Nick welcomes Monica Eng from Axios Chicago to the podcast to discuss some of her latest stories, including the challenges undocumented people are facing with ICE, how the Mayor fared on his recent trip to D.C., and whether Rahm Emanuel is really staging a political comeback. They also dive into Fat Tuesday treats, top-tier fish sandwiches, the best ripple chips, and a new slang term the kids are using for hot dogs.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the wild weather, the adventure of getting a Real ID before the deadline, and, of course, the rising use of the word “Glizzy” to describe a hot dog. They also explore other hilariously misleading food terms in a fun, fast-moving conversation. [Ep 330]

In this For the People episode, Nick welcomes the Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum, to discuss the growing frustration over grocery store digital discount errors and the chaos they’re causing at some supermarkets. They also dive into the possible consequences of Trump dismantling the CFPB and what that could mean for consumers. Plus, Herb shares inspiring success stories of people who have managed to get out of debt.

Then, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to recap the Chicago Auto Show, take a nostalgic look back at the most expensive American coupes of 1976, and answer a seemingly simple but often misunderstood question: What exactly is a hybrid?

They wrap things up with another round of Starspotter and Mystery Show. [Ep 329]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest releases, Riff Raff starring Bill Murray and Last Breath with Woody Harrelson. They also break down their predictions for the major categories at the 2025 Oscars.

The conversation then shifts to a tribute to the legendary Gene Hackman, who passed away Thursday morning. They discuss his best performances, lasting impact on cinema, and much more.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to continue remembering Hackman while also diving into nostalgic TV talk, including Boy Meets World, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and other goofy shows from the past. They also look ahead to their own Oscar parties for the weekend. [Ep 328]

In this episode, Nick welcomes Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter, to discuss Awards Show Season, the upcoming SNL 50 Special, and more. Dan also reviews The Americas, a new documentary narrated by Tom Hanks, the Netflix political thriller Zero Day starring Robert De Niro, and the highly anticipated new season of The White Lotus.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to read an email from a listener who loves Keri Russell in The Americans. They also chat about the quirky Mattress Firm commercials featuring sleep-deprived jerks, reminisce about the classic show BJ and The Bear, and dive into one of TV’s greatest mysteries—what exactly happened to Chuck, the older brother from Happy Days, who mysteriously vanished after Season One? [Ep 327]

In this episode, Nick navigates the not-so-wonderful world of influenza while fueled by hefty doses of both DayQuil and NyQuil. Despite the fog, he welcomes Food Writer/Editor Marnie Shure back to the podcast for her latest Horror Report. They dive into creative fast-food hacks, including how to transform the Wendy’s menu into a towering 9-patty burger. They also chat about Waffle House’s controversial egg surcharge and the surprisingly effective use of candle warmers to melt chocolate. Plus, there’s a taste test of some new seasonal marshmallow Peeps flavors—just in time for spring.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about home remedies for the flu and how entertainment has evolved over the years. They discuss the endless stream of movie remakes, the lingering presence of 3-D films, and the shocking affordability of modern TVs. [Ep 326]

Nick welcomes the amazing Amy Guth to the podcast to talk about her many projects, including her podcasts, films, and website. They also discuss her upcoming trip to Berlin for the Berlin Film Festival and much more.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a fun dive into pop culture mistakes and surprising predictions—including how Airplane II: The Sequel eerily foresaw full-body scans at airport security. [Ep 325]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest movie releases, including the new Marvel adventure Captain America: Brave New World, the family-friendly sequel Paddington in Peru, and the Apple TV+ sci-fi thriller The Gorge.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about overhyped snowstorms, how Albert Brooks accidentally invented reality TV, and why Hackers might just be the most important film ever made. [Ep 324]

Nick welcomes back TV critic Dan Fienberg to break down the Super Bowl, from the halftime show and commercials to Tom Brady’s much-anticipated performance in the broadcast booth. Dan also reviews The Z-Suite from Tubi, Clean Slate with George Wallace, and more.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for more Super Bowl chatter, including the bizarre commercial featuring cowboy hats made of human skin and another with a seal—literally—with Seal the singer’s face. They also attempt to define what exactly a “rubberfaced fartsmith” is while uncovering more pop culture moments that predicted the future. [Ep 323]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan to the podcast to talk about his recent interviews with The Black Crowes, Paula Poundstone, and Rick Astley. Jim also reviews some standout concerts, including performances by Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Frank Black, and Zakk Sabbath. Plus, they dive into the world of wrestling with a discussion on the WWE Royal Rumble.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to explore pop culture moments that eerily predicted the future, from Star Trek inventing the iPad to Seinfeld foreshadowing a future McDonald’s menu item. They also wrap up their time-travel-themed taste testing with one final snack. [Ep 322]

In this “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, to answer consumer questions and discuss important updates, including changes for Tax Time, new breach data affecting credit freezes, MFA, and Pass Keys, and tips on how to get great Valentine’s Day flowers without overspending.

Then, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to talk about why the Cybertruck is already a flop, revisit a classic ad for the 1981 Ford LTD, and uncover why Nissan is keeping one of its 2025 models under wraps.

Plus, another round of Starspotter and Mystery Show! [Ep 321]