capitalize on the idea of Saskatoon becoming the capital. Let's hear again from Peter Brown. Okay. Forget about geography. Forget about origin stories, culture, sports, drinking water, and odor. Forget about your yuck and or your yum.

Forget about the inconvenience it would mean for us. The capital, the city that represents the province, should be one thing above all. It should be dignified. Well, in 2023, Tourism Regina had to apologize for a campaign called Experience, Regina, which included the slogans, show us your Regina, and the city that rhymes with fun. Get it, 14-year-old boys, get it? It's clever. Are we proud, Saskatchewan? Is this the best we can do?

All right, I have made jokes at the expense of Regina, but let's be honest with the rest of the country. The people in this room, the people in Saskatoon do acknowledge the city to our south that has a rich history and an amazing story to tell. That city is Moose Jaw, and it would also be a better capital. Thank you. Peter Brown, Peter Brown, giving a shout out to Moose Jaw in the middle of a debate on behalf of Saskatoon. I like it. I like it. I don't even know what's happening now. That was clever.

All right, audience, it is up to you to decide in this democracy that we still have here. My applause. How many of you agree with Peter that making Saskatoon the capital city would cap it all? Peter Brown. A lot of love for Peter. And how many of you got caught up in Corey's anti-capital communique? Corey Mack. There's love for both sides, but this one has to go to Peter Brown. Saskatoon should be the capital. Well, that's all for this week. I'm Steve Patterson saying whether you live in Saskatoon, Regina, or anywhere else in the Great White North. It's better than living in the country just south. 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. Technical production by James Pirella and Don Summers. Story editing by Gary Jones. 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 Broadway Theater in Saskatoon. For more CBC podcasts, go to cBC.ca.ca.com.