Podcasts about nick d

Nick starts the show by reminding everyone about the event happening this Sunday at the Museum of Broadcast Communications. It's Oscar Day with Nick Digilio, hosted by Rick Kogan, with Oscar talk, a book signing, and plenty more. If you want to go, tickets are up now at museum.tv. Film critic Steve Prokopy joins Nick next while Erik Childress is off traveling to the SXSW Film & TV Festival. Nick and Steve dig into a batch of new releases including Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling, the horror film “Undertone,” the documentary “Andre Is an Idiot,” and the romantic drama “Reminders of Him.” There are a few surprises, a few disappointments, and plenty to argue about. Esmeralda Leon jumps in later and the conversation turns to Friday the 13th. There are three of them in 2026, which feels like a lot. That leads to a chat about bad luck, superstitions, and a ridiculous quiz Nick gives Esma about folklore and strange beliefs from around the world. It goes about as well as you'd expect. [Ep 437]

Round 2 - FIGHT!This time we're taking the tussle to tomorrow - the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, that is!Which animatronic will reign supreme in this global beatdown? Is being sexy enough? What about being absolutely yoked? Only one way to find out - listen along!Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate, review, comment, share, and be sexy.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cticketpodCHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@cticketpod?si=ig6ODv0zvbaXuFPhFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@cticketpodINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cticketpod/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTicketPodEMAIL US:cticketpod@gmail.comMERCH AVAILABLE NOW!https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-c-ticket-podcastThe C-Ticket Podcast: It's not the best theme park podcast, but it's probably somebody's favorite!Hosted by Nick D'Ambrosia and James PerlasMusic:Delightful D Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Nick kicks things off by talking about Oscar Day with Nick Digilio at the Museum of Broadcast Communications happening Sunday, March 15 from noon to 2:30. The event celebrates the Oscars and Nick's book, with Rick Kogan hosting the afternoon. If you want to be there, tickets are available now at museum.tv. Comedian and podcast host Lauren LoGiudice stops by next to talk about the upcoming Misfit Variety Show at The Annoyance Theatre. After that, TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter checks in for his regular TV rundown. They get into the HBO series “DTF St. Louis,” “Rooster” starring Steve Carell, and the new Guy Ritchie series “Young Sherlock” featuring Colin Firth and Joseph Fiennes. They also talk about the latest SNL episodes and the new season of Top Chef. Esmeralda Leon closes things out with some Oscar chatter, complaints about Daylight Saving Time, and a few more traditions that probably should have disappeared years ago. It's a full show with movies, TV, comedy, and the usual amount of chaos. [Ep 436]

Nick welcomes WLS-AM producer and movie obsessive Tom Hush back for another round of Tom Hush's Theater of Trash. This time the spotlight is on the late-80s surfer crime oddity Red Surf starring George Clooney and Gene Simmons of KISS. Tom breaks down the movie's strange charm, the ridiculous plot, and why parts of it feel suspiciously close to Point Break. It turns into a very funny appreciation of a very strange movie. Esmeralda Leon joins Nick later and the conversation shifts to the western comedy Goin’ South starring Jack Nicholson and John Belushi. From there things take a weird turn into celebrity clone theories, starting with the idea that Jim Carrey has somehow been replaced. That leads to a hilarious rundown of other famous “replacement” conspiracy theories that have floated around for years. It's trash cinema, classic comedy, and some wonderfully ridiculous speculation. [Ep 435]

We're back, and we have a lot to explain. And fix, at the interdimensional level at least.In order to make up for not uploading any episodes in the last couple weeks, we've been tasked with determining a champion of all Walt Disney World animatronics!We're starting at Magic Kingdom, so brush up on your pirate lore and presidential facts!Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate, review, comment, share, and watch out for ladies with brooms.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cticketpodCHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@cticketpod?si=ig6ODv0zvbaXuFPhFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@cticketpodINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cticketpod/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTicketPodEMAIL US:cticketpod@gmail.comMERCH AVAILABLE NOW!https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-c-ticket-podcastThe C-Ticket Podcast: It's not the best theme park podcast, but it's probably somebody's favorite!Hosted by Nick D'Ambrosia and James PerlasMusic:Delightful D Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ένας από τους πιο δραστήριους ντράμερ της σύγχρονης σκηνής, ο Nick D'Virgilio, συμμετέχει στο Home Studio Podcast με αφορμή το νέο άλμπουμ των Big Big Train. Με καθοριστική παρουσία στους Spock's Beard και σύνδεση με την κληρονομιά των Genesis, έχει συμβάλλει ουσιαστικά στη διαμόρφωση του σύγχρονου progressive ήχου. Η πορεία του εκτείνεται από απαιτητικές prog παραγωγές έως εντυπωσιακές διεθνείς περιοδείες και συνεργασίες με το Cirque du Soleil, αποδεικνύοντας την ευελιξία και το υψηλό του επίπεδο.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Herb “The Consumerman” Weisbaum from Checkbook.org joins Nick for a packed For The People installment. They talk about the steady stream of data breach notices that keep landing in inboxes, share a few real-world debt success stories, and get surprisingly detailed about how to do laundry the right way without wasting time or money. Herb is also marking 45 years in consumer reporting, so they look back at how scams have evolved over four decades and why some tricks never really go away. Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive jumps in next to talk about what he's been driving lately and what's happening with Tesla and its CyberCabs. They also dig into how the recent Supreme Court of the United States tariff ruling is affecting automakers, along with thoughts on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Intensa, the Toyota Highlander, and a fun comparison of Best Buys from 1970 and today. The episode wraps with fresh rounds of StarSpotter and MysteryShow, keeping the mix of useful advice, car talk, and pure trivia fun right where it belongs. [Ep 434]

THRILLED to welcome Suzanne Vega back to the show. He has been a fan since her debut in 1985, and that longtime admiration shapes the conversation as they talk about her career, her new album “Flying With Angels,” and the current world tour. They also spend time on the film version of her one-woman show about Carson McCullers, “Lover, Beloved,” which is now available on PBS and airing this weekend. It's a relaxed, thoughtful exchange with an artist who has built a career on sharp writing and quiet power. Later, Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy join Nick to talk about the decision to keep the new Scream installment away from critics, which rarely signals confidence. They also review several new releases, including Pillion, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, In the Blink of an Eye, and Dreams. It's music, movies, and a little industry skepticism, all packed into one lively episode. [Ep 432]

Nick welcomes Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter back to talk TV, starting with how the Olympics were covered and whether it actually worked. Dan runs through a stack of new shows, including Netflix's animated comedy “Strip Law,” the return of Scrubs, the Irish mystery comedy How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, and HBO's not-exactly-a-barrel-of-laughs “Neighbors.” There are a few strong recommendations, a few warnings, and the usual back-and-forth over what deserves your time. We also take a few minutes to remember James Van Der Beek and talk about his career and the strange way certain TV stars become part of your life whether you expect it or not. Esmeralda Leon jumps in later and we drift into everything else, including Pro-Wrestling at the Jewel with Jojo, prom nights that should have been canceled, terrifying mall Easter Bunnies, creepy Tooth Fairies, and the complicated ethics of lying to your kids about Santa. It's one of those episodes where we start with television and end up everywhere else.[Ep 432]

Nick catches up with Monica Eng from Axios to talk through the stories she's been covering lately. They get into Governor J. B. Pritzker's push for new nuclear power facilities in Illinois, ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year, and the annual joy of Paczki Day. Monica also shares thoughts on the new production of “Hamnet” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, her first experience trying a Dirty Soda, and highlights from a recent trip to Puerto Rico. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a loose, funny catch-up that turns into a debate about traditions that might be past their expiration date. The handshake gets questioned, and class reunions get a full breakdown, complete with stories and strong opinions. It's news, food, travel, and a little social commentary, all rolled into one easy conversation. [Ep 431]

Nick welcomes Forbes music journalist Jim Ryan back for another round of concert stories and backstage encounters. They talk about recent shows including the Lemonheads at Thalia Hall and Sons of the Silent Age at Metro, then swap stories about run-ins with Flavor Flav of Public Enemy, Chip Z’Nuff of Enuff Z’Nuff, and Al Jourgensen from Ministry. They also look ahead to upcoming tours and vent about just how expensive concert tickets have become. Esmeralda Leon joins in to talk about the weirdness of Valentine's Day, how they spent the weekend, and why the holiday lends itself so easily to horror movies. That leads into a deep dive on ridiculous 80s slasher films, including My Bloody Valentine, and a continuation of their conversation about celebrity pranksters, with Tom Cruise and Ben Affleck added to the mix. It's music talk, holiday skepticism, and horror nostalgia, all rolled into one. [Ep 430]

Nick is joined again by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for a packed round of new movie reviews. They break down the latest take on Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, the chaotic sci-fi satire Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die with Sam Rockwell, and the thriller Crime 101 featuring Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry. They also weigh in on the animated sports comedy Goat, with plenty of agreement, disagreement, and side tangents along the way. Esmeralda Leon jumps in later for a spirited conversation about Friday the 13th superstitions, which quickly turns into a deep dive on Jason Voorhees and his most memorable kills. There's a firm stance taken on the fact that he absolutely did not take Manhattan, along with a playful breakdown of how Jason and Freddy Krueger operate very differently and why those differences fuel their long-running feud. It's movie talk with a side of horror nerdery, exactly as it should be. [Ep 429]

Nick welcomes Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter back for another wide-ranging TV catch-up. They talk about how Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline stole the show on the latest SNL, why the new version of The Muppet Show works so well, and take a moment to remember the recently lost Catherine O'Hara. The conversation also takes a sharp turn into Super Bowl territory, breaking down the game, the commercials, and reactions to the Bad Bunny halftime show. Esmeralda Leon jumps in for a joyful detour that turns into an unapologetic love letter to Arby's, from the Half-Pound Beef and Cheddar to the Black Cow and the magic of Horsey Sauce. From there, things spiral into stories about celebrity pranksters, with Quentin Tarantino, Billy Dee Williams, and George Clooney all getting their due. It's TV talk, fast food passion, and famous troublemakers, mixed together exactly the way this show likes it. [Ep 428]

Super Bowl LX is in the books and we're ready to break down the big game from every angle on the Just End The Suffering podcast! Host Mike Phillips (⁠⁠⁠@MPhillips331⁠⁠⁠) kicks off the show by recapping the Seahawks' dominant win over the Patriots (1:35) with Joe D'Aloisio (@Joe__DAloisio). Mike then continues his big game coverage by recapping Bad Bunny's halftime show (30:51) and the latest batch of commercials with Nick D'Alessio.Subscribe to the Just End The Suffering podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TuneIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mike Phillips's channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on YouTube!

Nick welcomes back Nell Minow, better known as The Movie Mom, for a wide-ranging conversation that moves easily from Washington politics to movies. They talk through what's happening in DC, run through several new film releases, look ahead to the upcoming Academy Awards, and take a moment to remember the remarkable career of Catherine O’Hara. It's the kind of discussion that blends smart analysis with genuine affection for the art form. The show then shifts gears when Nick's longtime friend Lisa Zane drops by. She talks about her upcoming photography exhibition opening next week at Eskell, along with her music, her recent appearance at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, and life in Chicago. Along the way, she shares a few great movie stories, including the small detail that she once killed Freddy Krueger. It's a relaxed, fun conversation that mixes movies, art, friendship, and just enough horror trivia to keep things interesting. [Ep 427]

Leave the mushrooms and face gems at home, because these ain't your mama's festivals!For seemingly 48 weeks out of the year, Epcot is taken over by "exclusive" festivals, and Nick and James are here to pit them against each other in a rousing tound of Mortal Mediokrity.Food & Wine Festival vs. Flower & Garden FestivalFestival of the Holidays vs. Festival of the ArtsDon't forget to like, subscribe, rate, review, comment, share, and save a drink for mischievous Barn Santa.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cticketpodCHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@cticketpod?si=ig6ODv0zvbaXuFPhFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@cticketpodINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cticketpod/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTicketPodEMAIL US:cticketpod@gmail.comMERCH AVAILABLE NOW!https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-c-ticket-podcastThe C-Ticket Podcast: It's not the best theme park podcast, but it's probably somebody's favorite!Hosted by Nick D'Ambrosia and James PerlasMusic:Delightful D Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Herb Weisbaum is back just in time for tax season, and he comes loaded with advice that actually matters. We talk through smart tax-time tips, how the AI boom has quietly pushed up the price of computers and phones, and the ways marketers are getting sneakier when it comes to kids. Herb also puts me on the spot with a few questions from the College of Knowledge quiz, which goes about as well as you'd expect. Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins in to cover what's happening on the road right now. We get into Tesla's ongoing struggles, the best-selling convertibles of 2025, what might be the worst-looking Cadillac ever made, Mazda's move upmarket, and why car payments feel downright brutal these days. We wrap things up with fresh rounds of StarSpotter and MysteryShow, keeping the mix of useful info, car talk, and nonsense exactly where it belongs. [Ep 426]

Nick welcomes Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back fresh from Sundance with stories, opinions, and plenty to argue about. They break down what they saw at the festival, including early reactions to upcoming releases like the Courtney Love documentary Courtney Love, Olivia Wilde's new comedy The Invite featuring Edward Norton, Penélope Cruz, and Seth Rogen, and a film with the refreshingly subtle title of The Shitheads. A few new wide releases also get reviewed, along with a look at how the box office shook out over the weekend. Esmeralda Leon joins Nick later as the conversation wanders into everything else rattling around their heads. They talk about the return of Scrubs, the enduring stupidity of Morning Zoo prank calls, and the exhausting feeling of living in a world where it's getting harder to tell what's real and what's fake. Somewhere along the way, rabid chimpanzees ripping people's faces off come up, which feels about right for the times. [Ep 425]

Pony up, cheapskates, 'cause it's time to get tacky!This week, Nick and James are playing arbiters of affordability as a variety of Value Resorts vie for victory in the Value Vendetta!Disney's All-Star Resorts vs. The Hourglass Lake Resorts (Pop Century/Art of Animation)Universal's Endless Summer Resort vs. Cabana Bay Beach ResortDon't forget to like, subscribe, rate, review, comment, share, and stiff a starving Victorian orphan on a donation to cover your next vacation.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cticketpodCHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@cticketpod?si=ig6ODv0zvbaXuFPhFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@cticketpodINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cticketpod/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTicketPodEMAIL US:cticketpod@gmail.comMERCH AVAILABLE NOW!https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-c-ticket-podcastThe C-Ticket Podcast: It's not the best theme park podcast, but it's probably somebody's favorite!Hosted by Nick D'Ambrosia and James PerlasMusic:Delightful D Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Nick catches up with Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter for another round of TV talk, starting with a few standout documentaries from Sundance and the latest run of SNL episodes. From there, Dan digs into a busy slate of new shows, including Memory of a Killer starring Patrick Dempsey, The Beauty from Ryan Murphy, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins with Tracy Morgan, and a new spinoff from the Game of Thrones universe. Esmeralda Leon joins Nick later as the conversation shifts into what they have been watching lately and quickly veers into some truly baffling casting choices. They revisit moments like Angelina Jolie playing the mother of Colin Farrell and the long tradition of actors in their twenties and thirties somehow passing as high school kids. It's a mix of sharp TV insight, shared viewing notes, and plenty of head shaking over casting decisions that still make no sense.  [Ep 424]

C-Ticket's fight to protect the timeline rages on with this heated battle of ridiculously expensive places to sleep!Disney's Polynesian Village Resort vs. Disney's Contemporary ResortDisney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa vs. Wilderness LodgeDon't forget to like, subscribe, rate, review, comment, share, and turn your pockets inside out so dust comes out like some sort of hobo clown.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cticketpodCHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@cticketpod?si=ig6ODv0zvbaXuFPhFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@cticketpodINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cticketpod/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTicketPodEMAIL US:cticketpod@gmail.comMERCH AVAILABLE NOW!https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-c-ticket-podcastThe C-Ticket Podcast: It's not the best theme park podcast, but it's probably somebody's favorite!Hosted by Nick D'Ambrosia and James PerlasMusic:Delightful D Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Nick kicks things off by diving into the 2026 Oscar nominations, running through his predictions and unloading on the snubs and head-scratching choices that immediately set him off. There's praise where it's earned, frustration where it's deserved, and plenty of strong opinions about how the list shook out. Marnie Shure returns to talk food, fear, and a little chaos. She brings along her monthly Horror Report with thoughts on 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, plus a handful of food stories worth paying attention to. The two also talk about the upcoming Mortified live show and take on the important work of taste-testing Nerds Juicy Gummy Clusters, with results that are taken very seriously. Esmeralda Leon joins later as the conversation drifts back into the strange world of forgotten celebrity talk shows. Names like Harry Connick Jr. and Fran Drescher come up, before landing on Chevy Chase and what might be the worst talk show idea ever put on television. It's Oscars, horror movies, candy, and bad TV decisions, all wrapped into one very on-brand conversation. [Ep 423]

Nick is joined by former radio producer and longtime movie obsessive Tom Hush for the debut of what instantly feels like a dangerous new segment, Tom's Theater of Trash. The two dive headfirst into the world of gloriously bad and forgotten films, starting with Tom's love for the sharksploitation oddity Jaws 5: Cruel Jaws. That spirals into a conversation about the history of the subgenre, the fine art of stealing footage, why low-budget filmmaking can be charming, and exactly how Sharknado managed to miss the entire point. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to clean out the voicemail bag and wander into the graveyard of celebrity talk shows no one remembers, including brief, strange detours hosted by Martin Short and Zach Galifianakis. Things wrap up with shared memories of attending tapings of The Jenny Jones Show, which were exactly as chaotic and ill-advised as you would expect. It's trash cinema, forgotten TV, and bad decisions, all handled with pride. [Ep 422]

Nick is joined by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for the first round of new movie reviews of 2026, and they jump right into a mixed bag of releases. The conversation covers the fourth entry in the horror franchise with 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the historical musical drama The Testament of Ann Lee starring Amanda Seyfried, and the gritty cop thriller The Rip featuring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. They also get into the urban vampire thriller Night Patrol and a few other titles, with plenty of honest reactions along the way. Before wrapping up, Erik and Steve look ahead to their upcoming trip to the Sundance Film Festival and what they're hoping to see this year. Things get sillier when Esmeralda Leon joins in and a couple of new voicemails roll in about the McRib lawsuit. That opens the door to a free-for-all discussion about some of the dumbest lawsuits ever filed, and why the fictional but highly confident Esmaolas Law Firm is clearly ready to take them all on and somehow win every case. [Ep 421]

New year, same shitty podcast!Nick and James are ringing in 2026 by looking back on all we lost in theme parks and all we are set to gain as the calendar turns over!Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate, review, comment, share, and buy your stink bombs in bulk.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cticketpodCHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@cticketpod?si=ig6ODv0zvbaXuFPhFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@cticketpodINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cticketpod/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTicketPodEMAIL US:cticketpod@gmail.comMERCH AVAILABLE NOW!https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-c-ticket-podcastThe C-Ticket Podcast: It's not the best theme park podcast, but it's probably somebody's favorite!Hosted by Nick D'Ambrosia and James PerlasMusic:Delightful D Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Nick and James are feeling the pressure of maintaining a barely successful podcast, but a special visitor from the far reaches of time and space drops by to give them a little pick-me-up!There will be some major changes to the C-Ticket Podcast after March, but until then, we'll be coming at you with e brand new bracket every week as part of the ordained MORTAL MEDIOKRITY Tournament!This week, it's the Beverage Brawl!Butterbeer vs. The Flaming MoeLeFou's Brew vs. Star Wars MilksDon't forget to like, subscribe, rate, review, comment, share, and loudly proclaim "FUCK TERFS" as you down your Butterbeer.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cticketpodCHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@cticketpod?si=ig6ODv0zvbaXuFPhFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@cticketpodINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cticketpod/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTicketPodEMAIL US:cticketpod@gmail.comMERCH AVAILABLE NOW!https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-c-ticket-podcastThe C-Ticket Podcast: It's not the best theme park podcast, but it's probably somebody's favorite!Hosted by Nick D'Ambrosia and James PerlasMusic:Delightful D Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Nick catches up with Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to break down the Golden Globe Awards while they are still fresh. They talk through the winners and losers, how the broadcast actually played, and what worked and didn't with host Nikki Glaser. It's a straight-shooting reaction to an awards night that gave everyone plenty to argue about. Dan also weighs in on a few new things worth watching, including the Amazon series The Night Manager, the drama His and Hers starring Tom Hiddleston, Tessa Thompson, and Jon Bernthal, and a new documentary centered on Chevy Chase. The reviews are thoughtful and honest, with the kind of context only a longtime critic brings. Things take a sharp turn into chaos when Esmeralda Leon joins in and British bon vivant and game show tormentor Slap Slapply returns. Nick and Esma get thrown into another round of 80s and 90s trivia madness, and the results are as ridiculous and entertaining as you would hope. [Ep 420]

Nick welcomes Monica Eng back for her first visit of 2026, catching up as she prepares for a colonoscopy and somehow still manages to be the hungriest person in the room. The conversation moves through the latest local and national stories she's been covering for Axios, along with a rundown of the ten best things she ate in 2025 and five Chicago-area restaurants she's watching closely. There's also a sober moment on how everyday costs keep creeping up for Chicagoans, even when the food is great. Esmeralda Leon joins Nick later to unpack a federal class-action lawsuit against McDonald’s over the McRib and its lack of actual rib meat. That opens the floodgates to a fast food rabbit hole, with stories and laughs about some of the strangest menu items ever unleashed on the public. It's a mix of sharp reporting, food obsession, and just enough legal absurdity to keep things moving. [Ep 419]

Herb Weisbaum sits this one out while he recovers from a hip replacement, but the show rolls on with a look back at the biggest consumer stories of 2025 and a few trends already shaping how people will spend and shop in 2026. Herb will be back next month with fresh intel and, by all accounts, a much more flexible outlook. Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive jumps in to talk about the cars he has been driving lately and what to watch for at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. The conversation takes a sharp turn into the future of electric vehicles, including why models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the VW ID Buzz may be facing an early exit. As always, nostalgia sneaks in with a look back at classic car ads for the 1954 Nash Metropolitan and the 1972 AMC Javelin Pierre Cardin. The fun wraps up with another round of Starspotter and Mystery Show, capped off by the accidental discovery of Tom's truly fantastic old gas station nickname. Even without the Consumerman, there is plenty to cover, plenty to laugh about, and more than a few surprises along the way. [Ep 418]

We sit down with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for an extended, no-rush conversation about what 2025 looked like at the movies. It was a strange year, sometimes exciting, sometimes frustrating, and we dig into what worked, what didn't, and why the box office and streaming landscape felt so uneven. Trends, surprises, and a few head-scratching moments all get their turn. From there, things get very opinionated. Erik and Steve each roll out their picks for the best movies of 2025 and the worst, and yes, the disagreements come fast and loud. There are a handful of rare moments where they line up, plenty where they absolutely do not, and some strong feelings about how certain films landed or completely missed the mark. We also look ahead to what has us excited for 2026, and somehow, against all odds, everyone agrees on the single best movie of 2025. It's a long, passionate movie nerd conversation that takes its time and leaves no opinion unchallenged. [Ep 417]

Nick brings pro wrestling expert Dr. Keith Lipinski back to look over a busy, often chaotic year in the ring. They walk through the biggest stories across WWE, including John Cena's retirement tour and heel turn, the return of AJ Lee, and a string of injuries that reshaped the roster. The conversation also shifts to All Elite Wrestling, spotlighting standout matches and the strong year turned in by Hangman Page, Toni Storm, and Will Ospreay, along with a few behind-the-scenes stories that fans rarely hear. Impact Wrestling and AAW Pro get some attention as well, rounding out a wide view of the wrestling landscape. Esmeralda Leon joins Nick afterward to shift gears and look back on their own highlights from 2025. That reflection quickly turns into a laugh-filled rundown of the dumbest, strangest, and most unrealistic New Year's resolutions people make every year and almost never keep. It's an easy mix of wrestling insight and personal chatter to close things out. [Ep 416]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes back for a wide-ranging look at a year filled with memorable shows and standout conversations. Jim talks about recent concerts that left an impression, including a night with Evan Dando and a still-amazing performance from Paul McCartney. The discussion expands into Jim's personal highlights from 2025, touching on favorite interviews, albums, and live moments that defined the year in music. They also pause to remember the legacy of Steve Cropper, reflecting on his influence and why his work continues to matter. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up on life and mark National Stretching Day, which quickly turns into a relaxed, personal chat. Esma also shares her enthusiasm for a Netflix documentary about the legendary Juan Gabriel, celebrating his impact and enduring place in music history. [Ep 415]

We're back to close out not only this miniature Merry Mediocrity tournament, but also the year!We're pitting the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow and its multicultural celebration of holidays against the golden age of Hollywood and its THICC garland!Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate, review, comment, share, and pay your respects to mischievous Barn Santa.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cticketpodCHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@cticketpod?si=ig6ODv0zvbaXuFPhFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@cticketpodINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cticketpod/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTicketPodEMAIL US:cticketpod@gmail.comMERCH AVAILABLE NOW!https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-c-ticket-podcastThe C-Ticket Podcast: It's not the best theme park podcast, but it's probably somebody's favorite!Hosted by Nick D'Ambrosia and James PerlasMusic:Delightful D Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Nick welcomes Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back for a packed conversation that jumps from recent SNL episodes to the new documentary “Breakdown: 1975,” along with a thoughtful look at the long, influential career of Rob Reiner. Dan also unveils his picks for the Best Television of 2025, spotlighting standouts like “The Lowdown,” “Andor,” “Pluribus,” “Adolescence,” and several others that made the year feel unusually strong for TV. The show closes with pure chaos as British bon vivant and game show impresario Slap Slapply makes his triumphant return. Nick and Esmeralda Leon square off in another round of wildly unpredictable trivia, trading correct answers, bad guesses, and plenty of mock outrage. It's loud, competitive, and exactly the kind of madness Slap was built for, making it a fitting way to wrap up the year. [Ep 414]

Nick teams up with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for an expanded round of movie talk as the year end release rush hits full speed. They dig into a packed slate that includes the newest chapter in James Cameron's Avatar saga, Timothée Chalamet's latest turn in Marty Supreme, and Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson fronting a Neil Diamond tribute band in Song Sung Blue. The conversation also covers Will Arnett as a down-on-his-luck stand-up comic in Is This Thing On?, Sydney Sweeney in The Housemaid, and the Brazilian thriller The Secret Agent, with a few more titles folded in along the way. With so many major releases landing at once, the discussion stretches out and takes its time, offering thoughtful reactions and plenty of back and forth between three longtime critics who know each other's tastes well. Esmeralda sits this one out, but the movie talk more than fills the space as the holiday film season kicks into high gear. [Ep 413]

Now we have a bracket. Ho ho ho.It's the holiday season, and our gift to you is a tournament for the ages - comparing all of the holiday decorations at the Disney Parks!Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate, review, comment, share, and leave out beer and cookies for Colonel Miles Quaritch.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cticketpodCHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@cticketpod?si=ig6ODv0zvbaXuFPhFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@cticketpodINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cticketpod/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTicketPodEMAIL US:cticketpod@gmail.comMERCH AVAILABLE NOW!https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-c-ticket-podcastThe C-Ticket Podcast: It's not the best theme park podcast, but it's probably somebody's favorite!Hosted by Nick D'Ambrosia and James PerlasMusic:Delightful D Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

ITS NICK D FOR CHRISTMAS!When Nick and I ruled WGN Radio we had fun all year long. Somehow the CHRISTMAS shows were even better.But never did I ever think Nick D would write a book!It's GREAT and we talk about it here so you can get it for you and your friends.Happy holidays and thanks for watching on YouTube and listening wherever you get podcasts. NOTES:Follow Nick and get the book... 40 Years, 40 Films | Nick Digilio

Nick welcomes writer Marnie Shure for a wide-ranging conversation that blends upcoming live storytelling, food obsession, and a touch of seasonal chaos. Marnie talks about the next Mortified show coming in February, then dives into holiday food talk with authority, covering the best cranberry sauces on the shelf, what actually makes a great grilled cheese, and a gift guide packed with standout Chicago food finds. She also delivers her monthly Horror Report, complete with stories from her recent visit to Halloween Horror Nights. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a tour of truly bizarre Christmas traditions from around the world. Iceland's terrifying Yule Cat gets its due, Venezuelans roll to church on skates, and Krampus lurks right on schedule. Esma also shares a personal holiday revelation from her childhood, where Santa never showed up, but Jesus very much did. The mix of food, folklore, and personal stories keeps things funny, strange, and perfectly on brand for the season. [Ep 412]

Nick welcomes Axios Chicago's Monica Eng for a rundown of the stories she has been digging into lately, starting with the city budget and the complicated process required to get it passed. She also highlights a handful of terrific local gift shops for holiday shopping, the recent WBEZ power outage, and new data on CPS college enrollment. The conversation gets delightfully seasonal with a defense of pickled herring and a story about how Monica managed to get snowy bike lanes plowed through sheer persistence. Esmeralda Leon joins Nick afterward to catch up on life and mark National Stretching Day with the kind of chat that makes even basic self-care sound like a group project. She also shares her enthusiasm for a standout Netflix documentary on the legendary Mexican singer Juan Gabriel, a recommendation that quickly becomes its own mini conversation. [Ep 411]

It's that time of year again, when we get together to watch everyone's favorite fictional universe-spanning holiday retelling, A Muppet Christmas...wait, what? No Muppets?What the fuck are we even doing here man?Ok, I guess we're watching Mickey's Christmas Carol. Watch along if you want to see Donald get cucked by his uncle or something idek.Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate, review, comment, share, and skin your flints.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cticketpodCHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@cticketpod?si=ig6ODv0zvbaXuFPhFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@cticketpodINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cticketpod/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTicketPodEMAIL US:cticketpod@gmail.comMERCH AVAILABLE NOW!https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-c-ticket-podcastThe C-Ticket Podcast: It's not the best theme park podcast, but it's probably somebody's favorite!Hosted by Nick D'Ambrosia and James PerlasMusic:Delightful D Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Nick brings Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back for a fresh round of TV talk, starting with the latest SNL episodes and the unexpected charm of “Pluribus.” Dan runs through his newest reviews, including the Netflix western “The Abandons” with Gillian Anderson and the HBO Max hockey drama and love story “Heated Rivalry,” and he offers an early look at the wonderfully unhinged HBO comedy special “Sarah Squirm: Live + In The Flesh.” They also size up the newly announced 2025 Golden Globe nominations across TV and film. Esmeralda Leon joins Nick afterward for a gleefully odd detour into the history of radiators and how these clunky metal giants actually heat a home. That leads to stories about terrible landlords, the misery of board meetings, and even a memorable Tom Skilling moment that sneaks in before the laughter dies down. [Ep 410]

Nick brings film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back for a run through several major new releases, including James L. Brooks' comedy drama “Ella McCay,” the animated sequel “Zootopia 2,” the latest “Knives Out” mystery “Wake Up Dead Man,” and the follow up to the video game horror hit “Five Nights at Freddy's 2.” Their conversation moves quickly, mixing sharp reactions with the kind of easy back and forth that comes from years of arguing about movies together. Esmeralda Leon joins Nick later for a round of holiday chatter, which turns into a story about a South Side spot that sells great Christmas trees and also lets you recycle them by feeding them to a herd of very enthusiastic goats. That leads to a tour of strange Christmas trees from around the world, including one built entirely from full bottles of Heineken. The holiday spirit takes on some unusual shapes, and Nick and Esma have plenty of fun with it. [Ep 409]

Nick and James are coming to sit on your laps and tell YOU what they want from theme parks this holiday season!Will they be tangible items? Will they agree? Who's to say? One thing is for certain - they will never get them.Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate, review, comment, share, and keep your sandwiches dry.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cticketpodCHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@cticketpod?si=ig6ODv0zvbaXuFPhFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@cticketpodINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cticketpod/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTicketPodEMAIL US:cticketpod@gmail.comMERCH AVAILABLE NOW!https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-c-ticket-podcastThe C-Ticket Podcast: It's not the best theme park podcast, but it's probably somebody's favorite!Hosted by Nick D'Ambrosia and James PerlasMusic:Delightful D Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Nick brings back Consumerman Herb Weisbaum for a fresh round of listener questions and a rundown of holiday-season consumer traps. They dig into how many so-called sale prices are nothing more than fake markdowns, take a look at toys that raise safety flags, and walk through Herb's practical shopping tips that actually matter heading into the 2025 rush. Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive jumps in next with updates from the road, including the newest vehicles he has been test-driving and standout moments from the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show. Jeep shows off some eye-catching concepts, and the conversation drifts into memorable vintage car ads like the 1977 Pontiac Can Am and the 1983 Chrysler Fifth Avenue with its Miss Universe tie-in. The show wraps with another round of Starspotter and Mystery Show, keeping the mix of nostalgia, automotive fun, and consumer savvy rolling through the end. [Ep 408]

Nick welcomes back the always delightful Stephen Tobolowsky, who slips right into the conversation like he never left. They trade memories about the moviegoing rituals they shared as kids, revisit his early film work on “Josh and Sam,” and dig into the unforgettable day he performed on Broadway for a group of Hispanic schoolchildren who had never seen a play before, complete with Buck Henry running a post-show Q&A. Tobo also talks about the projects he has coming up on both the big and small screens. Esmeralda Leon later joins Nick for a round of Black Friday horror tales that feel equal parts shocking and strangely familiar. There's a sucker punch at Sears, a kid left behind at K-Mart, and even a customer who stepped over a dying person to grab a bargain at Target. Holiday cheer takes many forms, apparently. [Ep 407]

Nick shares more about the celebrations planned for his new book, “40 Years, 40 Films,” and how listeners can snag copies before the holidays. TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter drops by with sharp takes on recent SNL episodes, the Eddie Murphy documentary “Being Eddie,” the newest season of “A Man in the Inside,” and reviews of “The Beast in Me,” “The Assassin,” and the Susan Powter documentary, along with a quick look at what's coming in the new season of “Stranger Things.” Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a lively chat about cooking, holiday dishes, kitchen chaos, and the pressure of pulling off ambitious menus without sabotaging the turkey. [Ep 406]

Nick is joined once again by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for another round of movie talk and box office breakdowns. They look at the sluggish November numbers and review several new releases, including “Rental Family” starring Brendan Fraser, the long-awaited sequel to “Wicked,” George Clooney's tense drama “Jay Kelly,” and the over-the-top action spectacle “Sisu: Road to Revenge.” Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to spread the word about an upcoming holiday food drive on Chicago's northwest side. The two then dive into some more pop culture nostalgia with Bond movies, spooky 90s TV classics like “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” and “Eerie, Indiana,” and plenty of laughs along the way. [Ep 405]

Nick welcomes Nell Minow, The Movie Mom, back to the show for a lively mix of politics, pop culture, and film talk. They break down the latest political headlines from D.C., including reactions to the recent elections and Elon Musk's absurd pay package, before diving into Nell's brand-new book, Low Information. Nell also shares insights from her interview with the composer of the new “Knives Out” movie, her article celebrating the 50th anniversary of Siskel & Ebert, and her thoughts on a slate of current releases. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another nostalgic pop culture deep dive — from Bond movies and a bizarre “Suddenly Susan” episode featuring Warren Zevon, to some truly forgotten relics of 90s TV like Northern Exposure, Two of a Kind, The Sifl and Olly Show, and the inexplicable MacGruder & Loud. [Ep 404]

Music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com returns to talk tunes, tours, and rock history with Nick. They recap highlights from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, dig into a new book about Pearl Jam, and catch up on the latest music news. Jim also reviews a few standout live shows, including Howl Owl Howl, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band at the Arcada Theatre, and Bryan Adams & Pat Benatar rocking the Allstate Arena. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another wild round of ‘80s & ‘90s Trivia Madness, hosted by everyone's favorite British bon vivant Slap Slapply, who brings chaos, charm, and a few new ridiculous questions from across time and space. [Ep 403]

Nick welcomes Dan Fienberg, TV critic for The Hollywood Reporter, back to the podcast for another round of sharp television talk. They dive into the most recent Saturday Night Live episodes and the latest TV news before Dan reviews several new releases, including Vince Gilligan's sci-fi comedy “Pluribus” starring Rhea Seehorn, Emma Thompson's mystery “Down Cemetery Road,” Netflix's tense thriller “Death By Lightning” featuring Michael Shannon, and Ken Burns' sweeping new documentary on the American Revolution. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to discuss James Bond films and her volunteer work with Nourishing Hope, a Chicago-based organization providing food, mental health counseling, and other essential services for people in need. They also talk about the strain caused by the ongoing SNAP program disruptions during the government shutdown and how listeners can help support the effort. It's a thoughtful mix of pop culture, compassion, and classic Nick & Esma chemistry.[Ep 401]