Published by Nick Digilio
Award-Winning, longtime Chicago radio personality Nick Digilio hosts this pop culture/entertainment podcast, featuring interviews, movie reviews and much more. Tuesdays & Fridays on the Radio Misfits Podcast Network
Listen on Apple Podcasts51 min
Recorded live at the 2026 Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, this special bonus episode finds Nick and Esmeralda Leon on stage with a lively audience sharing scary childhood memories, horror favorites, and plenty of laughs. The fun gets even better with a surprise appearance by Chicago horror legend Svengoolie. The show also welcomes the cast of the cult classic Night of the Creeps to the stage, including Jason Lively, Jill Whitlow, and the legendary Tom Atkins, as they celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary with stories, memories, and a terrific live conversation in front of an enthusiastic crowd. [Ep 478]
1 hr 53 min
Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to discuss the incredible box office success of The Odyssey, the latest movie trends, and several new releases, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Gregg Araki’s comedy I Want Your Sex, and the sci-fi family drama Sheep in a Box. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to recap the weekend at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention before the conversation turns to TV characters who were written off their shows because the actors were reportedly too difficult to work with. From Susan on Seinfeld to Chef on South Park, they look back at some of television’s most memorable behind-the-scenes exits. [Ep 477]
1 hr 51 min
Nick welcomes The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast to review several new shows, including Adult Swim’s President Curtis, the new Will Ferrell golf comedy The Hawk, Apple TV+’s Lucky starring Anya Taylor-Joy, and more. They also continue their bi-weekly coverage of Big Brother Season 28 with their latest thoughts on the houseguests and the game. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick as they get ready for the LIVE edition of The Nick D Podcast at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention. Along the way, they talk about tribute bands, the work of Stephen King, and more nightmare-inducing entertainment, including the unsettling 1972 documentary Future Shock, narrated by a truly terrifying Orson Welles. [Ep 476]
1 hr 37 min
Nick welcomes Mike Kerz, co-creator and co-founder of the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention and co-owner of the Midway Drive-In Theater in Dixon, Illinois, back to the podcast. Mike and Nick look back at Flashback Weekend’s 24-year history, from its beginnings to memorable conventions and celebrity guests, before previewing everything happening at this year’s event. They also talk about featured guests including David Arquette, Jane Levy, David Naughton, Dermot Mulroney, and Chicago’s own Svengoolie, along with special events coming up at the Midway Drive-In. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick as they continue revisiting the movies and TV moments that have haunted them since childhood. This time, the conversation takes an unexpectedly emotional turn with one of the most heartbreaking episodes of Futurama, featuring everyone’s favorite loyal dog, Seymour. [Ep 475]
1 hr 43 min
Nick is joined by legendary stuntman and actor Dick Warlock, whose remarkable career included stunt work and stunt coordination on more than 175 films. From the 1960s through his retirement after Spider-Man in 2002, Dick doubled for Kurt Russell for decades and famously portrayed Michael Myers in Halloween II. He shares stories from his incredible career, talks about his upcoming appearance at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, and discusses his new autobiography, Dick Warlock: The Shape of My Career. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick as they continue their countdown to Flashback Weekend with another fun conversation about the movies and TV shows that terrified kids for generations. [Ep 474]
1 hr 57 min
Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to break down the latest box office numbers, talk about current movie trends, and review several new releases, including Evil Dead Burn, Moana, and one of the year’s most anticipated films, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick as they continue getting ready for Flashback Weekend by revisiting more childhood movie and TV moments that left lasting scars. From Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Ernest Scared Stupid to the unforgettable talking toilets from Look Who’s Talking Too, Rick and Morty, and even Better Call Saul, they discover that some things are just as disturbing the second time around. [Ep 473]
1 hr 53 min
Nick welcomes The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast to review the new Little House on the Prairie reboot and Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness starring Larry David. They also break down the 2026 Emmy nominations, discussing the biggest surprises, the most obvious picks, and a few notable snubs. Plus, Nick and Dan kick off their bi-weekly coverage of Big Brother. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to recap their weekends, talk about the upcoming Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, and revisit some of the movies and TV shows that traumatized them growing up. That includes a spirited discussion about just how terrifying Dumbo really is. Seriously. [Ep 472]
1 hr 41 min
Nick welcomes journalist Monica Eng from Axios Chicago back to the podcast to talk about some of the stories she’s been covering, including great new places to eat in Harbor Country, how police are responding to teen takeovers, the possibility of moving the Pride Parade downtown, refreshing cold soup recipes, and why Lake Michigan stays so unbelievably cold. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up before diving into anthology TV shows like Tales from the Crypt and the creepy Mexican series La Hora Marcada. They also revisit some of the movie and TV moments that traumatized them as kids, and even as adults, including the shoe scene in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Beast from The Sandlot, and, of course, The Brave Little Toaster. [Ep 471]
1 hr 55 min
In his monthly “For The People” edition, Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum, back to the podcast to cover the latest consumer news. They discuss what outlet malls are really selling, the newest tricks cybercriminals are using, how to avoid costly overdraft fees, and debunk a few common gas-saving myths. Later, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to talk about the end of Polestar, the forgotten story of AvtoVAZ, the bizarre automotive product Motor Honey, and why cigarette lighters have disappeared from new cars, even though there’s still a way to get one. Plus, another round of #StarSpotter, #MysteryShow, and more. [Ep 470]
1 hr 55 min
Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to talk about the latest box office news and trends before diving into a new batch of movie reviews. This time they cover the newest entry in the animated franchise Minions and Monsters, the dark comedy The Invite, the campy melodrama Maddie’s Secret, which lands on the list of the year’s worst, and the historical epic Young Washington. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about the summer heat and somehow ends up deep in the complicated history of mules and donkeys. Then it’s round two of terrible TV shows based on good movies, including the forgotten TV versions of Serpico and The Outsiders. Yes, they were real. And yes, there’s a quiz. [Ep 469]
1 hr 47 min
Nick welcomes food writer and horror fan Marnie Shure back for her monthly visit, which includes her review of the new horror hit Backrooms and a funny story about the surprise box office success of Obsession. They also talk about the world of Mortified, the growing trend of government-owned grocery stores, something that may be coming to Illinois, and more. Marnie also shares her thoughts on the wildly popular new Hello Kitty Cafe in downtown Chicago. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to look back at some pretty terrible TV adaptations of great movies, including Heathers, Clueless, and 9 to 5. They even revisit the forgotten TV version of Weird Science, which somehow leads to a quiz. [Ep 468]
1 hr 46 min
Nick welcomes radio producer and film fanatic Tom Hush back to the podcast for another funny, smart, and gloriously weird edition of Theater of Trash. This time, Tom takes apart and celebrates the wild Bollywood film Mahakaal, a movie often described as Nightmare on Elm Street meets Grease. As always, Tom digs into what makes this oddball cult favorite work, and why it deserves a second look. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about some of the hidden gems streaming on Tubi and Pluto TV, including the British series Brassic and the unforgettable TV movie about Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. They also get into real-life celebrity fights, from Steven Seagal vs. John Leguizamo to Brad Pitt vs. Shia LaBeouf and Rob Lowe vs. Tom Cruise. Plenty of punches, and plenty of laughs. [Ep 467]
1 hr 51 min
Nick welcomes The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back for another deep dive into what’s happening on television. They wrap up the 23rd season of Top Chef and review new shows including House of the Dragon Season 3, the thriller The Listeners starring Rebecca Hall, and the documentary Playing POTUS. Nick and Dan also take time to reflect on the remarkable career of legendary TV director and producer James Burrows following his passing. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another wild round of Pop Culture Trivia Madness with the return of British bon vivant and game show host Slap Slapply. Along the way, we learn the name of Slap’s father and finally find out what K.I.T. stands for in Knight Rider. As always, chaos and laughs are guaranteed. [Ep 466]
1 hr 52 min
Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast for their latest movie reviews and a look at the current box office. They break down some of the big new releases, including the fantastic Pixar sequel Toy Story 5, the dark Hugh Jackman adventure The Death of Robin Hood, the teen drama Girls Like Girls, and the horror film Leviticus. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up on listener emails before diving into a fun conversation about some of the worst movie reboots and remakes ever made. That includes Planet of the Apes with Mark Wahlberg and the gloriously over-the-top Wicker Man with Nicolas Cage…and yes, the bees. Not the bees. [Ep 465]
1 hr 53 min
Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com back to the podcast to talk about the new Earth, Wind & Fire documentary and his recent interviews with Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil and Jon Spencer of The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. They also review recent concerts by George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, Phil Manzanera, and Santana with The Doobie Brothers. Along the way, they discuss the parking headaches at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre and the troubling trend of outdoor venues keeping shows going during dangerous weather. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to read listener emails and talk about the new Martin Short documentary. That conversation leads to a deep dive into some of Short’s wildest work, including the cult favorite Clifford. They also chat about Top Gun, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and a handful of other topics that somehow all connect by the end. Trust us, it makes sense when you hear it. [Ep 464]
1 hr 46 min
Nick welcomes journalist Monica Eng back to the podcast to talk about some of the stories she’s been covering for Axios Chicago, including the latest developments in Chicago politics, Governor Pritzker’s views on data centers and their environmental impact, Pilates classes that can help get you in shape, the growing concerns surrounding e-scooter safety, great local food, Lake Michigan dips, and more. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another round of kids’ TV trivia, where they figure out who Skeeter Valentine is and come to the conclusion that That’s So Raven is basically The Dead Zone for kids. They also chat about the differences between wallabies and kangaroos, Chicago’s brutal weather, and a variety of other wonderfully random topics. [Ep 463]
1 hr 47 min
Nick welcomes The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast to talk about the latest television news, recap the Tony Awards, and catch up on Top Chef. They also discuss a couple of reality shows they believe are broken, along with some ideas on how to fix them. Dan reviews two new documentaries, one about the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire and another about Mario Cuomo, and shares his thoughts on the new Cape Fear miniseries starring Amy Adams and Javier Bardem. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to recap the weekend, talk about some great tribute bands, and take a quiz on weird and memorable kids’ TV shows. From Kim Possible to Dexter’s Laboratory and beyond, it’s a fun trip down memory lane with plenty of laughs along the way. [Ep 462]
1 hr 53 min
Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to talk about the surprising box office success of a pair of independent horror films, a new music documentary on HBO, and several new releases, including Masters of the Universe, Carolina Caroline, Backrooms, and more. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a conversation about generational differences, the oddball movie 8 Million Ways to Die, and the Scary Movie franchise. They also come to the unsettling realization that Trainspotting is now 30 years old. That leads to a hilarious discussion about aging, cultural references that no longer land, and the fact that far too many people have no idea who the Wu-Tang Clan or Foster Brooks are. [Ep 461]
1 hr 50 min
In this “For The People” edition, Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, back to the podcast to discuss odometer fraud in used car sales, dealing with debt collectors, and the challenges travelers are facing, including higher airfares, rising fees, fewer flight options, and more. Later, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to answer listener questions, review some of the latest vehicles he’s been test-driving, and talk about the shrinking supply of synthetic oils due to the war in Iran. They also say goodbye to the first Lexus, discuss the tiny Fiat Topolino, and cover plenty more automotive topics. Plus, there are new rounds of #StarSpotter and #MysteryShow. [Ep 460]
1 hr 45 min
Nick welcomes The Movie Mom herself, Nell Minow, back to the podcast to talk about the latest happenings in Washington, D.C., her recent appearance on CNBC, and the film festivals she’ll be attending. They also review several new movies, including Pressure, The Sheep Detectives, Power Ballad, and more. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about their weekend plans before diving into the world of reboots. They discuss the new Mortal Kombat, revisit the wildly ambitious and completely unpredictable 2017 revival of Twin Peaks, and Esma breaks down one of the strangest entries in the X-Files reboot, featuring Mulder and Scully investigating the bizarre case of The Were-Monster. [Ep 459]