
Hosted by Nick Digilio · EN

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Nick welcomes Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter, back to the podcast to catch up on the latest episodes of Top Chef and break down the season finale of SNL. Dan also reviews Spider-Noir, starring a wonderfully unhinged Nicolas Cage, and joins Nick for a conversation about Stephen Colbert’s final Late Show, his legacy, and what the future may hold for late-night television. Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick take a trip back to some of the creepiest kids’ shows ever made. From The Doodlebops and The Teletubbies to H.R. Pufnstuf, they revisit the childhood nightmares that somehow passed as entertainment, including Witchiepoo, who may be the most terrifying character in children’s television history. [Ep 458]