The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

In this episode, Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast as they review some new movies including: "Rise of the Beasts" the latest chapter in the "Transformers" series; "Past Lives" a heartbreaking story about 'the love that got away;' the WWII horror movie "Brooklyn 45;" and the origin story of the most popular snack flavor of all time, "Flamin' Hot." Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to fulfill another Magic Megaphone request (involving Richie Cunningham's favorite insult: 'Bucko'), and they talk about some roles that famous actors would love to forget. Included in that conversation is the McDLT commercial featuring a young Jason Alexander (with hair!); "The Devil's Rain," a horror movie in which John Travolta melts into a pile of goo; and "200 Cigarettes," which stars everyone from Paul Rudd to Courtney Love to Kate Hudson to Buster Poindexter. They also chat about Esma's rediscovery of the great TV series, "Homicide: Life on the Streets," and how great Andre Braugher is in it...and how weird it is to watch it on the ancient format of DVD. [EP148]

In this "For The People" episode, Nick talks with The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum, from Checkbook.org, about important consumer stories including: keeping up with your home insurance, the violation of child privacy laws by Amazon, the creeping dangers of A.I. scams, and the fact that Americans are keeping their cars longer than ever. Then, Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive, joins Nick to review the new Dodge Hornet, and discuss the driver-less car takeover in San Francisco, the great ads for "Dad Cars" from the past, the lost problem of overheating cars, and, of course, spotting stars on old Western TV shows. Plus, we remember Barry Newman, the star of "Vanishing Point," a CLASSIC car film from the 70's. And, it all closes with Nick's Dad Tells a Joke. [EP147]

Nick talks with Matt Carr from The Music Box Theatre in Chicago, about his movie-dominated childhood, his love of John Carpenter's "The Thing," and the upcoming screenings of the Vincent Price classic "House on Haunted Hill," which will be presented in terrifying "EMERGO!" The movie will reach beyond the screen, and into the audience's laps and faces, as horrifying ghosts and monsters haunt the Music Box auditorium! They also discuss the great William Castle, filmmaker/carnival barker and entertainer, who came up with incredibly entertaining gimmicks to keep movie audiences enthralled. Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick answer a Magic Megaphone Message about the movie "Top Gun," which leads to a mention of the satire "Hot Shots," which leads to a hilarious discussion of terrible parody movies like "Re-Possessed," "Meet The Spartans," "Vampires Suck," and many, many more. [EP146]

Nick is joined by Amy Guth, writer, filmmaker, and host of Crains Business' "Daily Gist Podcast," about her adventures while filming her new movie, the crazy real-life characters she met along the way, the joy of wearing an Elvis jumpsuit, and the politics of working in an office post-Covid. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick fulfill a Magic Megaphone request (involving John Candy's hand and Steve Martin's butt), discuss home brewing beer & wine, and how to successfully talk behind people's backs. Then Nick talks about his two very awkward and botched marriage proposals, and Nick's Dad Tells a Joke. [EP145]

Nick is joined by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest Disney live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid." They also talk about the wacky (and terrible) Robert DeNiro, Sabastian Maniscalco farce "About My Father," and they share their feelings about very funny, and very smart comedy about little while lies that have big consequences, "You Hurt My Feelings' starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick fulfill another Magic Megaphone request (involving a Baldwin brother), chat about hooking up your own cable equipment, discuss how no one ever quotes from literature in real life, and, they remember the great Tina Turner, who passed away this week. [EP144]

Nick and TV critic Dan Fienberg shoot the breeze about the WGA strike, new sitcom "SisterS", the transformation of HBOMax to MAX, and the last episodes of "Succession" and "Barry". They also chat about "Top Chef" and Beef Wellingtons, while Nick shares anecdotes of celebrity encounters. Then Esmeralda Leon narrates her Vegas trip, involving a Katy Perry show with an oversized toilet and dancing poo. They later remember the 90s cable TV era, and as usual, Nick's dad lands a joke. [EP143]

Nick and Pro-Wrestling expert Dr. Keith Lipinski talk about the upcoming AEW and WWE pay-per-views, plus they discuss the incredible success of the great Rhea Ripley, the sudden popularity of Dom-Dom, how much Nick HATES Cody Rhodes, the mystery of the CM Punk return, the success of MJF's title reign thus far, and what two more hours of AEW programming could bring. They also remember the great "Superstar" Billy Graham, who passed away this week. Then Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to fulfill another Magic Megaphone request (involving legendary singer Michael McDonald), they talk about disturbing songs about very young girls by The Knack, The Boss, and The Bee Gees, and Esma contemplates about what she would do if she were the Bionic Woman. And, Nick talks about the new 24/7 Streaming service at radiomisfits.live, where you can hear all of your favorite Radio Misfits podcasts and more! [EP142]

Nick talks with Marnie Shure from the food website The Takeout, about how Fruit Roll-Ups are now huge on the black market, traveling to Hawaii in order to have an old-school fried apple pie from McDonald's, and about AMC Theaters' plan to create their own alternate snack brand. They also discuss horror movies, the last Mortified stage show, and the intense "Milk Wars" that are happening as we speak. Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick play back a listener voice mail about how depressing Tom Petty's music is, which leads to a conversation about what Esma wants at her funeral (you better dress up) and how she ultimately wants to become compost to feed the trees, while "Feed The Tree" by Belly is playing for all to hear. And, Nick's Dad Tells a Joke. [EP141]

Nick is joined by Mike Kerz, the owner of The Midway Drive-In in Dixon Illinois, to talk about the 90th anniversary of the opening of the very first drive-in. They talk about the history of the drive-in, the great events that will take place during this special season and some of the historic promotions and events that Mike has been responsible for creating. Plus, The Flashback Weekend Horror Convention with it's great guests (like Rose McGowan from "Scream," the cast of the "Terrifier" movies, and the car from "Christine!") is discussed as well. Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick honor Esma's upcoming trip to Las Vegas by talking about the legendary Vegas performers like Frank Sinatra, Liberace, David Copperfield, Phyllis Diller, and more. Nick also talks about the time he actually did a wacky bit with Jerry Lewis (!) during one of his stage shows! Vegas Baby! [EP140]

Nick teams up with Dan Fienberg, the cool TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print. They dive into the Writers Guild strike, chatting about how it's gonna shake up TV on all levels. They also gab about HBO's fresh new series on Watergate, "The White House Plumbers," starring Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux, and the out-of-this-world sci-fi series "Silo" with Rebecca Ferguson on Apple TV+. Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick tackle a Megaphone Message about bats going suburban, jam to some listener voicemails (Cesar Romero even makes an appearance), and reveal the surprisingly twisted lyrics in tunes from The Turtles, The Bee Gees, and Band-Aid. And, of course, don't miss out on Nick's Dad cracking a joke! [EP139]

Nick teams up with music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes and The Daily Herald for a fun chat about Jim's encounters with John Oates, Rev. Horton Heat, and Inhaler (whose lead singer is Bono's son!). Jim also dishes on the latest Depeche Mode concert and shares a side-splitting tale from a Milwaukee minor league hockey game followed by a bewildering free Stone Temple Pilots concert. Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive into the uncanny accuracy of "Idiocracy," the wackiness of the MET Gala, cat costumes, and the UGG boots and Lindsay Lohan era. [EP138]

In the newest "For The People" episode, Nick chats with The ConsumerMan, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org. They talk about why home warranties are a no-go and how the FTC is making it easier to ditch unwanted subscriptions. They even share how The ConsumerMan got his name. Next, car guru Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to discuss the latest Hyundai Santa-Fe Calligraphy, the Ford Maverick's return, and grabbing a federal tax credit for electric cars. They also have fun talking about Bondo, geeky 80's shows, and some hilarious facts about the crazy Ford Pacer. To top it off, Nick's Dad cracks a joke. [EP137]

Nick is joined by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for a lively chat about the 10th annual Chicago Critics Film Festival at The Music Box Theatre. They discuss the exciting lineup of new movie screenings and a special 35mm presentation of "The Right Stuff" on the big screen. They also give their take on some fresh releases, including the delightful adaptation of Judy Blume's classic novel, "Are You There God? It's Me Margaret." Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick share amusing stories about Porter, the deaf dog Esma hangs out with, and her adventure in learning dog sign language to communicate with him. To top it all off, they vent their frustrations with Google Maps and take a nostalgic trip reminiscing about Indiana Beach, Disney World, and the unforgettable Frank 'N' Stein's, where hot dogs and beers are served by the iconic Frankenstein monster. [EP136]

Nick chats with Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter & The Fien Print, about the amazing new show "The Diplomat," featuring Nick's back porch tenant Keri Russell. They also discuss the dark and twisted TV adaptation of "Dead Ringers," starring Rachel Weisz as twin gynecologists, and the latest season of Bill Hader's "Barry." Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to share tips on taking a slap across the face, how a glass of milk can come to the rescue after knocking out a tooth, and the time The Tamale Guy interrupted one of Esma's live podcast recordings. Plus, and of course, Nick's Dad Tells a Joke! [EP135]

Nick welcomes podcaster, writer, journalist, and filmmaker, Amy Guth. They dive into a lively conversation about Amy's new movie, her goth upbringing, the origins of the word 'jagoff,' and the recent mayoral election. They also discuss the upcoming NASCAR race and its potential impact on the city. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a fun chat about awful Chuck E. Cheese imitations, the real differences between mice and rats, the exciting world of roller skating, and Nick's equestrian experiences over the years. [EP134]

Nick and pro-wrestling icon Al Snow sit down together to celebrate Al's 41-year journey in the industry, which now features a stand-up comedy tour filled with captivating tales. They discuss wrestling's evolution, memorable road experiences, Al's collaboration with Mick Foley, and his involvement in the thrilling "Attitude Era" and "Monday Night Wars." Al also shares his amusing conflict with the animal kingdom. Catch Al's stand-up show at Zanies in Chicago on April 29th. Later, Nick and Esmeralda Leon explore non-stop Robert Zemeckis films, the true heroes of "Jaws," ineffective automatic toilet cleaners, unclean eggs, and a humorous segment and of course, Nick's Dad Tells a Joke. [EP133]

Nick as he teams up with renowned film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest movies, including the bloody vampire comedy "Renfield" starring Nicolas Cage and the mob farce "Mafia Mamma" with Toni Collette. They also give you a sneak peek of the "Crackjack Compass: The Works of Robert Zemeckis" festival, which celebrates the extraordinary works of the famous filmmaker, including the "Back to the Future" trilogy, "Forrest Gump," "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," "Contact," "Cast Away," "Romancing the Stone," and the hilarious "Used Cars." The Music Box Theatre will screen all these films as part of the fest. Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick map out their globe-trotting adventure to follow Michael Bolton, reminisce about the cringe-worthy 80s fashion trends (like feathered hair, rat tails, unfortunate mustaches, tight designer jeans, and excessive hairspray), and uncover the surprising historical roots of the Mullet, tracing back to the time of the Iliad. Don't miss this entertaining and educational episode! [EP132]

In this episode, join Nick as he chats with renowned TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print. They dive into the latest SNL episode hosted by the talented Molly Shannon, explore the unique reality/sitcom hybrid "Jury Duty" starring James Marsden, and delve deep into Netflix's dark and captivating comedy, "Beef." Later, Esmeralda Leon hops in for another entertaining Magic Megaphone Message segment, featuring a hilarious anecdote about an intoxicated Oliver Stone. The duo also samples some delightful Mexican candy, reminisces on Esma's recent birthday celebration, and takes a fascinating journey through the enigmatic career of Jean-Claude Van Damme. To top it all of Nick's Dad tells a joke! [EP131]

In this episode, Nick is joined by Marnie Shure from "The Takeout" food website. They delve into recent articles covering Easter Candy, the enigma of Oreos and MIT's research on them, the boneless chicken "wings" lawsuit, and ALDI'S phallic marshmallow candies. The conversation also explores horror movies and includes a taste test of "Hot Tamale" and "Dr. Pepper" Peeps. Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick discuss so-bad-they're-good movies such as "Showgirls," "Fever Pitch," "Virtuosity," and the dreadful new Casablanca Records film, "Spinning Gold." Additionally, they unpack the intricate world of "Saved By the Bell" and fulfill a Magic Megaphone request involving dinosaurs. [EP130]

"For the People," join Nick and The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, for a lively chat about the sneaky 'check washing' scam making a comeback, and how airlines are finally getting on board with kid-friendly seats. They'll also dish out seven nifty tips to help you level up your consumer game. While they're at it, they reminisce about the legendary Katz's Deli in NYC, home to that unforgettable "When Harry Met Sally" moment. Later, Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive rolls in to chat about the quirky 1958 Edsel ad campaign, the buzz-worthy 2024 Dodge Hornet, Honda's sweet extended warranty deal, and the downright bizarre Plymouth Voyager III—a double dose of automotive disappointment. Plus, you won't want to miss the hilarity of Nick's Dad Tells a Joke! [EP129]