In this “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum to the podcast. The contributor to Checkbook.org and consumer activist, talks with Nick about what to expect from your tax returns this year, a new rule to limit excessive overdraft fees, how to shop for a gym membership, and how to audit your digital subscriptions. Then, car guy Tom Appel, publisher of “Consumer Guide Automotive,” joins Nick to chat about the Tesla charging stations disaster, a classic 1982 car ad from Cadillac, the forgotten concept of the Toyota Pod, and they do another hilarious round of “StarSpotter” and “Mystery Show.” All of this, while saving you tons of money. [EP217]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy, fresh from their visit to The 40th Annual Sundance Film Festival, to discuss the best and worst movies they saw at the fest, and when the public will get a chance see them. Nick and the guys also review the terrible new action movie/spy farce “Argylle,” and the Netflix documentary “The Greatest Night in Pop,” which is about the recording of the all-star classic “We Are the World.” Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick continue their culinary snack tour of Poland, and chat about more beloved celebrities, which includes stories about Esma being in an elevator with Paul Rudd, Dolly Parton’s weird love interests in bad movies, and you will also discover why you MUST “drink the juice!!!” [EP216]

Nick talks about the Oscar nominations in a special extended segment that covers the snubs, the surprises, the weird choices, his predictions (and personal choices), and much more. He also reads the fun reactions from nominees like Paul Giamatti, Martin Scorsese, Emily Blunt, Jodie Foster, Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, among others. Oscar time is here….time to complain, laugh, celebrate and get angry (it happens every year). Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick chat about old Nickleodeon kids shows, celebrites that everyone loves (like Alan Rickman, Mr. Rogers and Betty White to name a few), and they continue their taste-testing of Polish snacks with some lemon cookies and some paprika flavored peanuts. [EP215]

Nick is joined by brilliant, hilarious and entertaining podcaster/filmmaker/journalist Amy Guth to talk about her latest adventures in Hollywood, discovering things on TikTok that actually aren’t stupid, the delightful process of scouting cool locations for movies, spreadsheeting your life, and, they talk about the times when Amy had to navigate the early days of social media and technology in journalism. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick chat about the latest internet/social media craze: The Rat Hole in Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood (or is it a Frog Hole?), and they remember Chance The Snapper, an alligator who was trapped in Humboldt Park in 2019. Nick and Esma also begin their snack tour of Poland by sampling some scary monster chips, and a marshmallowy chocolate candy bar. [Ep214]

Nick welcomes TV critic from The Holly wood Reporter and The Fien Print, Dan Fienberg to the podcast to talk about the Emmys, the finales of a couple of terrific (and strange) shows, the new mini-series about Sam Spade starring Clive Owen and much more. Then Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about having witty retorts, some classic Mad Magazine features and artists, and the unique snacks of Spain as they continue their fun taste tests. [Ep213]

Nick welcomes the incredible actor and amazing storyteller Stephen Tobolowsky back to the podcast to chat about his upcoming appearance in Chicago to celebrate the movie “Groundhog Day” (in which he plays Needlenose Ned Ryerson!) and the great Harold Ramis. Tobo also remembers the legendary Norman Lear with personal stories about working with the television icon (including an absolutely beautiful story about spending a very special Yom Kippur with Norman) and how his work, along with Ramis’, changed the entertainment world as we know it. Stephen also has time to talk about working with Christopher Nolan, getting kneed in the nuts by Bridget Fonda, and playing “Porn Clerk” opposite O.J. Simpson. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick have fun talking about dogs, dog-poop bag dispensers, feeding pets, and how being cold in Chicago is actually no big deal.  [Ep212]

Nick chats with Marnie Shure from the food website “The Takeout,”. They dive into the discontinuation of some awesome gum and the mystery of blurry Sweetheart Candies. They also tackle the Worst Grocery Products of 2023 and Nick finally figures out what these Stanley Cup things are (hint: they’re not about the NHL). Next, Esmeralda Leon joins the fun, taste-testing her way through Spain with Nick. They also laugh at the sheer silliness in the world and discuss cartoon character Chilly Willy’s scary, intense obsession with pancakes. [Ep211]

Nick welcomes Axios Chicago’s Monica Eng to the podcast to chat about a ton of interesting stuff, including Italian beef quiche; Chicago’s composting program; hot tub river rafting; the year in food 2023, and much more. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to give a Michael Bolton update, discuss how to use air freshener like a “professional,” and to chew your food properly. Esma also tells a hilarious story involving “Fight Club” and R2D2, and she taste tests some cool snacks from Spain. [Ep210]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, to talk about the latest in television including: this season of “Fargo” with Jon Hamm, and the new season of “True Detective” with Jodie Foster. They also discuss the horrendous Golden Globes broadcast from this past weekend which featured a bad host, ridiculous new categories, disappointing winners, and more uncomfortable moments than ever before. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to also slam the Globes, talk about smoking in the 70’s, drinking before school, partying with your parents, and, Esma taste-tests some wild snacks from around the world. [Ep209]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast, to unveil their lists of the Best and Worst movies of 2023, and talk about the hits, the bombs, and the trends of a very unique year at the movies. From the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon to the cultural shifts, and movies under the radar and more, it is all covered. You will hear Erik, Steve and Nick’s choices for the best, worst and most unforgettable films of 2023. It is a special extended edition of the Nick D Podcast wrapping up the film year. [Ep208]