Best Dinner Table Debates Podcasts (2025)

1
SOCIETY: The study of math is more valuable to society to the study of arts 7:53

12d ago7:53

7:53

Do you remember the first time you solved a complex math problem—the satisfaction of finding the right answer? Or maybe you recall losing yourself in a beautiful painting or a thought-provoking play. Which of these experiences has had a greater impact on shaping the world we live in? Math has given us everything from skyscrapers to smartphones, whi…

1
Introducing "The Edge with Andrew Augustine" 33:26

1M ago33:26

33:26

Andrew rides solo here introducing his solo project "The Edge with Andrew Augustine", gives some updates on "The Pens and Stuff Podcast" and gives his thoughts on the Penguins season, where he would like to see the team at the end of the year, and gives a few thoughts as to what he would like to see the Pens do in the offseason. Follow the show on …

1
MENTAL HEALTH: Therapy should be mandated by the government 7:33

3M ago7:33

7:33

How do you feel therapy is treated in the US? Do you feel like it’s easy to access and socially accepted? Compare that to living in Norway, where mental health services are seamlessly woven into public healthcare, ensuring every citizen has access regardless of income. Do you feel like therapy is critical for the health and happiness of a populatio…

1
GLOBAL: Cultural treasures should be returned to their areas of origin 7:38

3M ago7:38

7:38

In the British Museum, visitors marvel at the Rosetta Stone, a priceless artifact that unlocked the secrets of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Yet, its journey to London is steeped in controversy—taken by British forces after defeating Napoleon in Egypt. How do artifacts like this end up in far-off museums? Should cultural treasures remain in global …

1
PHILOSOPHY: Humans have a soul 8:06

3M ago8:06

8:06

Do you ever catch yourself staring into the mirror, pondering life’s big questions? Like, why do I sometimes feel an existential void after binge-watching a whole season of a show in one night? Or, perhaps the biggest question of all: Do I have a soul? It’s one of those topics that has inspired everything from ancient philosophy to awkward late-nig…

1
SCIENCE: There is no other intelligent life in the universe 7:42

3M ago7:42

7:42

For decades, Hollywood has been obsessed with the idea of intelligent life beyond Earth. Think of the drama of Independence Day, the wonder of Contact, or the mysteries of Arrival. But what if all these stories of alien civilizations are just humanity projecting its own hopes and fears onto the void? Despite the billions of stars and planets in the…

1
ECONOMICS: We should institute a mandatory retirement age 7:53

3M ago7:53

7:53

At what age do you picture yourself sitting on a beach, sipping something refreshing, and finally enjoying retirement? Or maybe you’re one of those people who will never retire, working well into your golden years, driven by passion and purpose. But here’s the million-dollar question: Should society tell you when it’s time to clock out for good? Wh…

1
US LAW: Limits to free speech are justified 7:25

4M ago7:25

7:25

Do you remember the last time someone said something so outrageous it left you questioning the boundaries of free speech? Maybe it was a viral tweet, a controversial protest, or a heated debate on campus. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy, but should it be absolute? Could society function better with some boundaries in place, or would…

1
SOCIETY: School vouchers are beneficial to society 7:53

4M ago7:53

7:53

School vouchers are a highly debated topic, with arguments on both sides about their impact on society. These government-funded scholarships allow families to use public funds to pay for private school tuition, giving parents the freedom to choose where their children are educated. Proponents argue that vouchers empower parental choice, enabling fa…

1
EDUCATION: Homework Should Not Be Required 7:53

4M ago7:53

7:53

When you think about the word "homework," what comes to mind? Maybe it’s late nights hunched over a desk, trying to solve math problems while your friends were outside. Or maybe it’s rushing to finish an assignment on the bus five minutes before class starts. Is homework really the best use of our time outside of school, or are we just holding onto…

1
GLOBAL: Governments should protect their native languages 7:49

4M ago7:49

7:49

Did you know that there are over 7,000 languages worldwide, but more than half the world's population speaks only 23 of these languages? And about 40% of those languages are considered endangered, with only a few speakers left. Even more surprising, over the past century, it’s estimated that nearly 230 languages have gone extinct. While some langua…

1
PHILOSOPHY: On balance, nostalgia causes more harm than good 8:50

4M ago8:50

8:50

Nostalgia: that warm, bittersweet feeling that can take you back to simpler times, like hearing an old song or flipping through childhood photos. But how does this yearning for the past affect us in the present? Does it inspire us or hold us back? Are we celebrating cherished memories or clinging to illusions that distort our understanding of today…

1
SCIENCE: Genetically modified crops (GMOs) are the best way to feed the world 8:38

4M ago8:38

8:38

Walk into any grocery store, and you’re surrounded by them—genetically modified crops. From the corn in your chips to the soy in your plant-based milk, GMOs are deeply woven into our food systems. They’ve become so prevalent that nearly 70% of processed foods in the U.S. contain genetically modified ingredients. But what does that mean for the futu…

1
ECONOMICS: Unions Have Done More Harm Than Good for the Average Worker 7:41

4M ago7:41

7:41

When you think about your job, what gives you security and a voice? Is it your personal achievements, the policies of your company, or something larger—like a union? On one hand, unions have fought for benefits many of us now take for granted, like weekends and workplace safety. But on the other, have they overstayed their welcome? Do unions now hi…

1
US LAW: The US should implement term limits for all members of Congress 8:06

4M ago8:06

8:06

How long should one person hold the reins of power? Decades? A lifetime? Imagine a workplace where someone stays in the same position for over 50 years. Would that foster the innovation and insights someone can only get with really understanding the workplace or stifle fresh ideas that could be generated by a new perspective of a new employee? In t…

1
SOCIETY: Websites and Social Media platforms should be held responsible for content that is posted on their sites 8:44

4M ago8:44

8:44

Every entrepreneur dreams of creating the next big website or social media platform. You imagine the excitement, the traffic, the growth—but do you also think about the darker side? What happens when your platform becomes a breeding ground for harmful content or misinformation? Should you be held accountable, or is it enough to just provide the too…

1
ENVIRONMENT: All Cars Should Be Electric 9:00

4M ago9:00

9:00

Have you ever noticed how much time we spend on the road? From daily commutes to road trips, cars are at the heart of modern life here in the US. But as you sit in traffic, have you ever thought about the air you’re breathing? Or how the fuel in your tank impacts the world around us? With climate change on the rise and gas prices fluctuating, is it…

1
ECONOMICS: Sales tax should be eliminated. 10:00

4M ago10:00

10:00

How would it feel if the cost of every purchase you make stayed exactly as advertised, without that familiar boost at checkout? Picture a shopping trip where you see a $50 price tag and pay exactly $50. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if we eliminated sales tax entirely? Welcome to your Dinner Table Debates Daily Deep Dive, where we ex…

1
US LAW: Every state should have the right to independent nationhood (i.e., secession) if a majority of its members support it. 8:25

4M ago8:25

8:25

Is there a place that feels like home to you—a place where your culture, values, and experiences are truly understood? What if that place felt so different from the rest of your country that you and others wanted to stand on your own? Imagine a state where the people feel deeply that their priorities, lifestyle, and even beliefs about government do…

1
GLOBAL: Affluent nations should accept more refugees. 8:45

4M ago8:45

8:45

How would you feel if your family’s safety depended entirely on the kindness of strangers in a distant land? Or if you knew your child’s future hinged on the willingness of another country to open its borders? These are not just hypothetical questions—they reflect the reality faced by millions of refugees every year. It’s a topic that challenges ou…

1
PHILOSOPHY: It is impossible to ever be completely just. 9:05

4M ago9:05

9:05

When you think of justice, what comes to mind? Is it a fair trial, a system that treats everyone equally, or maybe even something as small as resolving a misunderstanding with a friend? Most of us want to believe that justice is attainable. But here’s the question: can any system, society, or even an individual, ever be completely fair and just? Ev…

1
SCIENCE: Scientific research should prioritize the pursuit of reversing aging above all else. 7:35

4M ago7:35

7:35

What if you could live to see your great-great-grandchildren graduate? Or what if scientists discovered a way to keep your mind sharp and body youthful, no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake? Imagine a world where wrinkles fade, grey hair returns to its original color, and diseases associated with old age are a thing of the past. The…

1
SOCIETY: All childhood education in the US should be equally funded regardless of location 8:00

4M ago8:00

8:00

Have you ever wondered why some schools have state-of-the-art facilities while others are struggling just to provide basic supplies? How many teachers do you know who are spending their own money to stock their classrooms? Or why a child's zip code can often predict how much they’ve learned in school? These questions touch on a debate that's been r…

1
US LAW: When in conflict, the exact wording of the law should take priority over the spirit of the law. 9:50

4M ago9:50

9:50

Have you ever wondered what’s more important: the letter of the law, or the spirit behind it? Should judges stick strictly to the words written on the page, or consider the broader intention behind them? Welcome to your Dinner Table Debates Daily Deep Dive, where we explore real topics from our decks and give you everything you need to debate, in u…

1
POLITICS: The voting age should be lowered to 16 8:19

4M ago8:19

8:19

How old were you when you first felt truly aware of the world around you—the politics, the issues, the community decisions? In many cases by 16, you’re already involved in so many decisions about your future. You might be driving, working a part-time job, and navigating big questions about career paths and life goals. But should 16-year-olds also h…

1
GLOBAL: A lesser developed nation’s right to develop ought to take priority over its obligation to protect the environment 8:16

4M ago8:16

8:16

In 2019, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro faced global criticism for allowing increased deforestation in the Amazon rainforest to boost economic development. Meanwhile, China's rapid industrialization over the past few decades has lifted millions out of poverty but at a severe environmental cost. These real-world scenarios highlight a crucial dile…

1
Preseason Predictions Guaranteed to Go Wrong: Eastern Conference 1:12:03

7M ago1:12:03

1:12:03

Jim, Abby, and Andrew are BACK for another season of the Pens and Stuff Podcast. Today the acknowledge the Florida Panthers as Stanley Cup Champions, the Penguins offseason moves and give their preseason predictions for the outcome of the NHL season.

1
Penguins Fall Short and Postseason Predictions 42:52

1y ago42:52

42:52

On this Pens and Stuff Podcast episode, the gang discusses the Pens' collapse and who they think will win it all this year!Follow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X - @PnSPodcastJimFollow Andrew on X - @AndyAugustine01Follow the show on X - @PensstuffFollow the show on Instagram - @PensandstuffpodcastMake sure to follow us where you can and c…

1
Penguins just may do this! 42:38

1y ago42:38

42:38

Jim, Abby, and Andrew talk about just how difficult the Penguins' road to the playoffs could be, and more on this episode of the Pens and Stuff Podcast episode.Follow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X - @PnSPodcastJimFollow Andrew on X - @AndyAugustine01Follow the show on X - @PensstuffFollow the show on Instagram - @PensandstuffpodcastMake …

1
The Penguins Just Might Pull This Wild Playoff Appearance 36:42

1y ago36:42

36:42

Jim and Andrew dissect the last two weeks of the Penguins season and how they just might come through with this wild playoff appearance.Follow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X - @PnSPodcastJimFollow Andrew on X - @AndyAugustine01Follow the show on X - @PensstuffFollow the show on Instagram - @PensandstuffpodcastMake sure to follow us where …

1
Sidney Crosby is The Best Player in the NHL 45:48

1y ago45:48

45:48

Jim, Andrew, and Abby discuss another sub500 week for the Penguins. Andrew unveils his top 3 players on the 45-player list, and the three of them have some serious debate about it, and then there's some prediction contest talk.Make sure to follow us where you can and check out the website at pensandstuffpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Vis…

1
Goodbye Jake, Thanks for the Memories 1:13:13

1y ago1:13:13

1:13:13

Today, Andrew and Abby discuss the Penguins finally looking to do a slight reboot of the roster and try and win one more cup with the big three; they say their goodbyes to Chad Ruhwedel and Jake Guentzel, as well as give some grades to other trades that happened. They also discuss the week of predictions. Pens and Stuff BlogOur Website - Use code T…

1
Special Guest, Mark Messier, and Grandma's Who Love Hockey 53:58

1y ago53:58

53:58

Andrew, Jim, Abby, and Special Guest, Austin Hall, discuss Mark Messier, Sidney Crosby, Jamie Drysdale, the week of Penguins Hockey that happened. Plus, they play a game on pronouncing hockey names and predict three Pens games on this episode of the Pens and Stuff Podcast.Pens and Stuff BlogOur WebsiteFollow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X…

1
Andrew Needs to Make an Announcement... 1:06:12

1y ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Jim and Andrew talk about a very disappointing week in Penguins hockey, play "Likely, Dark Horse, and Long Shot," and Andrew drops a surprising announcement on this episode of the Pens and Stuff Podcast. Andrew also gives his next five players on his Best 45 Players over the Last 45 Years list.Pens and Stuff BlogOur WebsiteFollow Abby on X - @AbbyA…

1
Pens are NOT making the playoffs 1:12:59

1y ago1:12:59

1:12:59

Jim and Andrew discuss the last week of Penguin play, the Jake Guentzel injury, and what this means for the trade deadline, and talk about why Joe Sakic is one of the top 20 NHL players of the last 45 years.Follow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X - @PnSPodcastJimFollow Andrew on X - @AndyAugustine01Follow the show on X - @PensstuffFollow th…

1
Mediocre Penguin Play, Marc-Andre Fleury's 1,000th Game, and Mid-Season Awards 1:02:58

1y ago1:02:58

1:02:58

The gang talks about Pittsburgh's odd week, winning against Winnipeg and losing in St. Paul. They also discuss Marc-Andre Fleury's possible return to Pittsburgh and give out some awards to the Penguin's best and worst players!Follow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X - @PnSPodcastJimFollow Andrew on X - @AndyAugustine01Follow the show on X - …

1
The All-Star Skills Competition, Andrew's Best 45 Players over the Last 45 Years, and Jake Guentzel Speculation 1:17:16

1y ago1:17:16

1:17:16

Today, Jim and Andrew discuss the possibility of moving on from Jake Guentzel at the deadline; they also discuss what they would need to see from the team in order to think about keeping him if Guenztel continues to refuse to sign an extension. Andrew gives his next five players on his Best 45 Players over the Last 45 Years list, and he gives his t…

1
Mid-Season Star Rankings for the Penguins Stars 1:29:14

1+ y ago1:29:14

1:29:14

Jim, Abby, and Andrew discuss the Penguins' lackluster week, hear more of Andrew's 45 Best Players of the Last 45 Years, and give their star rankings for the Penguins players through the first half of the year.Follow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X - @PnSPodcastJimFollow Andrew on X - @AndyAugustine01Follow the show on X - @PensstuffFollow…

1
Hockey in Columbus, Guentzel for Keller, and Penguins vs Golden Knights 39:32

1+ y ago39:32

39:32

On an abbreviated episode, Jim, Abby, and Andrew talk about the hockey experience in Columbus, how the fans in the arena and the team were both bottom tier, sports betting, and the Penguins week to come. They also talk about their prediction race and how tight it actually is. Listen to this episode of the Pens and Stuff Podcast!Follow Abby on X - @…

1
PWHL Branding, Jake Guentzel Trade, and The Best 45 of the Last 45 (40-36) 1:06:33

1+ y ago1:06:33

1:06:33

With Jim away, Abby and Andrew talk about the PWHL and how the only mistake the new league has made is the lack of branding for fans to cheer for, they talk how IF Jake Guentzel get's traded, it has to be for a younger super star, and they discuss the next five players on Andrew's list of the best 45 players of the last 45 years in the NHL.Follow A…

1
Jansen Harkins, Ryan Graves, Valtteri Puustinen, and The 45 Best Players of the Last 45 Years (Players 45-41) 1:19:05

1+ y ago1:19:05

1:19:05

The Week in Penguins Hockey: 1:58The 45 Best Players of the Last 45 Years: 46:38Prediction Contest: 1:01:27 Andrew, Jim, and Abby are NHL super fans... And now they give you an unedited, unfiltered look into their normal car ride and dinner table debates. They'll give you the latest in Pittsburgh Penguin and NHL news, stats, and more. This is Pens …

1
Christmas for the Penguins, Poor Prediction Weeks, and More Terrible NHL Marketing 49:47

1+ y ago49:47

49:47

Andrew, Jim, and Abby are NHL super fans... And now they give you an unedited, unfiltered look into their normal car ride and dinner table debates. They'll give you the latest in Pittsburgh Penguin and NHL news, stats, and more. This is Pens and Stuff! New episodes every Monday are available wherever you get your podcasts.Social Media: Follow Abby …

1
Penguins Power Play, Penalty Kill, and Slow Start 1:05:59

1+ y ago1:05:59

1:05:59

Follow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X - @PnSPodcastJimFollow Andrew on X - @AndyAugustine01Follow The Show on X - @PensstuffAndrew, Jim, and Abby are NHL super fans... And now they give you an unedited, unfiltered look into their normal car ride and dinner table debates. They'll give you the latest in Pittsburgh Penguin and NHL news, stat…

1
Tough December For The Penguins 1:02:19

1+ y ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Abby and Andrew discuss the last three weeks for the Penguins, Jarry's first NHL goal, and more on this episode of the Pens and Stuff Podcast Follow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X - @PnSPodcastJimFollow Andrew on X - @AndyAugustine01Follow The Show on X - @PensstuffAndrew, Jim, and Abby are NHL super fans... And now they give you an unedi…

1
Thanksgiving Week for the Penguins 59:44

1+ y ago59:44

59:44

The Gang discuss the next two weeks for the Pens and give their two-cents on neck guards.Follow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X - @PnSPodcastJimFollow Andrew on X - @AndyAugustine01Follow The Show on X - @PensstuffAndrew, Jim, and Abby are NHL super fans... And now they give you an unedited, unfiltered look into their normal car ride and d…

1
Pens Upcoming Cali Road Trip 52:38

1+ y ago52:38

52:38

Recorded November 3Follow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X - @PnSPodcastJimFollow Andrew on X - @AndyAugustine01Follow The Show on X - @PensstuffAndrew, Jim, and Abby are NHL super fans... And now they give you an unedited, unfiltered look into their normal car ride and dinner table debates. They'll give you the latest in Pittsburgh Penguin…

1
The Penguins are Not Good... 59:29

1+ y ago59:29

59:29

Andrew, Abby, and Jim discuss all things Penguins, play a game, and more on this episode of the Pens and Stuff Podcast!Follow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X - @PnSPodcastJimFollow Andrew on X - @AndyAugustine01Follow The Show on X - @PensstuffAndrew, Jim, and Abby are NHL super fans... And now they give you an unedited, unfiltered look in…

1
Chill Out or Freak Out? 57:32

1+ y ago57:32

57:32

Andrew, Abby, and Jim talk about the first week of the NHL, play Chill Out or Freak Out, and predict the next round of games!Follow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X - @PnSPodcastJimFollow Andrew on X - @AndyAugustine01Follow The Show on X - @PensstuffAndrew, Jim, and Abby are NHL super fans... And now they give you an unedited, unfiltered l…

1
Our Centennial Episode! 1:25:24

1+ y ago1:25:24

1:25:24

Our 100th episode is HERE! We do our annual predictions guaranteed to go wrong as well as our first round of weekly game predictions! Join us for our 100th episode of Pens and Stuff, and our kick-off to season 5!Follow Abby on X - @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X - @PnSPodcastJimFollow Andrew on X - @AndyAugustine01Follow The Show on X - @PensstuffAndr…

1
Pittsburgh Season Preview with Lucas Wester of the Pens Cast 58:33

1+ y ago58:33

58:33

Andrew, Abby, and Jim sit down with Lucas of Pens Cast and discuss this upcoming Penguins season.This episode was recorded for Pens Cast and was uploaded here on the Pens and Stuff feed!Follow Lucas on X (formerly Twitter) @LucasWester or @Pens_castFollow Abby on X (formerly Twitter) @AbbyAugustttFollow Jim on X (formerly Twitter) @PnSPodcastJimFol…

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