Great Pop Culture Debate

If you were lucky enough, or privileged enough, to experience summer camp as a kid or teenager, the experience likely made a lasting impression on you. Sleepaway camps have certainly inspired filmmakers over the years, as the rustic settings and wide-eyed young people experiencing their first taste of freedom have proven fertile creative ground for numerous genres, from coming-of-age films to comedies to horror films to sex romps. So for one of our 2026 Summer Specials, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to go wild as we attempt to name the best summer camp movie.

Movies discussed: Dirty Dancing (1987), Little Darlings, Ernest Goes to Camp, The Great Outdoors, Friday the 13th (1980), Camp Rock, Space Camp, Wet Hot American Summer, Addams Family Values, Daddy Day Camp, Meatballs, Moonrise Kingdom, The Parent Trap (1998), Sleepaway Camp (1983), Camp (2003), Troop Beverly Hills

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD Panelists Amma Marfo, Amy Pilott, and Trey Radu-Blackburn as they discuss and debate 16 of the most memorable films set at summer camps.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional movies set at summer camps that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

EPISODE CREDITS

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Amma Marfo, Amy Pilott, Trey Radu-Blackburn

Producer: Derek Mekita

Editor: Eric Rezsnyak

Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch

#summer #summercamp #camp #camping #fridaythe13th #meatballs #wethotamericansummer #sleepawaycamp #theparenttrap #parenttrap #spacecamp #troopbeverlyhills #moonrisekingdom #addamsfamily #camprock

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We're taking a short break from brand-new episodes this week, but we couldn't leave you hanging like an umbrella in a hurricane. Instead, we're bringing you a Hot Take from our Best One-Hit Wonder Song episode.

In this clip, our panel squares off over two iconic songs that prove sometimes you only need one massive hit to make music history: "It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls and "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

One is a joyful, over-the-top anthem that forecasted a downpour of eligible bachelors and became an LGBTQ+ classic. The other is a provocative synth-pop smash that shocked parents, got banned by the BBC, and somehow only became even more popular because of it. It's a battle of high-energy disco versus irresistible '80s new wave, and enough camp to fill an entire Pride parade. But only one song can weather the storm and move on in the bracket.

Listen to the full episode from Season 3 by clicking here.

CREDITS:

Editor: Bob Erlenback

Intro/Outro Song: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch

#80smusic #70smusic #music #popmusic #onehitwonder #frankiegoestohollywood #relax #weathergirls #itsrainingmen

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“Yacht rock” as a term dates to the early 2000s, but the music it describes lives squarely in the late 1970s and early 80s. We’re talking the smooth sounds of summer, a little bit jazz, a touch of funk, a generous dollop of soulful crooning, all undercut by rock instrumentation by some of the grooviest white guys in the biz. You don’t have to be on a boat to enjoy yacht rock. It’s the perfect summer soundtrack no matter where you are. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate for one of our 2026 Summer Specials as we say ALL ABOARD and attempt to name the best Yacht Rock Song of all time.

Songs discussed: “Africa” by TOTO, “Peg” by Steely Dan, “How Long” by Ace, “Ride Like the Wind” by Christopher Cross, “This Is It” by Kenny Loggins, “Steal Away” by Robbie Dupree, “Lido Shuffle” by Boz Scaggs, “All Out of Love” by Air Supply, “What a Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers, “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes, “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty, “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon, “I Keep Forgettin’” by Michael McDonald, “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Hall & Oates, “Baby Come Back” by Player

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD Panelists Derek Mekita, Jonny Minogue, and Kate Racculia as they discuss and debate 16 of the smoothest jazz-rock jams from the 70s and 80s.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional yacht-rock gems that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.social

Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Derek Mekita, Jonny Minogue, Kate Racculia

Producer: Bob Erlenback

Editor: Bob Erlenback

Intro/Outro Music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch

#yachtrock #yacht #70smusic #80smusic #jazz #softrock #jazzrockfusion #toto #chicago #kennyloggins #doobiebrothers #michaelmcdonald #reospeedwagon #steelydan #christophercross #gerryrafferty #hallandoates #bozscaggs #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest

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We're breaking again from new episodes this week, but don't worry, we'd never leave our fellow mutants stranded without a Cerebro signal to follow. Instead, we're dusting off a Hot Take from our Best X-Men Team Line-Up episode, originally released on May 13, 2025 as part of our Season 11.

This argument features a very special guest, AJ LoCascio, the voice of Gambit in X-Men '97 on Disney+, joining our panel for a debate that's more heated than the Dark Phoenix Saga. In this clip, two legendary mutant squads enter the Danger Room, but only one survives the bracket: Grant Morrison's New X-Men versus the Outback X-Men.

It's evolution versus revolution, psychic power versus sheer grit, and enough mutant mayhem to make Professor X ask everyone to please stop using their powers indoors. So grab your favorite yellow spandex, or black leather, if that's more your vibe, because it's time to find out which roster is truly uncanny.

If you enjoyed what you heard, be sure to check out the full Best X-Men Team Line-Up episode in our podcast feed for even more mutant-sized debates, or visit greatpopculturedebate.com for dozens of other pop culture showdowns.

We'll be back next week with an all-new, all-difference summer episode!

EPISODE CREDITS

Editor: Bob Erlenback

Intro/Outro Song: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch

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Heists have been a part of cinema since at least 1903, when The Great Train Robbery became one of the most successful movies of its time. There’s something intrinsically compelling about people stealing things – the thrill of transgression, the desperation that leads to the act, the anxiety of getting caught. Heist films have changed tremendously over the intervening 120-plus years, but the best of them still retain that sense of excitement and danger, and in many cases have us actively rooting for the thief to win. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the Best Heist Film of all time – at least until mid-2026, when we’re recording this.

Movies discussed: Ocean’s 11 (2001), Baby Driver, Reservoir Dogs, The Thomas Crown Affair (1999), Heat, Inception, The Italian Job (2003), Point Break (1991), Three Kings, The Great Muppet Caper, Inside Man, Jackie Brown, Dog Day Afternoon, Now You See Me, A Fish Called Wanda, The Town

Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD Panelists Karissa Kloss and Kevin Dillon, and special guest panelist Paul Caiola from the That Aged Well Podcast as they discuss and debate 16 of cinema’s most memorable heist films.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional movies featuring robberies that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

EPISODE CREDITS

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Karissa Kloss, Kevin Dillon

Special Guest: Paul Caiola, That Aged Well Podcast

Producer: Bob Erlenback

Editor: Bob Erlenback

Intro/Outro Music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch

#movies #film #heistfilms #heistmovies #oceans11 #thetown #jackiebrown #reservoirdogs #theitalianjob #thomascrownaffair #babydriver #heat #inception #nowyouseeme #dogdayafternoon #insideman #greatmuppetcaper #threekings #afishcalledwanda #podast #popculture

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We’re taking a short break from new episodes this week, but we didn’t want to leave you without a little something to listen to. Instead, we’re bringing you a Hot Take from our Season 4 Best Disco Song episode, initially released in September 2021.

In this clip, panelists Eric Rezsnyak, Karissa Kloss, Gary Jackson and Derek Mekita square off over two dance floor classics: ABBA's "Dancing Queen" and Chic's "Le Freak." One is an irresistible pop masterpiece withstanding generations, while the other is a funky, bass-driven anthem that helped define the disco era. BUT only one can move forward in the bracket.

If this clip leaves you wanting more, check out the full episode in our podcast feed—or head over to greatpopculturedebate.com for more pop culture showdowns. 

We’ll be back next week with an all new debate, but until next time, remember, everyone’s entitled to their wrong opinion.

EPISODE CREDITS:

Editor: Bob Erlenback

Intro/Outro Song: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch

#podcast #podcastclips #disco #discomusic #music #abba #lefreak #chic #dancingqueen #70smusic

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While women have been featured in comedy films since the beginning of the motion picture, around the 1980s, studios seemed to realize: women are funny, and women can be big business. Over the past four decades, some of the sharpest, wittiest, most bonkers films have been centered on – and in some cases created by – women. We want to celebrate these funny ladies, so join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the Best Woman-Led Comedy Film from 1980 to 2025.

Movies discussed: Legally Blonde, Miss Congeniality, Clueless, Sister Act, 9 to 5, Mean Girls, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Death Becomes Her, The Devil Wears Prada, Pitch Perfect, Charlie’s Angels (2000), Bridesmaids, A League of Their Own, Easy A, First Wives Club

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Amma Marfo, Joelle Boedecker, and Maggie Hartman as they discuss and debate 16 of our favorite women-centered comedy movies.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional women-led films that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks.

EPISODE CREDITS

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Amma Marfo, Joelle Boedecker, Maggie Hartman

Producer: Derek Mekita

Editor: John Higgins

Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch

#movies #film #comedy #sisteract #legallyblonde #misscongeniality #clueless #bridesmaids #meangirls #firstwivesclub #deathbecomesher #mybigfatgreekwedding #devilwearsprada #pitchperfect #charliesangels #aleagueoftheirown #9to5

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Science fiction has been part of television since at least the 1950s, when “Lost in Space” and “Star Trek” gave us charmingly quaint visions of what the future could look like. By the dawn of the 21st Century, technology had caught up to creators' visions, leading to a Golden Age of genre television. Series celebrated by critics and embraced by audiences with their mind-blowing imagination and, at their best, critique and comment on the human condition, even as they chronicle society’s intersections with technology, time, and space. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the Best Sci-Fi Television Series from 2000 to 2025.

Shows discussed: “The Expanse,” “Firefly,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “Star Wars: The Mandalorian,” “The X-Files,” “Star Wars: Andor,” “Westworld,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” “Doctor Who,” “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” “Black Mirror,” “Orphan Black,” “Stargate SG-1,” “3 Body Problem,” “Foundation,” “Fringe”

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Kara Austin, Victor Manibo, and Zack Derby as they discuss and debate 16 of the most influential science-fiction TV series of the past 25 years.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional 21st Century sci-fi shows that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks.

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Kara Austin, Victor Manibo, Zack Derby

Producer: Curtis Creekmore

Editor: Bob Erlenback

Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch

#scifi #sciencefiction #tv #tvseries #scifitv #startrek #starwars #firefly #theexpanse #battlestargalactica #themandalorian #mandalorian #andor #xfiles #westworld #voyager #doctorwho #strangenewworlds #startreksnw #blackmirror #orphanblack #stargate #3bodyproblem #foundation #fringe #appletv #netflix #hbo

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Stevland Hardaway Morris – better known to the world as Stevie Wonder – signed his first record deal at age 11, and scored his first Billboard No. 1 by age 13. He transitioned from child musical prodigy in the 1960s to one of the most influential artists of the 1970s and 80s, bringing jazz, r’n’b, reggae, and funk into the mainstream, and having a major hand in bringing synthesizer sounds into mainstream music, and he became the first black artist ever to win the Grammy for Album of the Year. He is one of only four artists to ever win Album of the Year three times. Simply put, Stevie Wonder is one of the most important songwriters and musicians of our time, with an absolutely astonishing catalogue of solo songs and collaborations. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as get uptight and try to name the Best Stevie Wonder Song.

Songs discussed: “As,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” “For Once In My Life,” “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” “Superstition,” “Higher Ground,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” “Sir Duke,” “Master Blaster (Jammin’),” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours,” “Overjoyed,” “I Wish,” “Do I Do,” “My Cherie Amour,” “Part-Time Lover,” “Living for the City”

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Amma Marfo, Derek Mekita, and Gary Jackson as they discuss and debate 16 of the most legendary songs from one of the most defining musical artists of the past 50 years.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional Stevie Wonder songs that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Amma Marfo, Derek Mekita, Gary Jackson

Producer: Bob Erlenback

Editor: John Higgins

Intro/Outro Music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch

IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.social

Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate

#steviewonder #60smusic #70smusic #80smusic #funkmusic #rnb #blues #superstition #mycherieamour #livingforthecity #signedsealeddelivered #sirduke #jazz #foronceinmylife #overjoyed #higherground #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest

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It’s the year 2026, and while the LGBTQ community is under attack politically and socially, we remain blessed when it comes to queer representation on our TV screens – at least for the time being. Even 20 years ago, we couldn’t have conceived of how accepting the small screen would become, with gays, lesbians, bi, and trans folx appearing not only in series created specifically for them, but hes, shes, theys and thems being included as featured characters in mainstream hit series. We may be living in the Golden Age of queer TV, or we may just be getting started in the era of inclusivity. Either way, join the Great Pop Culture Debate for its 2026 Pride Special as we attempt to name the best LGBTQ TV Series, at least up until 2026.

TV shows discussed: Schitt’s Creek, Heated Rivalry, Queer as Folk (2000), Modern Family, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, The L Word, Trixie Motel, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Torchwood, Heartstopper, Pose, Will & Grace, The Real World, Angels in America, Looking

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Karissa Kloss, Kevin Dillon, and Victor Manibo as they discuss and debate 16 of the most queer-affirming television series of all time.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional queer TV shows that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

Episode Credits

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Karissa Kloss, Kevin Dillon, Victor Manibo

Producer: Bob Erlenback

Editor: Bob Erlenback

Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch

IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.social

Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate

#lgbt #lgbtq #queer #queerculture #lgbtpodcaster #heatedrivalry #schittscreek #queerasfolk #thelword #rupaulsdragrace #dragrace #rupaul #queereye #angelsinamerica #therealworld #heartstopper #trixiemotel #trixiemattel #looking #posefx #modernfamily #torchwood #pridemonth #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest

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