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

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Jimmy Skinner

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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

Ian Bawa is an award-winning filmmaker from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and one of Podcast's more insightful voices. As a writer and director, Ian brings a filmmaker's perspective to every episode, offering thoughtful analysis on storytelling, performance, and the craft behind the camera while never shying away from a spirited debate.

Ian is best known for his films Offline, The Champ, Imitations, and Tapeworm. His acclaimed short film Strong Son premiered at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, the 2020 Vancouver International Film Festival, and the 2021 Aspen Shortsfest. His latest short, My Son Went Quiet, premiered at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival and the 2024 Fantasia International Film Festival, further cementing his reputation as one of Canada's exciting emerging filmmakers.

His career includes selection for the 2021 TIFF Filmmakers Lab, the 2021 Reelworld E20 Lab, Netflix's Diversity of Voices initiative, and a residency in the Norman Jewison Canadian Film Centre's Directors' Lab. With an eye for compelling storytelling and years of experience behind the camera, Ian offers listeners a unique perspective that goes beyond simply reviewing movies, exploring why films work, how they're made, and what makes them resonate long after the credits roll.

Rob Strachan

Rob Strachan is the resident home theatre guru and a classic film champion. With a career spanning decades in the audio and video industry, Rob has helped countless people build the ultimate home entertainment experience, making him the panel's go-to authority on everything from surround sound and display technology to how movies are truly meant to be seen.

A lifelong cinephile with a deep appreciation for Hollywood's golden age, Rob is just as comfortable discussing the craftsmanship of classic cinema as he is breaking down the latest blockbuster. His wealth of knowledge, technical expertise, and passion for the cinematic experience give every discussion a unique perspective that bridges the art of filmmaking with the technology that brings it to life.

Whether he's settling a debate with years of industry experience, introducing the panel to an overlooked classic, or explaining why the right setup can transform a good movie into a great one, Rob brings insight, humor, and a genuine love of cinema to every episode. His thoughtful approach and appreciation for film history make him an invaluable voice on The Reel Debaters Podcast.

Mark Cowell

As the owner of String Bean Comics and founder of C4 Comic Con, Mark has spent years building communities around pop culture, comics, and fandom. His deep industry knowledge is matched by an everyman sensibility, making him the perfect stand-in for the audience. He asks the questions everyone else is thinking, cuts through the hype, and reminds the panel that sometimes the simplest take is the right one.

While his appearances may be rare, that's exactly what makes them so highly anticipated. When Mark grabs a microphone, listeners know they're in for a mix of sharp observations, grounded opinions, and the kind of perspective only a true comic and movie fanatic can bring.

Whether he's championing an overlooked gem, calling out a film that doesn't live up to the buzz, or sharing stories from the comic convention floor, Mark brings authenticity, humor, and a wealth of real-world geek culture experience to every debate. Like any great collector's item, his appearances are limited, but always worth the wait.