Great Pop Culture Debate

The Looney Tunes animated anthology series premiered in 1930, and in its nearly 100 years has become a pop-culture juggernaut, conquering movie theaters, television, video games, theme parks, and more. The franchise launched entertainment icons like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and others that have entertained generations, won a slew of accolades including five Academy Awards, and has generated an estimated $17 billion. While entertainment industry mergers and misfortunes have bruised the property’s prestige in recent years, the characters retain incredible cultural cache, and the classic shorts remain outrageously entertaining. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the best Looney Tunes character.

Characters discussed: Bugs Bunny, Granny, Foghorn Leghorn, Sylvester the Cat, Yosemite Sam, Pepe LePew Penelope Pussycat, Elmer Fudd, Marvin the Martian, Daffy Duck, Michigan J. Frog, Tasmanian Devil, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, Speedy Gonzales, Tweety Bird, Porky Pig

Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Andrea Guerrero, Joelle Boedecker, and Steven Salvatore, as they discuss and debate 16 of the most beloved Looney Tunes characters of all time.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss Looney Tunes characters that didn’t make the bracket, along with other Looney Tunes-related properties, 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: Andrea Guerrero, Joelle Boedecker, Steven Salvatore

Producer: Curtis Creekmore

Editor: Bob Erlenback

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

#looneytunes #looneytoons #bugsbunny #daffyduck #marvinthemartian #tasmaniandevil #wileecoyote #roadrunner #speedygonzales #sylvesterthecat #tweetybird #yosemitesam #pepelepew #porkypig #michiganjfrog #cartoons #spacejam #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Australian Kylie Minogue has released 17 studio albums, nearly 100 singles, and sold more than 80 million records worldwide. And yet, most Americans remain largely unaware of this international princess of Pop. While Kylie has had numerous breakthroughs in all of the last five decades, her 2023 dance-pop track “Padam Padam” became one of the biggest hits in her nearly 40-year career, proving that we still can’t get Miss Minogue out of our heads. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the Best Kylie Minogue Song.

Musicals discussed: “Padam Padam,” “The Locomotion,” “Love At First Sight,” “Aphrodite,” “Come Into My World,” “I Should Be So Lucky,” “All the Lovers,” “Slow,” “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” “Your Disco Needs You,” “Confide In Me,” “Spinning Around,” “Get Outta My Way,” “I Believe In You,” “Wow,” “Timebomb”

Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Bob Erlenback and Jonny Minogue, and special guest panelist, Australian screenwriter and director Lee Galea, as they discuss and debate 16 of Kylie Minogue’s most enduring songs.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss literally DOZENS of other Kylie Minogue that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Bob Erlenback, Jonny Minogue

Special Guest: Lee Galea, Screenwriter & Director, "Single, Out"

Producer: Curtis Creekmore

Editor: Bob Erlenback

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

#kylieminogue #kylie #kylieminoguesongs #popmusic #pop #australia #1980s #1990s #2000s #2010s #2020s #padampadam #cantgetyououtofmyhead #getouttamyway #timebomb #aphrodite #thelocomotion #comeintomyworld #yourdisconeedsyou #loveatfirstsight #ishouldbesolucky #allthelovers #spinningaround

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It is not hyperbole to say that Stephen Sondheim was among the most important creative voices in 20th Century American musical theater. From the 1950s through to the 2020s, he wrote the lyrics, music, or both for some of the most critically and commercially successful shows of our lifetimes. Sondheim’s shows are beloved not only for their incredibly catchy songs, but also for their insightful stories exploring the nature of art, history, and most importantly, the fragile and fault-riddled human condition. Though we lost Mr. Sondheim in 2021, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to look back on his works as we attempt to name the Best Stephen Sondheim Musical of all time.

Musicals discussed: Sweeney Todd, Saturday Night, West Side Story, Merrily We Roll Along, Passion, Sunday in the Park with George, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Assassins, Pacific Overtures, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods, Anyone Can Whistle, Gypsy, Follies

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Kevin Dillon, Michael Schwarz, and Trey Radu-Blackburn as they discuss and debate 16 of Sondheim’s most enduring works.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss our personal experiences with Sondheim shows, and the Sondheim 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.

EPISODE CREDITS

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Kevin Dillon, Michael Schwarz, Trey Radu-Blackburn

Producer: Bob Erlenback

Editor: Jim Czadzeck

#sondheim #stephensondheim #musical #broadway #broadwaymusicals #sweeneytodd #company #intothewoods #westsidestory #merrilywerollalong #sundayintheparkwithgeorge #gypsy #follies #assassins #bernadettepeters

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While films had been made to promote music dating back to at least the 1960s, the music video became a fixture of pop culture in the 1980s. Accelerated by the birth of MTV, MuchMusic, and VH1, music videos in the 80s experienced extraordinary growth in both popularity and artistic creativity. The decade would produce countless iconic music videos, giving renowned artists a second shot at relevancy, launching a whole new wave of aesthetically minded pop stars, and providing unlikely artists a shot at ubiquity with wild conceptual videos. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the Best 1980s Music Video!

Videos discussed: “Take On Me” by A-HA!; “Thriller” by Michael Jackson; “Like a Prayer” by Madonna”; “Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel; “Love Shack” by The B-52s; “Addicted to Love” by Robert Palmer; “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper; “You Can Call Me Al” by Paul Simon; “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits; “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran; “When Doves Cry” by Prince; “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles; “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)” by Beastie Boys; “Faith” by George Michael; “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitey Houston; “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Derek Mekita, John Higgins, and Kate Racculia as they discuss and debate 16 of the most iconic music videos that defined 80s airwaves.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional 1980s videos 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: Derek Mekita, John Higgins, Kate Racculia

Producer: Bob Erlenback

Editor: Bob Erlenback

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

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alfred Hitchcock was the so-called Master of Suspense. From the 1930s through the 1960s, he directed dozens of films – mostly in the murder-mystery, psychological horror, or spy drama genres – and worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars to create masterpieces that continue to feel relevant more than half a century later. While his personal life and professional ethics are fraught with controversy, his creative brilliance and influential storytelling remains unimpeachable. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the Best Alfred Hitchcock Film.

Movies discussed: Psycho, Rear Window, Vertigo, North by Northwest, Dial M for Murder, The Birds, The 39 Steps, Strangers on a Train, Notorious, Rope, Rebecca, The Lady Vanishes, Suspicion, To Catch a Thief, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Shadow of a Doubt

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists David Silbert, Jim Czadzeck, John Higgins, and Karissa Kloss as they discuss and debate 16 of Hitch’s most enduring films.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional Hitchcock projects 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: David Silbert, Jim Czadzeck, John Higgins, Karissa Kloss

Producer: Curtis Creekmore

Editor: Bob Erlenback

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

#hitchcock #alfredhitchcock #hitch #horror #suspense #classicfilm #classicmovies #psycho #thebirds #vertigo #northbynorthwest #rebecca #notorious #strangersonatrain #theladyvanishes #classichollywood #horrormovies #1960sfilm #1950sfilm #1940sfilm

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“The Simpsons” began as crudely drawn sketches on The Tracey Ullman Show on the then-nascent Fox Network in 1987. Two years later, it spun off into its own show – the first primetime animated series to air since “The Flintstones” in the 1960s. “The Simpsons” became an unexpected hit, and Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie became one of the most iconic families in television history, as well as a massive pop-culture property that would spawn clothing, toys, music, amusement park rides, video games, and more. The series is still going strong, with 37 seasons, more than 800 episodes, and a second major motion picture set to arrive in 2027. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we eat many shorts, have many cows, and attempt to name the best “Simpsons” episode from Season 1 through Season 10.

Episodes discussed: “Kamp Krusty,” “The Springfield Files,” “Mr. Plow,” “A Streetcar Named Marge,” “I Love Lisa,” “Two Dozen and One Greyhounds,” “Bart vs. Australia,” “Itchy & Scratchy Land,” “Bart Sells His Soul,” “Homer’s Enemy,” “Marge vs. The Monorail,” “A Fish Called Selma,” “Homer at the Bat,” “A Milhouse Divided,” “Cape Feare,” “Flaming Moe’s”

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Curtis Creekmore, Jim Czadzeck, and Kara Austin as they discuss and debate 16 of the most beloved episodes from the first 10 seasons of “The Simpsons.”

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

EPISODE CREDITS

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Curtis Creekmore, Jim Czadzeck, Kara Austin

Producer: Derek Mekita

Editor: Eric Rezsnyak

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

#thesimpsons #simpsons #homersimpson #bartsimpson #margesimpson #90s #2000s #television #animation #animatedseries #fox #popculture #podcast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2006, the United States had a wildly unpopular Republican president, was embroiled in a pointless war in the Middle East, and was heading straight toward a major economic crisis. Sound familiar? But at least 20 years ago we had some amazing music to make those terrible times at least somewhat more enjoyable. Belting pop-rock ballads. Infectious hip-hop tracks, foundational emo-punk, and what can only be described as total bangers in de clurb. So join us as the Great Pop Culture Debate goes back 20 years and attempts to name the Best Song of 2006.

Songs discussed: “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley, “Hung Up” by Madonna, “How to Save a Life” by The Fray, “SOS” by Rihanna, “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse, “Dance, Dance” by Fall Out Boy, “Pump It” by Black Eyed Peas, “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean, “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson, “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” by Panic! At the Disco, “SexyBack” by Justin Timberlake feat. Timbaland, “You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt, “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, “Irreplaceable” by Beyonce

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Andrea Guerrero, Curtis Creekmore, and Jake Pitochelli as they discuss and debate 16 of the most iconic songs from 20 years ago.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional 1990 songs 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.

Want to watch the episode instead? As of Season 12, we now have full video episodes up on YouTube.

EPISODE CREDITS

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Andrea Guerrero, Curtis Creekmore, Jake Pitochelli

Producer: Derek Mekita

Editor: Bob Erlenback

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

#2000s #2000smusic #00smusic #00s #2006music #songsof2006 #beyonce #rihanna #amywinehouse #blackeyedpeas #justintimberlake #shakira #thefray #timbaland #pussycatdolls #natashabedingfield #unwritten #gnarlsbarkley #madonna #falloutboy #panicatthedisco #PATD #kellyclarkson

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

And now for something completely different! Welcome to the 200th episode of the Great Pop Culture Debate podcast. Typically you all listen to OUR opinions on music, movies, TV, video games, comic books, and more. But for this anniversary special, we’re handing the mic to YOU, the listeners.

In our nearly six years and 199 episodes, we’ve gotten a lot of things right – but we’ve also gotten some things wrong. Some dubious decisions. Some bad calls. Some full-on boners. And you all let your feelings be known, which we LOVE.

So buckle up as some of the show’s longtime listeners give us the business over their busted brackets, with a focus on episodes released in seasons 8 through 12. If you want to hear the show’s panelists discuss what we got wrong in the first 100 episodes, check out our 100th Episode Spectacular.

Join host Eric Rezsnyak, Producers Bob Erlenback, Curtis Creekmore, and Derek Mekita, and our special-guest listeners Bryce MacGregor, John Beaudreau, Mary Kokinda, Lee Iannone, and Patreon Sponsor Kathy Kingsley as we discuss some of the podcast’s most questionable calls.

Episodes discussed: Best 1980s Teen Film (Season 9), Best Queen Song (Season 11), Best 1980s Sitcom (Season 10), Best John Williams Film Score (Season 12), Worst TV Lead Character (Season 12), Best Tori Amos Song (Season 12), Best Pixar Film (Season 8), Best ‘Mean Girls’ Quote (Season 9), Best Super Hero Film (Season 8), Best Madonna Music Video (Season 9), Best Nickelodeon Original Series (Season 9), Best Tina Turner Song (Season 10), Best LGBTQ Super Hero (Season 11), Best Song of 1978 (Season 11), Best Annie Lennox Song (Season 12)

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

Want to watch the episode instead? As of Season 12, we now have full video episodes up on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel for even more original, exclusive episodes!

EPISODE CREDITS

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Special Guests: Bryce MacGregor, John Beaudreau, Mary Kokinda, Lee Iannone, Kathy Kingsley

Producers: Bob Erlenback, Curtis Creekmore, Derek Mekita

Editor: Eric Rezsnyak

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

#podcast #popculture #debate #feedback #criticism #anniversary #special #entertainment #movies #music #tv #television #popmusic #80s #1980s #1990s #90s #2000s #nostalgia

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re off this week, but orange you glad we found a little something for your feed? Check out THIS Hot Take argument from our Season 9 episode, Best Nickelodeon Original Series, in which host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Amma Marfo, Andrea Guerrero, Curtis Creekmore, and Joelle Boedecker, discuss two of Nick's most enduring teen-oriented series, the sketch show "All That" and the animated series, "Doug."

Want to hear more from this episode (originally released on June 3, 2024? ⁠Click here to listen to the full episode.

For more episodes, blogs, Top 10s, and more, ⁠⁠⁠visit our website by clicking here. ⁠⁠⁠Make sure to ⁠⁠⁠SUBSCRIBE to the show⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episode.

NEW EPISODES COMING APRIL 7, 2026!

CREDITS:

Editor: Bob Erlenback

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

#nickelodeon #nick #90s #90stv #1990s #allthat #doug #millennial #millennials #theorangeyears #tweens #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re off this week, but we didn't want to go breaking your heart, so here's a little ditty on your feed. Check out THIS Hot Take argument from our Season 9 episode, Best Elton John Single, in which host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Derek Mekita, Kate Racculia, and special guest John Higgins, Sir Elton John's personal archivist, discuss two of his most memorable hits from the 1980s, "Sacrifice" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues."

Want to hear more from this episode (originally released on May 13, 2024? ⁠Click here to listen to the full episode.

For more episodes, blogs, Top 10s, and more, ⁠⁠⁠visit our website by clicking here. ⁠⁠⁠Make sure to ⁠⁠⁠SUBSCRIBE to the show⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episode.

NEW EPISODES COMING APRIL 7, 2026!

CREDITS:

Editor: Bob Erlenback

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

#eltonjohn #elton #sireltonjohn #70smusic #80smusic #90smusic #popmusic #pianomusic #sacrifice #iguessthatswhytheycallittheblues #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.