Nick kicks things off with some exciting news about his brand-new book, “40 YEARS, 40 FILMS,” available from Eckhartz Press. Then he welcomes Monica Eng from Axios Chicago to discuss local stories like the 100-mile border rule, the Gregory Bovino hearing and its surprising outcome, and why grocery store tacos deserve way more respect. They also debate Chicago’s greatest hometown celebrities before turning to a heartfelt tribute to their late friend Tony Fitzpatrick. Monica shares moving stories and plays touching audio from her final hospital visit with Tony — wise, funny, and beautiful words from a true Chicago original.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a spirited Halloween celebration, revisiting some of the most iconic costumes through the decades and sharing laughs over Nick’s favorite horror movies of all time. It’s heartfelt, funny, spooky, and full of Chicago soul. [Ep 399]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast for another round of smart, funny, and slightly unhinged TV talk. The two cover everything from Dan’s unwavering loyalty to The Simpsons to his unapologetic dislike of Seinfeld, plus a look at the latest SNL hosted by Sabrina Carpenter. Dan also reviews several new shows, including the Stephen King prequel miniseries “It: Welcome to Derry,” the cringe-comedy “The Chair Company” from Tim Robinson, and the unexpectedly gripping true-crime series “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy.”

Then Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to dissect one of Hollywood’s biggest misfires, “Wild, Wild West,” before diving into a celebration of cinema’s most delightfully eccentric performers — Christopher Walken, Crispin Glover, Sean Young, Willem Dafoe, Malcolm McDowell, and the incomparable Tilda Swinton. [Ep 398]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for a special extended edition of their movie review segment, packed with more films than ever. The trio dives into an eclectic lineup of new releases, including Emma Stone’s wild new odyssey “Bugonia,” the Springsteen biopic “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” George Romero’s daughter’s zombie comedy “Queens of the Dead,” and Kathryn Bigelow’s explosive thriller “A House of Dynamite.” They also review “The Mastermind,” “Regretting You,” and plenty more fresh titles hitting theaters.

The conversation then shifts to the 61st Chicago International Film Festival, as Erik and Steve share highlights and reactions from the event. They cover festival favorites like “Dead Man’s Wire,” “We Are Pat,” “Rental Family,” Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” and “One Golden Summer.”

With Esmeralda Leon off this week, Nick and the critics go full film nerd — from blockbusters to indie gems — in a jam-packed, movie-lover’s dream episode. [Ep 397]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com back to the show for a deep dive into music, madness, and metal. They preview this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and trade stories from Jim’s recent interviews with legends like Rob Halford of Judas Priest — including Halford’s hilarious tale about the best massage he’s ever had in Chicago’s Boys Town — plus Marky Ramone, Emo Phillips, and the chaotic geniuses of GWAR. Jim also recaps Riot Fest, Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, and more, while he and Nick swap some wild and heartfelt Shane MacGowan memories.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to break down Hollywood’s strangest casting choices, from Angelina Jolie somehow playing Colin Farrell’s mother to Tom Cruise trying to fill the massive boots of Jack Reacher. Turns out, suspension of disbelief only stretches so far. [Ep 396]

Nick welcomes food writer and horror enthusiast Marnie Shure back to the podcast to talk about the upcoming Mortified Chicago show, her latest horror exploits, and her recent pieces on The Disappointed Tourist exhibit at the Chicago Architecture Center. They also dig into Marnie’s hilarious take on the misuse of terms like “sharp” and “medium,” before bravely taste-testing the season’s scariest snack — Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another round of Trivia Madness, hosted by the inimitable British bon vivant Slap Slapply. Slap’s back with wild new stories from his latest travels through time and space, keeping the laughs flying faster than his interdimensional bow tie. [Ep 395]

This week, Nick reflects on the passing of his dear friend Tony Fitzpatrick, beloved Chicago artist, actor, writer, and all-around creative force. Nick shares heartfelt stories about Tony’s incredible life, along with a memorable clip from Tony’s appearance on the podcast that perfectly captures his wit, passion, and humanity. A true original, gone far too soon.

Then, TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter returns to discuss a fresh slate of shows, including The Last Frontier, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, and Boots. Dan also reviews two standout documentaries, Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost and Mr. Scorsese.

Finally, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to remember Tony Fitzpatrick and dive into another round of hilariously bad celebrity projects. A touching and funny episode celebrating a Chicago legend and keeping the laughs going in his spirit. [Ep 394]

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]