Nick welcomes Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back to talk about the latest SNL UK episodes and catch up on Top Chef. Dan also shares his thoughts on several new shows, including the Netflix docuseries Hulk Hogan: Real American, the intense drama Half Man from Richard Gadd, the new season of Beef, and they revisit the documentary Lorne.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about finally seeing The Drama and loving every dark minute of it. From there, they circle back to some pop culture moments from the 90s and 00s that probably should have stayed in the past, including Oreo Barbie, Beanie Babies, and the phrase “going postal.” [Ep 450]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to review the latest releases, including Michael, the new biopic about the King of Pop, which does not exactly impress, the strange music fantasy Mother Mary with Anne Hathaway, the black comedy Over Your Dead Body, and the drama I Swear, about a man living with Tourette Syndrome. They also preview the movies and events coming to the 13th Annual Chicago Critics Film Festival at the Music Box Theatre this May.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another round of Pop Culture Trivia as they go head to head with British bon vivant and game show host Slap Slapply. It’s always a blast when Slap shows up. [Ep 449]

Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com back to the podcast to talk about some of the concerts he’s been to and the artists he’s interviewed. They get into shows from Brigitte Calls Me Baby at Thalia Hall, Throwing Muses at SPACE in Evanston, Billy Ocean at Rivers Casino, and Rick Springfield at the Genesee Theatre. They also share their thoughts on the latest Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, and they definitely have opinions.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up before delivering her full report on Coachella, which she experienced from her couch, also known as Couchella. She shares her thoughts on performances from Sabrina Carpenter, who brought out some unexpected guests, Fatboy Slim, and more. [Ep 448]

Nick welcomes Monica Eng to talk about a range of stories she’s been covering for Axios.com, including tipped minimum wage in Chicago, geriatric gymnastics, great happy hour deals around the city, the reopening of the beloved dance club Berlin, human composting, how to handle a flooded road, and more.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to revisit some pop culture moments from the 90s and 00s that probably should have stayed in the past. They get into things like French kissing Jar Jar Binks, the real dangers of Skydancers, the questionable haircuts and fat suits on Friends, and even Right Said Fred somehow being too sexy for their cat. [Ep 447]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter back to talk all things television. They catch up on the latest episodes of SNL and Top Chef, and dig into some of the newer shows Dan has reviewed, including the Malcolm in the Middle reunion, Dan Levy’s crime comedy Big Mistakes, the new season of Euphoria, The Testaments starring Chase Infiniti, and Margo’s Got Money Troubles with Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up before jumping into the Ultimate Fast-Food Quiz. They get into what “Animal Style” actually means, which fast-food chain once ran a 13-hour commercial, and which burger spot holds the title as the oldest in the world. It’s the kind of stuff that might actually make you interesting at your next dinner party. [Ep 446]

Nick is back with fellow film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review a new round of movies, including the video game-inspired horror film Exit 8, another take on Hamlet, the reboot Faces of Death, and the rom-com You, Me & Tuscany. They also talk about the current box office and what’s coming up at the Chicago Critics Film Festival.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up on how she celebrated her birthday before the conversation shifts into a fun run through some of the greatest movie one-liners ever, including “Leave the gun…take the cannoli” and “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn,” along with a few more favorites. [Ep 445]

Nick brings back The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum for a “For The People” installment, taking listener questions and digging through a few emails. Herb also breaks down some current scams targeting gig workers, shares timely tax tips, offers advice on avoiding fraud, and helps make sense of buying a new car or truck.

Later, Car Guy Tom Appel joins Nick to talk about recent recalls from Hyundai and Kia, the over-the-top features in the 2026 Lincoln Aviator Black Label, the largely forgotten Coda EV, and a look back at the 1958 Jeep Maverick. There’s also another round of #StarSpotter and #MysteryShow, along with the usual drift into some James Garner appreciation. [Ep 444]

Nick welcomes “The Movie Mom” Nell Minow back to the podcast to talk about what’s happening in Washington DC, some movie news, and a preview of this year’s EbertFest, including special screenings and featured guests. They also get into the new film The Drama, the horror documentary 1000 Women in Horror, and Nell shares details from her interview with the composer and screenwriter behind Project Hail Mary.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up, take a few shots at the nonsense of April Fool’s Day, and talk about their Easter plans. That leads into a conversation about some of the strangest Easter traditions around the world, including whipping women for health and even the legend of the Easter Witch. [Ep 443]

Nick is joined by food writer and horror fan Marnie Shure to talk food, movies, and a few unexpected topics along the way. Marnie kicks things off with her monthly Horror Report, where she and Nick get into Send Help and Undertone. From there, she shares some insight into what makes Kikkoman’s soy sauce work, offers tips on saving money on produce, and talks about the upcoming Mortified show in April, which will benefit the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to revisit a couple of overlooked films, including Things Change with Don Ameche and Capricorn One starring James Brolin. That conversation somehow turns into a deep dive on some of the more unconventional sex symbols of the 70s, with Elliott Gould, Donald Sutherland, and a whole era of shaggy, cigarette-smoking leading men getting their moment. [Ep 442]

Nick brings film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the show to break down a batch of new movies, including They Will Kill You, Forbidden Fruits, The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist, and another fashion documentary, Marc By Sofia. Erik also shares a few highlights from what he caught at the SXSW Film Festival.

Later on, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about the classic TV special Scared Straight and react to a subscriber voicemail that somehow connects basketball and vasectomies. From there, things take a turn into Muppet territory, with both of them diving into their favorites, with Esma picking Rowlf and Nick going with Grover, along with some thoughts on the stranger imaginary characters and where they all came from. They even get into the living arrangements on Sesame Street, questioning whether Bert and Ernie are in a house or an apartment, and pointing out that Oscar might have the nicest setup of all for someone living in a trash can. [Ep 441]