The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

Latest Episodes:

Nick D – Erik, Steve, Movie Reviews, and Cop Rock Rules! Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

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 weirdest, most obscure TV shows of the 1990s, like “Out of This World,” “Unhappily Ever After,” “Teen Angel,” and the unforgettable musical police drama “Cop Rock.”

It’s movies, music, and misfit television — all in one hilarious, high-energy episode. [Ep 401]

Nick D – For The People, Nov 2025 Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

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 Apple CarPlay, and revisit two unforgettable vintage car ads — the “magic” power steering of the 1952 DeSoto and the shockingly seductive 1978 Gremlin.

Finally, Nick and Tom wrap things up with another fun round of #StarSpotter and #MysteryShow. [Ep 400]

Nick D – Monica Eng, Words of Wisdom from Tony Fitzpatrick, & It’s Halloween! Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

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, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a spirited Halloween celebration, revisiting some of the most iconic costumes through the decades and sharing laughs over Nick’s favorite horror movies of all time. It’s heartfelt, funny, spooky, and full of Chicago soul. [Ep 399]

Nick D – Dan Fienberg, TV Talk and Weirdo Actors! Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

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, “Wild, Wild West,” before diving into a celebration of cinema’s most delightfully eccentric performers — Christopher Walken, Crispin Glover, Sean Young, Willem Dafoe, Malcolm McDowell, and the incomparable Tilda Swinton. [Ep 398]

Nick D – Erik, Steve, Movie Reviews & CIFF Coverage Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

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 and reactions from the event. They cover festival favorites like “Dead Man’s Wire,” “We Are Pat,” “Rental Family,” Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” and “One Golden Summer.”

With Esmeralda Leon off this week, Nick and the critics go full film nerd — from blockbusters to indie gems — in a jam-packed, movie-lover’s dream episode. [Ep 397]

Nick D – Jim Ryan, Music Talk and GWAR Rules! Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

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 memories.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to break down Hollywood’s strangest casting choices, from Angelina Jolie somehow playing Colin Farrell’s mother to Tom Cruise trying to fill the massive boots of Jack Reacher. Turns out, suspension of disbelief only stretches so far. [Ep 396]

Nick D – Marnie Shure, Pumpkin Pop Tarts & Slap Slapply! Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

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 time and space, keeping the laughs flying faster than his interdimensional bow tie. [Ep 395]

Nick D – Dan Fienberg, TV Talk & Remembering Tony Fitzpatrick Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

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 Mr. Scorsese.

Finally, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to remember Tony Fitzpatrick and dive into another round of hilariously bad celebrity projects. A touching and funny episode celebrating a Chicago legend and keeping the laughs going in his spirit. [Ep 394]

Nick D – Erik, Steve, Movie Reviews, and $20 Goth Smoothies Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

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 side projects—from James Caan’s Sicilian Vampire to Marlon Brando in drag and Christopher Walken partying with The Country Bears Jamboree. [Ep 393]

Nick D – For The People, Oct ’25 Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

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]

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