show episodes
 
Formerly the Find Your Forte podcast - Step up to the podium with purpose and make the most of your public or private school's choral program with solutions you never saw coming! Join Choir Ninja, Ryan Guth as he brings you weekly interviews with veteran in-the-trenches choral directors on how to manage your choir, teach concepts like sight-singing and group vocal technique, market your program, and help inspire a love of choral music in your students each day.
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show series
 
In this special episode, Nick and Esmeralda Leon host a LIVE version of “The Nick D Podcast” from the stage at The Flashback Weekend Horror Convention. They discuss the scariest movies and scenes of all time with the enthusiastic crowd and receive a cool visit from the legendary Rich Koz, who chats about his 45 years as Svengoolie and more. Then, D…
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Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review some new movies, including the true story of Northern Ireland’s most notorious hip-hop act, “Kneecap.” They also review the coming-of-age comedy “Didi” and the prison drama “Sing Sing.” Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a final preview of the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention…
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Nick welcomes the multi-talented Amy Guth to the podcast to discuss her latest adventures in L.A., including being cast in a movie as a mom, which fulfills her wish of “dying on screen.” Amy also talks about her latest podcasts, the strangeness of being fired, how NOT to sabotage your own movie projects, and her experience of being bitten by a dog.…
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Nick welcomes food writer Marnie Shure from “Food and Wine” to discuss the latest horror movies she’s seen, including the newest “A Quiet Place” film and a creepy alien invasion flick. Then, they dive into some cool food stories, like the news that Japanese 7-Eleven stores are coming to the US, the surprising revelation that the best lunch deal in …
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Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to discuss the latest episodes of “Evil,” the brand-new season of CBS’s “Big Brother,” and dive deep into the Emmy nominations that were announced last week. They also take a moment to remember the legendary television icon Bob Newhart, who passed away on July 18th at the age of 94. T…
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Nick reviews the big summer disaster sequel “Twisters,” and then welcomes the terrific character actor and filmmaker Ted Raimi to the podcast. They talk about Ted’s upcoming appearance at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention and delve into the world of the “convention circuit.” Ted shares insights about his early theater work and his outstanding…
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Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan back to the podcast to talk about some of his recent interviews with Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons and the band Rise Against. They also discuss the recent Rolling Stones concert in Chicago, the Billy Joel/Stevie Nicks show at Soldier Field, Roger Daltrey at Ravinia, and more. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick…
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Nick is unbelievably thrilled to welcome legendary actress Adrienne Barbeau to the podcast to talk about her incredible career and her upcoming appearance at The Flashback Weekend Horror Convention in Rosemont, Illinois. Nick and Adrienne discuss her performances in classic movies such as “Escape from New York,” “Creepshow,” “Back to School,” and m…
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Since we are halfway through the year, Nick reveals his lists of the Best and Worst Movies of 2024 so far in this episode. He also welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter, who shares his list of the best TV of the year so far. Nick and Dan discuss the new season of “The Bear,” Amazon’s “Sausage Party,” and “Sunny” starring Rashi…
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Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to review all the new movies. They share their thoughts on Eddie Murphy’s return in the (AWFUL) “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” the two very good horror sequels “MaXXXine” and “A Quiet Place: Day One,” and an insane, brutal, and awesome action film from India simply called…
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In the latest “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes Herb “The Consumerman” Weisbaum from Checkbook.org to provide some straight talk about nutritional supplements, information about medical debt being wiped from your credit score, how scammers are sending bogus texts about unpaid tolls, and where to find the most reliable movers. Then, Tom Appel …
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Nick welcomes food writer/editor Marnie Shure to the podcast to discuss the Joey Chestnut drama—he was booted from the July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest! They also talk about the latest list of America’s Top Chain Restaurants and emphasize how food pantries need help all year long, not just during the holidays. Marnie provides a Horror Report and sha…
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Nick welcomes ‘Hollywood Reporter’ TV critic Dan Fienberg to discuss the latest in television news. They catch up on the most recent episodes of “Evil” and have an in-depth discussion about the entire season and the finale of “Top Chef.” Dan also reviews “Orphan Black Echoes,” “America’s Sweethearts: The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders,” and the new sup…
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Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest movies: “The Bikeriders” featuring Austin Butler, Russell Crowe in “The Exorcism,” June Squibb as the charming “Thelma,” and “Kinds of Kindness” from the director and stars of “Poor Things.” They also discuss the upcoming renovations for The Music Box Theatre, includin…
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Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes & The Daily Herald to discuss some memorable concerts he’s attended, like an annoying James Taylor with his bad jokes, and an incredible performance by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss. They also talk about Jim’s interviews with notable figures like Mickey Hart from The Grateful Dead and Michael Richa…
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In this jam-packed episode, Nick welcomes Mike Kerz, the owner/operator of The Midway Drive-In in Dixon, IL. They discuss the new website driveinsnearme.com, the exciting summer events at the Midway, and the impressive lineup of guests for this year’s Flashback Weekend Horror Convention. Then, journalist, podcaster, writer, and filmmaker Amy Guth j…
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Nick’s guest on this episode is TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter. They discuss the new HBO documentary “Ren Faire,” the FX/Hulu drama “Clipped” about the L.A. Clippers, the quirky comedy “Fantasmas,” and the latest version of “Presumed Innocent” featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard. Dan also shares his experiences from th…
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Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to talk about the Godzilla-Fest happening at The Music Box Theatre, and review some new movies including the latest Richard Linklater comedy “Hit Man,” the horror film from the daughter of M. Night Shyamalan called “The Watchers,” and what could very well be the worst movie …
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In this “For The People” episode, Nick talks with The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum, from Checkbook.org, about many stories including: smart ways to purchase a car, new rules concerning Buy Now Pay Later outfits, the latest news in the world of airlines (like giving refunds and providing information on all hidden fees), and putting a much needed cap on…
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Nick welcomes Monica Eng, from Axios.com, back to the podcast to discuss several Chicago-centric stories like: segregation in the CPS, a huge surge in Chicago biking (and personal stories about bike lanes and traffic), a report on the CTA, a brief history of Chinese food on the Southside, and a cicada report which includes stories of Sex Crazed Zom…
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Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, joins Nick to talk about two Disney+ documentaries: “Jim Henson: Idea Man” and “The Beach Boys” (which leads to a conversation about Nick’s obsession with the movie “Congo!”), the season finale of “Saturday Night Live” with Jake Gyllenhaal is discussed, as is the return of one …
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At the very top of this episode, Nick gives a full review the eagerly awaited prequel, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” and then he welcomes legendary actor Stephen Tobolowsky (Ned Ryerson from “Groundhog Day”) back to the podcast to chat about his latest role in Chris Pine’s wonderfully weird new movie “Poolman,” in which Tobo appears in drag! Plus, Tob…
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Nick welcomes ‘The Movie Mom,” Nell Minow to the show to rant about the issues with the giant corporations of Exxon and Paramount, and to discuss the awful name change of The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Nell and Nick also talk about the latest movie releases, great films that are “remote droppers,” Joseff’s of Hollywood Jewelers, and…
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Nick welcomes Music Journalist Jim Ryan to the podcast to talk about his interviews with comedian Fortune Feimster, musicians Buddy Guy and Kerry King (from Slayer), and Chicago musician/pro-wrestling promoter Billy Corgan. Plus, they talk about getting hurt in mosh pits, bad comedians selling out arenas, Oates jamming without Hall, and how absolut…
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TV critic Dan Fienberg, from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, returns for his bi-weekly visit to discuss “Dark Matter” the new series with Jennifer Connelly, “The Veil” with Elisabeth Moss, the latest episodes of “Top Chef” (boy, that “Restaurant Wars” was something!) and the last episode of SNL hosted by Maya Rudolph, and more. Then, Esm…
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Nick welcomes food writer/editor Marnie Shure to the podcast to discuss tipping scams, the new Ruby-red pineapples from Del-Monte (which cost about $400?!!!?), and delicious edible bugs available in Chicago. Marnie also gives Nick an update on the next “Mortified” show, and her latest Horror Report. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about food cra…
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In this “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum, from Checkbook.org to the podcast, to discuss how to conveniently and safely book vacations for the upcoming season, how financial anxiety impacts financial debt, and how to protect yourself from medical data breaches. Then, our car expert from Consumer Guide Automotive,…
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Nick talks about his upcoming “Nick’s Pix” screening of “Streets of Fire” (on May 8th at The Lake Theater in Oak Park Il), chats with AAW Pro’s Dr. Keith Lipinski about all things Pro-Wrestling (including the latest from the WWE, AEW, the Independents, and more), and welcomes Mike Kerz from The Midway Drive-In, to talk about the 45th anniversary of…
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Nick explains why there was no Friday episode last week, and chats about his upcoming “Nick’s Pix” film series, before he welcomes filmmaker/writer/journalist/host Amy Guth to the podcast. Amy is live from New York at the CineFest Film Festival to talk about her Elvis movie that is competing at that fest, the usual and hilarious problems with Zoom …
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Nick welcomes the TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print: Dan Fienberg, back to the podcast to talk about “The Sympathizer,” the new HBO series with Robert Downey Jr., the Netflix animated version of “Good Times,” and, the now legendary Beavis and Butthead sketch from last week’s SNL, and more. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick open a…
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Monica Eng, from Axios.com, joins Nick to talk about the high tension in the Mayor’s Press Room, the future of Clark Street dining, when to tip and when not to tip, the death of Maxwell Street, and the new WTTW series in which Monica appears. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick finish their snack tour of Ukraine, talk about what’s true and what’s false a…
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In this episode Nick welcomes the wonderful Marnie Shure to the podcast to chat about smart grocery carts, “new” Chips Ahoy cookies, and Nerds Gummy Clusters, which seem to be Gen Z’s latest candy obsession. Marnie and Nick also talk about the upcoming Mortified show at The Studebaker Theatre in Chicago, and they cover the latest horror movies that…
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In this episode, Nick once again welcomes Nell Minow, The Movie Mom to the podcast. Nick and Nell talk about what a true badass she is, and her thoughts on the movies “The Beautiful Game” & “Civil War,” the classic TV show “Gilmore Girls,” the world of Fathom Movie Events, what’s happening at rogerebert.com, and the upcoming Ebertfest in Champaign …
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Nick talks about his upcoming “Nick’s Pix” movie screenings at the Classic Cinemas Lake Theater in Oak Park, Illinois. Then, Nick chats with TV critic Dan Fienberg, from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, about the AppleTV+ series “Sugar” with Colin Farrell, “STEVE! (Martin) A Documentary in Two Pieces,” Showtime’s “A Gentleman in Moscow,” …
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In this jam-packed music-heavy episode, Nick talks with the Executive Director of The Chicago Philharmonic, Terell Johnson, about the upcoming “Batman in Concert” event, featuring a screening of the classic 1989 movie, with a live orchestra accompaniment, plus a preview of other great music events involving the Philharmonic. Then, music journalist …
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In this “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes Herb Weisbaum, The Consumerman from Checkbook.org, to help you with all of your consumer needs and talk about some pressing stories like: why are grocery prices so high?, product safety recalls are on the rise, refunds are hard to get, and 30 tricks used to manipulate marketing are exposed. Then, Car …
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Nick welcomes the TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, Dan Fienberg, to the podcast to talk about the latest in television. He reviews new shows like “Palm Royale” with Kristen Wiig, “Jarrod Carmichael Reality Show,” and “The Girls on the Bus.” Nick and Dan also talk about the “Top Chef” season premiere, the latest episode of D…
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Nick makes a big announcement about “Classic Cinema’s Nick’s Pix,” his new film series, in which he will host a screening of a classic movie every month…get those tickets now! Nick is then joined by filmmaker/podcast host/writer Amy Guth, to discuss launching her brand-new podcast: “Words Matter w/Amy Guth”, her adventures in Seattle making her cur…
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In this episode, the awesome and lovely Nell Minow is back to talk with Nick about a Lifetime Achievement Award she just received, which leads to an incredible conversation about corporate greed (including stories about how she took down Vince McMahon, and more) and her other life in that crazy world. She also talks about new books by filmmakers Ed…
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Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to review the new movies “Love Lies Bleeding,” “Arthur the King,” and Michael Keaton’s latest “Knox Goes Away,” and Erik talks about his time at the recent SXSW Film Fest, where he saw movies like “Road House,” “Babes” and “The Fall Guy,” but spent most of his time waiting i…
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Nick breaks down the Oscars and gives his thoughts on the winners, the losers and the greatness of “Godzilla” FINALLY winning an Academy Award! Nick is joined by TV critic Dan Fienberg, from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, to talk about the Oscar telecast, the new “Good Wife” spinoff “Elsbeth,” the crazy Josh Brolin-hosted SNL, and a cou…
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Nick welcomes the wonderful Marnie Shure, Managing Editor of The Takeout, to the podcast to talk about food related topics including: the item that chefs dread to add to their menus, chocolate chip ice cream is on the verge of extinction, Dave and Buster’s is being taken over by High-Fiving Bros, and Wendy’s idiotic idea of “Surge Pricing.” Plus, N…
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In this “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum to the podcast to answer some listener questions, and talk about buying auto insurance, how to start an emergency savings fund, the controlling of credit card interest rates, and, we ask: whatever happened to customer service? Then our Car Guy, Tom Appel from Consumer Gui…
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Nick talks with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy about the upcoming Oscar telecast and predictions of the winners, the terrific 3D movie fest happening at the Music Box Theatre, and they review the highly anticipated: “Dune: Part Two,” and Adam Sandler’s new sci-fi drama “Spaceman.” Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to listen to a very e…
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TV critic Dan Fienberg, from The Hollywood Reporter & The Fien Print, joins Nick to discuss Jon Stewart’s return to “The Daily Show;” the final season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm;” FX’s new version of James Clavell’s “Shogun;” Dan’s “TV’s Top 5” podcast, and much more. Then, Nick and Esmeralda Leon talk about the idiocy of Criss Angel – Mindfreak; an …
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Nick welcomes Axios.com’s Monica Eng to the podcast to talk about some terrific Chicago-related topics including: the very tense atmosphere at City Hall, the future of Dollar Stores, the surprising quality of Aldi’s wine collection, Chicago’s always interesting rat problem, and the signature smell of our fine city…oh, and Monica raps!! Then, Esmera…
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Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan to the podcast to talk about his interviews with musician Duff McKagan, and adult film star Jenna Jameson, and to review concert performances by Madonna, Buddy Guy, and Lemonheads. Nick and Jim also talk about the double standard applied to aging female rockers as opposed to aging male rockers, and the return…
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Nick takes some time to review a couple of new movies: “Madame Web” & “Bob Marley: One Love” (here’s a preview: they’re both bad). Then, he chats with the Executive Director of The Chicago Philharmonic, Terell Johnson. Nick and Terell talk about the incredible work that Terell has been doing with that organization, some great shows from the past, a…
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Nick welcomes back to the podcast, Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, to talk all about television, including “Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans,” “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” the terrible choices SNL has been making lately, and the increasing annoyance of streaming with ads (and a rant from Nick about Netflix sending expensive swag pac…
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Nick is reunited with one of his favorite people ever: the great Nell Minow. The Movie Mom returns for an absolutely wonderful and fun talk about the best and worst movies of 2023, the upcoming Oscars, her legendary father Newton (including an incredible Barack & Michelle story), and they discuss some terrific underloved romantic films. Then, Esmer…
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