NORTHWEST WISCONSIN — The latest episode of “That’s Debatable” aired live this morning on the DrydenWire Facebook page, featuring hosts Ben Dryden and Emily Gall diving into a full slate of timely and spirited topics.
The show opened with a seasonal conversation: now that Thanksgiving has wrapped and Christmas is on the horizon, both hosts reflected on what the holidays mean to them and the traditions that shape this time of year.
From there, the debates kicked in. Ben and Emily examined a widely circulated claim that a single adult in the United States needs $106,745 annually to live “comfortably.” They unpacked what “comfortable” really means, how cost-of-living varies dramatically across regions, and whether the number holds up under scrutiny.
The conversation then shifted to Wisconsin politics as the hosts discussed Mandela Barnes’ entry into the Governor’s race, exploring whether he is indeed the Democratic frontrunner as many political observers suggest. They broke down the early landscape, potential matchups, and what Barnes’ candidacy could mean for the field.
The Sign or Veto segment also returned, bringing two major (hypothetical) policy questions:
- Should the United States enact a social media ban for kids under 16, similar to Australia’s recently adopted law that takes effect December 10, 2025?
- And should Wisconsin schools be required to adopt a 4-day school week? Ben and Emily weighed the pros and cons, from student outcomes to family schedules to district budgets.
To close out the show, the hosts shared their Unpopular Opinions, with Ben calling out “Word of the Year” publications for selecting things that are not actually words — such as “rage bait” (two words) or the number “67.” Emily’s take was teased and saved for the show, adding her own twist to the segment.
If you missed the live broadcast, you can watch the full episode above or watch on DrydenWire’s YouTube channel.
Last Update: Dec 04, 2025 10:32 am CST
