If he really wanted a fair debate he'd do it in a properly moderated forum like Intelligence squared. Or better yet a written debate where both sides could properly research their responses and provide sources.
What he wants is to Gish Gallop a scientist in a friendly environment with an idiot moderator that couldn't fact check his way through a 3rd graders homework.
It's all about the forum. Public debate in a fair and properly moderated forum like Intelligence squared = legit. Debate hosted by him on his podcast = bullshit that would do more harm than good.