Nick reunites with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to catch up on Steve’s trip to Fantastic Fest, talk box office trends, and review new releases including Tron: Ares, The Kiss of the Spider Woman starring Jennifer Lopez, Roofman with Channing Tatum, and a heartfelt new documentary about John Candy.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to dive into the bizarre world of Billy Corgan’s $20 Goth Smoothie, the nostalgia of those old “Scary Sounds” Halloween CDs, and memories of Erehwon mountain stores at the mall. They also swap stories about some of Hollywood’s most misguided side projects—from James Caan’s Sicilian Vampire to Marlon Brando in drag and Christopher Walken partying with The Country Bears Jamboree. [Ep 393]

Monthly consumer and car talk you can use. First up, The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum on the home insurance crunch, the Trump Administration’s plan to weaken airline passenger protections, Delta’s head-scratching credit card policy, and Amazon’s 2.5 billion settlement over subscription “traps.”

Then Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive reports on recent test drives, how Ford and GM are extending EV tax credits for buyers, fresh EV notes from Volvo, Tesla, and Nissan, plus a retro stop with the 1968 Oldsmobile Apprehender. Wraps with new rounds of #MysteryShow and #Starspotter. [Ep 392]

Nick teams up with pro-wrestling expert Dr. Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro to break down the latest in the squared circle. Despite a wave of injuries to stars like Ospreay, Strickland, and Cole, AEW has been delivering strong shows and top-tier pay-per-views. They also talk about how the women are continuing to dominate WWE, why Netflix ratings are baffling, the surprising TNA invasion of NXT, and what fans can expect at the next AAW show in Berwyn, Illinois.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the charm of Indian Summer and the weekend ahead before diving into the hall of shame that is celebrity side-projects. From Sean Connery’s bizarre turn as a skateboarding veterinarian in an animated flop, to John Travolta’s Scientology-inspired rock album, to will.i.am’s failed attempt at launching his own smartphone, it’s a reminder that fame doesn’t always equal good ideas. [Ep 391]

Nick welcomes Nell Minow, The Movie Mom, back to the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation covering politics in D.C., the Jimmy Kimmel First Amendment fight, and her reviews of the new documentary The Librarians, the horror film HIM, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest masterpiece One Battle After Another. She also talks about her interviews with writers from The Golden Girls, Roseanne, and Gilmore Girls, and shares fond memories of speaking with Martin Sheen.

Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick face off in another hilarious round of ’80s–’90s Trivia Madness, hosted by the great British bon vivant Slap Slapply, who returns with some wild adventures of his own. [Ep 390]

Nick is joined by film critic Erik Childress (with Steve Prokopy off this week) to dig into a fresh slate of movie releases. They cover Paul Thomas Anderson’s ambitious new epic One Battle After Another starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, Matthew McConaughey’s The Lost Bus, Eleanor the Great with June Squibb directed by Scarlett Johansson, and Emma Thompson’s icy new thriller Dead of Winter.

Later, Esmeralda Leon teams up with Nick to respond to a listener complaint about their mail-order catalog talk, before diving headfirst into the world of embarrassing side projects from big-name stars. From Robert De Niro slumming it in Rocky and Bullwinkle, to Joe Pesci crooning as his My Cousin Vinny character, to the glorious disaster that is Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man, they unpack the weird detours that even the most talented people can’t live down. [Ep 388]

Nick is joined once again by TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter for a lively breakdown of the Emmy Awards, from the winners who deserved it to the surprises no one saw coming. They also wade into the latest chaos from the Big Brother house and review new shows, including the Netflix drama Black Rabbit with Jude Law and Jason Bateman and a revealing new documentary about Charlie Sheen.

Esmeralda Leon jumps in later for a lighter turn as she and Nick marvel at one of the strangest mail-order catalogs ever printed. The Best of Collections Etc. is packed with bizarre inventions, unnecessary gadgets, and a few items so inappropriate they leave Nick and Esma equal parts horrified and hysterical. [Ep 388]

Nick welcomes journalist Monica Eng from Axios back to the podcast to dig into some of her latest stories. They cover the looming possibility of the National Guard coming to Chicago, updates on how to get your Covid vaccine, the opening of a new restaurant at Bally’s in River North, and why Aldi might just be the best place on earth (yes, even with self-checkout). Monica also shares her thoughts on the serene beauty of the Caldwell Lily Pool.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a fun segment on weekend plans, the arrival of Halloween, and another dive into 90s pop culture. They revisit the name of the Fresh Prince’s beloved butler, debate who was really behind “The Slap Heard Around the World,” and more nostalgic gems. [Ep 387]

Nick welcomes back music journalist Jim Ryan for a lively chat about the concerts he’s been covering. Jim shares an absolutely hilarious recap of a chaotic Who performance where Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey nearly came to blows on stage, along with yet another Van Halen–related disaster courtesy of David Lee Roth. He also previews this year’s Riot Fest lineup, which mixes big-name bands with the unexpected appearance of John Stamos.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a fun conversation about the fall season and the quirks of pop culture. They revisit the saga of cloned sheep, remember Skeet Ulrich in his 90s prime, celebrate the legendary Game Boy, and wander through plenty of nostalgic detours. [Ep 386]

Nick is joined by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for reviews of the latest releases, including Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, Stephen King’s The Long Walk with Mark Hamill, and the charming low-budget holiday film The Baltimorons. Erik also shares highlights from the Toronto International Film Festival, with buzzworthy titles and festival standouts.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive into the bizarre saga of McDonald’s broken ice cream machines, why the Feds are investigating, and then shift gears into 90s pop culture. They cover everything from Saved By the Bell and Appletinis to solving the eternal mystery of what “QR” really stands for in QR Code.  [Ep 385]

Nick welcomes back Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, for another wide-ranging TV chat. They break down the latest drama inside the Big Brother house, talk about the major cast shake-ups coming to Saturday Night Live, and review some big new releases: FX’s The Lowdown with Ethan Hawke, Peacock’s The Office spin-off The Paper, and National Geographic’s gripping documentary Lost in the Jungle. Dan also looks ahead to the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards and lays out his bold predictions for the night’s biggest winners.

Then, it’s the triumphant return of everyone’s favorite British bon vivant, Slap Slapply. Nick and Esmeralda Leon go head-to-head in another round of Slap’s ridiculous game show antics, complete with trivia, laughs, and a goo-covered Matrix-style entrance you won’t soon forget. [Ep 384]