The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

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...

Nick, Erik Childress, and Steve Prokopy break down a packed lineup of new releases, starting with Ari Aster’s eerie pandemic thriller Eddington. They also unpack the murky identity crisis of the I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot, dissect the twisted charm of the rom-com satire Oh, Hi!, and weigh in on the latest Superman movie that has sparked more controversy than applause.

Esmeralda Leon then joins Nick for a passionate ode to Jean-Claude Van Damme, revisiting classics like Kickboxer, Bloodsport, and her guilty pleasure, Street Fighter. Along the way, she explains why most modern mo...

With the annual Flashback Weekend Horror Convention just around the corner, Nick welcomes Mike Kerz—the man behind the madness—for a look at how this beloved event began and how it’s grown into a horror fan’s dream. From humble roots to a stacked lineup featuring Robert Englund, Dee Wallace, Joe Dante, Devon Sawa, Danielle Harris, and the casts of Terrifier, Re-Animator, The Howling, and more, this year’s gathering at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare (Aug. 1–3) promises serious screams and nostalgia.

Nick and Mike reflect on over two decades of hosting panels, fan memories, and the joy of...

Nell Minow, a.k.a. “The Movie Mom,” returns for a lively chat with Nick covering everything from her recent testimony before Congress to what she’s packing for San Diego Comic-Con. They break down early buzz around the new Superman and Jurassic World films, and share their picks for the best movies of the year so far.

Later, Esmeralda Leon jumps in with tales from her latest co-hosting gig alongside Brandon Weatherbee on You, Me, Them, Everybody. Things quickly take a turn toward the bizarre as they question the originality of the Harry Potter franchise, uncover unexpe...

Nick sits down with filmmaker Don Coscarelli and producer Paul Pepperman to revisit cult favorites The Beastmaster and Phantasm, ahead of their Music Box Theatre screenings in Chicago. They share behind-the-scenes tales from the wild world of 70s independent filmmaking, including ferret-related chaos, tricky actors, and how they somehow snagged a PG rating despite nudity.

Later, Esmeralda Leon drops by for a lighter turn, bringing along some cosmic trivia, reflections on Nick’s 60th birthday, and highlights from a recent Texas getaway. But things really go off the rails when she launches into a passionate retelling of Th...

Nick checks in with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to size up the movie year so far. From the best and worst releases to the biggest surprises of 2025, they take stock of what’s worked, what flopped, and what to keep an eye on for the rest of the year. Whether it’s unexpected gems or overhyped duds, nothing gets a free pass.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a gleeful roast of Independence Day. They swap stories of wild July 4th antics, from backyard pyrotechnics gone wrong to baffling acts of firework-related idiocy. If you’...

Nick kicks things off with The Consumerman himself, Herb Weisbaum, who brings the goods on protecting your wallet this summer. From spotting bait-and-switch tricks by shady moving companies to understanding how AI is fueling smarter, sneakier online scams, Herb shares practical advice with his usual clarity and bite. If you’re hiring a house painter, he’s also got the checklist you didn’t know you needed.

Later, Car Guy Tom Appel rolls in with updates on the hottest new rides and a surprising about-face from Ram—they’re keeping the V8 engines in their trucks after all. Along...

Nick kicks things off with pro-wrestling insider Dr. Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro, diving into everything from WWE’s controversial Saudi Arabia deal to what might truly be Goldberg’s final match. There’s also plenty to say about John Cena’s surprise heel antics, and a deeper look at AEW’s packed schedule—including the buzzworthy “Mexico Grand Slam,” already being called one of 2025’s standout shows. Swerve Strickland, Toni Storm, and MJF all get their due in a smart, rapid-fire rundown of what’s hot in the ring.

After the wrestling chat, Nick and Esmeralda Leon catch up on the...

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter returns to break down the best shows of 2025 so far—yes, we’re already halfway through the year—and to share thoughts on Netflix’s unsettling new drama The Waterfront, featuring a seriously creepy Topher Grace. Nick and Dan also dig into the Top Chef finale, Owen Wilson’s new comedy Stick, and a pair of fascinating docs about Andy Kaufman and Barbara Walters.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a nostalgic (and slightly disturbing) trip through oddball topics like creepy kids, long-lost TV repairmen, the rise and fall of 3-D tel...

Nick brings back film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to tear into the newest movie releases—some hits, a lot of misses. Pixar’s Elio gets a once-over, 28 Years Later tries to keep the horror flame alive, and Bride Hard with Rebel Wilson lands with a thud. They also offer an early review of F1: The Movie, Brad Pitt’s high-octane racing flick that turns out to be all rev and no traction.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to gear up for the upcoming Flashback Weekend Horror Convention. The two get into what really makes a movie...

Nick teams up with Forbes music writer Jim Ryan to honor two towering figures lost last week: funk pioneer Sly Stone and Beach Boys genius Brian Wilson. Jim shares memories of past interviews with Norman Greenbaum, Jerry Harrison, and Steve Stevens, and breaks down two very different concert experiences—Wayne Newton in Michigan and AC/DC bringing the noise to Soldier Field. They also ponder Billy Idol’s uncanny durability and confirm, once again, that Mike Love remains Mike Love.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins the mix to chat about city protests, brutal heat, and the growing list of c...

Nick kicks things off with Jack Godfrey, the creative force behind 42 Balloons—a musical inspired by the true story of Larry Walters, the guy who floated into the sky strapped to weather balloons. Now playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the show has been drawing buzz, and Jack shares how this wild tale took shape on stage.

Then Monica Eng from Axios Chicago swings by with her usual eclectic mix of stories. From citywide protests to the red carpet at the James Beard Awards, she’s been everywhere lately—even on those weird three-hour cruises where fans can awkwar...

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter drops by to talk all things television with Nick, starting with their predictions for the Top Chef finale. Dan also recaps the highs and lows of the Tony Awards, breaks down CNN’s broadcast of Goodnight and Good Luck, and reviews the new wave of streaming content—including Netflix’s moody procedural Dept. Q, Amazon’s The Better Sister starring Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks, and Julianne Moore’s twisted turn in Netflix’s dark comedy Sirens.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a lighter conversation about oversized dogs, summer art f...

Nick kicks things off with Mike Kerz of Flashback Weekend and The Midway Drive-In to mark National Drive-In Day and explore the surprising opportunity for regular folks to own a piece of cinematic Americana. From midnight horror screenings to real estate with a screen, it’s a nostalgic look at the past—and maybe your future.

Later, Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy drop by for another spirited round of movie reviews, this time clashing over Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, the John Wick spinoff Ballerina, and the latest Stephen King adaptation, The Life of Chuck. Spoiler: things...

Nick kicks things off with Herb Weisbaum, aka The Consumerman, who breaks down the FTC’s crackdown on hidden junk fees—what it means, how it works, and why it might finally spare you some surprise charges. They also dive into the sketchy world of overpriced solar installations and wrap with practical, money-saving travel tips for your summer plans.

Later, Car Guy Tom Appel pulls up with tales of hybrid Toyotas, obscure concept cars inspired by butterflies, and a nostalgic look at the Super Jeep. There’s also some history on the Pope-Mobile (yes, really) and a realit...

Nick welcomes back food writer and horror aficionado Marnie Shure for a conversation that spans terrifying films, bizarre food trends, and the upcoming Mortified Live event she’s producing. From the online rabbit hole of “dinosaur eating” videos to the surprising joys of Lemonhead Ropes, Marnie shares her latest cultural obsessions—and issues a critical warning about one kitchen item you should never store near the stove.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about the newly announced Karate Kid movie and where it fits in the ever-expanding dojo of the Karate Kid Universe. The two also dive int...

Nick is joined by TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to unpack the season finale of Saturday Night Live, and break down the highs and lows of its 50th season. They also cover new episodes of Top Chef, Hacks, and dig into Amazon’s comedy Overcompensating, plus HBO’s original film Mountainhead starring Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, and Ramy Youssef. And yes, they try to make sense of the whole “Max is now HBOMax again” situation. Later, Esmeralda Leon returns for another pop culture quiz, this time facing questions on Disney Princesses, rom-coms, and goth trivia. [EP 353]

Nick is joined by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for reviews of the latest cinematic offerings, including Tom Cruise’s return in Mission: Impossible, the offbeat music doc Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted, the darkly comic Friendship, and a new installment of the ever-morbid Final Destination series. Later, Esmeralda Leon pops in for a spirited breakdown of some real-life Hollywood rivalries, debating whether to side with Alec Baldwin, Shia LaBeouf, or just back away from the mess entirely. [EP 352]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan for a chat about his recent interviews with Adam Duritz and the group MSSV, plus reviews of concerts by The Smithereens and a Talking Heads celebration screening of Stop Making Sense hosted by Jerry Harrison. Naturally, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame takes its usual beating, and the guys weigh in on the Breakfast Club reunion at C2E2. Later, Esmeralda Leon returns as she and Nick wrap up their takedown of bad TV shows based on movies and expose some of Hollywood’s most notoriously difficult stars. [Ep351]

Nick sits down with journalist and filmmaker Amy Guth to chat about her latest film and TV ventures taking her from Italy to Canada—assuming international tariffs don’t throw a wrench in the works. Amy also shares updates on her podcasting life, dives into the marketing world, and breaks down some surprising business headlines. Later, Esmeralda Leon drops by for a fun conversation about the snacks they can’t resist no matter the time or place, and a few hilariously absurd TV shows that somehow made it to air. [Ep 350]

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter returns to break down the second-to-last episode of Saturday Night Live’s 50th season, the latest from Top Chef, and the return of Poker Face with Natasha Lyonne. He also weighs in on new releases like MurderBot and Duster, and shares thoughts on the quiet shutdown of Amazon’s Freevee. Later, Nick and Esmeralda Leon go down a 2017 rabbit hole and uncover a few truly baffling TV shows that somehow made it to air—yes, there was a Ferris Bueller series, and no, it didn’t go well. [Ep 349]

Nick sits down with The Movie Mom, Nell Minow, for a wide-ranging chat that covers everything from her recent congressional testimony to her film writing at RogerEbert.com. They dive into the buzz around Thunderbolts and Sorry, Baby, and she shares highlights from Ebert Fest 2025. Later, Esmeralda Leon drops in for a nostalgic trip back to the chaos of 2017—a year that delivered peak weirdness—and the two swap picks for their favorite movie and TV moms, just in time for Mother’s Day. [Ep 348]

In this “For The People” special, Nick kicks things off with Consumerman Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, covering the return of student loan collections, the recent congressional moves on overdraft and credit card late fees, and some fresh credit card perks you might’ve missed. Herb also shares important health insurance updates and a few eye-opening AAA stories. Then, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive hops on to chat about tariffs (so many tariffs!), Jeff Bezos jumping into the electric vehicle game, and nostalgic memories of Drive-Ins and the notorious film “Ishtar.” Plus, they take a fun ride down...