The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

Latest Episodes:

Nick D – Scream Queen: Danielle Harris, and A Flashback Weekend Preview Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

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 up screaming at, and what she still loves most about working in the genre. Then Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to preview all the madness in store at this year’s Flashback Weekend, including a live taping of this very show. Special guests like Svengoolie and Dee Wallace will hit the stage at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, and if you’re in the crowd, you might just become part of the show. [Ep 371]

Nick D – Marnie Shure, Feeling Old & Flashback Weekend is Coming! Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

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 reactions to 28 Years Later, it’s a feast of horror talk.

Then Esma returns to share more Flashback excitement and muse on the joys of aging, Ozzy Osbourne’s final bow, and the new season of South Park, which kicks off with a jaw-dropping premiere. [Ep 370]

Nick D – Dan Fienberg, BB27, The Emmy Nominations & The Glory Days of VH1 Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

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 help Nick rewind to the chaotic, glorious heyday of VH1 reality TV. From The Surreal Life to Mob Wives to the unforgettable Flavor of Love, it’s a nostalgic trip through some of the most absurd and addictive shows ever created. Plenty of laughs, solid takes, and maybe a little regret over just how much of that stuff we all actually watched. [Ep 369]

Nick D – Erik, Steve, The New Movies & Causing Some Van Damage!” Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

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 movies leave her baffled and yelling, “Is this even a movie?” at her screen. Hollywood, consider yourself warned. [Ep 368]

Nick D – Mike Kerz, Flashback Weekend, & Support Local Businesses! Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

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 celebrating genre film with a passionate community. Then Esmeralda Leon jumps in for a wide-ranging conversation about gentrification, the corporate takeover of everything from coffee to culture, and why Meg Ryan’s character in You’ve Got Mail is actually the villain. It’s horror, heart, and a little hypocrisy—all in one show. [Ep 367]

Nick D – Nell Minow, Congress, Comic-Con, & Liquid Paper Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

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 unexpected truths about Liquid Paper, and go down a few other unexpected rabbit holes. [Ep 366]

Nick D – Don Coscarelli, Paul Pepperman and A Very Greasy Strangler Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

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 The Greasy Strangler—a movie so bizarre, it may have broken her brain.

From indie classics to absurd oddities, this one covers it all. [Ep 365]

Nick D – Halfway Through 2025: Best Films So Far and Fireworks Fails Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

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’ve ever wondered just how reckless people can get in the name of patriotism, this segment has you covered.

Celebrate responsibly, or at least try not to make the news. [EP 364]

Nick D – For The People, July 2025 Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

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. Alongside some genuine auto insights, Tom and Nick take a hilarious detour through the wild world of old car commercials, including a baffling pitch for the 1975 Granada and the curiously confident 1977 Oldsmobile Omega SX.

Rounding things out are new rounds of #Starspotter and #MysteryShow, with Nick pulling from his bottomless bag of stories, sightings, and sideways tangents. It’s a solid ride from scams to sedans, with just enough weirdness to keep it moving. [EP 363]

Nick D – Dr. Keith Lipinski, Pro-Wrestling Talk, and Weirdo Celebrities Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

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 their summers—spoiler: there’s sun, stories, and probably a complaint or two. They take on a few listener questions before swerving into stranger territory: Hollywood’s most eccentric stars. From Joaquin Phoenix’s head-scratching interviews to Shia LaBeouf’s unpredictability, it’s a gallery of oddball fame. [EP 362]

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