Nick welcomes the always-lovely Monica Eng from Axios Chicago to chat about a range of uniquely Chicago topics, including Aldi’s surprising fine-dining options, Potbelly stepping things up with their new prime rib sandwich, the controversial speed cameras on LSD, and the ever-present challenges (and horrors) of riding the CTA Red Line. They also dive into the bizarre world of Malört candy and share details about an upcoming Axios event featuring Maria Pappas and Lori Lightfoot.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up, answer listener emails, and revisit some of the most bizarre events from the very strange year of 2017—including the story of a man who had a 130-pound growth surgically removed, a growth that began as an ingrown hair…yes, really. [Ep 346]

Nick welcomes Pro-Wrestling expert Dr. Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro to talk about this year’s Wrestlemania—including the Cena-Cody match, the joy of watching Dominik Mysterio, Becky Lynch’s surprising heel turn, and Jay Uso making everyone Yeet! They also discuss the latest developments in AEW, preview the upcoming AAW Pro event, and explore the upcoming 90-minute TV special about the Von Erich family titled “Hollywood Demons.”

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up, chat about spring fever, and share their mutual dislike for summer camp. They also dive into some truly memorable celebrity quotes, including unforgettable gems from Sylvester Stallone, Brooke Shields, and Sarah Jessica Parker. [Ep 344]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review several new movies, including “The Accountant 2,” “The Shrouds,” “Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie,” “The Legend of Ochi,” and more. They also share insights and highlights from the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival at The Music Box Theater during the first week of May.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to discuss the highs and lows of video game adaptations in movies and TV, celebrate Andy Samberg’s comedic brilliance in the underappreciated classic “Hot Rod,” and tackle rumors about a possible “Bloodsport” remake—both firmly agreeing that Jean-Claude Van Damme is truly irreplaceable. [Ep 344]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to talk about the return of several high-profile MAX shows: The Rehearsal, The Last of Us, and Hacks. Dan also reviews new series including #1 Happy Family, Government Cheese, and the Red Sox docuseries The Clubhouse: A Year With The Red Sox.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about some baffling modern Easter traditions, the new Cheech and Chong documentary, and another round of The Ultimate Pop Culture Quiz. This time, they try to figure out what exactly a Squishmallow is, and tackle the very serious cultural question: Is Pete Davidson hot? [Ep 343]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan to talk about his recent interview with none other than Jeff Bridges—The Dude himself—and why Jim considers him the best actor on the planet. They also dive into some recent and classic concerts that Jim and/or Nick have attended, including Iggy Pop, Ratboys, Suzanne Vega, Daryl Hall, Heart, Cheap Trick, and more.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to recap her birthday night out (a show at The Hideout featuring Al Scorch), answer more questions from the Ultimate Pop Culture Quiz, and react to some surprising behind-the-scenes Hollywood trivia—like the fact that Beverly Hills Cop was originally written for Sylvester Stallone, and My Cousin Vinny was first pitched to Andrew “Dice” Clay. Whoah! [Ep 342]

Nick welcomes food writer and editor Marnie Shure to talk about Taco Bell’s new experimental A.I. drive-thru, the most interesting dishes from Netflix’s new restaurant, and the unspoken etiquette of Costco self-checkout lanes. Marnie also delivers her monthly Horror Report and shares details about the upcoming Mortified Chicago event.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another round of The Ultimate Pop Culture Quiz, tackling questions about Fifty Shades of Grey, the infamous La La Land/ Moonlight Oscars mix-up, and some of reality TV’s biggest lies. They also take a moment to ask: what ever happened to Richard Hatch? [Ep 341]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to talk about the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival, returning to The Music Box Theatre this May. They also review the latest releases, including Drop, The Amateur, Sacramento, and Warfare.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another round of the Ultimate Pop Culture Quiz. They also swap stories about life in college dorms, reflect on the chaotic brilliance of Supermarket Sweep, and dive into the bizarre late-’90s trend of performing autopsies on Furbys. [Ep 340]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to talk about the latest episodes of Top Chef and SNL, as well as the big season finale of The White Lotus. Dan also reviews several new shows, including MobLand with Tom Hardy and Helen Mirren, Your Friends and Neighbors starring Jon Hamm, The Studio with Seth Rogen, and the latest season of The Handmaid’s Tale.

Then Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to discuss the frustrations of streaming service menu screens (stop autoplaying trailers!), the eerie warning sirens going off in Nick’s neighborhood, the greatest Boy Bands of the 90s, and they continue The Giant Pop Culture Trivia Quiz. [Ep 339]

Nick welcomes journalist, podcaster, and filmmaker Amy Guth to talk about her latest behind-the-scenes movie work, her illuminating trip to Berlin for a major film festival, what it’s like to cover the news under the current administration, and why she’s excited to start working on a creepy new TV series in Canada.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the very subtle—but real—differences between Jason Statham and Jean-Claude Van Damme movies, the hypnotic appeal of Buc-ee’s roadside stores, the many bizarre versions of “The Macarena,” and why it’s impossible to move a couch without referencing Friends. [Ep 338]

In this “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum to the podcast to warn listeners about the latest bogus texts about unpaid toll fees, and discuss how A.I. and algorithms are controlling our financial fates more than ever. They also explore how to effectively deal with household pests and find a trustworthy exterminator, along with the latest tips on saving money on prescription drugs.

Then, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to share some nightmare moving stories, talk about the absurd auto-industry tariffs imposed by the current administration, and weigh in on whether Dodge is a broken car brand. They also discuss how to wrap a Cybertruck and take a look back at birds featured in classic car ads.

Finally, rounds of #StarSpotter and #MysteryShow close out this information-packed episode. [Ep 337]