Nell Minow, a.k.a. “The Movie Mom,” returns for a lively chat with Nick covering everything from her recent testimony before Congress to what she’s packing for San Diego Comic-Con. They break down early buzz around the new Superman and Jurassic World films, and share their picks for the best movies of the year so far.

Later, Esmeralda Leon jumps in with tales from her latest co-hosting gig alongside Brandon Weatherbee on You, Me, Them, Everybody. Things quickly take a turn toward the bizarre as they question the originality of the Harry Potter franchise, uncover unexpected truths about Liquid Paper, and go down a few other unexpected rabbit holes. [Ep 366]

Nick sits down with filmmaker Don Coscarelli and producer Paul Pepperman to revisit cult favorites The Beastmaster and Phantasm, ahead of their Music Box Theatre screenings in Chicago. They share behind-the-scenes tales from the wild world of 70s independent filmmaking, including ferret-related chaos, tricky actors, and how they somehow snagged a PG rating despite nudity.

Later, Esmeralda Leon drops by for a lighter turn, bringing along some cosmic trivia, reflections on Nick’s 60th birthday, and highlights from a recent Texas getaway. But things really go off the rails when she launches into a passionate retelling of The Greasy Strangler—a movie so bizarre, it may have broken her brain.

From indie classics to absurd oddities, this one covers it all. [Ep 365]

Nick checks in with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to size up the movie year so far. From the best and worst releases to the biggest surprises of 2025, they take stock of what’s worked, what flopped, and what to keep an eye on for the rest of the year. Whether it’s unexpected gems or overhyped duds, nothing gets a free pass.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a gleeful roast of Independence Day. They swap stories of wild July 4th antics, from backyard pyrotechnics gone wrong to baffling acts of firework-related idiocy. If you’ve ever wondered just how reckless people can get in the name of patriotism, this segment has you covered.

Celebrate responsibly, or at least try not to make the news. [EP 364]

Nick kicks things off with The Consumerman himself, Herb Weisbaum, who brings the goods on protecting your wallet this summer. From spotting bait-and-switch tricks by shady moving companies to understanding how AI is fueling smarter, sneakier online scams, Herb shares practical advice with his usual clarity and bite. If you’re hiring a house painter, he’s also got the checklist you didn’t know you needed.

Later, Car Guy Tom Appel rolls in with updates on the hottest new rides and a surprising about-face from Ram—they’re keeping the V8 engines in their trucks after all. Alongside some genuine auto insights, Tom and Nick take a hilarious detour through the wild world of old car commercials, including a baffling pitch for the 1975 Granada and the curiously confident 1977 Oldsmobile Omega SX.

Rounding things out are new rounds of #Starspotter and #MysteryShow, with Nick pulling from his bottomless bag of stories, sightings, and sideways tangents. It’s a solid ride from scams to sedans, with just enough weirdness to keep it moving. [EP 363]

Nick kicks things off with pro-wrestling insider Dr. Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro, diving into everything from WWE’s controversial Saudi Arabia deal to what might truly be Goldberg’s final match. There’s also plenty to say about John Cena’s surprise heel antics, and a deeper look at AEW’s packed schedule—including the buzzworthy “Mexico Grand Slam,” already being called one of 2025’s standout shows. Swerve Strickland, Toni Storm, and MJF all get their due in a smart, rapid-fire rundown of what’s hot in the ring.

After the wrestling chat, Nick and Esmeralda Leon catch up on their summers—spoiler: there’s sun, stories, and probably a complaint or two. They take on a few listener questions before swerving into stranger territory: Hollywood’s most eccentric stars. From Joaquin Phoenix’s head-scratching interviews to Shia LaBeouf’s unpredictability, it’s a gallery of oddball fame. [EP 362]

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter returns to break down the best shows of 2025 so far—yes, we’re already halfway through the year—and to share thoughts on Netflix’s unsettling new drama The Waterfront, featuring a seriously creepy Topher Grace. Nick and Dan also dig into the Top Chef finale, Owen Wilson’s new comedy Stick, and a pair of fascinating docs about Andy Kaufman and Barbara Walters.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a nostalgic (and slightly disturbing) trip through oddball topics like creepy kids, long-lost TV repairmen, the rise and fall of 3-D television, and those sketchy old foot x-ray machines. Esma also recaps a night of laughs at The Den Theater, where Matty Ryan headlined a standout comedy show. [EP 361]

Nick brings back film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to tear into the newest movie releases—some hits, a lot of misses. Pixar’s Elio gets a once-over, 28 Years Later tries to keep the horror flame alive, and Bride Hard with Rebel Wilson lands with a thud. They also offer an early review of F1: The Movie, Brad Pitt’s high-octane racing flick that turns out to be all rev and no traction.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to gear up for the upcoming Flashback Weekend Horror Convention. The two get into what really makes a movie worth seeing on the big screen—spoiler: it’s not just a lot of close-ups and dialogue. They also dive into the strange fate of people who resemble Macaulay Culkin, and why Scarecrow was just too much for Esma to sit through. It’s a conversation that shifts gears from cinematic spectacle to psychological unease, with plenty of laughs in between. [EP 360]

Nick teams up with Forbes music writer Jim Ryan to honor two towering figures lost last week: funk pioneer Sly Stone and Beach Boys genius Brian Wilson. Jim shares memories of past interviews with Norman Greenbaum, Jerry Harrison, and Steve Stevens, and breaks down two very different concert experiences—Wayne Newton in Michigan and AC/DC bringing the noise to Soldier Field. They also ponder Billy Idol’s uncanny durability and confirm, once again, that Mike Love remains Mike Love.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins the mix to chat about city protests, brutal heat, and the growing list of celebrity doppelgangers. And yes, they attempt to solve one of the internet’s dumbest mysteries: did Rob Schneider secretly swap sketches for suplexes and join the WWE? The truth may disappoint you. [EP 359]

Nick kicks things off with Jack Godfrey, the creative force behind 42 Balloons—a musical inspired by the true story of Larry Walters, the guy who floated into the sky strapped to weather balloons. Now playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the show has been drawing buzz, and Jack shares how this wild tale took shape on stage.

Then Monica Eng from Axios Chicago swings by with her usual eclectic mix of stories. From citywide protests to the red carpet at the James Beard Awards, she’s been everywhere lately—even on those weird three-hour cruises where fans can awkwardly corner celebs. She also dishes on her latest run-ins riding the Red Line and weighs in on Jim’s new take on the Chicken Polish.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to unpack summer’s greatest discomforts. They cover the mysterious vanishing of windshield sunshades, patio furniture that brands your thighs, and the persistent agony of a hot butt. It’s a warm-weather rant session, complete with laughs and just a hint of sweat. [EP 358]

TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter drops by to talk all things television with Nick, starting with their predictions for the Top Chef finale. Dan also recaps the highs and lows of the Tony Awards, breaks down CNN’s broadcast of Goodnight and Good Luck, and reviews the new wave of streaming content—including Netflix’s moody procedural Dept. Q, Amazon’s The Better Sister starring Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks, and Julianne Moore’s twisted turn in Netflix’s dark comedy Sirens.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a lighter conversation about oversized dogs, summer art fairs, and the bizarre world of celebrity lookalikes who don’t resemble their supposed twins at all. [EP 357]