The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

Latest Episodes:

Nick D – Erik, Steve, Movie Reviews and, ‘Jaws’ is Back! Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

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 D – Dan Fienberg, TV Talk, and Janeane Garofalo as Monica Geller!??!? Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

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 Backstreet Boys mania to the shocking original casting plans for Friends—like Janeane Garofalo as Monica, Vince Vaughn as Joey, and Jon Cryer as Chandler—they dig into the alternate universe of what might have been. [Ep 380]

Nick D – Monica Eng, Politics, Food, and The Terrifying Furby! Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

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 Music! and The Macarena to the truly terrifying Furby. [Ep 379]

Nick D – Jim Ryan, Music Talk, and Esma Explains It All Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

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 Airheads, Pogs, the Pink Power Ranger, and how Mentos commercials somehow made it acceptable to act like a complete jerk. Esma clears up the mysteries of Clarissa Explains It All, while Nick revels in the nostalgia of a decade defined by quirky candy and questionable fashion. [Ep 378]

Nick D – Erik, Steve, Movie Reviews, and Styling With LA Gear Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

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 D – Dan Feinberg, TV Talk, and Crazy CTA Stories Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

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 ride with a loose mouse, to a woman on the Blue Line eating scrambled eggs with her bare hands right next to him—these tales prove public transit is never boring. [Ep 376]

Nick D – Amy Guth, Social Media Quandaries, and Flashback Wrap-up Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

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 Horror Convention. From hanging out with Dee Wallace to handling Q&As and making a few too many vendor room purchases, they share stories from the event and wrap things up with a nostalgic dive into 90s pop culture. [Ep 375]

Nick D – For The People, August 2025 Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

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]

Nick D – Bonus Episode: Live at Flashback Weekend Aug 03, 2025

Show notes

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 America’s mom in “E.T.,” and why she still loves the genre. [Ep 373]

Nick D – Remembering Ryno, Movie Reviews, and Flashback Weekend is Here! Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

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 burn.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about the recent wave of celebrity deaths, including Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Hulk Hogan, and Ozzy Osbourne. While the losses are somber, they quickly shift gears into a much lighter mood, sharing excitement and plans for their upcoming appearances at Flashback Weekend, where horror, nostalgia, and mayhem await. [Ep 372]

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