Nick is joined once again by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for another round of movie talk and box office breakdowns. They look at the sluggish November numbers and review several new releases, including “Rental Family” starring Brendan Fraser, the long-awaited sequel to “Wicked,” George Clooney’s tense drama “Jay Kelly,” and the over-the-top action spectacle “Sisu: Road to Revenge.”

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to spread the word about an upcoming holiday food drive on Chicago’s northwest side. The two then dive into some more pop culture nostalgia with Bond movies, spooky 90s TV classics like “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” and “Eerie, Indiana,” and plenty of laughs along the way. [Ep 405]

Nick welcomes Nell Minow, The Movie Mom, back to the show for a lively mix of politics, pop culture, and film talk. They break down the latest political headlines from D.C., including reactions to the recent elections and Elon Musk’s absurd pay package, before diving into Nell’s brand-new book, Low Information. Nell also shares insights from her interview with the composer of the new “Knives Out” movie, her article celebrating the 50th anniversary of Siskel & Ebert, and her thoughts on a slate of current releases.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another nostalgic pop culture deep dive — from Bond movies and a bizarre “Suddenly Susan” episode featuring Warren Zevon, to some truly forgotten relics of 90s TV like Northern Exposure, Two of a Kind, The Sifl and Olly Show, and the inexplicable MacGruder & Loud. [Ep 404]

Music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com returns to talk tunes, tours, and rock history with Nick. They recap highlights from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, dig into a new book about Pearl Jam, and catch up on the latest music news. Jim also reviews a few standout live shows, including Howl Owl Howl, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band at the Arcada Theatre, and Bryan Adams & Pat Benatar rocking the Allstate Arena.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another wild round of ‘80s & ‘90s Trivia Madness, hosted by everyone’s favorite British bon vivant Slap Slapply, who brings chaos, charm, and a few new ridiculous questions from across time and space. [Ep 403]

Nick welcomes Dan Fienberg, TV critic for The Hollywood Reporter, back to the podcast for another round of sharp television talk. They dive into the most recent Saturday Night Live episodes and the latest TV news before Dan reviews several new releases, including Vince Gilligan’s sci-fi comedy “Pluribus” starring Rhea Seehorn, Emma Thompson’s mystery “Down Cemetery Road,” Netflix’s tense thriller “Death By Lightning” featuring Michael Shannon, and Ken Burns’ sweeping new documentary on the American Revolution.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to discuss James Bond films and her volunteer work with Nourishing Hope, a Chicago-based organization providing food, mental health counseling, and other essential services for people in need. They also talk about the strain caused by the ongoing SNAP program disruptions during the government shutdown and how listeners can help support the effort.

It’s a thoughtful mix of pop culture, compassion, and classic Nick & Esma chemistry.[Ep 402]

Nick is joined once again by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for another round of sharp movie talk and box office insight. They review a packed slate of new releases, including Guillermo del Toro’s bold new take on “Frankenstein,” the latest entry in the “Predator” saga, the Sydney Sweeney boxing biopic “Christy,” and Jennifer Lawrence’s gripping psychological drama “Die My Love.”

Later, Esmeralda Leon returns to share stories from the David Byrne concert she just attended — a wild, inspiring spectacle only Byrne could deliver. From there, she and Nick take a nostalgic detour through some of the weirdest, most obscure TV shows of the 1990s, like “Out of This World,” “Unhappily Ever After,” “Teen Angel,” and the unforgettable musical police drama “Cop Rock.”

It’s movies, music, and misfit television — all in one hilarious, high-energy episode. [Ep 401]

It’s another “For The People” episode, as Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, to break down the latest consumer news and scams you need to know about. Herb explains why cryptocurrency remains a high-risk gamble, how long-term car loans can quietly drain your wallet, and the growing problem of fake loan approval robocalls targeting unsuspecting borrowers.

Then, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins the show to talk about tariffs, EV developments, and auto industry layoffs. They also dive into the bizarre world of new Lexus van designs, discuss the end of Apple CarPlay, and revisit two unforgettable vintage car ads — the “magic” power steering of the 1952 DeSoto and the shockingly seductive 1978 Gremlin.

Finally, Nick and Tom wrap things up with another fun round of #StarSpotter and #MysteryShow. [Ep 400]

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]