Later, Esmeralda Leon tells Nick all about Nourishing Hope, a wonderful organization where she has been volunteering that provides food and other vital services to those in need. They also chat about some great Korean food (including some incredible corn dogs) and taste test churros from the region. [Ep283]

Nick welcomes Nell Minow, The Movie Mom, back to the podcast to discuss new movies including *Wolfs*, *My Old Ass*, *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*, and *Transformers One*. They also delve into politics, the latest presidential debates, and a fascinating MAD Magazine museum exhibit, among other topics.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to wrap up their taste test of African snacks. They chat about people with “fragile eco-systems” and share stories about their favorite “Remote Droppers” — movies like *Hackers* and *My Cousin Vinny* that they can’t resist watching whenever they’re on TV. [Ep282]

Nick welcomes back Marnie Shure to the podcast for a fun chat about food, horror, and being “Mortified.” Marnie shares her thoughts on a couple of new horror movies she’s seen and discusses some futuristic fast-food drive-thrus that are being built, the introduction of the MINI-McFlurry, and the quirky fact that Shaq is now selling candy gummies shaped like his face. They also taste test a new Reese’s item.

Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to fulfill a Magic Megaphone request, chat about the Emmys, and discuss the desperate need for an animal-themed awards show. They also share stories about the joy of pissing off a nerd. The episode wraps up with more taste tests from their snack journey through Africa. [Ep280]

Nick talks with Mike Kerz from The Midway Drive-In in Dixon, IL, about their upcoming “Dusk Til Dawn Horror Movie Marathon,” which Nick will be hosting. Then, film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy join Nick to review new movies, including the horror remake “Speak No Evil” and Kevin Smith’s latest, “The 4:30 Movie.” Steve also gives an update on the Music Box Theatre’s new seats and redesign, while Erik reviews a slate of films he recently saw at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick discuss the differences between cats and dogs, share their thoughts on bad episodes of “The Simpsons,” and talk about how the much-maligned Nicole Kidman movie “Australia” has now been turned into an endless mini-series on Hulu. Plus, they enjoy some great snacks in this jam-packed episode. [Ep280]

Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from “The Hollywood Reporter” back to the podcast to review the new documentary about David Chase and “The Sopranos,” the all-star comedy mini-series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” and “Disclaimer” starring Cate Blanchett. Dan also previews this week’s Emmy Awards broadcast, making some predictions, while Nick chimes in with his thoughts on “Big Brother.”

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about The Outlaw Music Festival and other fun concerts they’ve attended. They also discuss the absolutely INSANE price for parking at Credit 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park and share stories about the creative ways drunk concertgoers manage bathroom breaks. Plus, they try another tasty snack from Africa. [Ep279]

Nick welcomes podcaster, writer, producer, broadcaster, and filmmaker Amy Guth to the podcast to chat about her latest travels and adventures in the film world. Amy recently played a corpse in a movie (and had an interesting drive home from the shoot) and continues to refine her unique method for fixing broken projects.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to discuss celebrities who hate some of their past work, including Edward Norton trashing “The Hulk,” Sean Connery slamming James Bond, and David Cross expressing his disdain for “The Chipmunks.” Plus, they continue their taste test journey with another snack treat from Africa. [Ep278]

In this “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, for his monthly visit to discuss topics like gas rewards for credit cards and new rules for flying commercially with kids. Then it’s time for the “Checkbook’s College of Consumer Knowledge Quiz,” where Herb tests Nick and Tom Hush’s knowledge of money and consumer-related topics.

The episode continues with a visit from Consumer Guide Automotive’s Tom Appel. Tom talks about the new VW electric van, the 2024 Subaru Outback XT, and takes a nostalgic look back at a hilarious 1964 Checker ad where they attempted to sell taxis to the general public. Plus, another edition of “Starspotter” and “Mystery Show.” [Ep277]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to review a few new films, including “Reagan,” “1992,” and “Slingshot.” They also discuss their favorite films of the summer of 2024.

Speaking of the summer of 2024, Esmeralda Leon fills Nick in on the season being dubbed “Ratboy Summer,” where celebrities who resemble sexy rodents have become all the rage. Members of the Hot Rodent club include Timothée Chalamet, Jeremy Allen White, Barry Keoghan, and the two leads from “Challengers.” Nick and Esma also continue their taste-testing journey with another snack from Africa. [Ep276]

Nick welcomes Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, to discuss the latest developments in “Big Brother” Season 26 and the entire run and series finale of “Evil.” Dan also reviews the new documentary “Chimp Crazy” and shares his thoughts on his favorite show right now, “Pachinko.” They talk about the disappointing summer TV season, the coverage of the DNC, Dan’s recent trip to New York, and much more.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to taste more snacks from Africa, take a fun quiz, and chat about those times when you go to a concert and find that the opening acts are better than the headliners. [Ep275]

Nick welcomes Dr. Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro back to the podcast to talk about the latest in pro wrestling. They dive into Roman Reigns’ return to WWE, the feud between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre, and the upcoming PPV in Berlin, among other topics. They also preview AEW’s big “All In” PPV happening in London, discussing stars like MJF, Toni Storm, The Learning Tree, and more.

Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a fun and hilarious chat as they begin their snack-filled journey through Africa. Along the way, they take a cool quiz and discover some incredible facts about the origins of bowling, eye makeup, breath mints, and much more. [Ep274]