Nick welcomes food writer/editor Marnie Shure to the podcast to discuss the Joey Chestnut drama—he was booted from the July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest! They also talk about the latest list of America’s Top Chain Restaurants and emphasize how food pantries need help all year long, not just during the holidays. Marnie provides a Horror Report and shares a tale about the new Reese’s Jumbo Cup.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about some of the CBS shows she’s currently enjoying and to answer some trivia questions about the 2000s, involving Blu-Rays, Ugg Boots, and Jim Carrey. You’ll also learn exactly who “Big Boobs McGee” is and get a taste review of some new snacks from the UK. [EP257]

Nick welcomes ‘Hollywood Reporter’ TV critic Dan Fienberg to discuss the latest in television news. They catch up on the most recent episodes of “Evil” and have an in-depth discussion about the entire season and the finale of “Top Chef.” Dan also reviews “Orphan Black Echoes,” “America’s Sweethearts: The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders,” and the new superhero drama “Supacell.”

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the rookie cop on Long Island who busted Justin Timberlake, and the farewell tour of Cyndi Lauper. Nick also finishes quizzing Esma on her knowledge of the UK, and they both enjoy some tasty snacks from the region. [EP256]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest movies: “The Bikeriders” featuring Austin Butler, Russell Crowe in “The Exorcism,” June Squibb as the charming “Thelma,” and “Kinds of Kindness” from the director and stars of “Poor Things.” They also discuss the upcoming renovations for The Music Box Theatre, including new seats and carpets, and a local movie that is generating a lot of buzz.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to begin their culinary tour of the United Kingdom, starting with lamb-flavored crisps and blackcurrant-flavored candies. Nick also challenges Esma with a tough quiz about the UK, featuring questions about a brave dog, a poison garden, and the term “Butt” used to describe good friends in Wales. [EP255]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes & The Daily Herald to discuss some memorable concerts he’s attended, like an annoying James Taylor with his bad jokes, and an incredible performance by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss. They also talk about Jim’s interviews with notable figures like Mickey Hart from The Grateful Dead and Michael Richards from “Seinfeld.” Plus, they share stories about Jim hanging out with Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and bond over their mutual dislike for The Eagles.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about some disaster movies she’s caught up on, including “Leviathan,” “Dante’s Peak,” “Deep Impact,” and “The Day After Tomorrow.” Nick warns Esma about the complete (but hilarious) idiocy of “Beyond the Poseidon Adventure” and shares his thoughts on cicadas. They also wrap up their snack tour of Thailand with some tasty coconut chips. [EP254]

In this jam-packed episode, Nick welcomes Mike Kerz, the owner/operator of The Midway Drive-In in Dixon, IL. They discuss the new website driveinsnearme.com, the exciting summer events at the Midway, and the impressive lineup of guests for this year’s Flashback Weekend Horror Convention.

Then, journalist, podcaster, writer, and filmmaker Amy Guth joins Nick to share her latest adventures in L.A., including visiting the grave of a distant movie-star relative, encounters with screaming and fornicating cicadas, unique film festival stories, and more.

Finally, Esmeralda Leon and Nick preview this year’s Riot Fest schedule, which boasts an incredible lineup. They talk about the festival’s venue change and highlight some of the cool events happening at Ravinia this year. Plus, they continue their food tour of the region with more snacks from Thailand. [EP253]

Nick’s guest on this episode is TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter. They discuss the new HBO documentary “Ren Faire,” the FX/Hulu drama “Clipped” about the L.A. Clippers, the quirky comedy “Fantasmas,” and the latest version of “Presumed Innocent” featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard. Dan also shares his experiences from the ATX TV Festival, where he hosted several panels, and they chat about the latest episodes of “Evil.”

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to reminisce about the glory days of MTV and VH1, recalling shows like “Punk’d,” “Flavor of Love,” and “I Married a Brady.” They also laugh about Esma’s teenage crush on Leonardo DiCaprio and some hilarious celebrity pranks. While enjoying some fried Thai seaweed, they both agree that 61-year-old Anthony Kiedis should stop dating 19-year-olds.[EP252]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to talk about the Godzilla-Fest happening at The Music Box Theatre, and review some new movies including the latest Richard Linklater comedy “Hit Man,” the horror film from the daughter of M. Night Shyamalan called “The Watchers,” and what could very well be the worst movie of this (or any) year: “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick chat about appointment TV, Jason Skaggs Cicadas, flying killer spiders, and the fact that Esma is all “Duned out.” They also continue their Universal Yums Thailand snack tasting, with some sweet and spicy shrimp chips. [EP250]

In this “For The People” episode, Nick talks with The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum, from Checkbook.org, about many stories including: smart ways to purchase a car, new rules concerning Buy Now Pay Later outfits, the latest news in the world of airlines (like giving refunds and providing information on all hidden fees), and putting a much needed cap on credit card late fees. Then, Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to cover all things car-related like: the tanking of Tesla, a review of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, a look back at the hilarious 1973 ad for the Dodge Dart Rallye, and Tom recites an original poem he wrote about the beloved Chevy Malibu. Plus, another round of “Starspotter” and “Mystery Show.” [EP250]

Nick welcomes Monica Eng, from Axios.com, back to the podcast to discuss several Chicago-centric stories like: segregation in the CPS, a huge surge in Chicago biking (and personal stories about bike lanes and traffic), a report on the CTA, a brief history of Chinese food on the Southside, and a cicada report which includes stories of Sex Crazed Zombie Cicadas that are terrorizing the city (well, they’re not really terrorizing the city…but, they do actually exist!). Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about goofy celebrities who like to pull crazy pranks (we’re looking at you George Clooney), and they continue their taste-testing of snacks from Thailand. And Nick gives you the details about his upcoming screening of The Who’s TOMMY at the Lake Theater in Oak Park, IL. [EP249]

Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, joins Nick to talk about two Disney+ documentaries: “Jim Henson: Idea Man” and “The Beach Boys” (which leads to a conversation about Nick’s obsession with the movie “Congo!”), the season finale of “Saturday Night Live” with Jake Gyllenhaal is discussed, as is the return of one of the best shows on television: “Evil” on Paramount+. They also preview the ATX TV Festival in Austin, and have some fun with how much Dan hates Elmo. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about the movie “Garfield,” which leads to a detailed and hilarious discussion about the TV show “Dilbert” and the UPN television network and their insane shows like “Shasta McNasty,” “Homeboys From Outer Space,” and more….including a wacky sitcom about a kooky slave hanging out with a goofy Abraham Lincoln (it’s a real show…look it up), and the Thailand taste-testing continues. [EP248]