The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

Nell Minow, a.k.a. "The Movie Mom," returns for a lively chat with Nick covering everything from her recent testimony before Congress to what she's packing for San Diego Comic-Con. They break down early buzz around the new Superman and Jurassic World films, and share their picks for the best movies of the year so far. Later, Esmeralda Leon jumps in with tales from her latest co-hosting gig alongside Brandon Weatherbee on You, Me, Them, Everybody. Things quickly take a turn toward the bizarre as they question the originality of the Harry Potter franchise, uncover unexpected truths about Liquid Paper, and go down a few other unexpected rabbit holes. [Ep 366]

Nick sits down with filmmaker Don Coscarelli and producer Paul Pepperman to revisit cult favorites The Beastmaster and Phantasm, ahead of their Music Box Theatre screenings in Chicago. They share behind-the-scenes tales from the wild world of 70s independent filmmaking, including ferret-related chaos, tricky actors, and how they somehow snagged a PG rating despite nudity. Later, Esmeralda Leon drops by for a lighter turn, bringing along some cosmic trivia, reflections on Nick's 60th birthday, and highlights from a recent Texas getaway. But things really go off the rails when she launches into a passionate retelling of The Greasy Strangler—a movie so bizarre, it may have broken her brain. From indie classics to absurd oddities, this one covers it all. [Ep 365]

Nick checks in with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to size up the movie year so far. From the best and worst releases to the biggest surprises of 2025, they take stock of what's worked, what flopped, and what to keep an eye on for the rest of the year. Whether it's unexpected gems or overhyped duds, nothing gets a free pass. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a gleeful roast of Independence Day. They swap stories of wild July 4th antics, from backyard pyrotechnics gone wrong to baffling acts of firework-related idiocy. If you've ever wondered just how reckless people can get in the name of patriotism, this segment has you covered. Celebrate responsibly, or at least try not to make the news. [EP 364]

Nick kicks things off with The Consumerman himself, Herb Weisbaum, who brings the goods on protecting your wallet this summer. From spotting bait-and-switch tricks by shady moving companies to understanding how AI is fueling smarter, sneakier online scams, Herb shares practical advice with his usual clarity and bite. If you're hiring a house painter, he's also got the checklist you didn't know you needed. Later, Car Guy Tom Appel rolls in with updates on the hottest new rides and a surprising about-face from Ram—they're keeping the V8 engines in their trucks after all. Alongside some genuine auto insights, Tom and Nick take a hilarious detour through the wild world of old car commercials, including a baffling pitch for the 1975 Granada and the curiously confident 1977 Oldsmobile Omega SX. Rounding things out are new rounds of #Starspotter and #MysteryShow, with Nick pulling from his bottomless bag of stories, sightings, and sideways tangents. It's a solid ride from scams to sedans, with just enough weirdness to keep it moving. [EP 363]

Nick kicks things off with pro-wrestling insider Dr. Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro, diving into everything from WWE's controversial Saudi Arabia deal to what might truly be Goldberg's final match. There's also plenty to say about John Cena's surprise heel antics, and a deeper look at AEW's packed schedule—including the buzzworthy "Mexico Grand Slam," already being called one of 2025's standout shows. Swerve Strickland, Toni Storm, and MJF all get their due in a smart, rapid-fire rundown of what's hot in the ring. After the wrestling chat, Nick and Esmeralda Leon catch up on their summers—spoiler: there's sun, stories, and probably a complaint or two. They take on a few listener questions before swerving into stranger territory: Hollywood's most eccentric stars. From Joaquin Phoenix's head-scratching interviews to Shia LaBeouf's unpredictability, it's a gallery of oddball fame. [EP 362]

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter returns to break down the best shows of 2025 so far—yes, we're already halfway through the year—and to share thoughts on Netflix's unsettling new drama The Waterfront, featuring a seriously creepy Topher Grace. Nick and Dan also dig into the Top Chef finale, Owen Wilson's new comedy Stick, and a pair of fascinating docs about Andy Kaufman and Barbara Walters. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a nostalgic (and slightly disturbing) trip through oddball topics like creepy kids, long-lost TV repairmen, the rise and fall of 3-D television, and those sketchy old foot x-ray machines. Esma also recaps a night of laughs at The Den Theater, where Matty Ryan headlined a standout comedy show. [EP 361]

Nick brings back film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to tear into the newest movie releases—some hits, a lot of misses. Pixar's Elio gets a once-over, 28 Years Later tries to keep the horror flame alive, and Bride Hard with Rebel Wilson lands with a thud. They also offer an early review of F1: The Movie, Brad Pitt's high-octane racing flick that turns out to be all rev and no traction. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to gear up for the upcoming Flashback Weekend Horror Convention. The two get into what really makes a movie worth seeing on the big screen—spoiler: it's not just a lot of close-ups and dialogue. They also dive into the strange fate of people who resemble Macaulay Culkin, and why Scarecrow was just too much for Esma to sit through. It's a conversation that shifts gears from cinematic spectacle to psychological unease, with plenty of laughs in between. [EP 360]

Nick teams up with Forbes music writer Jim Ryan to honor two towering figures lost last week: funk pioneer Sly Stone and Beach Boys genius Brian Wilson. Jim shares memories of past interviews with Norman Greenbaum, Jerry Harrison, and Steve Stevens, and breaks down two very different concert experiences—Wayne Newton in Michigan and AC/DC bringing the noise to Soldier Field. They also ponder Billy Idol's uncanny durability and confirm, once again, that Mike Love remains Mike Love. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins the mix to chat about city protests, brutal heat, and the growing list of celebrity doppelgangers. And yes, they attempt to solve one of the internet's dumbest mysteries: did Rob Schneider secretly swap sketches for suplexes and join the WWE? The truth may disappoint you. [EP 359]

Nick kicks things off with Jack Godfrey, the creative force behind 42 Balloons—a musical inspired by the true story of Larry Walters, the guy who floated into the sky strapped to weather balloons. Now playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the show has been drawing buzz, and Jack shares how this wild tale took shape on stage. Then Monica Eng from Axios Chicago swings by with her usual eclectic mix of stories. From citywide protests to the red carpet at the James Beard Awards, she's been everywhere lately—even on those weird three-hour cruises where fans can awkwardly corner celebs. She also dishes on her latest run-ins riding the Red Line and weighs in on Jim's new take on the Chicken Polish. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to unpack summer's greatest discomforts. They cover the mysterious vanishing of windshield sunshades, patio furniture that brands your thighs, and the persistent agony of a hot butt. It's a warm-weather rant session, complete with laughs and just a hint of sweat. [EP 358]

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter drops by to talk all things television with Nick, starting with their predictions for the Top Chef finale. Dan also recaps the highs and lows of the Tony Awards, breaks down CNN's broadcast of Goodnight and Good Luck, and reviews the new wave of streaming content—including Netflix's moody procedural Dept. Q, Amazon's The Better Sister starring Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks, and Julianne Moore's twisted turn in Netflix's dark comedy Sirens. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a lighter conversation about oversized dogs, summer art fairs, and the bizarre world of celebrity lookalikes who don't resemble their supposed twins at all. [EP 357]

Nick kicks things off with Mike Kerz of Flashback Weekend and The Midway Drive-In to mark National Drive-In Day and explore the surprising opportunity for regular folks to own a piece of cinematic Americana. From midnight horror screenings to real estate with a screen, it's a nostalgic look at the past—and maybe your future. Later, Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy drop by for another spirited round of movie reviews, this time clashing over Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme, the John Wick spinoff Ballerina, and the latest Stephen King adaptation, The Life of Chuck. Spoiler: things get heated. Wrapping things up, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to dissect oddball cable networks and Hollywood's most confusing lookalikes. Jessica Chastain or Bryce Dallas Howard? Even they're not sure some days. [EP 356]

Nick kicks things off with Herb Weisbaum, aka The Consumerman, who breaks down the FTC's crackdown on hidden junk fees—what it means, how it works, and why it might finally spare you some surprise charges. They also dive into the sketchy world of overpriced solar installations and wrap with practical, money-saving travel tips for your summer plans. Later, Car Guy Tom Appel pulls up with tales of hybrid Toyotas, obscure concept cars inspired by butterflies, and a nostalgic look at the Super Jeep. There's also some history on the Pope-Mobile (yes, really) and a reality check on whether that Porsche you spotted is actually worth only twenty grand. As always, Nick throws in fresh rounds of #Starspotter and #MysteryShow to keep things unpredictable. [EP 355]

Nick welcomes back food writer and horror aficionado Marnie Shure for a conversation that spans terrifying films, bizarre food trends, and the upcoming Mortified Live event she's producing. From the online rabbit hole of “dinosaur eating” videos to the surprising joys of Lemonhead Ropes, Marnie shares her latest cultural obsessions—and issues a critical warning about one kitchen item you should never store near the stove. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about the newly announced Karate Kid movie and where it fits in the ever-expanding dojo of the Karate Kid Universe. The two also dive into the legacy of Jackie Chan, the underappreciated brilliance of Just One of the Guys, and Esma shares reviews of the shows she's been streaming, including Slow Horses and The Last of Us. Plus: a brand-new installment of “The Easiest Pop Quiz Ever.” [EP 354]

Nick is joined by TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to unpack the season finale of Saturday Night Live, and break down the highs and lows of its 50th season. They also cover new episodes of Top Chef, Hacks, and dig into Amazon's comedy Overcompensating, plus HBO's original film Mountainhead starring Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, and Ramy Youssef. And yes, they try to make sense of the whole “Max is now HBOMax again” situation. Later, Esmeralda Leon returns for another pop culture quiz, this time facing questions on Disney Princesses, rom-coms, and goth trivia. [EP 353]

Nick is joined by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for reviews of the latest cinematic offerings, including Tom Cruise's return in Mission: Impossible, the offbeat music doc Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted, the darkly comic Friendship, and a new installment of the ever-morbid Final Destination series. Later, Esmeralda Leon pops in for a spirited breakdown of some real-life Hollywood rivalries, debating whether to side with Alec Baldwin, Shia LaBeouf, or just back away from the mess entirely. [EP 352]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan for a chat about his recent interviews with Adam Duritz and the group MSSV, plus reviews of concerts by The Smithereens and a Talking Heads celebration screening of Stop Making Sense hosted by Jerry Harrison. Naturally, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame takes its usual beating, and the guys weigh in on the Breakfast Club reunion at C2E2. Later, Esmeralda Leon returns as she and Nick wrap up their takedown of bad TV shows based on movies and expose some of Hollywood's most notoriously difficult stars. [Ep351]

Nick sits down with journalist and filmmaker Amy Guth to chat about her latest film and TV ventures taking her from Italy to Canada—assuming international tariffs don't throw a wrench in the works. Amy also shares updates on her podcasting life, dives into the marketing world, and breaks down some surprising business headlines. Later, Esmeralda Leon drops by for a fun conversation about the snacks they can't resist no matter the time or place, and a few hilariously absurd TV shows that somehow made it to air.

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter returns to break down the second-to-last episode of Saturday Night Live's 50th season, the latest from Top Chef, and the return of Poker Face with Natasha Lyonne. He also weighs in on new releases like MurderBot and Duster, and shares thoughts on the quiet shutdown of Amazon's Freevee. Later, Nick and Esmeralda Leon go down a 2017 rabbit hole and uncover a few truly baffling TV shows that somehow made it to air—yes, there was a Ferris Bueller series, and no, it didn't go well. [Ep 349]

Nick sits down with The Movie Mom, Nell Minow, for a wide-ranging chat that covers everything from her recent congressional testimony to her film writing at RogerEbert.com. They dive into the buzz around Thunderbolts and Sorry, Baby, and she shares highlights from Ebert Fest 2025. Later, Esmeralda Leon drops in for a nostalgic trip back to the chaos of 2017—a year that delivered peak weirdness—and the two swap picks for their favorite movie and TV moms, just in time for Mother's Day. [Ep 348]

In this "For The People" special, Nick kicks things off with Consumerman Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, covering the return of student loan collections, the recent congressional moves on overdraft and credit card late fees, and some fresh credit card perks you might've missed. Herb also shares important health insurance updates and a few eye-opening AAA stories. Then, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive hops on to chat about tariffs (so many tariffs!), Jeff Bezos jumping into the electric vehicle game, and nostalgic memories of Drive-Ins and the notorious film "Ishtar." Plus, they take a fun ride down memory lane with some forgotten car brands, celebrate the unforgettable 1974 Dodge Ramcharger ad campaign, and wrap things up with new rounds of #Starspotter and #MysteryShow. [Ep 347]

Nick welcomes the always-lovely Monica Eng from Axios Chicago to chat about a range of uniquely Chicago topics, including Aldi's surprising fine-dining options, Potbelly stepping things up with their new prime rib sandwich, the controversial speed cameras on LSD, and the ever-present challenges (and horrors) of riding the CTA Red Line. They also dive into the bizarre world of Malört candy and share details about an upcoming Axios event featuring Maria Pappas and Lori Lightfoot. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up, answer listener emails, and revisit some of the most bizarre events from the very strange year of 2017—including the story of a man who had a 130-pound growth surgically removed, a growth that began as an ingrown hair...yes, really. [Ep 346]

Nick welcomes Pro-Wrestling expert Dr. Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro to talk about this year's Wrestlemania—including the Cena-Cody match, the joy of watching Dominik Mysterio, Becky Lynch's surprising heel turn, and Jay Uso making everyone Yeet! They also discuss the latest developments in AEW, preview the upcoming AAW Pro event, and explore the upcoming 90-minute TV special about the Von Erich family titled "Hollywood Demons." Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up, chat about spring fever, and share their mutual dislike for summer camp. They also dive into some truly memorable celebrity quotes, including unforgettable gems from Sylvester Stallone, Brooke Shields, and Sarah Jessica Parker. [Ep 344]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review several new movies, including "The Accountant 2," "The Shrouds," "Cheech and Chong's Last Movie," "The Legend of Ochi," and more. They also share insights and highlights from the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival at The Music Box Theater during the first week of May. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to discuss the highs and lows of video game adaptations in movies and TV, celebrate Andy Samberg's comedic brilliance in the underappreciated classic "Hot Rod," and tackle rumors about a possible "Bloodsport" remake—both firmly agreeing that Jean-Claude Van Damme is truly irreplaceable. [Ep 344]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to talk about the return of several high-profile MAX shows: The Rehearsal, The Last of Us, and Hacks. Dan also reviews new series including #1 Happy Family, Government Cheese, and the Red Sox docuseries The Clubhouse: A Year With The Red Sox. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about some baffling modern Easter traditions, the new Cheech and Chong documentary, and another round of The Ultimate Pop Culture Quiz. This time, they try to figure out what exactly a Squishmallow is, and tackle the very serious cultural question: Is Pete Davidson hot? [Ep 343]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan to talk about his recent interview with none other than Jeff Bridges—The Dude himself—and why Jim considers him the best actor on the planet. They also dive into some recent and classic concerts that Jim and/or Nick have attended, including Iggy Pop, Ratboys, Suzanne Vega, Daryl Hall, Heart, Cheap Trick, and more. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to recap her birthday night out (a show at The Hideout featuring Al Scorch), answer more questions from the Ultimate Pop Culture Quiz, and react to some surprising behind-the-scenes Hollywood trivia—like the fact that Beverly Hills Cop was originally written for Sylvester Stallone, and My Cousin Vinny was first pitched to Andrew "Dice" Clay. Whoah! [Ep 342]

Nick welcomes food writer and editor Marnie Shure to talk about Taco Bell's new experimental A.I. drive-thru, the most interesting dishes from Netflix's new restaurant, and the unspoken etiquette of Costco self-checkout lanes. Marnie also delivers her monthly Horror Report and shares details about the upcoming Mortified Chicago event. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another round of The Ultimate Pop Culture Quiz, tackling questions about Fifty Shades of Grey, the infamous La La Land/ Moonlight Oscars mix-up, and some of reality TV's biggest lies. They also take a moment to ask: what ever happened to Richard Hatch? [Ep 341]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to talk about the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival, returning to The Music Box Theatre this May. They also review the latest releases, including Drop, The Amateur, Sacramento, and Warfare. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another round of the Ultimate Pop Culture Quiz. They also swap stories about life in college dorms, reflect on the chaotic brilliance of Supermarket Sweep, and dive into the bizarre late-'90s trend of performing autopsies on Furbys. [Ep 340]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to talk about the latest episodes of Top Chef and SNL, as well as the big season finale of The White Lotus. Dan also reviews several new shows, including MobLand with Tom Hardy and Helen Mirren, Your Friends and Neighbors starring Jon Hamm, The Studio with Seth Rogen, and the latest season of The Handmaid's Tale. Then Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to discuss the frustrations of streaming service menu screens (stop autoplaying trailers!), the eerie warning sirens going off in Nick's neighborhood, the greatest Boy Bands of the 90s, and they continue The Giant Pop Culture Trivia Quiz. [Ep 339]

Nick welcomes journalist, podcaster, and filmmaker Amy Guth to talk about her latest behind-the-scenes movie work, her illuminating trip to Berlin for a major film festival, what it's like to cover the news under the current administration, and why she's excited to start working on a creepy new TV series in Canada. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the very subtle—but real—differences between Jason Statham and Jean-Claude Van Damme movies, the hypnotic appeal of Buc-ee's roadside stores, the many bizarre versions of “The Macarena,” and why it's impossible to move a couch without referencing Friends. [Ep 338]

In this "For The People" episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum to the podcast to warn listeners about the latest bogus texts about unpaid toll fees, and discuss how A.I. and algorithms are controlling our financial fates more than ever. They also explore how to effectively deal with household pests and find a trustworthy exterminator, along with the latest tips on saving money on prescription drugs. Then, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to share some nightmare moving stories, talk about the absurd auto-industry tariffs imposed by the current administration, and weigh in on whether Dodge is a broken car brand. They also discuss how to wrap a Cybertruck and take a look back at birds featured in classic car ads. Finally, rounds of #StarSpotter and #MysteryShow close out this information-packed episode. [Ep 337]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to chat about the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival and review the latest releases, including "A Working Man" with Jason Statham, the horror/comedy "Death of a Unicorn" with Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, and the Steve Coogan-led animal comedy "The Penguin Lessons." Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive back into The Ultimate Pop Culture Quiz with questions about Michael Jackson, the Rubik's Cube, leg warmers, and more. They also take a moment to refute the wild claim made by the new Jason Statham movie suggesting that you can easily buy large quantities of Russian meth at a dive bar in Joliet. Spoiler alert: You can't. [Ep 336]

Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter, joins Nick to talk about the current season of Top Chef in Canada (a nod to Dan's Canadian roots), the upcoming season of The White Lotus, and to review several new shows and documentaries including Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, Long Bright River, and Happy Face starring Dennis Quaid. Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick continue The Great Pop Culture Quiz with a round of questions focused on that fabulous decade—the 1980s. They also discuss the unexpected acting career of Curt Smith from Tears for Fears (yes, he appeared on Psych), and they look back on the marketing disaster that was New Coke. [Ep 335]

Nick welcomes The Movie Mom, Nell Minow, to discuss what's happening in Washington, D.C., the annual Women's Writers Week at RogerEbert.com, and her latest movie reviews, including Dog Man and Black Bag. They also reflect on milestone anniversaries in their careers as film critics in 2025. Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive into Disney movies and the trend of unnecessary live-action remakes (the new Snow White is an abomination), reminisce about the music they loved as teenagers, and debate whether Yoda from Star Wars is actually kind of an ass. Plus, The Great Pop Culture Quiz kicks off as Nick puts Esma's knowledge to the test. [Ep 334)

Nick welcomes fellow Radio Misfits podcast host Lauren LoGiudice to talk about her comedy, her podcast, and her upcoming live variety show at The Lincoln Lodge in Chicago. Then, music journalist Jim Ryan joins the conversation to share stories from his interviews with Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith, Mitch Ryder, and Jason Narducy. Jim also reviews recent concerts, including pro-wrestler Chris Jericho covering post-makeup KISS songs, as well as performances by George Clinton, Buddy Guy, and more. Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick reflect on St. Patrick's Day and wrap up their discussion on bizarre words like wabbit, xertz, and absquatulate. [Ep 333]

Nick shares details about his upcoming book, 40 Years 40 Films, a celebration of his four decades as a professional movie critic. Film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy join the podcast to review new releases, including the spy thriller Black Bag and the dark comedies Opus and Novocaine. Erik also reports back from the 2025 SXSW Film Festival in Austin, where he caught some of the most talked-about films. Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick answer a listener email, chat about food shows, and explore some of the weirdest words in the English language—like bumfuzzle, taradiddle, and bumbershoot. [Ep332]

Nick is celebrating 40 years as a professional film critic in 2025, and one of the ways he's marking the occasion is with the release of his new book, 40 Years 40 Films, a collection of essays analyzing his favorite film from each year of his career. He previews the book and reflects on his journey before welcoming TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter. Dan shares highlights from his recent trip to London, where he saw some incredible theater, and gives his thoughts on the recent Oscar telecast featuring Conan O'Brien. He also reviews the new Netflix documentary CHAOS: The Manson Murders and the tricky new legal thriller Adolescence. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to discuss Mickey 17 (which they both enjoyed), debate how many movie trailers is too many, and wonder why anyone would wait in line for three hours to see The Fall Guy. They also chat about weird dreams—including one where Esma is eating sandwiches with old-school MTV celebrities. [Ep 331]

Nick welcomes Monica Eng from Axios Chicago to the podcast to discuss some of her latest stories, including the challenges undocumented people are facing with ICE, how the Mayor fared on his recent trip to D.C., and whether Rahm Emanuel is really staging a political comeback. They also dive into Fat Tuesday treats, top-tier fish sandwiches, the best ripple chips, and a new slang term the kids are using for hot dogs. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the wild weather, the adventure of getting a Real ID before the deadline, and, of course, the rising use of the word "Glizzy" to describe a hot dog. They also explore other hilariously misleading food terms in a fun, fast-moving conversation. [Ep 330]

In this For the People episode, Nick welcomes the Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum, to discuss the growing frustration over grocery store digital discount errors and the chaos they're causing at some supermarkets. They also dive into the possible consequences of Trump dismantling the CFPB and what that could mean for consumers. Plus, Herb shares inspiring success stories of people who have managed to get out of debt. Then, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to recap the Chicago Auto Show, take a nostalgic look back at the most expensive American coupes of 1976, and answer a seemingly simple but often misunderstood question: What exactly is a hybrid? They wrap things up with another round of Starspotter and Mystery Show. [Ep 329]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest releases, Riff Raff starring Bill Murray and Last Breath with Woody Harrelson. They also break down their predictions for the major categories at the 2025 Oscars. The conversation then shifts to a tribute to the legendary Gene Hackman, who passed away Thursday morning. They discuss his best performances, lasting impact on cinema, and much more. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to continue remembering Hackman while also diving into nostalgic TV talk, including Boy Meets World, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and other goofy shows from the past. They also look ahead to their own Oscar parties for the weekend. [Ep 328]

In this episode, Nick welcomes Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter, to discuss Awards Show Season, the upcoming SNL 50 Special, and more. Dan also reviews The Americas, a new documentary narrated by Tom Hanks, the Netflix political thriller Zero Day starring Robert De Niro, and the highly anticipated new season of The White Lotus. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to read an email from a listener who loves Keri Russell in The Americans. They also chat about the quirky Mattress Firm commercials featuring sleep-deprived jerks, reminisce about the classic show BJ and The Bear, and dive into one of TV's greatest mysteries—what exactly happened to Chuck, the older brother from Happy Days, who mysteriously vanished after Season One? [Ep 327]

In this episode, Nick navigates the not-so-wonderful world of influenza while fueled by hefty doses of both DayQuil and NyQuil. Despite the fog, he welcomes Food Writer/Editor Marnie Shure back to the podcast for her latest Horror Report. They dive into creative fast-food hacks, including how to transform the Wendy's menu into a towering 9-patty burger. They also chat about Waffle House's controversial egg surcharge and the surprisingly effective use of candle warmers to melt chocolate. Plus, there's a taste test of some new seasonal marshmallow Peeps flavors—just in time for spring. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about home remedies for the flu and how entertainment has evolved over the years. They discuss the endless stream of movie remakes, the lingering presence of 3-D films, and the shocking affordability of modern TVs. [Ep 326]

Nick welcomes the amazing Amy Guth to the podcast to talk about her many projects, including her podcasts, films, and website. They also discuss her upcoming trip to Berlin for the Berlin Film Festival and much more. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a fun dive into pop culture mistakes and surprising predictions—including how Airplane II: The Sequel eerily foresaw full-body scans at airport security. [Ep 325]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest movie releases, including the new Marvel adventure Captain America: Brave New World, the family-friendly sequel Paddington in Peru, and the Apple TV+ sci-fi thriller The Gorge. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about overhyped snowstorms, how Albert Brooks accidentally invented reality TV, and why Hackers might just be the most important film ever made. [Ep 324]

Nick welcomes back TV critic Dan Fienberg to break down the Super Bowl, from the halftime show and commercials to Tom Brady's much-anticipated performance in the broadcast booth. Dan also reviews The Z-Suite from Tubi, Clean Slate with George Wallace, and more. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for more Super Bowl chatter, including the bizarre commercial featuring cowboy hats made of human skin and another with a seal—literally—with Seal the singer's face. They also attempt to define what exactly a "rubberfaced fartsmith" is while uncovering more pop culture moments that predicted the future. [Ep 323]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan to the podcast to talk about his recent interviews with The Black Crowes, Paula Poundstone, and Rick Astley. Jim also reviews some standout concerts, including performances by Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Frank Black, and Zakk Sabbath. Plus, they dive into the world of wrestling with a discussion on the WWE Royal Rumble. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to explore pop culture moments that eerily predicted the future, from Star Trek inventing the iPad to Seinfeld foreshadowing a future McDonald's menu item. They also wrap up their time-travel-themed taste testing with one final snack. [Ep 322]

In this "For The People" episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, to answer consumer questions and discuss important updates, including changes for Tax Time, new breach data affecting credit freezes, MFA, and Pass Keys, and tips on how to get great Valentine's Day flowers without overspending. Then, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to talk about why the Cybertruck is already a flop, revisit a classic ad for the 1981 Ford LTD, and uncover why Nissan is keeping one of its 2025 models under wraps. Plus, another round of Starspotter and Mystery Show! [Ep 321]

In this jam-packed episode, Nick welcomes filmmaker Kyle Henry to discuss his new documentary Time Passages and how audiences can catch it at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago. Then, film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy join the show to break down some of the standout films from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and review a few new releases, including the horror-comedy Companion. Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive into surprising stories of actors who turned down iconic roles—plus, how Penelope Ann Miller may have taken some questionable career advice from Nick. They wrap things up by sampling a classic, time-honored snack.  [Ep320]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast to review new shows like The Couple Next Door and Paradise, along with a few standout documentaries from the Sundance Film Festival, including Predators, which dives into the TV show To Catch a Predator, and Pee-Wee As Himself, an exploration of Paul Reubens and his iconic character. Nick and Dan also chat about Saturday Night Live and share their own unforgettable encounters with Gary Busey. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about weird dreams, high school memories, Valentine's Day, and the odd phenomenon of meeting celebrities in the bathroom. They wrap things up with a taste of a unique historical snack.  [Ep319]

Nick welcomes "The Movie Mom" Nell Minow to the podcast to discuss the latest news from Washington, the freshly announced 2025 Oscar nominations, the streaming SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night 4-part special, and a look back at the Best Movies of 2024. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to dive deeper into Oscar chatter, share thoughts on Jean-Claude Van Damme, and swap celebrity encounter stories, including a fantastic listener-submitted tale involving Penn and Teller. They also chat about how South Park continues to be brilliant after more than 25 years and taste another unique snack from Universal Yums. [Ep318]

Nick welcomes the incredible and legendary character actor Stephen Tobolowsky back to the podcast for another classic visit filled with unforgettable stories and engaging conversation. Tobo shares tales from his career, including a memorable moment with Robert Altman involving a bush, and talks about his latest projects, the joy of playing Romeo, and his upcoming trips to Woodstock and Chicago to celebrate Groundhog Day and honor the late, great Harold Ramis. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about recent TV shows, taste some fascinating historical snacks, and dive into a discussion about how movies and TV sometimes intentionally troll fans and critics. It's a fun and lively episode with plenty of laughs and insights! [Ep317]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest movie releases, including the real-life thriller September 5, the new adaptation of the classic monster tale Wolf Man, the urban comedy One of Them Days, and Netflix's action-comedy Back in Action, marking the return of Cameron Diaz. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to answer subscriber questions and share hilarious celebrity encounter stories, featuring Fabio (the chef, not the long-haired guy), Ronnie James Dio, and Ice Cube. They also embark on the puzzling mission of figuring out who that guy is who isn't Jim Carrey. It's a fun mix of reviews, laughs, and quirky conversations! [Ep316]