Nick welcomes food writer and horror fanatic Marnie Shure to the podcast to dive into her latest horror film reviews (including a Jamie Lee Curtis classic!) and discuss the upcoming Mortified event. They also chat about some fun food stories, like McDonald’s secret menu Birthday Cakes and the fact that Mickey D’s can now repair their own McFlurry machines. Plus, just in time for the holiday, they rank five Thanksgiving-flavored foods! Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about Pluto’s...

Nick welcomes Monica Eng from Axios Chicago to the podcast to chat about some of the stories she's covering, including the Advent calendar craze at Aldi, the city's crackdown on people parking or standing in bike lanes, where Trump won the majority of the vote in Chicago, and how Michigan is cutting into Illinois' weed sales. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to discuss the quirks of eating at a stranger's house (like discovering they don’t have Kool-Aid or use Karo syrup on pancakes), how...

Nick welcomes The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg to the podcast to discuss the new seasons of What We Do In The Shadows, The Diplomat (with KERI RUSSELL!!!), and the latest episodes of SNL. Dan also reviews some fresh shows, including HBO's Dune: Prophecy and St. Denis Medical with David Alan Grier. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the art of rearranging furniture in a classic 70s-era "frunchroom," finding an affordable shower caddy, and why the Chicago suburb of Oak...

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to review the latest film releases, including the WWII drama Blitz, the new holiday comedy The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Cillian Murphy in Small Things Like These, and the horror film Heretic, featuring a surprising turn by Hugh Grant. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the stress of moving, the debut of McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac, Wendy’s new SpongeBob Burger, and the joys of shopping at Costco and...

In this "For The People" episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, to tackle consumer questions and discuss important topics like how "Buy Now, Pay Later" programs can lead to debt traps, the potential shift from passwords to passkeys for better security, and the latest updates on airlines now being required to automatically issue refunds for canceled flights. Then, Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to dive into the world of cars. They chat...

Nick welcomes filmmaker, podcast host, and writer Amy Guth to the podcast to chat about her recent film shoot in Chicago (featuring some old WGN friends), which ended with her getting a very fat lip. Amy also shares stories from her recent adventures in Las Vegas, her ongoing quest for funding for new film projects, and updates on her creative visibility project. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to discuss Christopher Walken's role as a perfectly perching angel, how Italian clowns playing...

Nick welcomes The Movie Mom, Nell Minow, to the podcast to discuss life, politics, and some great documentaries. Nell also shares her thoughts on movies like *Megalopolis*, *Conclave*, *Venom*, and more. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the upcoming election, getting to know the many judges you'll see on the ballot, and sharing some other voting stories. Nick also gives Esma a quiz about Italy, during which they discover that Vatican City is crime-ridden and no one has ever been...

Nick and fellow film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy discuss the 60th annual Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) and review some of the films they saw at the fest. They also share their thoughts on new releases, including Conclave, the award-winning Anora, the latest Marvel sequel Venom: The Last Dance, and the animated film Memoir of a Snail. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about weddings, Halloween, and scary movies like In a Violent Nature and Hollow Man, which...

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg to the podcast to chat about the recent season finale of *Big Brother* and much more. Dan also reviews *George and Mandy's First Marriage* on CBS, Reba McEntire’s new sitcom *Happy's Place*, HBO's new anthology series *It's Florida, Man*, and *Hysteria!* on Peacock. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to discuss good and bad weddings (mostly bad), the bizarre and terrifying phenomenon of *Those Funny Little People* who used to perform at weddings, and the...

Nick welcomes food writer and horror fan Marnie Shure to the podcast to discuss the upcoming "Mortified" event at The Music Box Theatre, the *Halloween* movie franchise, and some food stories, including California’s new regulations on food labels, the oddity of McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac, the trend of "Fridgescaping," and the latest M&M flavor rankings. Later, Esmeralda Leon teaches Nick about the fabulous Spanish term "tocaya," and they chat about Gene Hackman being grumpy, vampires...

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan to the podcast to talk about some of the concerts he’s seen recently, including GWAR, Public Enemy, and Slayer at Riotfest; ELO at the United Center; Crowded House at Ravinia; and Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band in New Lenox. Jim also shares his interview with the co-founder of Riotfest, discussing the festival’s move from Douglass Park to Bridgeview and then back again. They also chat about the pros and cons of The Salt Shed concert venue. Later,...

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to discuss the box office failure of the new *Joker* movie and review several new films, including *Piece By Piece*, the dreadful horror sequel *Terrifier 3*, and *The Apprentice*, a film starring Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump in New York. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the beauty of never making weekend plans and reflect on pop culture that has aged very poorly, such as Long Duk Dong from...

Nick talks with TV critic Dan Fienberg from *The Hollywood Reporter* about the latest episodes of *Big Brother*, the career of John Amos, and Dan’s reviews of several new shows, including *The Franchise* on HBO, FX's *Grotesquerie* with Niecy Nash, *Nobody Wants This* with Kristen Bell, and a new Beatles documentary. They also discuss the start of the historic 50th season of *Saturday Night Live*. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to usher in Spooky Season with the return of Count Fartula,...

Nick welcomes Monica Eng from Axios.com to discuss some of the stories she’s currently covering, including Next Restaurant's recreation of Charlie Trotter's classic menu, the buzz around the $10 strawberry from Whole Foods, Chicago's most annoying intersections, potential natural disasters that could strike the area, and the need for ShotSpotter technology in the city. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about submarine movies featuring scenes where Gene Hackman gets punched. They also...

In this "For The People" episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, to discuss a variety of consumer issues and stories, including why Americans pay more for prescription drugs than anywhere else, CarShield's $10 million settlement over advertising charges, and some big news for planning your vacations. Then, Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to talk about the curious case of Chinese Chevys in Mexico, the best time to buy a used EV, and why...

Nick welcomes movie critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to review the new movies The Wild Robot and A Different Man, and dive into a lengthy discussion about Francis Ford Coppola's completely insane epic, Megalopolis. Steve also shares stories from his recent trip to Austin, where he attended Fantastic Fest, a film festival filled with sci-fi, horror, fantasy, and other strange and wonderful movies. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to be quizzed about Korea, the latest...

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter joins Nick to discuss last week's Emmy Awards ceremony, the latest episodes of Big Brother, and the new Batman spin-off, The Penguin starring Colin Farrell. Dan also reviews the new version of Matlock with Kathy Bates, the educational series Brilliant Minds, and the latest Netflix/Ryan Murphy crime drama Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Later, Esmeralda Leon tells Nick all about Nourishing Hope, a wonderful organization...

Nick welcomes Nell Minow, The Movie Mom, back to the podcast to discuss new movies including *Wolfs*, *My Old Ass*, *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*, and *Transformers One*. They also delve into politics, the latest presidential debates, and a fascinating MAD Magazine museum exhibit, among other topics. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to wrap up their taste test of African snacks. They chat about people with "fragile eco-systems" and share stories about their favorite "Remote Droppers" — movies...

Nick welcomes back Marnie Shure to the podcast for a fun chat about food, horror, and being "Mortified." Marnie shares her thoughts on a couple of new horror movies she's seen and discusses some futuristic fast-food drive-thrus that are being built, the introduction of the MINI-McFlurry, and the quirky fact that Shaq is now selling candy gummies shaped like his face. They also taste test a new Reese's item. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to fulfill a Magic Megaphone request, chat about the...

Nick talks with Mike Kerz from The Midway Drive-In in Dixon, IL, about their upcoming "Dusk Til Dawn Horror Movie Marathon," which Nick will be hosting. Then, film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy join Nick to review new movies, including the horror remake "Speak No Evil" and Kevin Smith's latest, "The 4:30 Movie." Steve also gives an update on the Music Box Theatre's new seats and redesign, while Erik reviews a slate of films he recently saw at the Toronto International Film...

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from "The Hollywood Reporter" back to the podcast to review the new documentary about David Chase and "The Sopranos," the all-star comedy mini-series "Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist," and "Disclaimer" starring Cate Blanchett. Dan also previews this week's Emmy Awards broadcast, making some predictions, while Nick chimes in with his thoughts on "Big Brother." Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about The Outlaw Music Festival and other fun...

Nick welcomes podcaster, writer, producer, broadcaster, and filmmaker Amy Guth to the podcast to chat about her latest travels and adventures in the film world. Amy recently played a corpse in a movie (and had an interesting drive home from the shoot) and continues to refine her unique method for fixing broken projects. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to discuss celebrities who hate some of their past work, including Edward Norton trashing "The Hulk," Sean Connery slamming James Bond, and...

In this "For The People" episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, for his monthly visit to discuss topics like gas rewards for credit cards and new rules for flying commercially with kids. Then it's time for the "Checkbook's College of Consumer Knowledge Quiz," where Herb tests Nick and Tom Hush's knowledge of money and consumer-related topics. The episode continues with a visit from Consumer Guide Automotive's Tom Appel. Tom talks about the new VW electric...

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to review a few new films, including "Reagan," "1992," and "Slingshot." They also discuss their favorite films of the summer of 2024. Speaking of the summer of 2024, Esmeralda Leon fills Nick in on the season being dubbed "Ratboy Summer," where celebrities who resemble sexy rodents have become all the rage. Members of the Hot Rodent club include Timothée Chalamet, Jeremy Allen White, Barry Keoghan, and the two leads...