This week Micheal talks with June Laporte from American Hostage about their role as reporter Ginny Hughes, on set with their ensemble cast, working with John Hamm, their ugly babies of musical theatre, and what they and Ginny had in common long before they discovered the character. American Hostage is an MGM production and airs Sundays on Crave. Catch the first 3 episodes streaming now. Credits Executive Producer: Michael Petrow Guests: June Laporte Recorded at: Panda Bear Studios Audio Engineering & Editing by Micheal Petrow The Reel Debaters podcast combines "comedic" debates and industry interviews from the doorstep of Manitoba's Film Industry Where Canada makes movies www.thereeldebaters.ca (https://www.thereeldebaters.ca/)

This week, the cast broods over the best movies and TV they consumed while on summer break; they introduce the new format of the show moving forward and bring Martin back from a long awaited return while his was in video game design school. Credits Executive Producer: Michael Petrow Producers: Jimmy Skinner, Emily Clark, Charles Fernandes Martin Navarro Recorded at: Panda Bear Studios Audio Engineering & Editing by Micheal Petrow The Reel Debaters podcast combines "comedic" debates and industry interviews from the doorstep of Manitoba's Film Industry Where Canada makes movies www.thereeldebaters.ca (https://www.thereeldebaters.ca/)

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 on his own campaign with not-so-kind words about the ballet and opera, which gets a little attention as well. Next Reel Debaters Trivia+ Night Disney+ Trivia Night April 3rd 730 pm The Rec Room Address (https://www.google.com/search?safe=on&sca_esv=286534660d0b6d5d&rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS992US992&sxsrf=ANbL-n6lajzJQqKSzJrT1OtCggREGykxbA:1772732055025&q=the+rec+room+seasons+of+tuxedo+address&ludocid=4552629507578930411&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi8xq_DpYmTAxWgP2IAHVNnAAcQ6BN6BAg0EAI) : 696 Sterli…

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: 1. The Best Picture showdown between One Battle After Another and Sinners 2. Why Paul Thomas Anderson may finally take Best Director 3. The rise of Michael B. Jordan as a Best Actor favorite for Sinners 4. Why Jessie Buckley’s performance in Hamnet is dominating the Best Actress race 5. Supporting category sleepers and potential Oscar night surprises Plus the usual Reel Debaters arguments, jokes, and film nerd chaos. Emily’s Link reference during the BAFTA Conversation: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566564909475 Next Reel Debaters Trivia+ Night It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia St Patricks Day Trivia+ (https://www.event…

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 Camp Heated Rivalry Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Wonderman The Olympics Send Help Next Reel Debaters Trivia+ Night 4-5 rounds of Themed Trivia A Colouring Contest A Cosplay Challenge Prizes for all 3. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia March 17th The Handsome Daughter Address (https://www.google.com/search?safe=on&rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS992US992&sca_esv=846ebd86ebd88482&sxsrf=ANbL-n5iyrg5LlICJC-AO0S1fCjaH-nfOA:1771953187887&q=handsome+daughter+address&ludocid=13757685334377496903&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwi_icqC0PKSAxXnD1kFHRlqAHUQ6BN6BAgwEAI&cshid=1771953189043617) : 61 Sherbrook St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B3 St.Paddy's Day THEME! Tickets on sale here! (ht…

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+ Night Rd trivia+ presents It’s always sunny in Philadelphia st Patrick’s day trivia+ March 17th at The Handsome Daughter A Colouring Contest, A Cosplay Challenge 4 rounds of Themed Trivia. And prizes for all 3 Fandom Celebrates Doors 645 Register 700 Trivia 730 RUSH AND LIMITED SEATING BOOK NOW TEAMS OF 6 PEOPLE MAX TICKETS ARE PER PLAYER On sale now Eventbrite.ca (https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-st-patricks-day-trivia-night-tick…

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 the world of professional costuming and shoemaking -What really goes into designing footwear for stunts, action, and character authenticity -The pressure of working on massive franchise films - Collaborating with costume designers, actors, and directors -His creative process, from sketch to screen -The hidden storytelling power of a great pair of shoes With over 8 major films and series featuring his work hitting screens soon, Jeff’s craftsmanship is about to be everywhere. …

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 Debate We 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 Reviews Mel Brooks’ The 99 Year Old Man – Does the comedy legend still have the spark, or is this one strictly for the diehards? Predator: Badlands – New setting, same primal rules. We break down whether the franchise still knows how to hunt. The Threads Fight That Wouldn’t Die... Michael found himself deep in the trenches of Threads after arguing that Avatar being nominated for Best Costume Design actually makes sense. What followed was a spirited, slightly exhausting debate about CGI, world-building, and where costumes truly begin and end. …

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.... 1. The continued blur between film and television prestige, with streaming platforms flexing hard 2. A noticeable shift toward international stories and creators getting real spotlight 3. Wins that felt inevitable and some shocking losses 4. Whether the Globes are finally finding their footing again, or just better at throwing a party Next Reel Debaters Trivia+ Night January 29th At The Handsome Daughter 5 rounds of Themed Trivia, a colouring contest and cosplay challenge all in the theme of........... THE GILMOR…

“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, streaming, industry nonsense. Nothing escapes the recap. Old arguments resurface. Closure is not guaranteed. Next Reel Debaters Trivia+ Night January 29th, at The Handsome Daughter IS THE GILMORE GIRLS Trivia+ 5 rounds of themed trivia, A colouring contest A cosplay challenge Fandom Celebrated Tickets on sale now on Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1978861708640?aff=oddtdtcreator) and thereeldebaters.ca (https://www.thereeldebaters.ca/) Limited Seats Rush Seating Doo…

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: 1. The origin of Give a Chad a Spot and how the story came together 2. Writing the script and shaping the film’s tone 3. Casting, performances, and character development 4. Visual style, cinematography choices, and lighting choices 5. The challenges and rewards of independent filmmaking 6. Lessons learned from production and what’s next for the team Watch it here! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rehpok6hUn4) (The audio in this and a few previous episodes has suffered due to hidden gremlins in our mixer; it has been sorted and should no longer be an issue as we advance. Thank you for you…

What happens when the Reel Debaters go Secret Santa shopping… for their favourite movie and TV characters? Bad ideas, inspired choices, and a lot of judgment. In Episode 307, the cast debates the perfect Secret Santa gifts if they were shopping for iconic characters, deciding who deserves something thoughtful and who’s getting a wildly inappropriate gag gift. Then it’s back to business with sharp takes on Knives Out, Wake Up Dead Man, reactions to the Jake Paul fight, Bugonia, and more. Reel Debaters Trivia+ Gilmore Girls Trivia+ Night January 29th, at The Handsome Daughter, 61 Sherbrook Ave Tickets On Sale Dec 31st At 10 Am. Follow and subscribe to avoid missing out. Limited Seating. Doors 645 pm, Register 7 pm, Trivia 730pm Episode Sponsors: Smash N Axe Throwing & Arcade. Unleash your inner action hero with walk-in axe-throwing, classic arcade games, and cold drinks to celebrate your victories. Whether you’re blowing off steam or settling a movie debate the old…