The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

Before Nick starts the “For The People” November 2026 edition, he corrects an oversight from his Spooktacular Halloween episode with a request from many subscribers and listeners, and after that madness, “For The People” officially begins. First up, The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum joins Nick to discuss how junk food companies target kids, what you need to know about Medicare Open Enrollment, and that many big companies are gutting your favorite brands. Then, Car Guy Tom Appel, from Consumer Guide Automotive, jumps in to talk about the very weird Tesla Cybercab (it has a steering wheel!?!), the first and only Kosher sports c...

Nick first welcomes journalist Monica Eng back to the podcast. Monica chats about what she’s been covering for Axios.com including: a profile of the Lincoln Park Billionaire Rat King, police settlements, and lots of stories about the upcoming election. Food is also a great topic with conversations about the latest deep dish pizza battle, Joe Donut’s breakfast potatoes, Cardamom Buns at the Swedish American Museum, and how Cinnamin Toast Crunch is the key to life. And she talks about what it’s like to be an Emmy winner! Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about spooky...

Nick welcomes back Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg to the podcast to chat about TV, and the three new documentaries about comedy performers Martin Mull, Norm MacDonald, and Maria Bamford. Plus, Dan reviews the new Tea Leoni & Tim Daly sitcom “Newlyweds” which also features Jamie Lee Curtis, and, just in time for Halloween, “Crystal Lake,” the new “Friday the 13th” prequel series with Linda Cardellini as Jason’s mom, and much more including an unexpected breakdown of all of the Jason movies. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk scary stuff for Halloween, catch up on the latest in their lives, a...

Film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy are back for this episode to join Nick in reviewing a bunch of new movies, including the latest animated adventure from Laika Studios “Wildwood,” the new comic-book horror film “Clayface,” “Wicker,” which is a very weird and very sexy parable romance, and Jenna Ortega in “Klara and the Sun.” Plus, they discuss some films featured at this year’s Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF), and one of the very best films of 2026, the remarkable documentary “You Can See Everything.” Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick chat about what’s coming up for the weekend, the new movie a...

Nick shares some of the movies he’s caught at the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival before catching up with music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com. Jim talks about his latest interviews with Harry Connick Jr., Ministry’s Al Jourgensen, and Devo’s Gerald Casale, along with a recent Roger Daltrey concert and an El DeBarge show that took place in the parking lot of a Metra station. Yeah, really. Nick also tells Jim about a terrific WXRT pop-up performance by Wolf Alice at the Empty Bottle on a Monday afternoon.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick recap...

It’s the 500th episode of The Nick D Podcast, and Nick is celebrating with some great memories, special guests, and a live interview with his old friend Rich “Svengoolie” Koz, recorded at the Museum of Broadcast Communications. Nick looks back at 500 episodes, talks about working with Radio Misfits, revisits some of his favorite guests, moments, and segments, and shares congratulatory messages from past guests and contributors.

Then it’s time for the main event, as Rich Koz and Nick take the stage to talk about their friendship, their shared love of horror movies, and Nick’s new book...

Nick welcomes Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast to catch up on three weeks’ worth of SNL, and wrap up Big Brother Season 28. Dan also reviews a bunch of shows including, “Brothers” with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, the latest TV incarnations of a couple of classic novels “Carrie” and “East of Eden,” and two new CBS shows: the vampire comedy “Eternally Yours,” and “Cupertino,” which is the latest from the creators of “Evil.” Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about what’s going on in their lives, and in the world, including witnessing horses eating peppermints, p...

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to talk box office (wow, did Tom Cruise’s new movie bomb!), upcoming releases, and to review the new films of the week including: Aaron Sorkin’s sequel to “The Social Network” – “The Social Reckoning,” “Angel and the Badman” which is an unnecessary John Wayne remake, Samuel Jackson as the president driving around in a heavily armored car in “The Beast,” and more. It’s Spooky Season, so Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about scary movies like “Night of the Demons 2,” “The Exorcist,” and more. Esma also tells Nick about the cool o...

Nick talks about a BIG event at The Museum of Broadcast Communications to celebrate the release of his new book “40 YEARS, 40 HORROR FILMS,” with Rich Svengoolie Koz hosting an interview with Nick on stage. It’s on Saturday, October 10th at 11:30am! Includes a meet and greet, full access to all exhibits, and Nick will be selling and signing copies of his book too! Tickets available at www.museum.tv NOW! Then, it’s “For The People.” Nick welcomes The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum, back to discuss: food safety, the FCC’s price transparency, a new Amway settlement, and 20 ways to save loads of...

Writer, actress, and storyteller Jen Bosworth-Ramirez is back to catch up with her old friend Nick and talk about her latest projects, including writing for Sesame Workshop and appearing in Season 2 of Apple TV’s Dark Matter. Jen also talks about moving back to Chicago after a miserable experience in LA, how her career actually took off after leaving Hollywood, and the surprising way Coyote vs. Acme changed her life.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick get into Martin Scorsese’s wonderfully weird After Hours, which somehow leads to a conversation about why Tom Cruise is so damn good...

Music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com is back to talk about some of the concerts he’s caught lately, including Iron Maiden and Megadeth, Mötley Crüe and Extreme, and all the rain, mud, and music at Riot Fest. Jim also shares stories from his recent interviews with punk legend John Lydon, who told him to “F*** off!” several times, director and musician John Carpenter, pro wrestling icon Jimmy Hart, and, of course, GWAR!

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick recap their weekends, talk about some upcoming stuff, and put Esma’s musical knowledge to the test with...

Film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy are back to review the latest movies, including Heart of the Beast with Brad Pitt and Odin the dog, and Primetime, featuring Robert Pattinson as To Catch a Predator star Chris Hansen. Erik also reports back on some of the big movies he caught at the Toronto International Film Festival, while Steve shares some of the very cool and very strange films he saw at Fantastic Fest in Austin.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick get into some fun music stuff, including bizarre Muzak versions of rock songs, misheard lyrics, and...

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter is back to recap the latest ridiculousness in the Big Brother house, break down this year’s Emmy Awards broadcast, and talk about the big winners and losers. They also get into the fun of revisiting old TV shows, inspired by Nick’s recent binge of All in the Family for the first time in years. Plus, Dan reviews the new HBO docuseries about Jay-Z and Neagley, Amazon’s new Reacher spinoff.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick discuss just how annoying Quentin Tarantino can be, compare the movies they know b...

The Movie Mom herself, Nell Minow, is back to talk about a bunch of new movies, her visit to the George Lucas Museum, her interview with Domhnall Gleeson, and a new 4-hour documentary about that very wealthy weirdo Elon Musk. Nick and Nell also catch up on what’s happening over at RogerEbert.com.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive headfirst into Nerd Talk, dissecting video game movies like Street Fighter with Jean-Claude Van Damme and the original Mortal Kombat, before getting into The Lord of the Rings movies. Esma also reveals just how big a nerd he...

Food writer and entertainment journalist Marnie Shure is back with her monthly Horror Report, including a deep dive into why the movie Obsession has somehow captured the collective minds of Gen Z. Nick also helps Marnie make an important Halloween season decision: a Friday the 13th marathon or a Scream marathon? Plus, they talk about the upcoming “Games For Good” fundraising event.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick recap their weekends, review some late-night streaming discoveries, and venture into the surprisingly terrifying world of TV commercial mascots. The Noid, Mr. Mucus, and the legendary Quiznos Spongemonkeys all make the...

Film critic Steve Prokopy is back to review the latest movies while Erik Childress is away at the Toronto Film Festival. Nick and Steve take on the Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman sequel 28 years in the making, Practical Magic 2, the peasants-vs.-oppressors adventure The Uprising, the South Korean sci-fi monster epic Hope, the wild action thriller Runner, and Liam Neeson’s latest, The Fix. Erik will have a full TIFF report and plenty of reviews when he returns.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick preview their weekends, discuss the disturbing trend of men not showering, and dissect the ca...

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter returns to talk about the latest shenanigans in the Big Brother house, preview some upcoming television, and review a few new releases, including a documentary about Carl Sagan, the latest adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities with Kit Harington, and the gripping new documentary The Row. Nick and Dan also break down the Creative Arts Emmy winners, preview the upcoming primetime Emmy ceremony, make their predictions, and more.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive back into the wonderfully weird world of phobias, including “High Places Phenomenon,” the strange urge...

The legendary Stephen Tobolowsky returns to hang out with Nick and talk about the state of show business, why the industry has all but abandoned California, the mystery of storytelling, and the dream he recently had about Nick. Tobo also realizes he’s officially old and absolutely loves it. Plus, after decades of playing just about everybody, he’s finally been cast as God. It was inevitable.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick complain about the ridiculous Chicago heat, the horrors of the great outdoors, mountain climbing, and more. Esma also continues her first journey through Middle-earth with more...

Nick remembers his former WGN Radio partner Garry Lee Wright, who passed away last week. A talented broadcaster and a genuinely lovely man, Garry left behind a tremendous legacy, and Nick shares what it was like working with him and how much he learned from their time together. Then, The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum returns for “For The People” to answer listener questions, explain how to find the best dentists, break down the latest news on GLP-1 drugs, and more.

Later, car expert Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive talks about the latest vehicles he’s test-driven, the 2026 crop o...

Nick reflects on the recent passing of several celebrities, including 2 legends, Dolly Parton and Tim Curry, before film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy return to talk movies. They break down the latest box office numbers and review a batch of new releases, including the long-awaited Looney Tunes comedy Coyote vs. Acme, Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars, and the creepy new horror movies It Ends and Buddy, about a Barney-like kids TV character who starts killing kids.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick make their weekend plans and wrap up their wonderfully weird conversation about ce...

Nick welcomes TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter Dan Fienberg back to the podcast. Nick and Dan discuss the latest developments in the Big Brother house, including one of the best moves a houseguest has ever made, and CBS’s insistence on jamming “Big Brother Unlocked” down our collective throats. Then, Dan reviews HBO’s new superhero comedy “Lanterns,” discusses the best TV Teen Dramas of all time, this summer’s TV Beauties and Bores, and the life and career of Hayden Panettiere. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about their weekends, and dive deep into the weird world of celebrities...

Nick welcomes Tom Hush back to the podcast for the final edition of “Theater of Trash” before the new Radio Misfits Podcast is launched in September. Here, Tom and Nick examine the truly bizarre, and insanely entertaining Italian flick “Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man,” which is very, very loosely inspired by Starsky and Hutch, and features crime, shoot-outs, an extended motorcycle chase, and the bloody death of a seeing eye dog…among other crazy things. It’s a fun look at one of the great examples of trashy cinema, and a great preview of things to come on the...

Music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com is back to talk about his latest interviews, including a conversation with Corey Glover of Living Colour. Jim also reviews a packed lineup of recent concerts, including Chicago and Styx at Allstate Arena, Guns N’ Roses and Public Enemy in Tinley Park, Rush at the United Center, and Billy Idol at Ravinia. Jim and Nick also compare notes on this past weekend’s Fan Expo at the Rosemont Convention Center.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick continue the Fan Expo conversation, including how Mel Gibson managed to make about $45,000 in just thre...

Film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy are back to review a new batch of movies, including Tony, the story of Anthony Bourdain as a teenager, the dinosaurs-invade-’80s-suburbia thriller The End of Oak Street, the slasher satire Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, and The Brink of War, a political drama about the Reagan-Gorbachev summit meetings.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about their weekend plans before returning to the wonderfully strange world of celebrity phobias. This time they get into Christina Ricci’s fear of houseplants and Benicio del Toro’s constant need to knock...

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter is back to review some new shows, including USA Network’s Anna Pigeon, HBO’s reptile-trafficking docuseries Monsters of God, and Ryan Murphy’s latest exercise in excess, The Shards. Nick and Dan also catch up on the latest news from the Big Brother house and talk about what else is happening in television.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick catch up on the weekend, talk about Heat, and get into some truly bizarre celebrity phobias. Alfred Hitchcock couldn’t stand eggs, Tyra Banks is afraid of dolphins, and Jennifer Aniston...

Monica Eng from Axios Chicago is back to talk about some of the stories she’s been covering this month, including Chicago’s $13 billion lead pipe problem, the latest twists in the CPS budget drama, the best food to grab at Sox Park, the passing of Corny the Cornstalk, where to find great Uyghur food in Albany Park, and who really serves the best Chicago-style hot dog in the city.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick look back on the fun they had at Flashback Weekend before diving into some of the most awkward, outrageous, and unforgettable talk show...

Nick recaps his weekend at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, shares a few highlights, and lets listeners know how to pre-order his new book. With The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum on vacation, Nick takes the reins for this month’s “For The People” segment, covering the latest consumer news along with money-saving tips from Checkbook.org on groceries, services, insurance, and more.

Later, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to talk about the latest vehicles he’s been test-driving. They also discuss what’s going on with Tesla, how long you should really warm up your ca...

Recorded live at the 2026 Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, this special bonus episode finds Nick and Esmeralda Leon on stage with a lively audience sharing scary childhood memories, horror favorites, and plenty of laughs. The fun gets even better with a surprise appearance by Chicago horror legend Svengoolie.

The show also welcomes the cast of the cult classic Night of the Creeps to the stage, including Jason Lively, Jill Whitlow, and the legendary Tom Atkins, as they celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary with stories, memories, and a terrific live conversation in front of an enthusiastic crowd. [Ep 478]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to discuss the incredible box office success of The Odyssey, the latest movie trends, and several new releases, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Gregg Araki’s comedy I Want Your Sex, and the sci-fi family drama Sheep in a Box.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to recap the weekend at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention before the conversation turns to TV characters who were written off their shows because the actors were reportedly too difficult to work with. From Susan on Seinfeld to Chef on...

Nick welcomes The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast to review several new shows, including Adult Swim’s President Curtis, the new Will Ferrell golf comedy The Hawk, Apple TV+’s Lucky starring Anya Taylor-Joy, and more. They also continue their bi-weekly coverage of Big Brother Season 28 with their latest thoughts on the houseguests and the game.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick as they get ready for the LIVE edition of The Nick D Podcast at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention. Along the way, they talk about tribute bands, the work of Stephen King...

Nick welcomes Mike Kerz, co-creator and co-founder of the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention and co-owner of the Midway Drive-In Theater in Dixon, Illinois, back to the podcast. Mike and Nick look back at Flashback Weekend’s 24-year history, from its beginnings to memorable conventions and celebrity guests, before previewing everything happening at this year’s event. They also talk about featured guests including David Arquette, Jane Levy, David Naughton, Dermot Mulroney, and Chicago’s own Svengoolie, along with special events coming up at the Midway Drive-In.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick as they continue revisiting the movies and TV...

Nick is joined by legendary stuntman and actor Dick Warlock, whose remarkable career included stunt work and stunt coordination on more than 175 films. From the 1960s through his retirement after Spider-Man in 2002, Dick doubled for Kurt Russell for decades and famously portrayed Michael Myers in Halloween II. He shares stories from his incredible career, talks about his upcoming appearance at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, and discusses his new autobiography, Dick Warlock: The Shape of My Career.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick as they continue their countdown to Flashback Weekend with another fun conversation about the movies...

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to break down the latest box office numbers, talk about current movie trends, and review several new releases, including Evil Dead Burn, Moana, and one of the year’s most anticipated films, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick as they continue getting ready for Flashback Weekend by revisiting more childhood movie and TV moments that left lasting scars. From Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Ernest Scared Stupid to the unforgettable talking toilets from Look Who’s Talking Too, Rick and Morty...

Nick welcomes The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast to review the new Little House on the Prairie reboot and Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness starring Larry David. They also break down the 2026 Emmy nominations, discussing the biggest surprises, the most obvious picks, and a few notable snubs. Plus, Nick and Dan kick off their bi-weekly coverage of Big Brother.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to recap their weekends, talk about the upcoming Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, and revisit some of the movies and TV shows that traumatized them growing up...

Nick welcomes journalist Monica Eng from Axios Chicago back to the podcast to talk about some of the stories she’s been covering, including great new places to eat in Harbor Country, how police are responding to teen takeovers, the possibility of moving the Pride Parade downtown, refreshing cold soup recipes, and why Lake Michigan stays so unbelievably cold.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up before diving into anthology TV shows like Tales from the Crypt and the creepy Mexican series La Hora Marcada. They also revisit some of the movie and TV moments that tr...

In his monthly “For The People” edition, Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum, back to the podcast to cover the latest consumer news. They discuss what outlet malls are really selling, the newest tricks cybercriminals are using, how to avoid costly overdraft fees, and debunk a few common gas-saving myths.

Later, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to talk about the end of Polestar, the forgotten story of AvtoVAZ, the bizarre automotive product Motor Honey, and why cigarette lighters have disappeared from new cars, even though there’s still a way to get one. Plus, anothe...

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to talk about the latest box office news and trends before diving into a new batch of movie reviews. This time they cover the newest entry in the animated franchise Minions and Monsters, the dark comedy The Invite, the campy melodrama Maddie’s Secret, which lands on the list of the year’s worst, and the historical epic Young Washington.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about the summer heat and somehow ends up deep in the complicated history of mules and donkeys. Then...

Nick welcomes food writer and horror fan Marnie Shure back for her monthly visit, which includes her review of the new horror hit Backrooms and a funny story about the surprise box office success of Obsession. They also talk about the world of Mortified, the growing trend of government-owned grocery stores, something that may be coming to Illinois, and more. Marnie also shares her thoughts on the wildly popular new Hello Kitty Cafe in downtown Chicago.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to look back at some pretty terrible TV adaptations of great movies, including Heathers, Clueless, and 9...

Nick welcomes radio producer and film fanatic Tom Hush back to the podcast for another funny, smart, and gloriously weird edition of Theater of Trash. This time, Tom takes apart and celebrates the wild Bollywood film Mahakaal, a movie often described as Nightmare on Elm Street meets Grease. As always, Tom digs into what makes this oddball cult favorite work, and why it deserves a second look.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about some of the hidden gems streaming on Tubi and Pluto TV, including the British series Brassic and the unforgettable TV movie about...

Nick welcomes The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back for another deep dive into what’s happening on television. They wrap up the 23rd season of Top Chef and review new shows including House of the Dragon Season 3, the thriller The Listeners starring Rebecca Hall, and the documentary Playing POTUS. Nick and Dan also take time to reflect on the remarkable career of legendary TV director and producer James Burrows following his passing.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another wild round of Pop Culture Trivia Madness with the return of British bon vivant and game sh...