The Nick D Podcast on Radio Misfits

Before Nick starts the “For The People” November 2026 edition, he corrects an oversight from his Spooktacular Halloween episode with a request from many subscribers and listeners, and after that madness, “For The People” officially begins. First up, The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum joins Nick to discuss how junk food companies target kids, what you need to know about Medicare Open Enrollment, and that many big companies are gutting your favorite brands. Then, Car Guy Tom Appel, from Consumer Guide Automotive, jumps in to talk about the very weird Tesla Cybercab (it has a steering wheel!?!), the first and only Kosher sports car called The Sabra Sport. Plus, you’ll find out which states buy the most pickup trucks and more. And, of course, fun rounds of #StarSpotter and #MysteryShow.

Nick first welcomes journalist Monica Eng back to the podcast. Monica chats about what she’s been covering for Axios.com including: a profile of the Lincoln Park Billionaire Rat King, police settlements, and lots of stories about the upcoming election. Food is also a great topic with conversations about the latest deep dish pizza battle, Joe Donut’s breakfast potatoes, Cardamom Buns at the Swedish American Museum, and how Cinnamin Toast Crunch is the key to life. And she talks about what it’s like to be an Emmy winner! Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about spooky stuff for Spooky Season, including razor blades in apples, safe places to trick or treat, and a quiz about folklore, scary history, and terrifying movies. But, most significantly, they get into a very deep, very complex conversation about the fascinating existence of Halloween killer Michael Myers. You will learn so, so much…especially about Michael’s real needs in life, and how he actually poses for mugshots, orders at a drive-thru, and eats. [Ep 504]

Nick welcomes back Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg to the podcast to chat about TV, and the three new documentaries about comedy performers Martin Mull, Norm MacDonald, and Maria Bamford. Plus, Dan reviews the new Tea Leoni & Tim Daly sitcom “Newlyweds” which also features Jamie Lee Curtis, and, just in time for Halloween, “Crystal Lake,” the new “Friday the 13th” prequel series with Linda Cardellini as Jason’s mom, and much more including an unexpected breakdown of all of the Jason movies. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk scary stuff for Halloween, catch up on the latest in their lives, and discuss fate, while looking back at some celebrities who may have dodged a bullet or two, including the fact that Michael Jackson was scheduled for a meeting in the World Trade Center on 9/11, and more. [Ep 503]

Film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy are back for this episode to join Nick in reviewing a bunch of new movies, including the latest animated adventure from Laika Studios “Wildwood,” the new comic-book horror film “Clayface,” “Wicker,” which is a very weird and very sexy parable romance, and Jenna Ortega in “Klara and the Sun.” Plus, they discuss some films featured at this year’s Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF), and one of the very best films of 2026, the remarkable documentary “You Can See Everything.” Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick chat about what’s coming up for the weekend, the new movie about the making of “Rocky,” a crazy movie with Michael Douglas called “The Star Chamber,” and they have a lively conversation about crazy things that have really happened to people’s butts! It’s all about butts, movies and more, on this latest fun episode. [Ep 502]

Nick shares some of the movies he’s caught at the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival before catching up with music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com. Jim talks about his latest interviews with Harry Connick Jr., Ministry’s Al Jourgensen, and Devo’s Gerald Casale, along with a recent Roger Daltrey concert and an El DeBarge show that took place in the parking lot of a Metra station. Yeah, really. Nick also tells Jim about a terrific WXRT pop-up performance by Wolf Alice at the Empty Bottle on a Monday afternoon.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick recap their weekends, share some of their latest adventures watching Tubi, and wrap up their fast-food quiz with questions about Blizzards, Super Subs, and the origins of the term “fast casual.” Because apparently, even fast food needed a fancier name. [Ep 501]

It’s the 500th episode of The Nick D Podcast, and Nick is celebrating with some great memories, special guests, and a live interview with his old friend Rich “Svengoolie” Koz, recorded at the Museum of Broadcast Communications. Nick looks back at 500 episodes, talks about working with Radio Misfits, revisits some of his favorite guests, moments, and segments, and shares congratulatory messages from past guests and contributors.

Then it’s time for the main event, as Rich Koz and Nick take the stage to talk about their friendship, their shared love of horror movies, and Nick’s new book, 40 Years, 40 Horror Films. There are also questions from the audience and special appearances by film critic Steve Prokopy and TV and radio journalist Andrea Darlas. And what better way to celebrate 500 episodes than with the very first guest who ever appeared on The Nick D Podcast? A fun look back at 500 shows, with plenty of laughs and memories along the way. [Ep 500]

Nick welcomes Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast to catch up on three weeks’ worth of SNL, and wrap up Big Brother Season 28. Dan also reviews a bunch of shows including, “Brothers” with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, the latest TV incarnations of a couple of classic novels “Carrie” and “East of Eden,” and two new CBS shows: the vampire comedy “Eternally Yours,” and “Cupertino,” which is the latest from the creators of “Evil.” Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about what’s going on in their lives, and in the world, including witnessing horses eating peppermints, passing gas and falling asleep. Then, they finish up their very amusing celebrity fast-food discussion with a fun quiz. How much do you really know about onion rings? This is serious. [Ep 499]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to talk box office (wow, did Tom Cruise’s new movie bomb!), upcoming releases, and to review the new films of the week including: Aaron Sorkin’s sequel to “The Social Network” – “The Social Reckoning,” “Angel and the Badman” which is an unnecessary John Wayne remake, Samuel Jackson as the president driving around in a heavily armored car in “The Beast,” and more. It’s Spooky Season, so Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about scary movies like “Night of the Demons 2,” “The Exorcist,” and more. Esma also tells Nick about the cool old-school horror programming happening at the 400 Theater in Roger’s Park, and an appearance by Count Fartula triggers a deep (and very funny) discussion about vampires, and their diets. [Ep 498]

Nick talks about a BIG event at The Museum of Broadcast Communications to celebrate the release of his new book “40 YEARS, 40 HORROR FILMS,” with Rich Svengoolie Koz hosting an interview with Nick on stage. It’s on Saturday, October 10th at 11:30am! Includes a meet and greet, full access to all exhibits, and Nick will be selling and signing copies of his book too! Tickets available at www.museum.tv NOW! Then, it’s “For The People.” Nick welcomes The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum, back to discuss: food safety, the FCC’s price transparency, a new Amway settlement, and 20 ways to save loads of money this season. Then Car Guy Tom Appel, joins Nick to tell us about the latest cars he has been test-driving, the latest fuel economy standards, the revenge of the minivan, a look back at the 1973 Volkswagen Bug, and what the heck is a Camper Special? Plus, more fun rounds of #Starspotter and #Mystery Show. [Ep 497]

Writer, actress, and storyteller Jen Bosworth-Ramirez is back to catch up with her old friend Nick and talk about her latest projects, including writing for Sesame Workshop and appearing in Season 2 of Apple TV’s Dark Matter. Jen also talks about moving back to Chicago after a miserable experience in LA, how her career actually took off after leaving Hollywood, and the surprising way Coyote vs. Acme changed her life.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick get into Martin Scorsese’s wonderfully weird After Hours, which somehow leads to a conversation about why Tom Cruise is so damn good at playing jerks. Then it’s off to the world of fast food, where they discover what celebrities love to eat. Jason Sudeikis and Katy Perry are Taco Bell fans, while Selena Gomez apparently can’t get enough Jack in the Box. [Ep 496]

Music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com is back to talk about some of the concerts he’s caught lately, including Iron Maiden and Megadeth, Mötley Crüe and Extreme, and all the rain, mud, and music at Riot Fest. Jim also shares stories from his recent interviews with punk legend John Lydon, who told him to “F*** off!” several times, director and musician John Carpenter, pro wrestling icon Jimmy Hart, and, of course, GWAR!

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick recap their weekends, talk about some upcoming stuff, and put Esma’s musical knowledge to the test with The Ultimate ’90s Music Quiz. How much does she remember about the decade’s biggest songs and artists? Time to find out. [Ep 495]

Film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy are back to review the latest movies, including Heart of the Beast with Brad Pitt and Odin the dog, and Primetime, featuring Robert Pattinson as To Catch a Predator star Chris Hansen. Erik also reports back on some of the big movies he caught at the Toronto International Film Festival, while Steve shares some of the very cool and very strange films he saw at Fantastic Fest in Austin.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick get into some fun music stuff, including bizarre Muzak versions of rock songs, misheard lyrics, and songs that should simply never be played again. That includes the story of a bartender who would actually skip Elton John’s Tiny Dancer whenever someone dared to play it on the jukebox. Plus, Esma and Nick continue discovering the real people who inspired some of the fictional characters we all know. [Ep 494]

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter is back to recap the latest ridiculousness in the Big Brother house, break down this year’s Emmy Awards broadcast, and talk about the big winners and losers. They also get into the fun of revisiting old TV shows, inspired by Nick’s recent binge of All in the Family for the first time in years. Plus, Dan reviews the new HBO docuseries about Jay-Z and Neagley, Amazon’s new Reacher spinoff.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick discuss just how annoying Quentin Tarantino can be, compare the movies they know by heart, and get into some more Nerd Talk. They also start exploring fictional characters inspired by real people. Find out who Mr. Burns from The Simpsons is based on, and which very unexpected celebrity helped inspire the creation of Bugs Bunny. [Ep 493]

The Movie Mom herself, Nell Minow, is back to talk about a bunch of new movies, her visit to the George Lucas Museum, her interview with Domhnall Gleeson, and a new 4-hour documentary about that very wealthy weirdo Elon Musk. Nick and Nell also catch up on what’s happening over at RogerEbert.com.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive headfirst into Nerd Talk, dissecting video game movies like Street Fighter with Jean-Claude Van Damme and the original Mortal Kombat, before getting into The Lord of the Rings movies. Esma also reveals just how big a nerd her partner Colin is: he keeps Heat on his phone so he has access to it 24 hours a day…because apparently he needs it. Oh, and according to Nick, Elton John was in a video game movie. You’ll have to listen to find out what the hell that means. [Ep 492]

Food writer and entertainment journalist Marnie Shure is back with her monthly Horror Report, including a deep dive into why the movie Obsession has somehow captured the collective minds of Gen Z. Nick also helps Marnie make an important Halloween season decision: a Friday the 13th marathon or a Scream marathon? Plus, they talk about the upcoming “Games For Good” fundraising event.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick recap their weekends, review some late-night streaming discoveries, and venture into the surprisingly terrifying world of TV commercial mascots. The Noid, Mr. Mucus, and the legendary Quiznos Spongemonkeys all make the list. Enjoy trying to fall asleep after that conversation. [Ep 491]

Film critic Steve Prokopy is back to review the latest movies while Erik Childress is away at the Toronto Film Festival. Nick and Steve take on the Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman sequel 28 years in the making, Practical Magic 2, the peasants-vs.-oppressors adventure The Uprising, the South Korean sci-fi monster epic Hope, the wild action thriller Runner, and Liam Neeson’s latest, The Fix. Erik will have a full TIFF report and plenty of reviews when he returns.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick preview their weekends, discuss the disturbing trend of men not showering, and dissect the career of Hugh Grant, including their mutual hatred of Four Weddings and a Funeral. They also finish up the Phobias Quiz with some important questions: What exactly is chorophobia, and what do you call a fear of sitting down? [Ep 490]

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter returns to talk about the latest shenanigans in the Big Brother house, preview some upcoming television, and review a few new releases, including a documentary about Carl Sagan, the latest adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities with Kit Harington, and the gripping new documentary The Row. Nick and Dan also break down the Creative Arts Emmy winners, preview the upcoming primetime Emmy ceremony, make their predictions, and more.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive back into the wonderfully weird world of phobias, including “High Places Phenomenon,” the strange urge to jump from a tall structure, plus fears involving avocado pits and anthropomorphic food. That somehow leads to Esma explaining why the “Liberty Biberty” guy from those insurance commercials freaks her out, especially his creepy mouth full of human teeth! [Ep 489]

The legendary Stephen Tobolowsky returns to hang out with Nick and talk about the state of show business, why the industry has all but abandoned California, the mystery of storytelling, and the dream he recently had about Nick. Tobo also realizes he’s officially old and absolutely loves it. Plus, after decades of playing just about everybody, he’s finally been cast as God. It was inevitable.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick complain about the ridiculous Chicago heat, the horrors of the great outdoors, mountain climbing, and more. Esma also continues her first journey through Middle-earth with more thoughts on The Lord of the Rings trilogy as she works her way through the movies. [Ep 488]

Nick remembers his former WGN Radio partner Garry Lee Wright, who passed away last week. A talented broadcaster and a genuinely lovely man, Garry left behind a tremendous legacy, and Nick shares what it was like working with him and how much he learned from their time together. Then, The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum returns for “For The People” to answer listener questions, explain how to find the best dentists, break down the latest news on GLP-1 drugs, and more.

Later, car expert Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive talks about the latest vehicles he’s test-driven, the 2026 crop of designer SUVs, some fancy new features showing up in recent models, and the completely insane 1979 Bonanza Bandit. Plus, another round of #StarSpotter and #MysteryShow. [Ep 487]

Nick reflects on the recent passing of several celebrities, including 2 legends, Dolly Parton and Tim Curry, before film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy return to talk movies. They break down the latest box office numbers and review a batch of new releases, including the long-awaited Looney Tunes comedy Coyote vs. Acme, Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars, and the creepy new horror movies It Ends and Buddy, about a Barney-like kids TV character who starts killing kids.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick make their weekend plans and wrap up their wonderfully weird conversation about celebrity phobias. This time, it’s Khloé Kardashian’s fear of belly buttons, followed by the discovery of exactly what anatidaephobia is. Here’s a hint: it involves ducks. [Ep 486]