The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

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]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to discuss the ongoing fire emergency in L.A. and review some new shows, including Going Dutch with Denis Leary, The Pitt starring Noah Wyle, Tim Allen's sitcom Shifting Gears, and Netflix’s new western series American Primeval. They also chat about the Golden Globes and Nikki Glaser’s performance as host. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about long underwear, battling cold weather, and the baffling habit of guys who only wear scarves when it’s 50 below. They also share thoughts on The Sopranos, praise Andrew WK, and try some pine-flavored candy that tastes suspiciously like Vicks VapoRub. [Ep315]

Nick welcomes wrestling expert Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro to discuss the year in pro wrestling. They cover WWE's surprising move to Netflix, AEW's struggles with storylines and continuity, and the unforgettable moment when Hulk Hogan was booed out of the building—a true highlight of 2024. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to answer listener questions and share some hilarious celebrity encounter stories, like Esma spotting John Cusack vaping at a concert and Nick accidentally knocking 80s sex symbol Emma Samms to the ground on an LA street. They also chat about the agony of watching a terrible actor attempt to portray George Burns for 90 excruciating minutes. To wrap things up, Nick and Esma sample some snacks, including the bold and unusual Haggis-flavored potato chips. [Ep314]

In this "For The People" episode, Nick welcomes the Consumerman Herb Weisbaum to discuss the FTC's new rule addressing hotel and ticket junk fees. Herb also answers listener questions on topics like debt consolidation, the best shopping apps, finding reliable contractors, handling workplace scams, and more. Next, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to talk about the new Toyota Telluride, the Buick Envista Avenir, and the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. They also revisit a hilarious 1978 Dodge truck ad and chat about the forgotten Kammback body style. To wrap things up, Nick and Tom play another round of Starspotter and Mystery Show. It’s an episode packed with useful tips, fun car talk, and a bit of nostalgia! [Ep313]

In this special episode, film critics Erik Childress, Steve Prokopy, and host Nick Digilio unveil their annual lists of The Best and Worst Movies of 2024. The lists feature some genuine surprises, including a few titles that appear on all three lists—sparking lively and fun conversations about the films, trends, standout performances, and much more. Esmeralda Leon is taking this year-end episode off but will return next time. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! [Ep312]

Nick welcomes writer Marnie Shure to the podcast for her monthly "Horror Report," featuring reviews of Thanksgiving and The Visit. They also chat about the upcoming Mortified show, the best food trends of 2024, the weirdest podcasts of the year, and Twizzlers Merry Berry Punch Twists. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to fulfill a Steely Dan Magic Megaphone request, continue their snack journey through time, and dive into a lively discussion about New Year's Eve traditions. Esma also explains the intriguing concept of "Chip Decision Making." It’s a fun, flavorful, and festive episode! [Ep311]

Nick welcomes Monica Eng from Axios.com back to the podcast to discuss the latest issues surrounding the mayor and the budget, wild boat rides, the changing tipping habits of diners, and Monica’s rundown of the best things she ate in 2024. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to contemplate the charm of the Santa Tracker and reflect on the anticlimactic flop that was Y2K. Esma also shares her experience of enjoying great sushi delivered by a robot waitress on a bullet train. They wrap up by revisiting A Taste of History and indulging in some amazing chocolate. [Ep310]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter back to the podcast to review a couple of new shows and reflect on the television highlights of 2024. They discuss the Best Shows of the Year, the Best Episodes of the Year, and the Best Performances of the Year. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about Christmas movies, the wonders of meat thermometers, mastering the art of the reverse sear, proper dishwasher-loading techniques, and the difference between a regular sink and a "vegetable sink." They also taste a new treat from the "Taste of History" Universal Yums snack box. [Ep309]

Nick teams up with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the big holiday movie releases, including the chilling vampire remake Nosferatu, Nicole Kidman in Babygirl, the true-life boxing drama The Fire Inside, and Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to dive into pop culture moments that have not aged well at all. They discuss Jimmy Fallon’s infamous blackface sketch, Jonah Hill’s troubling date-rape joke in Superbad, Courteney Cox’s portrayal of "Fat Monica" on Friends, and the problematic behavior of Hugh Grant's character in Love Actually. To wrap things up, they finish their snack tour of Belgium and ponder what ever happened to Pacey from Dawson’s Creek. [Ep308]

Nick welcomes the multi-talented Amy Guth to the podcast to discuss her many creative projects, including movies, podcasts, and more. They also chat about the strangeness of the holiday season in L.A., Amy’s magenta hair, her favorite 80s concert memory (featuring RATT and L.A. Guns), and her past participation in the holiday tradition, Jews Do The News! Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to explore the joys and quirks of holiday gift-giving, debate what truly makes a Christmas movie, and talk about some cool TV shows. Nick shares details about a couple of amazing meals he enjoyed over the weekend, including one at a seriously old-school steakhouse in Oak Forest, Illinois. They wrap things up by tasting more snacks from Belgium. [Ep306]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan back to the podcast to discuss the new HBO documentary about Yacht Rock, the upcoming Toto tour, and the Mavis Staples show at the Auditorium Theatre. They also chat about Jim's interviews with Gavin Rossdale of Bush and Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, who is now venturing into the coffee business. Jim shares reviews of recent concert performances by Cyndi Lauper, ZZ Top, Stevie Wonder, and The The. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to dive into the irritating world of comic-book movies, the absurdity of some villains, the CFCA Awards, and the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th. They wrap things up by tasting a couple of great snacks from Belgium. [Ep306]

Nick chats with The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg about the latest shows he’s reviewed, including The Sticky with Jamie Lee Curtis, the new Star Wars spin-off Skeleton Crew, The Agency with Michael Fassbender, and Black Doves starring Keira Knightley. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to try a new snack from Belgium and dive into a fun discussion about Yacht Rock documentaries, The Sopranos, Mob Wives, the absurdity of awards shows, and the strange phenomenon of wild rubber growing in the world. [Ep305]

Nick teams up with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review a lineup of new movies, including Queer starring Daniel Craig, Nightbitch with Amy Adams, the animated masterpiece Flow, and the comedies Get Away and Y2K. Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to recap their Thanksgivings and talk about deep-frying turkeys, Godzilla humidifiers, and some unusual holiday decorations like the killer Silver Sphere from Phantasm and a Santa that looks suspiciously troubled. They also explore fun facts about Belgium, answer listener emails, and try out a new snack. A lively mix of reviews, stories, and holiday cheer! [Ep304]

Nick welcomes his old friend and former producer, Tom Hush, to the podcast to celebrate the 70th birthday of the greatest kaiju of them all, the Granddaddy of Destruction: GODZILLA! Tom and Nick dive into the history of the iconic character, discussing the best and worst films, Godzilla’s impact on cinema and pop culture, and much more. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a trip to Belgium via Universal Yums, where they explore the wonders of waffles, chocolate, and some of Belgium’s weird laws. They also praise The Muscles From Brussels himself, Jean-Claude Van Damme, for his absolute genius. A delicious Belgian snack is tasted to wrap up this celebratory episode. [Ep302]

Nick welcomes his old friend and former producer, Tom Hush, to the podcast to celebrate the 70th birthday of the greatest kaiju of them all, the Granddaddy of Destruction: GODZILLA! Tom and Nick dive into the history of the iconic character, discussing the best and worst films, Godzilla’s impact on cinema and pop culture, and much more. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a trip to Belgium via Universal Yums, where they explore the wonders of waffles, chocolate, and some of Belgium’s weird laws. They also praise The Muscles From Brussels himself, Jean-Claude Van Damme, for his absolute genius. A delicious Belgian snack is tasted to wrap up this celebratory episode. [Ep302]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to discuss some great television and review new shows, including A Man on the Inside with Ted Danson, a new version of Cruel Intentions, Landman starring Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, and Demi Moore, and The Day of the Jackal featuring Eddie Redmayne. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to share weird Thanksgiving stories, including feeding friends and Nick’s infamous 1993 drunken trip to Detroit to see the Lions play the Bears. Esma also talks about discovering The Sopranos (she’s all about Furio!) and explores why some people, not from California, become die-hard Raiders fans. They wrap up the episode by finishing their snack-tasting journey through Italy. [Ep301]

It’s a true milestone—The Nick D Podcast has reached its 300th episode! To commemorate this landmark achievement, Nick welcomes back his very first guest, the one and only Rich Koz (AKA: Svengoolie). Together, they celebrate the anniversary, reflect on that very first episode, and discuss other awesome moments. This year also marks the 45th anniversary of Svengoolie, so Nick and Rich dive into the character’s history, share wonderful memories from the past, and tell some incredible stories about their years in the broadcast industry. It’s a truly special interview with a legend, a hero, and a true gentleman. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to reminisce about how long they’ve worked together and play back some heartfelt (and hilarious) voicemails from well-wishers celebrating 300 episodes. They also get hilariously sidetracked chatting about being dumb DJs, poetry nobody remembers, and how Esma originally wanted to be a pediatrician—until a sign in her high school math room inspired her to pursue a career in radio. It’s all part of the special celebration of 300 episodes of The Nick D Podcast! [Ep300]

Nick welcomes food writer and horror fanatic Marnie Shure to the podcast to dive into her latest horror film reviews (including a Jamie Lee Curtis classic!) and discuss the upcoming Mortified event. They also chat about some fun food stories, like McDonald’s secret menu Birthday Cakes and the fact that Mickey D’s can now repair their own McFlurry machines. Plus, just in time for the holiday, they rank five Thanksgiving-flavored foods! Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about Pluto’s 90’s Movie Channel, her love of Jonny Lee Miller, the unfortunate sitcoms of Chuck Lorre, and the classic TV trope of "The Interchangeable White Guy." They also taste another delicious snack from Italy! [Ep299]