The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

Nick is joined by TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter, and they discuss the shows “Mike” (about Mike Tyson), “Sprung” (from the makers of “Raising Hope”), “House of The Dragon” (the “Game of Thrones” spinoff), and more. Then Esmeralda Leon tells Nick all about her recent trip to Toronto, the last-minute tattoo her boyfriend got, the crazy journey of the Stanley Cup, and a night spent smoking cigars with a total stranger. And, Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke! [EP66]

Nick is joined by Dr. Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro-Wrestling to talk about their big event coming to The Logan Square Auditorium, and the latest behind the scenes stories and drama (Did Thunder Rosa really hide in a bathroom stall? Is CM Punk really hurt? Why did Dexter Lumis kidnap The Miz?) at WWE and AEW as we get closer to their massive Pay-Per-View events. Then Esmeralda Leon talks with Nick about her upcoming trip to Toronto and gets some advice on what to do in the Great White North, and the crazy neighbors stories reach their ending! [EP65]

Nick is joined by music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes and The Daily Herald. They discuss his interview with Malcolm McDowall, reviews Elton John and Duran Duran’s concerts and discusses the demise of ChicagoNow. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about lies, and the liars who lie, who they would cast in the EsmaOlas production of “The Organic Police,” and Matthew McConaughey’s insane love of pickles. And, Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke! [EP64]

Nick is joined by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the new adventure thriller “Beast,” the horror film “Glorious,” and the Courtney Barnett music documentary “Anonymous Club.” Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick discuss crazy freak accidents, the ridiculous career of actor Chris Klein, and celebrate the 27th anniversary of the movie “Mortal Kombat!” Oh, yeah…the stupid Blue Angels make a few loud cameos, as the warm up for the Chicago Air and Water Show disturbed everyone in the city, including people trying to record a podcast! [EP63]

Nick hangs out with Chris and Mike, better know as The Manson Brothers. They talk about their time as professional wrestlers, making the movie “Midnight Zombie Massacre” and their love of Martin and Lewis…and more. Then Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about The Blues Brothers Con in Joliet, and share crazy stories about insane neighbors. And Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke! [EP62]

Nick talks with actress/writer/storyteller Jen Bosworth-Ramirez about her latest writing projects, her new Walmart commercial and she tells another Nic Cage story. Then British game show host Slap Slapply joins Esmeralda Leon and Nick for another exciting round of music trivia with: For The Record! [EP61]

Nick is joined by TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to talk about the new season of “Reservation Dogs,” the return of “Beavis and Butthead” and they remember Olivia Newton John. Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about their time at The Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, the first ever LIVE edition of The Nick D Podcast and some very scary freak accidents. And…Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke! [EP60]

A bonus episode! Nick and Esme recorded their first live podcast on August 6th 2022 as part of Flashback Weekend in Chicago. Guests include PJ Soles & John Michael Graham from Halloween and Svengoolie himself, Rich Koz. [EP59]

Nick is joined by legendary actress PJ Soles to talk about her roles in films like “Halloween,” “Carrie,” Rock n Roll High School” and “Stripes.” She also tells us stories about Nicolas Cage and a shrunken head, Bill Murray being grumpy, the night she played footsies with Harrison Ford, and much more. Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about terrible TV shows, and why all TV shows from Canada are just weird. [EP58]

In this “For The People” episode Nick is joined by The ConsumerMan, Herb Weisbaum who talks about robocall scams, “truth” in advertising, and identity theft of children and how Nick D Podcast subscribers can sign up for a free service from Checkbook.org. Then Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive chats about really weird Chinese cars, the return of the Mustang, and Star Spotting! Plus, more details on how you can be a part of the first ever LIVE episode of The Nick D Podcast at The Flashback Weekend Horror Convention…And, Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP57]

Nick talks with actor/director Alex Winter about his classic “Bill and Ted” movies, “The Lost Boys,” his cult TV series “The Idiot Box” and his great documentary “Zappa” about the incredible musician. He is appearing at The Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, as are Nick and Esmeralda Leon who will be co-hosting a LIVE edition of this podcast at the event, and Nick and Esma also talk about the worst reality shows ever, and more. [EP56]

TV critic Dan Fienberg joins Nick to talk about the HBO comedy show, “The Rehearsal,” the FX thriller “The Old Man” and remember the careers of David Warner and Paul Sorvino. The Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about terrifying food from around the and the worst TV shows of all time (including Full House, The Real World and that reality show about knives. And Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP55]

Film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy join Nick to talk about the new Netflix action movie “The Gray Man,” the documentary, “This is GWAR,” and Jordan Peele’s latest horror/sci-fi/satire, “Nope” (it’s not good). Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about bad drivers, dumb people, and how you can be a part of the first LIVE recording of The Nick D Podcast at The Flashback Weekend Horror Convention on August 6th! [EP54]

In this episode we get a bonus visit from TV critic Dan Fienberg to talk about the just-announced Emmy nominations and predict some winners. Then Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about the upcoming Flashback Weekend Horror Convention where they w ill be hosting a LIVE episode of The Nick D Podcast, that everyone should attend. Then, they finish up the weird candy taste testing by eating rats and tarantulas, and discuss incredibly stupid product warnings for stupid people….and Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP53]

In this episode, journalist Monica Eng from Axios.com joins Nick to talk about the coolest dive bars in Chicago, where to get the best gyros, the retirement of the great media reporter Robert Feder, and the coolest adult playground in the city. Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about the upcoming Flashback Horror Convention (and when the LIVE version of The Nick D Podcast will happen and how you can be a part of it), the hidden meanings of big movies, and they taste “toilet candy.” [EP52]

Nick is joined by TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to predict some of the Emmy nominations, and talk about Evil, The Bear, and how Nick is unbelievably sick of Stranger Things. Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about celebrities that went to high school together, taste candy that comes out of a monster’s butt, and more….and Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP51]

It’s Episode 50 of The Nick D Podcast and we celebrate it with a new 50th Episode Theme Song by Jason Skaggs, and film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy join Nick to review the new Thor movie and more. Then, Slap Slapply drops by to test Nick and Esmeralda Leon with another edition of the music trivia game For the Record…and other 50th episode surprises! [EP50]

In this “For the People” episode Nick first talks with The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum about how you can opt out of people-search websites, the best deals on funerals, and how Nick D Podcast listeners/subscribers can have exclusive access to great services. Then Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to talk about the futuristic craziness of electronic vehicles, answering the eternal question: What exactly is a ‘Woody?” and more. Plus Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP49]

Nick and guest Jim Ryan, music journalist from Forbes, Daily Herald, and Chicago Now review some concerts and talk about a few of Jim’s favorite interviews with the likes of Brian May (Queen), Micky Dolenz (The Monkeys), Rich and Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes), and more! Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about celebs who have been friends since high school and taste test some salsa-flavored spaghetti candy. [EP48]

Nick is joined by TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to talk about the new Maya Rudolph comedy “Loot,” the Chicago based restaurant drama “The Bear,” and they reminisce about the good old days of the Big Fall TV Preview! Then Esmeralda Leon stops by to talk about bad guys who aren’t really that bad (like Jar Jar Binks from “Star Wars” and Janice from “Friends”), and they taste test Cat Poop Gum! And, Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP47]

Film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy join Nick to review “Elvis”(terrible), “The Black Phone” (fair), and “Beavis and Butthead Do the Universe” (really good). Then Esmeralda Leon stops by to talk with Nick about favorite fictional characters, the cleanliness of public restrooms, and they taste test Brach’s Thanksgiving Dinner flavored candies.. [EP46]

Nick talks with musician Dag Juhlin about his work with bands, The Slugs, Poi Dog Pondering, and Sunshine Boys, his history with music, podcasts, TV, voice-overs, and more. Then Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk more about 90’s movie songs, scary and gross food facts, and they taste test Barf Flavored Lollipops. And Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP45]

Nick is joined by actress Rose Abdoo from the great shows “Gilmore Girls,” “Hacks” and more. They talk about her career and her years working in Chicago on stage, and with The Second City. Then Esmeralda Leon visits for a discussion about the best 90’s movie songs, terrifying facts about amusement park accidents, they taste test Pizza Flavored Candy, and more. [EP44]

Nick is joined by TV critic Dan Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter to talk about the season finale of “Barry,” the new Jeff Bridges show “The Old Man,” some great documentaries and much more. Then Esmeralda Leon stops by to talk about scary bathroom stories, TV theme songs sung by actors and they taste test Blood Flavored Lollipops. Plus, Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP43]

Nick is joined by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest dinosaur adventure “Jurassic World: Dominion” and the new Adam Sandler basketball movie “Hustle,” plus the incredible box office numbers of “Top Gun: Maverick.” Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about some great old-school Chicago restaurants like Sabatino’s, Gene & Georgetti’s, Superdawg, and Hagen’s fish market. Plus horrifying facts, and weird flavored candy. [EP42]

In this “For The People” episode, Nick and The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum discuss saving money at the pump, dealing with the hectic travel season, and avoiding crazy robocalls. Then Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to talk about car-related issues and stories, including addendum sticker price rip-offs and sexy car ads shown at night. And Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP41]

Nick talks with AAW Pro wrestling’s Dr. Keith Lipinski about AEW’s last PPV, WWE’s next PPV, and some of the latest wrestling news. Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick are joined by British game show host Slap Slapply for another round of “For the Record” music trivia. Put on your music trivia thinking cap, and join the fun! [EP40]

Nick is joined by TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to talk about the new season of “Stranger Things,” the continuing greatness of Bill Hader’s “Barry,” the departure of four SNL cast members, and more. Then Esmeralda Leon chats with Nick about really terrible 70s board games (BIGFOOT THE GAME anyone?) and then they taste test Booger Lollipops…and Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP39]

Film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy join Nick to review the awful “Top Gun” sequel and the new “Bob’s Burgers” movie. Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about Armageddon-like occurrences including jumping killer worms, rage-crazed hamsters, and scary doll heads…and Esma and Nick eat boogers!!! [EP38]

The incredible, singer/songwriter/musician/poet and now actress Suzanne Vega (“Luka” “Tom’s Diner, etc.) joins Nick to talk about her career, her latest tour, her new album, and the new film version of her one-woman show “Lover, Beloved” to be released soon. Then Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about weird celebrity phobias, and to taste-test, some Green Bean flavored hard candy…plus, Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP37]

Nick talks with his future Ex-Wife, the great actress Dana DeLorenzo about the new “Evil Dead” video game, her recent trip to the UK and she does her hilarious Juliette Lewis impression. Then Esmeralda Leon talks with Nick about more celebrity couples who never should have dated and the weird candy taste-test continues as they try Corn Flavored hard candy and more. [EP36]

Nick talks with Monica Eng from Axios.com to disucss the rise of crime in downtown Chicago, the legendary Orange Garden Chinese restaurant, snazzy looking dogs and more. Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick discuss surprising celebrity couples, and taste-test some Carrot Flavored Hard Candy…plus Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP35]

Nick talks with movie critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy about the 70mm Film Festival at the Music Box Theatre and the greatness of Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, and more. Plus Nick and Esmeralda Leon talk more about stereotypical men and women behavior (like, do you tell a friend that their boyfriend is cheating on them?, and, do you share another person’s workout cup?), plus they taste test a “Breast Milk Lollipop.” Ooooh boy. [EP34]

Nick talks with TV critic Dan Fienberg, from The Hollywood Reporter about the real-life crime drama “The Staircase,” the latest “Star Trek” adventure, and the Vanessa Bayer/Moly Shannon comedy “I Love That For You.” Then Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another taste-test of terrible candy and a discussion about behavior of men vs. women, and more. Plus Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke!! [EP33]

Nick talks with the great character actor/writer/storyteller/musician, Stephen Tobolowsky about “Groundhog Day,” working with O.J. Simpson, and he tells the INCREDIBLE ‘George Lucas Story.’ Then Nick and Esmeralda Leon taste test some real, disgusting, gross candies, and the results are very surprising. All of that and more. [EP32]

Nick talks with Consumer-Man Herb Weisbaum about paying student loans after the COVID break, being financially safe while on vacation, bank scams, and much more. Then Car Guy Tom Appel, from Consumer Guide Automotive, chats with Nick about the latest news about cars, the terrifying world of “clown ads,” the insane Amazon Prime truck drivers, and more. Plus, Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke! [EP31]

Nick talks with movie critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy about the upcoming 9th annual Chicago Critics Film Festival, featuring 25 screenings including a 25th anniversary “Boogie Nights!”. Then Esmeralda Leon joins to discuss celebrity mix-ups and doppelgangers like Dermot Mulroney & Dylan McDermott and Amy Adams & Isla Fisher and many more. [EP30]

Nick talks with Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter, about the long-awaited return of the Bill Hader HBO comedy “Barry;” Paramount+’s “The Offer”, David Simon’s new police drama “We Own the City” and more! Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick put their detective outfits on and solve some real unsolved mysteries including the legend of DB Cooper and the Lizzie Borden murders. Plus, Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP29]

Nick talks with actress & writer Jen Bosworth-Ramirez about her years working for Nicolas Cage (insane stuff), her current role as a Hollywood consultant and more! Esmeralda Leon joins to talk about getting old and to reminisce about her and Nick’s days as bartenders, and some of the nightmare stories involving serving drinks. [EP28]

Nick talks with music journalist Jim Ryan about the time he spent with Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac; an interview with Bill Murray, Olivia Rodrigo and more. Later Nick and Esmeralda Leon talk about the latest crazy news stories including: A dumpster diver who got stuck in a dumpster for days, a group of Lucha libre wrestlers enforcing mask rules in Mexico and a basketball announcer who blamed his blood sugar levels for his use of the “N” word. Plus Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP27]

Nick talks about seeing former SNL cast member Molly Shannon live! Then movie critics Erik Childres and Steve Prokopy join Nick to review the new “Fantastic Beasts” movie, the Mark Wahlberg true story/drama “Father Stu,” and the 40th anniversary rerelease of John Carpenter’s horror masterpiece “The Thing.” Then Esmeralda Leon chats with Nick about weird Easter traditions, working on holidays, and awful Easter candy: Gravy Flavored Drops, Sugery Boogers, Cat Poop Gum anyone? [EP26]  

Nick talks with TV critic Dan Fienberg (from The Hollywood Reporter) about the latest episodes of the great shows “Atlanta” and “Better Things,” the new Chicago-based show “61st Street,” and the new HBO Max show from Michael Mann “Tokyo Vice.” Then Nick chats with Esmeralda Leon about some of the most ridiculous conspiracy theories of all time, and Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP25]

Nick talks with musician Daniel Knox about The David Lynch Retrospective he programmed, now playing at The Music Box Theatre, which features films like “Blue Velvet,” “Wild at Heart,” “The Straight Story” and a celebration of “Twin Peaks,” with special guests and much more. Then it’s time to celebrate Esmeralda Leon’s birthday with surprise guest visits and more, all while Nick and Esma discuss insane lies told by adults to scare kids…and more. [EP24]

In this “For The People” episode Nick talks with Herb Weisbaum, the ConsumerMan, about money issues and concerns, including the latest cryptocurrency scams, tax time tricks and more. Then, Nick talks with Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive about dealers who want to buy your car back, the microchip shortage and how it’s affecting automotive production, and Batmobiles past and present (and Lee Marvin rules too). Plus, Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke…and more. [EP23]

In this episode Nick talks with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy about the new Marvel movie “Morbius,” Judd Apatow’s new comedy “The Bubble,” and the wild fantasy/comedy “Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.” Then Nick and Esmeralda Leon chat about some elaborate celebrity April Fool’s pranks (one involving George Clooney and a cat litter box….weird) and more. [EP22]

Nick is joined by TV critic or The Hollywood Reporter Dan Fienberg to talk about “The Slap” at the Oscars (and the whole telecast), the new season of the brilliant show “Atlanta,” the new FOX comedy “Welcome to Flatch” and more. Then Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about the Oscars and other insane things that have happened on live TV…and Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP21]

Nick chats with his old WGN co-hort Steve Cochran about their WGN days, making movies with Jack Lemmon, hanging out with Prince, and Ann-Margaret’s breasts…and more. Then Nick and Esmeralda Leon talk about the most overpriced products in the world, like movie concesions and diamonds, and who should get the Cuisinart in the divorce…and more. [EP20]

Nick and Esmeralda Leon talk about insane shows for kids, frightening and completely inappropriate cartoons, and more. Then British bon vivant Slap Slapply joins Esma and Nick for a rousing edition of the music trivia game “For The Record” featuring the very boisterous ghost of Rodney Dangerfield…and Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke, and more. [EP19]

Nick talks with Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print about “Better Things,” the career of William Hurt, a new Netflix documentary about Andy Warhol and more. Plus Esmeralda Leon and Nick about useless members of rock bands, and the Most Annoying Songs of All Time…and Nick’s Dad Tells a Joke. [EP17]

In this episode, Nick talks with comedian, writer, voiceover artist, and master impressionist Josh Robert Thompson about his days on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, his current duties as “The Voice of God” on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and his obsession with Klaus Kinski. And then, Nick and Esmeralda Leon talk about invasions of floating, giant spiders and groups of attacking crows who are pooping everywhere, and they also discuss the genius of Rick Astley. [EP16]