Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

Music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com is back to talk about some of the concerts he’s caught lately, including Iron Maiden and Megadeth, Mötley Crüe and Extreme, and all the rain, mud, and music at Riot Fest. Jim also shares stories from his recent interviews with punk legend John Lydon, who told him to “F*** off!” several times, director and musician John Carpenter, pro wrestling icon Jimmy Hart, and, of course, GWAR!

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick recap their weekends, talk about some upcoming stuff, and put Esma’s musical knowledge to the test with The Ultimate ’90s Music Quiz. How much does she remember about the decade’s biggest songs and artists? Time to find out. [Ep 495]

Film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy are back to review the latest movies, including Heart of the Beast with Brad Pitt and Odin the dog, and Primetime, featuring Robert Pattinson as To Catch a Predator star Chris Hansen. Erik also reports back on some of the big movies he caught at the Toronto International Film Festival, while Steve shares some of the very cool and very strange films he saw at Fantastic Fest in Austin.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick get into some fun music stuff, including bizarre Muzak versions of rock songs, misheard lyrics, and songs that should simply never be played again. That includes the story of a bartender who would actually skip Elton John’s Tiny Dancer whenever someone dared to play it on the jukebox. Plus, Esma and Nick continue discovering the real people who inspired some of the fictional characters we all know. [Ep 494]

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter is back to recap the latest ridiculousness in the Big Brother house, break down this year’s Emmy Awards broadcast, and talk about the big winners and losers. They also get into the fun of revisiting old TV shows, inspired by Nick’s recent binge of All in the Family for the first time in years. Plus, Dan reviews the new HBO docuseries about Jay-Z and Neagley, Amazon’s new Reacher spinoff.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick discuss just how annoying Quentin Tarantino can be, compare the movies they know by heart, and get into some more Nerd Talk. They also start exploring fictional characters inspired by real people. Find out who Mr. Burns from The Simpsons is based on, and which very unexpected celebrity helped inspire the creation of Bugs Bunny. [Ep 493]

The Movie Mom herself, Nell Minow, is back to talk about a bunch of new movies, her visit to the George Lucas Museum, her interview with Domhnall Gleeson, and a new 4-hour documentary about that very wealthy weirdo Elon Musk. Nick and Nell also catch up on what’s happening over at RogerEbert.com.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive headfirst into Nerd Talk, dissecting video game movies like Street Fighter with Jean-Claude Van Damme and the original Mortal Kombat, before getting into The Lord of the Rings movies. Esma also reveals just how big a nerd her partner Colin is: he keeps Heat on his phone so he has access to it 24 hours a day…because apparently he needs it. Oh, and according to Nick, Elton John was in a video game movie. You’ll have to listen to find out what the hell that means. [Ep 492]

Food writer and entertainment journalist Marnie Shure is back with her monthly Horror Report, including a deep dive into why the movie Obsession has somehow captured the collective minds of Gen Z. Nick also helps Marnie make an important Halloween season decision: a Friday the 13th marathon or a Scream marathon? Plus, they talk about the upcoming “Games For Good” fundraising event.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick recap their weekends, review some late-night streaming discoveries, and venture into the surprisingly terrifying world of TV commercial mascots. The Noid, Mr. Mucus, and the legendary Quiznos Spongemonkeys all make the list. Enjoy trying to fall asleep after that conversation. [Ep 491]

Film critic Steve Prokopy is back to review the latest movies while Erik Childress is away at the Toronto Film Festival. Nick and Steve take on the Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman sequel 28 years in the making, Practical Magic 2, the peasants-vs.-oppressors adventure The Uprising, the South Korean sci-fi monster epic Hope, the wild action thriller Runner, and Liam Neeson’s latest, The Fix. Erik will have a full TIFF report and plenty of reviews when he returns.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick preview their weekends, discuss the disturbing trend of men not showering, and dissect the career of Hugh Grant, including their mutual hatred of Four Weddings and a Funeral. They also finish up the Phobias Quiz with some important questions: What exactly is chorophobia, and what do you call a fear of sitting down? [Ep 490]

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter returns to talk about the latest shenanigans in the Big Brother house, preview some upcoming television, and review a few new releases, including a documentary about Carl Sagan, the latest adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities with Kit Harington, and the gripping new documentary The Row. Nick and Dan also break down the Creative Arts Emmy winners, preview the upcoming primetime Emmy ceremony, make their predictions, and more.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive back into the wonderfully weird world of phobias, including “High Places Phenomenon,” the strange urge to jump from a tall structure, plus fears involving avocado pits and anthropomorphic food. That somehow leads to Esma explaining why the “Liberty Biberty” guy from those insurance commercials freaks her out, especially his creepy mouth full of human teeth! [Ep 489]

The legendary Stephen Tobolowsky returns to hang out with Nick and talk about the state of show business, why the industry has all but abandoned California, the mystery of storytelling, and the dream he recently had about Nick. Tobo also realizes he’s officially old and absolutely loves it. Plus, after decades of playing just about everybody, he’s finally been cast as God. It was inevitable.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick complain about the ridiculous Chicago heat, the horrors of the great outdoors, mountain climbing, and more. Esma also continues her first journey through Middle-earth with more thoughts on The Lord of the Rings trilogy as she works her way through the movies. [Ep 488]

Nick remembers his former WGN Radio partner Garry Lee Wright, who passed away last week. A talented broadcaster and a genuinely lovely man, Garry left behind a tremendous legacy, and Nick shares what it was like working with him and how much he learned from their time together. Then, The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum returns for “For The People” to answer listener questions, explain how to find the best dentists, break down the latest news on GLP-1 drugs, and more.

Later, car expert Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive talks about the latest vehicles he’s test-driven, the 2026 crop of designer SUVs, some fancy new features showing up in recent models, and the completely insane 1979 Bonanza Bandit. Plus, another round of #StarSpotter and #MysteryShow. [Ep 487]

Nick reflects on the recent passing of several celebrities, including 2 legends, Dolly Parton and Tim Curry, before film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy return to talk movies. They break down the latest box office numbers and review a batch of new releases, including the long-awaited Looney Tunes comedy Coyote vs. Acme, Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars, and the creepy new horror movies It Ends and Buddy, about a Barney-like kids TV character who starts killing kids.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick make their weekend plans and wrap up their wonderfully weird conversation about celebrity phobias. This time, it’s Khloé Kardashian’s fear of belly buttons, followed by the discovery of exactly what anatidaephobia is. Here’s a hint: it involves ducks. [Ep 486]

Nick welcomes TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter Dan Fienberg back to the podcast. Nick and Dan discuss the latest developments in the Big Brother house, including one of the best moves a houseguest has ever made, and CBS’s insistence on jamming “Big Brother Unlocked” down our collective throats. Then, Dan reviews HBO’s new superhero comedy “Lanterns,” discusses the best TV Teen Dramas of all time, this summer’s TV Beauties and Bores, and the life and career of Hayden Panettiere. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about their weekends, and dive deep into the weird world of celebrities and their exotic pets. Included in the conversation are Nicolas Cage’s octopus, Reese Witherspoon’s donkeys, and Elvis Presley’s chimp. Pay attention…because there is also a quiz. [Ep 485]

Nick welcomes Tom Hush back to the podcast for the final edition of “Theater of Trash” before the new Radio Misfits Podcast is launched in September. Here, Tom and Nick examine the truly bizarre, and insanely entertaining Italian flick “Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man,” which is very, very loosely inspired by Starsky and Hutch, and features crime, shoot-outs, an extended motorcycle chase, and the bloody death of a seeing eye dog…among other crazy things. It’s a fun look at one of the great examples of trashy cinema, and a great preview of things to come on the new podcast. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a preview of weekend fun, a deep analysis of The Lord of the Rings, more celebrity phobias, and a conversation about a weird bug invasion at Esma’s house! [Ep 484]

Music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com is back to talk about his latest interviews, including a conversation with Corey Glover of Living Colour. Jim also reviews a packed lineup of recent concerts, including Chicago and Styx at Allstate Arena, Guns N’ Roses and Public Enemy in Tinley Park, Rush at the United Center, and Billy Idol at Ravinia. Jim and Nick also compare notes on this past weekend’s Fan Expo at the Rosemont Convention Center.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick continue the Fan Expo conversation, including how Mel Gibson managed to make about $45,000 in just three hours by basically standing still. They also get into the recent illegal raves at the Congress Theater and revisit Marathon Man to ask an important question: Why the hell didn’t Dustin Hoffman have locks on his doors? [Ep 483]

Film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy are back to review a new batch of movies, including Tony, the story of Anthony Bourdain as a teenager, the dinosaurs-invade-’80s-suburbia thriller The End of Oak Street, the slasher satire Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, and The Brink of War, a political drama about the Reagan-Gorbachev summit meetings.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about their weekend plans before returning to the wonderfully strange world of celebrity phobias. This time they get into Christina Ricci’s fear of houseplants and Benicio del Toro’s constant need to knock on wood. Yep…still weird. [Ep 482]

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter is back to review some new shows, including USA Network’s Anna Pigeon, HBO’s reptile-trafficking docuseries Monsters of God, and Ryan Murphy’s latest exercise in excess, The Shards. Nick and Dan also catch up on the latest news from the Big Brother house and talk about what else is happening in television.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick catch up on the weekend, talk about Heat, and get into some truly bizarre celebrity phobias. Alfred Hitchcock couldn’t stand eggs, Tyra Banks is afraid of dolphins, and Jennifer Aniston apparently has serious issues with water…and tricycles. Yeah, it’s pretty weird. [Ep 481]

Monica Eng from Axios Chicago is back to talk about some of the stories she’s been covering this month, including Chicago’s $13 billion lead pipe problem, the latest twists in the CPS budget drama, the best food to grab at Sox Park, the passing of Corny the Cornstalk, where to find great Uyghur food in Albany Park, and who really serves the best Chicago-style hot dog in the city.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick look back on the fun they had at Flashback Weekend before diving into some of the most awkward, outrageous, and unforgettable talk show appearances of all time. From Tom Cruise’s infamous couch-jumping moment to Bobcat Goldthwait setting a couch on fire, it’s a look back at TV interviews that went completely off the rails. [Ep 480]

Nick recaps his weekend at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, shares a few highlights, and lets listeners know how to pre-order his new book. With The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum on vacation, Nick takes the reins for this month’s “For The People” segment, covering the latest consumer news along with money-saving tips from Checkbook.org on groceries, services, insurance, and more.

Later, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to talk about the latest vehicles he’s been test-driving. They also discuss what’s going on with Tesla, how long you should really warm up your car, and look back at a pair of automotive oddities, the 1974 Dodge Colt and Canada’s Monarch. Plus, another round of #StarSpotter, #MysteryShow, and more. [Ep 479]

Recorded live at the 2026 Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, this special bonus episode finds Nick and Esmeralda Leon on stage with a lively audience sharing scary childhood memories, horror favorites, and plenty of laughs. The fun gets even better with a surprise appearance by Chicago horror legend Svengoolie.

The show also welcomes the cast of the cult classic Night of the Creeps to the stage, including Jason Lively, Jill Whitlow, and the legendary Tom Atkins, as they celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary with stories, memories, and a terrific live conversation in front of an enthusiastic crowd. [Ep 478]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to discuss the incredible box office success of The Odyssey, the latest movie trends, and several new releases, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Gregg Araki’s comedy I Want Your Sex, and the sci-fi family drama Sheep in a Box.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to recap the weekend at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention before the conversation turns to TV characters who were written off their shows because the actors were reportedly too difficult to work with. From Susan on Seinfeld to Chef on South Park, they look back at some of television’s most memorable behind-the-scenes exits. [Ep 477]

Nick welcomes The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast to review several new shows, including Adult Swim’s President Curtis, the new Will Ferrell golf comedy The Hawk, Apple TV+’s Lucky starring Anya Taylor-Joy, and more. They also continue their bi-weekly coverage of Big Brother Season 28 with their latest thoughts on the houseguests and the game.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick as they get ready for the LIVE edition of The Nick D Podcast at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention. Along the way, they talk about tribute bands, the work of Stephen King, and more nightmare-inducing entertainment, including the unsettling 1972 documentary Future Shock, narrated by a truly terrifying Orson Welles. [Ep 476]

Nick welcomes Mike Kerz, co-creator and co-founder of the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention and co-owner of the Midway Drive-In Theater in Dixon, Illinois, back to the podcast. Mike and Nick look back at Flashback Weekend’s 24-year history, from its beginnings to memorable conventions and celebrity guests, before previewing everything happening at this year’s event. They also talk about featured guests including David Arquette, Jane Levy, David Naughton, Dermot Mulroney, and Chicago’s own Svengoolie, along with special events coming up at the Midway Drive-In.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick as they continue revisiting the movies and TV moments that have haunted them since childhood. This time, the conversation takes an unexpectedly emotional turn with one of the most heartbreaking episodes of Futurama, featuring everyone’s favorite loyal dog, Seymour. [Ep 475]

Nick is joined by legendary stuntman and actor Dick Warlock, whose remarkable career included stunt work and stunt coordination on more than 175 films. From the 1960s through his retirement after Spider-Man in 2002, Dick doubled for Kurt Russell for decades and famously portrayed Michael Myers in Halloween II. He shares stories from his incredible career, talks about his upcoming appearance at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, and discusses his new autobiography, Dick Warlock: The Shape of My Career.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick as they continue their countdown to Flashback Weekend with another fun conversation about the movies and TV shows that terrified kids for generations. [Ep 474]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to break down the latest box office numbers, talk about current movie trends, and review several new releases, including Evil Dead Burn, Moana, and one of the year’s most anticipated films, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick as they continue getting ready for Flashback Weekend by revisiting more childhood movie and TV moments that left lasting scars. From Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Ernest Scared Stupid to the unforgettable talking toilets from Look Who’s Talking Too, Rick and Morty, and even Better Call Saul, they discover that some things are just as disturbing the second time around. [Ep 473]

Nick welcomes The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast to review the new Little House on the Prairie reboot and Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness starring Larry David. They also break down the 2026 Emmy nominations, discussing the biggest surprises, the most obvious picks, and a few notable snubs. Plus, Nick and Dan kick off their bi-weekly coverage of Big Brother.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to recap their weekends, talk about the upcoming Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, and revisit some of the movies and TV shows that traumatized them growing up. That includes a spirited discussion about just how terrifying Dumbo really is. Seriously. [Ep 472]

Nick welcomes journalist Monica Eng from Axios Chicago back to the podcast to talk about some of the stories she’s been covering, including great new places to eat in Harbor Country, how police are responding to teen takeovers, the possibility of moving the Pride Parade downtown, refreshing cold soup recipes, and why Lake Michigan stays so unbelievably cold.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up before diving into anthology TV shows like Tales from the Crypt and the creepy Mexican series La Hora Marcada. They also revisit some of the movie and TV moments that traumatized them as kids, and even as adults, including the shoe scene in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Beast from The Sandlot, and, of course, The Brave Little Toaster. [Ep 471]

Later, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to talk about the end of Polestar, the forgotten story of AvtoVAZ, the bizarre automotive product Motor Honey, and why cigarette lighters have disappeared from new cars, even though there’s still a way to get one. Plus, another round of #StarSpotter, #MysteryShow, and more. [Ep 470]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to talk about the latest box office news and trends before diving into a new batch of movie reviews. This time they cover the newest entry in the animated franchise Minions and Monsters, the dark comedy The Invite, the campy melodrama Maddie’s Secret, which lands on the list of the year’s worst, and the historical epic Young Washington.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about the summer heat and somehow ends up deep in the complicated history of mules and donkeys. Then it’s round two of terrible TV shows based on good movies, including the forgotten TV versions of Serpico and The Outsiders. Yes, they were real. And yes, there’s a quiz. [Ep 469]

Nick welcomes food writer and horror fan Marnie Shure back for her monthly visit, which includes her review of the new horror hit Backrooms and a funny story about the surprise box office success of Obsession. They also talk about the world of Mortified, the growing trend of government-owned grocery stores, something that may be coming to Illinois, and more. Marnie also shares her thoughts on the wildly popular new Hello Kitty Cafe in downtown Chicago.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to look back at some pretty terrible TV adaptations of great movies, including Heathers, Clueless, and 9 to 5. They even revisit the forgotten TV version of Weird Science, which somehow leads to a quiz. [Ep 468]

Nick welcomes radio producer and film fanatic Tom Hush back to the podcast for another funny, smart, and gloriously weird edition of Theater of Trash. This time, Tom takes apart and celebrates the wild Bollywood film Mahakaal, a movie often described as Nightmare on Elm Street meets Grease. As always, Tom digs into what makes this oddball cult favorite work, and why it deserves a second look.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about some of the hidden gems streaming on Tubi and Pluto TV, including the British series Brassic and the unforgettable TV movie about Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. They also get into real-life celebrity fights, from Steven Seagal vs. John Leguizamo to Brad Pitt vs. Shia LaBeouf and Rob Lowe vs. Tom Cruise. Plenty of punches, and plenty of laughs. [Ep 467]

Nick welcomes The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back for another deep dive into what’s happening on television. They wrap up the 23rd season of Top Chef and review new shows including House of the Dragon Season 3, the thriller The Listeners starring Rebecca Hall, and the documentary Playing POTUS. Nick and Dan also take time to reflect on the remarkable career of legendary TV director and producer James Burrows following his passing.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another wild round of Pop Culture Trivia Madness with the return of British bon vivant and game show host Slap Slapply. Along the way, we learn the name of Slap’s father and finally find out what K.I.T. stands for in Knight Rider. As always, chaos and laughs are guaranteed. [Ep 466]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast for their latest movie reviews and a look at the current box office. They break down some of the big new releases, including the fantastic Pixar sequel Toy Story 5, the dark Hugh Jackman adventure The Death of Robin Hood, the teen drama Girls Like Girls, and the horror film Leviticus.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up on listener emails before diving into a fun conversation about some of the worst movie reboots and remakes ever made. That includes Planet of the Apes with Mark Wahlberg and the gloriously over-the-top Wicker Man with Nicolas Cage…and yes, the bees. Not the bees. [Ep 465]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com back to the podcast to talk about the new Earth, Wind & Fire documentary and his recent interviews with Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil and Jon Spencer of The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. They also review recent concerts by George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, Phil Manzanera, and Santana with The Doobie Brothers. Along the way, they discuss the parking headaches at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre and the troubling trend of outdoor venues keeping shows going during dangerous weather.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to read listener emails and talk about the new Martin Short documentary. That conversation leads to a deep dive into some of Short’s wildest work, including the cult favorite Clifford. They also chat about Top Gun, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and a handful of other topics that somehow all connect by the end. Trust us, it makes sense when you hear it. [Ep 464]

Nick welcomes journalist Monica Eng back to the podcast to talk about some of the stories she’s been covering for Axios Chicago, including the latest developments in Chicago politics, Governor Pritzker’s views on data centers and their environmental impact, Pilates classes that can help get you in shape, the growing concerns surrounding e-scooter safety, great local food, Lake Michigan dips, and more.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another round of kids’ TV trivia, where they figure out who Skeeter Valentine is and come to the conclusion that That’s So Raven is basically The Dead Zone for kids. They also chat about the differences between wallabies and kangaroos, Chicago’s brutal weather, and a variety of other wonderfully random topics. [Ep 463]

Nick welcomes The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast to talk about the latest television news, recap the Tony Awards, and catch up on Top Chef. They also discuss a couple of reality shows they believe are broken, along with some ideas on how to fix them. Dan reviews two new documentaries, one about the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire and another about Mario Cuomo, and shares his thoughts on the new Cape Fear miniseries starring Amy Adams and Javier Bardem.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to recap the weekend, talk about some great tribute bands, and take a quiz on weird and memorable kids’ TV shows. From Kim Possible to Dexter’s Laboratory and beyond, it’s a fun trip down memory lane with plenty of laughs along the way. [Ep 462]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to talk about the surprising box office success of a pair of independent horror films, a new music documentary on HBO, and several new releases, including Masters of the Universe, Carolina Caroline, Backrooms, and more.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a conversation about generational differences, the oddball movie 8 Million Ways to Die, and the Scary Movie franchise. They also come to the unsettling realization that Trainspotting is now 30 years old. That leads to a hilarious discussion about aging, cultural references that no longer land, and the fact that far too many people have no idea who the Wu-Tang Clan or Foster Brooks are. [Ep 461]

In this “For The People” edition, Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, back to the podcast to discuss odometer fraud in used car sales, dealing with debt collectors, and the challenges travelers are facing, including higher airfares, rising fees, fewer flight options, and more.

Later, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to answer listener questions, review some of the latest vehicles he’s been test-driving, and talk about the shrinking supply of synthetic oils due to the war in Iran. They also say goodbye to the first Lexus, discuss the tiny Fiat Topolino, and cover plenty more automotive topics. Plus, there are new rounds of #StarSpotter and #MysteryShow. [Ep 460]

Nick welcomes The Movie Mom herself, Nell Minow, back to the podcast to talk about the latest happenings in Washington, D.C., her recent appearance on CNBC, and the film festivals she’ll be attending. They also review several new movies, including Pressure, The Sheep Detectives, Power Ballad, and more.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about their weekend plans before diving into the world of reboots. They discuss the new Mortal Kombat, revisit the wildly ambitious and completely unpredictable 2017 revival of Twin Peaks, and Esma breaks down one of the strangest entries in the X-Files reboot, featuring Mulder and Scully investigating the bizarre case of The Were-Monster. [Ep 459]

Nick welcomes Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter, back to the podcast to catch up on the latest episodes of Top Chef and break down the season finale of SNL. Dan also reviews Spider-Noir, starring a wonderfully unhinged Nicolas Cage, and joins Nick for a conversation about Stephen Colbert’s final Late Show, his legacy, and what the future may hold for late-night television.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick take a trip back to some of the creepiest kids’ shows ever made. From The Doodlebops and The Teletubbies to H.R. Pufnstuf, they revisit the childhood nightmares that somehow passed as entertainment, including Witchiepoo, who may be the most terrifying character in children’s television history. [Ep 458]

Nick welcomes movie critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to recap the Chicago Critics Film Festival, including their thoughts on Power Ballad and Tuner. They also review several new releases, including Keke Palmer’s comedy I Love Boosters, the horror film Saccharine, and the latest Star Wars adventure, The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a conversation about some truly bad celebrity excuses before they test their knowledge of early 2000s comedy classics with a fun quiz. And if you know the name of Ron Burgundy’s dog, the title of this episode may already have given you a hint. [Ep 457]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com back to the podcast to talk about recent concerts, including Soul Asylum at SPACE in Evanston, Little Feat at the Arcada, Flea at Thalia Hall, and Zakk Wylde at Hollywood Casino. Jim also discusses a recent interview he did with Jack Johnson about an upcoming documentary, and he and Nick have some fun revisiting the movies Perfect and Over the Edge.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about her upcoming appearance at the next live edition of You, Me, Them, Everybody. From there, they dive into some truly bizarre and very real celebrity stories. [Ep 456]

Nick welcomes Monica Eng from Axios Chicago to talk about some of the stories she’s been covering lately, including problems with Cook County electronic monitoring, an update on how kids are doing in CPS, the best spots around town to see and smell lilacs, the history of her great-grandfather’s jazz club, the PopUp Bagels versus New York-style bagel debate, and more.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to celebrate a few historic moments tied to May 15th, including the founding of Las Vegas, the debut of Mickey Mouse, and the birth of McDonald’s, along with its original mascot, Speedee. [Ep 455]

Chief TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter joins Nick for another deep dive into television. Dan reviews Peacock’s new thriller M.I.A., Netflix’s latest adaptation of Lord of the Flies, the new Martin Short documentary, and the series finale of Lisa Kudrow’s The Comeback. He and Nick also catch up on Top Chef and break down the newest episodes of SNL.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about British TV shows that inspired American remakes before diving back into pop culture moments from the 90s and 00s. They revisit trendy but terrible haircuts, massive car stereos, oversized jeans, and plenty more questionable choices from that era. [Ep 454]

Nick welcomes Dr. Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro Wrestling back to the podcast for a full wrestling conversation, including a recap of WrestleMania, a preview of Backlash, and plenty of WWE talk. They also get into AEW, MJF’s championship run, and their thoughts on Darby Allin as the current title holder. Keith shares what went down at the latest AAW show in Berwyn and what fans can expect next.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up on weekend plans before the conversation turns to movies filmed in Chicago, especially scenes shot at the Field Museum. They talk about films like The Relic, Damien: Omen II, Flatliners, and more. [Ep 453]

Nick brings back The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum for a “For The People” edition, covering everything from how to avoid vacation rental nightmares to the impact of the war in Iran on summer travel, and even how to choose the right tree care service. They also talk about Herb’s role as National Quizmaster at the Lifesmarts Championship, and he puts Nick to the test with a few sample questions.

Later, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to talk about the possible end of Chrysler and Dodge, the story behind Rolling Coal, the appeal of the 1983 Chrysler Fifth Avenue, and the easiest way to charge your EV. As always, there are rounds of #Starspotter and #MysteryShow along the way. [Ep 452]

Tom Hush, Executive Producer at WLS-AM 890, joins Nick for another round of Tom’s Theater of Trash. This time he celebrates The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, the infamous 2003 box office flop based on the Alan Moore graphic novel and starring Sean Connery. Tom breaks down why he loves it, why it failed, why it maybe didn’t deserve to, and how so many of Moore’s other works have ended up as rough movie adaptations.

Then, with May just getting started, Nick puts Esmeralda Leon through a themed quiz all about the month. They cover everything from May Day traditions and the official flowers of May to Amelia Earhart and more. It’s gonna be May. [Ep 451]

Nick welcomes Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back to talk about the latest SNL UK episodes and catch up on Top Chef. Dan also shares his thoughts on several new shows, including the Netflix docuseries Hulk Hogan: Real American, the intense drama Half Man from Richard Gadd, the new season of Beef, and they revisit the documentary Lorne.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about finally seeing The Drama and loving every dark minute of it. From there, they circle back to some pop culture moments from the 90s and 00s that probably should have stayed in the past, including Oreo Barbie, Beanie Babies, and the phrase “going postal.” [Ep 450]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to review the latest releases, including Michael, the new biopic about the King of Pop, which does not exactly impress, the strange music fantasy Mother Mary with Anne Hathaway, the black comedy Over Your Dead Body, and the drama I Swear, about a man living with Tourette Syndrome. They also preview the movies and events coming to the 13th Annual Chicago Critics Film Festival at the Music Box Theatre this May.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another round of Pop Culture Trivia as they go head to head with British bon vivant and game show host Slap Slapply. It’s always a blast when Slap shows up. [Ep 449]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com back to the podcast to talk about some of the concerts he’s been to and the artists he’s interviewed. They get into shows from Brigitte Calls Me Baby at Thalia Hall, Throwing Muses at SPACE in Evanston, Billy Ocean at Rivers Casino, and Rick Springfield at the Genesee Theatre. They also share their thoughts on the latest Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, and they definitely have opinions.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up before delivering her full report on Coachella, which she experienced from her couch, also known as Couchella. She shares her thoughts on performances from Sabrina Carpenter, who brought out some unexpected guests, Fatboy Slim, and more. [Ep 448]

Nick welcomes Monica Eng to talk about a range of stories she’s been covering for Axios.com, including tipped minimum wage in Chicago, geriatric gymnastics, great happy hour deals around the city, the reopening of the beloved dance club Berlin, human composting, how to handle a flooded road, and more.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to revisit some pop culture moments from the 90s and 00s that probably should have stayed in the past. They get into things like French kissing Jar Jar Binks, the real dangers of Skydancers, the questionable haircuts and fat suits on Friends, and even Right Said Fred somehow being too sexy for their cat. [Ep 447]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter back to talk all things television. They catch up on the latest episodes of SNL and Top Chef, and dig into some of the newer shows Dan has reviewed, including the Malcolm in the Middle reunion, Dan Levy’s crime comedy Big Mistakes, the new season of Euphoria, The Testaments starring Chase Infiniti, and Margo’s Got Money Troubles with Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up before jumping into the Ultimate Fast-Food Quiz. They get into what “Animal Style” actually means, which fast-food chain once ran a 13-hour commercial, and which burger spot holds the title as the oldest in the world. It’s the kind of stuff that might actually make you interesting at your next dinner party. [Ep 446]