
Hosted by Nick Digilio · EN

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]