The Reel Debaters Podcast

What You Missed

April 24, 2026

WE'RE ON A BREAK!

For the first time since launching, The Reel Debaters Podcast will be taking a break for the spring and summer.
After a full season of debates, reviews, and conversations around film and pop culture, we’re pressing pause for a few months. Thi…

Read the Blog Post

#316 Oscar Alternatives. What if What if What if?

316

March 14, 2026

#316 Oscar Alternatives. What if What if What if?

The Oscars are supposed to be the final word on the best film of the year. But every movie fan has at least one moment where the envelope opens, and the reaction is: wait… what?This week on The Reel Debaters, we step into the cinematic multiverse and debate the Oscars that almost were. If a single vote, campaign, or moment of momentum had shifted, the Academy’s history might look very different.And what else would Oscar week be like with a conversation about good old Timothy Chalamet stepping

Listen to the Episode

March 8, 2026

The Reel Debaters Are Taking Over the 2026 C4 Comic Con

Reel Debaters Are Taking Over C4 Comic Con at the Caboto Centre!Mark your calendars, comic lovers and pop culture fanatics—The Reel Debaters Podcast is thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting C4 Comic Con at the Caboto Centre on Thu…

Read the Blog Post

#315 "No, Moonlight is the Winner" The 2026 Oscar Predictions

315

March 7, 2026

#315 "No, Moonlight is the Winner" The 2026 Oscar Predictions

Awards season is hitting its chaotic final lap, and the Reel Debaters are stepping into the prediction arena. In Episode 315, the panel breaks down their 2026 Oscar predictions, the unexpected moments and controversy from the BAFTAs, and the massive studio shake-up involving Netflix, Paramount, and Warner Bros.Topics include:The Best Picture showdown between One Battle After Another and SinnersWhy Paul Thomas Anderson may finally take Best DirectorThe rise of Michael B. Jordan as a Best Ac

Listen to the Episode

#314 "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood" The Best What If's Part 2

314

Feb. 28, 2026

#314 "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood" The Best What If's Part 2

In this episode, we open the alternate-universe vault and peek inside the casting decisions, last-minute rewrites, and near-misses that reshaped Hollywood history. Some were accidents. Some were gambles. All of them changed everything.We also touch on:Which sports are in movies the most?Baseball Training CampHeated RivalryKnight of the Seven KingdomsWondermanThe OlympicsSend HelpNext Reel Debaters Trivia+ Night4-5 rounds of Themed TriviaA Colouring ContestA Cosplay Challen

Listen to the Episode

#313 Fast and Fictional: Drift Kings and Character Design. Create a new FF character.

313

Feb. 22, 2026

#313 Fast and Fictional: Drift Kings and Character Design. Create a new FF character.

In Episode 313, we step on the gas and build a brand-new character for the final ride of the Fast & Furious saga. What kind of chaos agent joins the family? Street racer? International fixer? Long-lost legacy wildcard? We craft the backstory, the vibe, and how they would shake up the franchise’s last lap.Then it’s review time:The Beauty (FX)Iron Lung (2026)The Olympics.Heated Rivalry (Crave)New characters. Bold reviews. Big swings. Strap in and press play.Next Reel Debaters Trivia+ Ni

Listen to the Episode

Feb. 20, 2026

Rossdale Ukrainian Dance School Movie Trivia Fundraiser

Alright, guys, quick pause in the arguments because this trivia night actually matters.Reel Debaters Trivia+ is proud to team up with the Rossdale Ukrainian Dance School for a Trivia Night Fundraiser that’s all about movies, community, …

Read the Blog Post

312

Feb. 7, 2026

#312 Jeff Churchill

In this episode, we lace up with legendary Hollywood shoemaker Jeff Churchill, the man whose craftsmanship has quite literally carried some of cinema’s biggest characters across the screen.From the emotional textures of Jojo Rabbit to the high-speed intensity of Mission: Impossible, and across the superhero universes of Marvel and DC, Jeff has been quietly shaping movie history… one pair of boots at a time.We go behind the scenes of his fascinating career, exploring:-How he got started in

Listen to the Episode

#311 "10 Things We Fan Fic About You" Best Teen Heartthrob Fan Fiction Debate

311

Jan. 31, 2026

#311 "10 Things We Fan Fic About You" Best Teen Heartthrob Fan Fiction Debate

Welcome back to the circus.Episode #311 is stacked with fan fiction fantasies, Oscar-season chaos, and a classic Reel Debaters internet skirmish that absolutely did not need to happen.This episode includes:The Teen Heartthrob Fan Fiction DebateWe challenged each other to pitch the best teen heartthrob fan fiction idea imaginable. Tropes were abused. Logic was abandoned. Dignity left the building early. You’re welcome.Movie ReviewsMel Brooks’ The 99 Year Old Man – Does the comedy legend

Listen to the Episode

#310 Coming Soon To A Calendar Near You, The 2026 Film And Tv Preview

310

Jan. 17, 2026

#310 Coming Soon To A Calendar Near You, The 2026 Film And Tv Preview

The future is knocking, and it’s holding a release calendar.In Episode 310, we crack open the crystal ball and take a long look at what 2026 has lined up for movies and television. From big studio swings to prestige TV gambles, we sort the hype from the head-scratchers and argue about what’s worth getting excited about.Before we race ahead, we rewind briefly to Hollywood’s first major awards stop of the year with a review of the 2025 Golden Globes and....The continued blur between film and

Listen to the Episode

Jan. 1, 2026

Gilmore Girls Trivia+ Night January 29th at The Handsome Daughter. Tickets On Sale Now!

Pack up your Yale sweaters and prepare for a night of caffeine-fueled chaos. Reel Debaters is hosting a Gilmore Girls Trivia+ Night, celebrating everything from Stars Hollow shenanigans to rapid-fire references that only true fans can keep up w…

Read the Blog Post

#308 If You Give A Chad A Spot with Finn Mccager Kristen Sawatzky and and Jesse De Rocquigny

308

Dec. 31, 2025

#308 If You Give A Chad A Spot with Finn Mccager Kristen Sawatzky and and Jesse De Rocquigny

In Episode 308, the Reel Debaters sit down with the Director Finn McCager, Actor and Stunt performer Kristen Sawatzky and Cinematographer Jesse de Rocquigny of Give a Chad a Spot for a deep dive into the making of the film. This conversation pulls back the curtain on indie filmmaking, creative collaboration, and the choices that shaped the final product you see on screen.We cover:The origin of Give a Chad a Spot and how the story came togetherWriting the script and shaping the film’s tone

Listen to the Episode

#309 Sinners, Witches and Alien(s) The 2025 Year In Review

309

Dec. 31, 2025

#309 Sinners, Witches and Alien(s) The 2025 Year In Review

“Can’t go back and keep making same mistakes. Must keep moving forward and make new ones.”Thanks, Bridget.Before we officially close the book, the Reel Debaters hit rewind one last time.In Episode 309, we look back at the beautiful chaos that was 2025. The movies we loved. The shows we binged. The decisions that left us staring at the screen asking, “Who approved this?”We debate what ruled the year, what completely missed the mark, and what surprised us for better or worse. Film, streamin

Listen to the Episode

View all Episodes View all Blog

Recent Blog Posts

April 24, 2026

WE'RE ON A BREAK!

For the first time since launching, The Reel Debaters Podcast will be taking a break for the spring and summer.After a full season of debates, reviews, and conversations around film and pop culture, we’re pressing pause for a few months. Thi…

Read the Blog Post

March 8, 2026

The Reel Debaters Are Taking Over the 2026 C4 Comic Con

Read the Blog Post

Feb. 20, 2026

Rossdale Ukrainian Dance School Movie Trivia Fundraiser

Read the Blog Post

View all posts

About the Hosts

Micheal Petrow

Name: Micheal Petrow
Genres: Sci-Fi, Dramedy, Biographical, Horror, Thriller
Tropes: Meet-cutes, hero’s journey, superhero entrance

Actors: Cate Blanchett, Brad Pitt
Independent: Wrist Cutters: A Love Story
Directors: Christopher Nolan, David Fincher, Martin McDonagh, Katherine Bigelow

Must see: I Melt With You, Exit Through The Gift Shop, Babylon
Hate: Freddy Got Fingered
Guilty pleasures: The O.C

TV show: Westworld, Severance, Succession
Characters: Hank Moody, Chandler Bing, Sam Loudermilk, Ari Gold
Pets: Vincent (LOST)

Snacks: Cheeseburgers, Popcorn, Peanut Butter M and M’s
Who I Admire: Gregory House
Childhood classic: Return to Oz

Crush: TBD

Martin Navarro

Genres:
Tropes:
Actors:
Guilty Pleasures:

Must see:
Childhood Favourite:
Directors:

Worst movie ever:
TV shows:

Dinner for 5

Snacks:
Movie crush:
TV crush:

Jimmy Skinner

Genres:
Tropes:
Actors:
Guilty Pleasures:

Must see:
Childhood Favourite:
Directors:

Worst movie ever:
TV shows:

Dinner for 5

Snacks:
Movie crush:
TV crush:

Charles Fernandes

Name: Charles Fernandes
Genre: Comedy, Kung Fu, Sci-Fi, Superhero, Horror
Tropes: “Juliet is the sun!” says Romeo. This is a trope.

Actors: Robin Williams, Judy Greer, Sam Rockwell, Christina Ricci
Independent: Little Miss Sunshine, Swiss Army Man
Directors: David Fincher, Taika Waititi, Steven Spielberg, Mike Judge, Spike Lee

Must see: Dumb and Dumber, Old Boy
Hate: Jupiter Ascending
Guilty pleasures: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie and first 3 seasons, Hell’s Kitchen.

TV show: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Rescue Me, Stranger Things
Characters: Tony Soprano, Connie the Hormone Monstress, Gob Bluth, Larry David
Pets: ALF, Lassie, Santa’s Little Helper

Snacks: Popcorn, Sweet Tarts, Sour Jolly Ranchers, good ol’ greasy Hot Dog and/or Cheeseburger
Who I Admire: Joey Tribbiani, Marty McFly, Peter Parker, Ace Ventura
Childhood classic: Back to the Future

Crush: Emma Stone

Emily Clark

Name: Emily Clark
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Musical/ Theatre, Comedy
Tropes: Having sex means you die

Actors: Give me an unknown
Independent: Primer
Directors: Cohen Brothers

Must see: The Menu
Hate: Matrix Reloaded
Guilty pleasures: Reality TV, F1 racing

TV: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Characters: Captain Holt, Spike, Emily Gilmore, Winston Bishop, Linda Belcher
Pets: Dino

Snacks: Popcorn with salt and vinegar seasoning
Who I admire: Willow Rosenberg, Andi Anderson, Elle Woods, Steve Harrington, Agent Scully
Childhood Classic: Now and Then

Crush: Flynn Ryder, Jack Dawson, Johnny Castle

Ian Bawa

Rob Strachan

Mark Cowell

Reviews

"This is Real Life.... great hosts, great conversations, unique and original view of movies different and refreshing from all the other podcasts out there. Truly a treat to listen to. Do yourself a fa…"

SeanGeekPodcast | Sept. 3, 2020

"Get your earholes tickled with words from nerdom, geekdom and film! "

namelessbond | May 13, 2022

"Fun, plain and simple. "

mcowell2135 | June 17, 2022

They talk about stuff!

"They will tickle your ear holes with words from nerdom geekdom and films. And I just heard an episode with a British guy on it he sounded dreamy!!"

NamelessBond | May 13, 2022

Good thought provoking Podcast on Movies

"I really enjoy the debate questions they come with each week.I also really enjoy their opening conversation where they talk about what they have seen recently."

Beaverjuk | March 7, 2020

Amazing movie podcast

"These guys are knowledgeable and make great content for the podcast and movie world!"

Denzel LeBlanc | Jan. 13, 2020

Exhilarating

"Funny, poignant, insightful and analytical. Extremely fun time and can’t wait to see where it goes in the future"

boSAget | Oct. 22, 2019

5 stars!

"But only the episodes I’ve been on okay?"

Jimmy Skinner | Oct. 11, 2019

Great show!!

"Super fun and I enjoy listening to this podcast. It’s a great way to hear different perspectives about film."

FrancesLevoky | Aug. 10, 2019

The “reel” debate of film

"A new take on reviewing and discussing the world of film. The reel debaters continue to challenge and question the audience on our favourite film topics."

Mstoroschuk | June 12, 2019

See all reviews