The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

Nick welcomes food writer Marnie Shure from "Food and Wine" to discuss the latest horror movies she's seen, including the newest "A Quiet Place" film and a creepy alien invasion flick. Then, they dive into some cool food stories, like the news that Japanese 7-Eleven stores are coming to the US, the surprising revelation that the best lunch deal in town might just be at Hooters, and the fact that chicken is on pace to outsell burgers at McDonald's. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about the upcoming live version of this podcast, happening at The Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, featuring special guest Don Coscarelli, the director of "Phantasm" and "Bubba Ho-Tep." Nick also gives Esma a fun quiz all about India. [Ep265]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to discuss the latest episodes of "Evil," the brand-new season of CBS's "Big Brother," and dive deep into the Emmy nominations that were announced last week. They also take a moment to remember the legendary television icon Bob Newhart, who passed away on July 18th at the age of 94. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to share all about the fun she had at the Pitchfork Music Festival, which featured performances by De La Soul, Grandmaster Flash, and Alanis Morissette. They also discuss her thoughts on who should be "America's Family." Additionally, they talk about some memorable performances of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and taste test some cool candies from India. [Ep263]

Nick reviews the big summer disaster sequel "Twisters," and then welcomes the terrific character actor and filmmaker Ted Raimi to the podcast. They talk about Ted's upcoming appearance at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention and delve into the world of the "convention circuit." Ted shares insights about his early theater work and his outstanding career starring in classics like "The Evil Dead" series, "Darkman," "The Midnight Meat Train," and his TV roles in "Xena" and "Hercules." Ted also discusses his exciting new movie "Failure!," which is coming out soon and was shot in one long take. He proves to be a great guest, a super-nice guy, and a terrific person to meet at Flashback. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to have some fun with the worst versions of the National Anthem ever sung (including the latest by singer Ingrid Andress), as well as the best versions. They also begin their new snack-tasting journey through India with treats from Universal Yums. [Ep263]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan back to the podcast to talk about some of his recent interviews with Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons and the band Rise Against. They also discuss the recent Rolling Stones concert in Chicago, the Billy Joel/Stevie Nicks show at Soldier Field, Roger Daltrey at Ravinia, and more. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the crazy thunderstorms and earthquakes hitting the Midwest, the dawn of TMZ, the new cast of "The Surreal Life," and who might become the next "America's Sweetheart." Plus, they finish up their British taste tests with some banana toffee. [EP262]

Nick is unbelievably thrilled to welcome legendary actress Adrienne Barbeau to the podcast to talk about her incredible career and her upcoming appearance at The Flashback Weekend Horror Convention in Rosemont, Illinois. Nick and Adrienne discuss her performances in classic movies such as "Escape from New York," "Creepshow," "Back to School," and many more. They also talk about her experiences working on the groundbreaking Norman Lear show "Maude," and delve into her stage and voice-over work (she is Catwoman!), music credits, and the books she has written. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick have fun talking about Sandra Bullock and her "kooky-crazy-lady" movies, the weirdness of Young Adult books, creepy AI pictures, and how "brilliant" the Sly Stallone 1993 movie "Demolition Man" really is. [EP261]

Since we are halfway through the year, Nick reveals his lists of the Best and Worst Movies of 2024 so far in this episode. He also welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter, who shares his list of the best TV of the year so far. Nick and Dan discuss the new season of "The Bear," Amazon's "Sausage Party," and "Sunny" starring Rashida Jones. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to continue their fun 2000s Pop Culture quiz/tour. They chat about The Pussycat Dolls, the "Twilight" books, and the incredible world of MySpace, featuring everyone's friend: Tom. They also taste a very delicious, but VERY pickled snack from the UK. [EP260]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to review all the new movies. They share their thoughts on Eddie Murphy's return in the (AWFUL) "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F," the two very good horror sequels "MaXXXine" and "A Quiet Place: Day One," and an insane, brutal, and awesome action film from India simply called "Kill." Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about the great Benny Hill, and they continue their fun quiz about the 2000s, covering topics like Eminem and "The Sims." This leads to a conversation about Comfort Games like "Carcassonne," "Roller Coaster Tycoon," and "Myst." Plus, they enjoy some great snacks from the U.K. [EP259]

In the latest "For The People" episode, Nick welcomes Herb "The Consumerman" Weisbaum from Checkbook.org to provide some straight talk about nutritional supplements, information about medical debt being wiped from your credit score, how scammers are sending bogus texts about unpaid tolls, and where to find the most reliable movers. Then, Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to discuss "COVID Cars," secret taxes on electric vehicles, a hilarious ad for the 1980 Pontiac Grand Prix, and his popular social media posts: "Starspotter" and "Mystery Show." It's another entertaining, informative, and helpful episode of "For The People." [EP258]

Nick welcomes food writer/editor Marnie Shure to the podcast to discuss the Joey Chestnut drama—he was booted from the July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest! They also talk about the latest list of America's Top Chain Restaurants and emphasize how food pantries need help all year long, not just during the holidays. Marnie provides a Horror Report and shares a tale about the new Reese's Jumbo Cup. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about some of the CBS shows she's currently enjoying and to answer some trivia questions about the 2000s, involving Blu-Rays, Ugg Boots, and Jim Carrey. You'll also learn exactly who "Big Boobs McGee" is and get a taste review of some new snacks from the UK. [EP257]

Nick welcomes 'Hollywood Reporter' TV critic Dan Fienberg to discuss the latest in television news. They catch up on the most recent episodes of "Evil" and have an in-depth discussion about the entire season and the finale of "Top Chef." Dan also reviews "Orphan Black Echoes," "America's Sweethearts: The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders," and the new superhero drama "Supacell." Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the rookie cop on Long Island who busted Justin Timberlake, and the farewell tour of Cyndi Lauper. Nick also finishes quizzing Esma on her knowledge of the UK, and they both enjoy some tasty snacks from the region. [EP256]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest movies: "The Bikeriders" featuring Austin Butler, Russell Crowe in "The Exorcism," June Squibb as the charming "Thelma," and "Kinds of Kindness" from the director and stars of "Poor Things." They also discuss the upcoming renovations for The Music Box Theatre, including new seats and carpets, and a local movie that is generating a lot of buzz. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to begin their culinary tour of the United Kingdom, starting with lamb-flavored crisps and blackcurrant-flavored candies. Nick also challenges Esma with a tough quiz about the UK, featuring questions about a brave dog, a poison garden, and the term "Butt" used to describe good friends in Wales. [EP255]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes & The Daily Herald to discuss some memorable concerts he's attended, like an annoying James Taylor with his bad jokes, and an incredible performance by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss. They also talk about Jim's interviews with notable figures like Mickey Hart from The Grateful Dead and Michael Richards from "Seinfeld." Plus, they share stories about Jim hanging out with Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and bond over their mutual dislike for The Eagles. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about some disaster movies she's caught up on, including "Leviathan," "Dante's Peak," "Deep Impact," and "The Day After Tomorrow." Nick warns Esma about the complete (but hilarious) idiocy of "Beyond the Poseidon Adventure" and shares his thoughts on cicadas. They also wrap up their snack tour of Thailand with some tasty coconut chips. [EP254]

In this jam-packed episode, Nick welcomes Mike Kerz, the owner/operator of The Midway Drive-In in Dixon, IL. They discuss the new website driveinsnearme.com, the exciting summer events at the Midway, and the impressive lineup of guests for this year's Flashback Weekend Horror Convention. Then, journalist, podcaster, writer, and filmmaker Amy Guth joins Nick to share her latest adventures in L.A., including visiting the grave of a distant movie-star relative, encounters with screaming and fornicating cicadas, unique film festival stories, and more. Finally, Esmeralda Leon and Nick preview this year's Riot Fest schedule, which boasts an incredible lineup. They talk about the festival's venue change and highlight some of the cool events happening at Ravinia this year. Plus, they continue their food tour of the region with more snacks from Thailand. [EP253]

Nick's guest on this episode is TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter. They discuss the new HBO documentary "Ren Faire," the FX/Hulu drama "Clipped" about the L.A. Clippers, the quirky comedy "Fantasmas," and the latest version of "Presumed Innocent" featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard. Dan also shares his experiences from the ATX TV Festival, where he hosted several panels, and they chat about the latest episodes of "Evil." Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to reminisce about the glory days of MTV and VH1, recalling shows like "Punk'd," "Flavor of Love," and "I Married a Brady." They also laugh about Esma's teenage crush on Leonardo DiCaprio and some hilarious celebrity pranks. While enjoying some fried Thai seaweed, they both agree that 61-year-old Anthony Kiedis should stop dating 19-year-olds.[EP252]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to talk about the Godzilla-Fest happening at The Music Box Theatre, and review some new movies including the latest Richard Linklater comedy "Hit Man," the horror film from the daughter of M. Night Shyamalan called "The Watchers," and what could very well be the worst movie of this (or any) year: "Bad Boys: Ride or Die." Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick chat about appointment TV, Jason Skaggs Cicadas, flying killer spiders, and the fact that Esma is all "Duned out." They also continue their Universal Yums Thailand snack tasting, with some sweet and spicy shrimp chips. [EP250]

In this "For The People" episode, Nick talks with The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum, from Checkbook.org, about many stories including: smart ways to purchase a car, new rules concerning Buy Now Pay Later outfits, the latest news in the world of airlines (like giving refunds and providing information on all hidden fees), and putting a much needed cap on credit card late fees. Then, Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to cover all things car-related like: the tanking of Tesla, a review of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, a look back at the hilarious 1973 ad for the Dodge Dart Rallye, and Tom recites an original poem he wrote about the beloved Chevy Malibu. Plus, another round of "Starspotter" and "Mystery Show." [EP250]

Nick welcomes Monica Eng, from Axios.com, back to the podcast to discuss several Chicago-centric stories like: segregation in the CPS, a huge surge in Chicago biking (and personal stories about bike lanes and traffic), a report on the CTA, a brief history of Chinese food on the Southside, and a cicada report which includes stories of Sex Crazed Zombie Cicadas that are terrorizing the city (well, they're not really terrorizing the city...but, they do actually exist!). Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about goofy celebrities who like to pull crazy pranks (we're looking at you George Clooney), and they continue their taste-testing of snacks from Thailand. And Nick gives you the details about his upcoming screening of The Who's TOMMY at the Lake Theater in Oak Park, IL. [EP249]

Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, joins Nick to talk about two Disney+ documentaries: "Jim Henson: Idea Man" and "The Beach Boys" (which leads to a conversation about Nick's obsession with the movie "Congo!"), the season finale of "Saturday Night Live" with Jake Gyllenhaal is discussed, as is the return of one of the best shows on television: "Evil" on Paramount+. They also preview the ATX TV Festival in Austin, and have some fun with how much Dan hates Elmo. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about the movie "Garfield," which leads to a detailed and hilarious discussion about the TV show "Dilbert" and the UPN television network and their insane shows like "Shasta McNasty," "Homeboys From Outer Space," and more....including a wacky sitcom about a kooky slave hanging out with a goofy Abraham Lincoln (it's a real show...look it up), and the Thailand taste-testing continues. [EP248]

At the very top of this episode, Nick gives a full review the eagerly awaited prequel, "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," and then he welcomes legendary actor Stephen Tobolowsky (Ned Ryerson from "Groundhog Day") back to the podcast to chat about his latest role in Chris Pine's wonderfully weird new movie "Poolman," in which Tobo appears in drag! Plus, Tobo talks about his terrific history with Annette Bening and Jennifer Jason Leigh, his working relationship with David Byrne, how the Talking Heads video for "Road to Nowhere" was shot in his pool, and how he is responsible for how the band Radiohead got their name, and he talks about how you're never too old to play Romeo. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to close out their Food Myths topic with the truth about dull knives, salty potatoes, and skinless chicken. And their taste test through Thailand continues with Esma and Nick snacking on some crunchy seaweed. [EP247]

Nick welcomes 'The Movie Mom," Nell Minow to the show to rant about the issues with the giant corporations of Exxon and Paramount, and to discuss the awful name change of The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Nell and Nick also talk about the latest movie releases, great films that are "remote droppers," Joseff's of Hollywood Jewelers, and classic character actors like Thelma Ritter. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to learn all about Thailand, take a fun quiz, taste some great snacks (including a hell fire pepper bag of chips), and discuss a soup made from a 45-year-old broth. [EP246]