The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

Nick explains why there was no Friday episode last week, and chats about his upcoming "Nick's Pix" film series, before he welcomes filmmaker/writer/journalist/host Amy Guth to the podcast. Amy is live from New York at the CineFest Film Festival to talk about her Elvis movie that is competing at that fest, the usual and hilarious problems with Zoom meetings, what it's like to be stuck in an airplane bathroom for 16 hours, and how the Humpty Dance inspires her to this very day. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about being sick, how your body responds to stress, and how working for Johnny B just might kill you. They also taste test more snacks from The Baltics, and learn about how The Grateful Dead saved the 1992 Olympics for the Lithuanian basketball team. [EP240]

Nick welcomes the TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print: Dan Fienberg, back to the podcast to talk about "The Sympathizer," the new HBO series with Robert Downey Jr., the Netflix animated version of "Good Times," and, the now legendary Beavis and Butthead sketch from last week's SNL, and more. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick open a new box of snacks from The Baltics, talk about Coachella 2024 with acts like No Doubt, Blur, and Sublime (and a very hairy suit worn by Doja Cat), and then talk about some adventures in the Pedway underneath Chicago's Loop. And, don't forget to get your tickets for Nick's new monthly film series "Nick's Pix" at the Lake Theater in Oak Park Il. It kicks off with "Streets of Fire" on Wednesday May 8th. Tix:  classiccinemas.com/nick/ [EP239]

Monica Eng, from Axios.com, joins Nick to talk about the high tension in the Mayor's Press Room, the future of Clark Street dining, when to tip and when not to tip, the death of Maxwell Street, and the new WTTW series in which Monica appears. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick finish their snack tour of Ukraine, talk about what's true and what's false about food myths, and discuss what it's like to down a couple of two-liter bottles of Jolt Cola while working at Jewel. Plus, Nick talks about his new film series, "Nick's Pix," that kicks off with a screening of the classic 80's action movie "Streets of Fire" that he is hosting at the Lake Theater in Oak Park, Il. Get your tickets now at  classiccinemas.com/nick [EP238]

In this episode Nick welcomes the wonderful Marnie Shure to the podcast to chat about smart grocery carts, "new" Chips Ahoy cookies, and Nerds Gummy Clusters, which seem to be Gen Z's latest candy obsession. Marnie and Nick also talk about the upcoming Mortified show at The Studebaker Theatre in Chicago, and they cover the latest horror movies that matter. Then Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about her fantastic trip to Mexico, where she met some new relatives, visited some from the past, and experienced an incredible birthday, complete with a once in a lifetime eclipse! And, Nick and Esma taste more cool snacks from Ukraine. [EP237]

In this episode, Nick once again welcomes Nell Minow, The Movie Mom to the podcast. Nick and Nell talk about what a true badass she is, and her thoughts on the movies "The Beautiful Game" & "Civil War," the classic TV show "Gilmore Girls," the world of Fathom Movie Events, what's happening at rogerebert.com, and the upcoming Ebertfest in Champaign Urbana. They also talk about the battle between Disney and Florida, and their shared love of underdogs taking down the establishment. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another taste test of Ukrainian snacks, a discussion about crazy celebrities, and the glory days of Andy Frain security guards. Plus, Nick loses a subscriber because of politics?? Yep, it's true. [EP236]

Nick talks about his upcoming "Nick's Pix" movie screenings at the Classic Cinemas Lake Theater in Oak Park, Illinois. Then, Nick chats with TV critic Dan Fienberg, from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, about the AppleTV+ series "Sugar" with Colin Farrell, "STEVE! (Martin) A Documentary in Two Pieces," Showtime's "A Gentleman in Moscow," Netflix's "Ripley," and, they discover an amazing fact about the 70's Bill Bixby series "The Magician" that you will have to hear to believe. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about her adventures while working the outdoor concert seasons at the Tweeter Center (Jimmy Buffet and OzzFest were the most stressful shows, with the most obnoxious fans), which leads to a conversation about their first concerts, and favorite shows....plus, they continue their taste tests of Ukrainian snacks. [EP235]

In this jam-packed music-heavy episode, Nick talks with the Executive Director of The Chicago Philharmonic, Terell Johnson, about the upcoming "Batman in Concert" event, featuring a screening of the classic 1989 movie, with a live orchestra accompaniment, plus a preview of other great music events involving the Philharmonic. Then, music journalist Jim Ryan joins Nick to talk about his terrific interviews with Creed Bratton, Mike Watt, and Al Franken, and to review the live performances of Adam Ant, The English Beat, and the surprisingly cool Olivia Rodrigo. They also preview Lollapolooza 2024, and chat about upcoming concerts and interviews.  Finally, Esmeralda Leon and Nick taste some more Ukrainian snacks, after Nick gives Esma a big test that challenges her knowledge of the region. And more details are given about Nick's upcoming film series: "Nick's Pix" at the Classic Cinema's Lake Theater in Oak Park, Illinois. [EP234]

In this "For The People" episode, Nick welcomes Herb Weisbaum, The Consumerman from Checkbook.org, to help you with all of your consumer needs and talk about some pressing stories like: why are grocery prices so high?, product safety recalls are on the rise, refunds are hard to get, and 30 tricks used to manipulate marketing are exposed. Then, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive, joins Nick to chat about the creepiest car ad ever (for the 1974 Thunderbird), the best selling sedans of 2023, good news for Tesla's charging stations, and they have another round of Starspotter and Mystery Show. Plus Nick gives you details on his new monthly film series at Classic Cinemas Lake Theater in Oak Park, Illinois. [EP233]

Nick welcomes the TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, Dan Fienberg, to the podcast to talk about the latest in television. He reviews new shows like "Palm Royale" with Kristen Wiig, "Jarrod Carmichael Reality Show," and "The Girls on the Bus." Nick and Dan also talk about the "Top Chef" season premiere, the latest episode of Dan's podcast: "TV's Top 5," and who played Abe Lincoln the best? Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about their history of cell phone purchases and experiences, and that leads to a discussion about the trauma of getting a new phone (Nick had to get a new one very recently), and how the character of Nick Burns from SNL, really does exist in cell phone stores across the country. They also continue their snack journey through Ukraine, by taste testing some chewy, bubblegum flavored candies. [EP231]

Nick makes a big announcement about "Classic Cinema's Nick's Pix," his new film series, in which he will host a screening of a classic movie every month...get those tickets now! Nick is then joined by filmmaker/podcast host/writer Amy Guth, to discuss launching her brand-new podcast: "Words Matter w/Amy Guth", her adventures in Seattle making her current movie, some crazy Hollywood stories, and the upcoming premieres of her film "Elvis of the Yukon" happening in New York and Las Vegas! Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about what it's like to date a movie geek, saving TV episodes to watch with your significant other, the annoyances of Ashton Kutcher and Jennifer Aniston, and they begin their taste-testing of some wonderful snacks from Ukraine. [EP230]

In this episode, the awesome and lovely Nell Minow is back to talk with Nick about a Lifetime Achievement Award she just received, which leads to an incredible conversation about corporate greed (including stories about how she took down Vince McMahon, and more) and her other life in that crazy world. She also talks about new books by filmmakers Edward Zwick and Barbra Streisand, seeing John Cena naked, the classic film "The Solid Gold Cadillac," and the latest new movies. Another incredible visit with The Movie Mom! Then, Esmeralda Leon informs Nick that there is a 24-hr "Top Chef" Channel, which sparks a lively discussion about the best reality show of all time. They also talk about celebrity gossip, grant another listener's "Magic Megaphone" request, and finish their culinary snack tour of France. [EP229]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to review the new movies "Love Lies Bleeding," "Arthur the King," and Michael Keaton's latest "Knox Goes Away," and Erik talks about his time at the recent SXSW Film Fest, where he saw movies like "Road House," "Babes" and "The Fall Guy," but spent most of his time waiting in lines for hours. Then, Esmeralda Leon drops by to chat about her recent trip to "The Butt of Mexico" where she encountered all kinds of lizards, mosquitos, scorpions and more. Nick and Esma also discuss 10 amazing facts about Mexico like: Mexico City is slowly sinking into the water, kids don't get presents on Christmas there, and, it is home to the World's Largest Tamale (which weighs over 150 lbs.) Plus, they taste test more Universal Yums snacks from France. [EP228]

Nick breaks down the Oscars and gives his thoughts on the winners, the losers and the greatness of "Godzilla" FINALLY winning an Academy Award! Nick is joined by TV critic Dan Fienberg, from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, to talk about the Oscar telecast, the new "Good Wife" spinoff "Elsbeth," the crazy Josh Brolin-hosted SNL, and a couple of new documentaries debuting at the SXSW Film Fest. Then, the famous British Bon Vivant Slap Slapply is back to host another round of "80s-90s Trivia Madness" to pit Nick and Esmeralda Leon against each other. Slap also tells incredible stories about stalking Esma, partying with El DeBarge (who he confuses with Rockwell), getting kitty litter air-dropped by UNICEF, finding out that 80s sensation Falco was actually French, and learning what the phrase "Too much groin to pull" really means. [EP227]

Nick welcomes the wonderful Marnie Shure, Managing Editor of The Takeout, to the podcast to talk about food related topics including: the item that chefs dread to add to their menus, chocolate chip ice cream is on the verge of extinction, Dave and Buster's is being taken over by High-Fiving Bros, and Wendy's idiotic idea of "Surge Pricing." Plus, Nick gets a Horror Movie Report from Marnie, and they discuss the upcoming "Mortified" show taking place at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago. Then, Esmeraldo Leon and Nick talk about nightmare travel stories, deadly scorpions that have vendettas, enjoying a good red eye flight, and the hoax of "Airplane Mode." The also continue their tasty snack journey through France. [EP226]

In this "For The People" episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum to the podcast to answer some listener questions, and talk about buying auto insurance, how to start an emergency savings fund, the controlling of credit card interest rates, and, we ask: whatever happened to customer service? Then our Car Guy, Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to recap the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, and chat about the Dodge Hornet, the crazy ad for the 1974 Jeep CJ-5, Chinese carmakers sneaking into the US market, and how Tesla EV chargers are getting better. There is also another fun round of StarSpotter. It's all "For The People." [EP225]