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]