The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

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, an...

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 Frid...

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 pre...

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 “Ar...

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...

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 Britis...

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 organi...

Nick is joined once again by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for another round of sharp movie talk and box office insight. They review a packed slate of new releases, including Guillermo del Toro’s bold new take on “Frankenstein,” the latest entry in the “Predator” saga, the Sydney Sweeney boxing biopic “Christy,” and Jennifer Lawrence’s gripping psychological drama “Die My Love.”

Later, Esmeralda Leon returns to share stories from the David Byrne concert she just attended — a wild, inspiring spectacle only Byrne could deliver. From there, she and Nick take a nostalgic detour through some of the we...

It’s another “For The People” episode, as Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, to break down the latest consumer news and scams you need to know about. Herb explains why cryptocurrency remains a high-risk gamble, how long-term car loans can quietly drain your wallet, and the growing problem of fake loan approval robocalls targeting unsuspecting borrowers.

Then, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins the show to talk about tariffs, EV developments, and auto industry layoffs. They also dive into the bizarre world of new Lexus van designs, discuss the end of App...

Nick kicks things off with some exciting news about his brand-new book, “40 YEARS, 40 FILMS,” available from Eckhartz Press. Then he welcomes Monica Eng from Axios Chicago to discuss local stories like the 100-mile border rule, the Gregory Bovino hearing and its surprising outcome, and why grocery store tacos deserve way more respect. They also debate Chicago’s greatest hometown celebrities before turning to a heartfelt tribute to their late friend Tony Fitzpatrick. Monica shares moving stories and plays touching audio from her final hospital visit with Tony — wise, funny, and beautiful words from a true Chicago original.

Later, E...

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast for another round of smart, funny, and slightly unhinged TV talk. The two cover everything from Dan’s unwavering loyalty to The Simpsons to his unapologetic dislike of Seinfeld, plus a look at the latest SNL hosted by Sabrina Carpenter. Dan also reviews several new shows, including the Stephen King prequel miniseries “It: Welcome to Derry,” the cringe-comedy “The Chair Company” from Tim Robinson, and the unexpectedly gripping true-crime series “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy.”

Then Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to dissect one of Hollywood’s biggest misfires...

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for a special extended edition of their movie review segment, packed with more films than ever. The trio dives into an eclectic lineup of new releases, including Emma Stone’s wild new odyssey “Bugonia,” the Springsteen biopic “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” George Romero’s daughter’s zombie comedy “Queens of the Dead,” and Kathryn Bigelow’s explosive thriller “A House of Dynamite.” They also review “The Mastermind,” “Regretting You,” and plenty more fresh titles hitting theaters.

The conversation then shifts to the 61st Chicago International Film Festival, as Erik and Steve share highlights...

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com back to the show for a deep dive into music, madness, and metal. They preview this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and trade stories from Jim’s recent interviews with legends like Rob Halford of Judas Priest — including Halford’s hilarious tale about the best massage he’s ever had in Chicago’s Boys Town — plus Marky Ramone, Emo Phillips, and the chaotic geniuses of GWAR. Jim also recaps Riot Fest, Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, and more, while he and Nick swap some wild and heartfelt Shane MacGowan...

Nick welcomes food writer and horror enthusiast Marnie Shure back to the podcast to talk about the upcoming Mortified Chicago show, her latest horror exploits, and her recent pieces on The Disappointed Tourist exhibit at the Chicago Architecture Center. They also dig into Marnie’s hilarious take on the misuse of terms like “sharp” and “medium,” before bravely taste-testing the season’s scariest snack — Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another round of Trivia Madness, hosted by the inimitable British bon vivant Slap Slapply. Slap’s back with wild new stories from his latest travels through...

This week, Nick reflects on the passing of his dear friend Tony Fitzpatrick, beloved Chicago artist, actor, writer, and all-around creative force. Nick shares heartfelt stories about Tony’s incredible life, along with a memorable clip from Tony’s appearance on the podcast that perfectly captures his wit, passion, and humanity. A true original, gone far too soon.

Then, TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter returns to discuss a fresh slate of shows, including The Last Frontier, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, and Boots. Dan also reviews two standout documentaries, Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost and...

Nick reunites with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to catch up on Steve’s trip to Fantastic Fest, talk box office trends, and review new releases including Tron: Ares, The Kiss of the Spider Woman starring Jennifer Lopez, Roofman with Channing Tatum, and a heartfelt new documentary about John Candy.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to dive into the bizarre world of Billy Corgan’s $20 Goth Smoothie, the nostalgia of those old “Scary Sounds” Halloween CDs, and memories of Erehwon mountain stores at the mall. They also swap stories about some of Hollywood’s most misguided...

Monthly consumer and car talk you can use. First up, The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum on the home insurance crunch, the Trump Administration’s plan to weaken airline passenger protections, Delta’s head-scratching credit card policy, and Amazon’s 2.5 billion settlement over subscription “traps.”

Then Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive reports on recent test drives, how Ford and GM are extending EV tax credits for buyers, fresh EV notes from Volvo, Tesla, and Nissan, plus a retro stop with the 1968 Oldsmobile Apprehender. Wraps with new rounds of #MysteryShow and #Starspotter. [Ep 392]

Nick teams up with pro-wrestling expert Dr. Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro to break down the latest in the squared circle. Despite a wave of injuries to stars like Ospreay, Strickland, and Cole, AEW has been delivering strong shows and top-tier pay-per-views. They also talk about how the women are continuing to dominate WWE, why Netflix ratings are baffling, the surprising TNA invasion of NXT, and what fans can expect at the next AAW show in Berwyn, Illinois.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the charm of Indian Summer and the weekend ahead before diving...

Nick welcomes Nell Minow, The Movie Mom, back to the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation covering politics in D.C., the Jimmy Kimmel First Amendment fight, and her reviews of the new documentary The Librarians, the horror film HIM, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest masterpiece One Battle After Another. She also talks about her interviews with writers from The Golden Girls, Roseanne, and Gilmore Girls, and shares fond memories of speaking with Martin Sheen.

Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick face off in another hilarious round of ’80s–’90s Trivia Madness, hosted by the great British bon vivant S...

Nick is joined by film critic Erik Childress (with Steve Prokopy off this week) to dig into a fresh slate of movie releases. They cover Paul Thomas Anderson’s ambitious new epic One Battle After Another starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, Matthew McConaughey’s The Lost Bus, Eleanor the Great with June Squibb directed by Scarlett Johansson, and Emma Thompson’s icy new thriller Dead of Winter.

Later, Esmeralda Leon teams up with Nick to respond to a listener complaint about their mail-order catalog talk, before diving headfirst into the world of embarrassing side projects from big-na...

Nick is joined once again by TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter for a lively breakdown of the Emmy Awards, from the winners who deserved it to the surprises no one saw coming. They also wade into the latest chaos from the Big Brother house and review new shows, including the Netflix drama Black Rabbit with Jude Law and Jason Bateman and a revealing new documentary about Charlie Sheen.

Esmeralda Leon jumps in later for a lighter turn as she and Nick marvel at one of the strangest mail-order catalogs ever printed. The Best of...

Nick welcomes journalist Monica Eng from Axios back to the podcast to dig into some of her latest stories. They cover the looming possibility of the National Guard coming to Chicago, updates on how to get your Covid vaccine, the opening of a new restaurant at Bally’s in River North, and why Aldi might just be the best place on earth (yes, even with self-checkout). Monica also shares her thoughts on the serene beauty of the Caldwell Lily Pool.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a fun segment on weekend plans, the arrival of Halloween, and an...

Nick welcomes back music journalist Jim Ryan for a lively chat about the concerts he’s been covering. Jim shares an absolutely hilarious recap of a chaotic Who performance where Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey nearly came to blows on stage, along with yet another Van Halen–related disaster courtesy of David Lee Roth. He also previews this year’s Riot Fest lineup, which mixes big-name bands with the unexpected appearance of John Stamos.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a fun conversation about the fall season and the quirks of pop culture. They revisit the saga of clo...

Nick is joined by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for reviews of the latest releases, including Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, Stephen King’s The Long Walk with Mark Hamill, and the charming low-budget holiday film The Baltimorons. Erik also shares highlights from the Toronto International Film Festival, with buzzworthy titles and festival standouts.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive into the bizarre saga of McDonald’s broken ice cream machines, why the Feds are investigating, and then shift gears into 90s pop culture. They cover everything from Saved By the Bell and Appletinis to solv...

Nick welcomes back Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, for another wide-ranging TV chat. They break down the latest drama inside the Big Brother house, talk about the major cast shake-ups coming to Saturday Night Live, and review some big new releases: FX’s The Lowdown with Ethan Hawke, Peacock’s The Office spin-off The Paper, and National Geographic’s gripping documentary Lost in the Jungle. Dan also looks ahead to the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards and lays out his bold predictions for the night’s biggest winners.

Then, it’s the triump...

Nick begins with reflections on the date of September 4th, a bittersweet day marking both the passing of the legendary Roy Leonard and Nick’s own difficult exit from a certain radio station. He shares why those memories matter, how they shaped him, and the perspective he’s gained since.

Writer Marnie Shure then joins the conversation to preview the upcoming Mortified event, the Printer’s Row Lit Fest, and to dig into the history of podcasting. She also brings her monthly “Horror Report,” breaking down the latest scary films she’s been watching.

Later, Esmeralda Le...

Nick welcomes back The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum of Checkbook.org, to tackle listener questions and share updates on key consumer issues. They cover the federal government’s plan to stop issuing paper checks, a Texas judge striking down the consumer-friendly Medical Debt Rule, and how shopping thrift stores can uncover unexpected treasures.

Later, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive drops in with the latest from the auto world, including his current test drives, a goofy Chrysler concept car, Ford’s aggressive push toward EVs, and the trend of slipping tiny engines into big vehicles. The show...

Nick teams up once again with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for a round of reviews, including Austin Butler’s wild crime thriller Caught Stealing, the dark comedy remake The Roses, Jane Levy’s heartfelt drama A Little Prayer, and the outrageous reboot of The Toxic Avenger.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws and its enduring place in pop culture. They also preview some big concerts coming to Chicago, including Oasis at Soldier Field, before diving into another lively trip through 90s nostalgia.  [Ep 381]

Nick is joined once again by Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg for the latest on the chaos inside the Big Brother house. Dan also runs through reviews of new shows, including Long Story Short, an animated comedy from the creator of BoJack Horseman; Netflix’s political thriller Hostage with Julie Delpy; John Cena’s return in The Peacemaker; and USA Network’s fresh take on John Grisham’s The Rainmaker.

Later, Esmeralda Leon teams up with Nick for a lively chat about hot dogs, street fairs, and a full dose of 90s nostalgia. From Spice Girls and Back...

Nick welcomes Monica Eng from Axios Chicago for another wide-ranging conversation on the stories shaping the city. They cover local politics, a trip to the legendary Steak N Egger, Burrito Beach turning 30, new restaurants outside the Joliet casino, the best Korean dumplings on Pulaski, and key updates from CPS as a new school year begins.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for laughs and nostalgia. They chat about Joliet casinos, the reboot of Hollywood Squares with Drew Barrymore, and the end of AOL dial-up. The episode also revisits 90s pop culture staples—from Now That’s What I Call...

Nick opens with a push for movie fans to get back into theaters, especially to catch Spike Lee’s powerful new film Highest 2 Lowest. Music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes then drops by to recap a run of standout shows, including Rod Stewart with Cheap Trick, Al Green with The O’Jays, Paul Simon, and a throwback 80s fest featuring John Waite and Wang Chung. He also shares highlights from his interview with Morgan Freeman and delivers a full Lollapalooza report.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a dive into 90s pop culture. They swap stories about Airh...

Nick is joined by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for their regular round of movie reviews. They dig into Spike Lee’s gripping new drama with Denzel Washington, Highest 2 Lowest, the high-octane sequel Nobody 2 starring Bob Odenkirk, and the wild, shoestring-budget horror oddity Jimmy and Stiggs, along with a few other fresh releases.

Esmeralda Leon later stops by to take a nostalgic trip through the flashy days of LA Gear sneakers, afternoons spent watching Figure It Out on Nickelodeon, and late-night Taco Bell runs—preferably with a wisecracking chihuahua in the commercials. [Ep 377]

Nick is joined by Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg for a conversation about his site The Fien Print and the latest chaos in the Big Brother house. They cover the return of King of the Hill, what to expect from Wednesday Season 2, and the debut of FX’s Alien: Earth. The discussion also touches on Ozzy Osbourne’s surprising TV legacy, the politics of South Park, and other small-screen topics.

Esmeralda Leon then teams up with Nick to swap outrageous CTA stories. From a man licking every pole and handrail on a train, to Nick’s bus ri...

Nick catches up with filmmaker, podcaster, and journalist Amy Guth to hear about her latest projects and the behind-the-scenes grind of getting a movie made. They talk about the quirks of working in a foreign language, the translation tools that make it possible, and the challenge of posting exciting updates on social media when most days are just paperwork and meetings. The conversation also drifts into the return of King of the Hill and a few other pop culture side roads.

Esmeralda Leon then joins Nick for a lively recap of their time at the Flashback Weekend...

Nick welcomes The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum to tackle listener questions and cover the latest consumer news. They dig into updates on EV tax credits, a federal court decision striking down click-to-cancel rules, the surprising impact of Buy Now Pay Later deals on credit scores, and Kroger’s shift to digital-only coupons. Later, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive stops by to talk about NACS charging, Subaru’s massive-screened 2026 Uncharted, and bizarre vintage car commercials from Dodge and Chrysler. Plus, another round of #Starspotter and #MysteryShow. [Ep 374]

Recorded live at The Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, Nick and Esmeralda Leon bring the podcast to the stage at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. They kick things off with audience stories about the best horror movie jump scares—plus a few prize giveaways—and welcome Chicago’s own Svengoolie for a chat about his latest appearances and upcoming projects. Then actress Dee Wallace joins the show for a lively, heartfelt, and often hilarious conversation about her legendary career. From battling werewolves in “The Howling” to surviving “Cujo,” Dee shares unforgettable stories from the sets of horror classics, what it was like being A...

Nick opens the show with a heartfelt tribute to Ryne Sandberg, honoring the legacy of the Hall of Famer and longtime Cubs icon, who passed away earlier this week. Sandberg’s impact on Chicago baseball is remembered with affection and admiration.

Then, Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy return to break down this week’s movie releases. They dive into the psychological horror film Together, the new reboot of The Naked Gun starring Liam Neeson, and the sequel to the animated satire The Bad Guys 2, weighing in on whether these films live up to the originals or crash and...

Nick sits down with horror icon Danielle Harris to talk all things Flashback Weekend. From her early days as a child actor in the “Halloween” franchise to her scene-stealing role in the “Hatchet” films, Danielle shares what it’s been like growing up in the genre and how she’s managed to keep things bloody and badass ever since. She also teases her return to Flashback Weekend for a “Hatchet” cast reunion and some unforgettable celebrity photo-ops.

Nick and Danielle get into her other life as a podcast host, the unique bond horror fans have with the actors they grew...

Nick previews all the bloody fun coming to the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, including a special live taping of this podcast with Esmeralda Leon, special guests Svengoolie and actress Dee Wallace (yes, the mom from E.T.), and the chance for fans to be part of the action. It’s happening soon, and Nick’s ready for mayhem.

Later, he’s joined by food writer and horror superfan Marnie Shure for a chat about her clever pieces like Trail to Taproom and Sauteed Standup, and what she’s been watching lately. From the cult classic They Live to early...

Nick is joined by Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter for a sharp, funny breakdown of the new season of Big Brother and the cast of lovable idiots already making a mess of things. They also dig into the 2025 Emmy nominations, calling out the most satisfying nods and baffling snubs, with a passionate plea for Harrison Ford to finally take home some gold. Plus, they react to the wild new Dexter reboot and marvel at Jamie Lee Curtis dropping the word “jagoff” repeatedly on The Bear—which, somehow, Nick still hasn’t seen.

Later, Esmeralda Leon pops in to he...