show episodes
 
Award-winning radio personality, podcaster, and SNL fanatic/historian NICK DIGILIO hosts this weekly deep dive into the world of the granddaddy of all sketch-comedy shows. Nick, a Second City grad and veteran of Chicago comedy and theater, has watched every single episode of SNL since George Carlin hosted the premiere on October 11th, 1975. Consisting of new and old episode analysis; SNL-relates guests; historical impact; and even entire episodes dedicated completely to just one sketch…this ...
  continue reading
 
You don’t have to love Christmas to love this podcast. Film critic Collin Souter and renowned sheep expert Kerry Finegan delve into every type of Christmas movie they can find. Classics, non-classics, horror, Hallmark, obscurities, foreign, shorts, TV specials, unnecessary sequels and remakes. Even films that you might not think of as traditional Christmas movies. The great, the awful and the unusual, all year round.
  continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Director's Club

Jim Laczkowski

icon
Unsubscribe
icon
Unsubscribe
Monthly
 
A monthly show that reviews one film director per episode with the occasional bonus episode. Episodes 123-172 were hosted by Brad & Al. As of 2022, new episodes will be hosted by Jim and/or Bill. directorsclub.substack.com
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
This is a celebration, not just another Director’s Club episode for a reason. Back in 1990, I became an avid fan and follower of today’s guest and he’s been on this show a couple of times in the past, most recently for the Paul Thomas Anderson Part II episode. I’m talking of course about Nick Digilio. 40 years ago, he began his career as a professi…
  continue reading
 
Not too big of a summary this time around since the title says it all and there’s a lot to get to in terms of the episode proper. Every year around late February / early March, I call upon my Chicago film critic buddies Collin Souter & Erik Childress to join me for an epic episode discussing as many movies as we possibly can, traveling back in time…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes Monica Eng from Axios Chicago to the podcast to discuss some of her latest stories, including the challenges undocumented people are facing with ICE, how the Mayor fared on his recent trip to D.C., and whether Rahm Emanuel is really staging a political comeback. They also dive into Fat Tuesday treats, top-tier fish sandwiches, the bes…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, Nick pays tribute to one of the most iconic characters in Saturday Night Live history: Sally O’Malley, the unforgettable 50-year-old who’s proud to tell the world her age. She can kick… stretch… and kick! She’s 50! Created and portrayed by the brilliant Molly Shannon, Sally O’Malley has become a classic SNL character, delivering bi…
  continue reading
 
Kerry and Collin look at the often maligned 2004 comedy "Surviving Christmas," starring Ben Affleck, James Gandolfini, Christina Applegate and Catherine O'Hara and find it's not quite as terrible as critics (Collin included) made it out to be twenty years ago. Is it the two decades of distance from the Bennifer annoyance of that time period? How mu…
  continue reading
 
In this For the People episode, Nick welcomes the Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum, to discuss the growing frustration over grocery store digital discount errors and the chaos they’re causing at some supermarkets. They also dive into the possible consequences of Trump dismantling the CFPB and what that could mean for consumers. Plus, Herb shares inspirin…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest releases, Riff Raff starring Bill Murray and Last Breath with Woody Harrelson. They also break down their predictions for the major categories at the 2025 Oscars. The conversation then shifts to a tribute to the legendary Gene Hackman, who passed away Thursday morning.…
  continue reading
 
Nick looks back at the one and only time Jodie Foster hosted Saturday Night Live on November 27, 1976. At just 14 years old, Foster became the youngest host in the show’s history—until Drew Barrymore took the title in 1982 at the age of 7. Despite her talent, Foster was a nervous wreck, thrown into live television for the first time with material w…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, Nick welcomes Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter, to discuss Awards Show Season, the upcoming SNL 50 Special, and more. Dan also reviews The Americas, a new documentary narrated by Tom Hanks, the Netflix political thriller Zero Day starring Robert De Niro, and the highly anticipated new season of The White Lotus. L…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, Nick navigates the not-so-wonderful world of influenza while fueled by hefty doses of both DayQuil and NyQuil. Despite the fog, he welcomes Food Writer/Editor Marnie Shure back to the podcast for her latest Horror Report. They dive into creative fast-food hacks, including how to transform the Wendy’s menu into a towering 9-patty bu…
  continue reading
 
Kerry and Collin showed up late for their discussion of the 2001 rom-com starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, “Serendipity.” Does the movie take its concepts about fate and destiny to absurd heights? How many movies accurately depict the lives of obituary writers? Should the filmmakers have left in the twin towers when the film came out in the…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes Chicago-based food and entertainment writer Marnie Shure to the podcast for a deep dive into her Saturday Night Live memories. They chat about her experiences growing up with the show, her favorite cast members, hosts, and musical guests. Marnie also counts down her all-time favorite SNL sketches, featuring unforgettable performances …
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes the amazing Amy Guth to the podcast to talk about her many projects, including her podcasts, films, and website. They also discuss her upcoming trip to Berlin for the Berlin Film Festival and much more. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a fun dive into pop culture mistakes and surprising predictions—including how Airplane II: The Se…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest movie releases, including the new Marvel adventure Captain America: Brave New World, the family-friendly sequel Paddington in Peru, and the Apple TV+ sci-fi thriller The Gorge. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about overhyped snowstorms, how Albert Brooks accide…
  continue reading
 
Nick celebrates Valentine’s Day with a hilarious look back at some of Saturday Night Live’s best sketches, bits, and songs that poke fun at—and embrace—the holiday. Highlights include a song about the awkwardness of receiving a Valentine’s Day card from your mom, a last-minute gift guide courtesy of a very honest CVS commercial, and a visit from Ga…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes back TV critic Dan Fienberg to break down the Super Bowl, from the halftime show and commercials to Tom Brady’s much-anticipated performance in the broadcast booth. Dan also reviews The Z-Suite from Tubi, Clean Slate with George Wallace, and more. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for more Super Bowl chatter, including the bizarre comme…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan to the podcast to talk about his recent interviews with The Black Crowes, Paula Poundstone, and Rick Astley. Jim also reviews some standout concerts, including performances by Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Frank Black, and Zakk Sabbath. Plus, they dive into the world of wrestling with a discussion on the WWE Roya…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes fellow film critic Peter Sobczynski to the podcast for a deep dive into his Saturday Night Live memories, from his childhood introduction to the show to his favorite cast members and standout moments. They also count down Peter’s five favorite SNL sketches of all time—many of which share a horror-inspired, darkly comedic streak. Highl…
  continue reading
 
In this “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, to answer consumer questions and discuss important updates, including changes for Tax Time, new breach data affecting credit freezes, MFA, and Pass Keys, and tips on how to get great Valentine’s Day flowers without overspending. Then, Car Guy Tom Appe…
  continue reading
 
In this jam-packed episode, Nick welcomes filmmaker Kyle Henry to discuss his new documentary Time Passages and how audiences can catch it at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago. Then, film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy join the show to break down some of the standout films from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and review a few new rel…
  continue reading
 
Season 11 of Saturday Night Live is often regarded as the weirdest—and possibly the worst—season in the show’s history, and episode 13 serves as a prime example of why. In this episode of That Show…, Nick revisits the infamous night when George Wendt hosted, Phillip Glass was the musical guest, and none other than Francis Ford Coppola directed the …
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg back to the podcast to review new shows like The Couple Next Door and Paradise, along with a few standout documentaries from the Sundance Film Festival, including Predators, which dives into the TV show To Catch a Predator, and Pee-Wee As Himself, an exploration of Paul Reubens and his iconic character. Nick and…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes “The Movie Mom” Nell Minow to the podcast to discuss the latest news from Washington, the freshly announced 2025 Oscar nominations, the streaming SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night 4-part special, and a look back at the Best Movies of 2024. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to dive deeper into Oscar chatter, share thoughts on Jean-Claude Va…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes the multitalented writer, producer, broadcaster, and journalist Amy Guth to the podcast to share her memories of watching Saturday Night Live as a young kid and how the show inspired her creative journey. They chat about standout moments and hilarious work from cast members like Tina Fey, Bill Hader, Gilda Radner, and Adam Sandler. Am…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes the incredible and legendary character actor Stephen Tobolowsky back to the podcast for another classic visit filled with unforgettable stories and engaging conversation. Tobo shares tales from his career, including a memorable moment with Robert Altman involving a bush, and talks about his latest projects, the joy of playing Romeo, a…
  continue reading
 
Let’s forget all about inauguration day (since this comes out on January 20th, 2025) by focusing on someone who truly matters, the legendary comedic mind of Elaine May, pioneer of improv sketch comedy and so much more! We focus on all four of her directorial films and sing the praises of nearly all of them. Yes, that MAY include her last feature fr…
  continue reading
 
The co-host of Friendship Dilemma, Morgan Gire, returns to the show to talk about Martin McDonagh's great, Oscar-nominated black comedy, "In Bruges," starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes. While the film does take place during the holiday season, it's the bleak morality play and violence that take center stage. What actually hap…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest movie releases, including the real-life thriller September 5, the new adaptation of the classic monster tale Wolf Man, the urban comedy One of Them Days, and Netflix’s action-comedy Back in Action, marking the return of Cameron Diaz. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to …
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes film critic Steve Prokopy to the podcast to share how his love for Saturday Night Live was inspired by his father’s obsession with George Carlin, carried through his high school years during the Eddie Murphy era, and now includes a deep appreciation for the Digital Shorts from The Lonely Island. Steve also recounts some of his memorab…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to discuss the ongoing fire emergency in L.A. and review some new shows, including Going Dutch with Denis Leary, The Pitt starring Noah Wyle, Tim Allen’s sitcom Shifting Gears, and Netflix’s new western series American Primeval. They also chat about the Golden Globes and Nikki Glaser’…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes wrestling expert Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro to discuss the year in pro wrestling. They cover WWE’s surprising move to Netflix, AEW’s struggles with storylines and continuity, and the unforgettable moment when Hulk Hogan was booed out of the building—a true highlight of 2024. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to answer listener question…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes film critic Erik Childress to the podcast for a nostalgic dive into his memories of watching Saturday Night Live. Erik reflects on experiencing the tail end of the original cast as a very young kid and the impact of the Sandler, Farley, Carvey, and Spade era during his high school years. They discuss how SNL shaped his comedic sensibi…
  continue reading
 
In this “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes the Consumerman Herb Weisbaum to discuss the FTC’s new rule addressing hotel and ticket junk fees. Herb also answers listener questions on topics like debt consolidation, the best shopping apps, finding reliable contractors, handling workplace scams, and more. Next, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Gui…
  continue reading
 
Nearly five hours of conversation and recommendations all about the year 2024 in cinema! Bill Ackerman (host of Supporting Characters and guest host of this show) and I reveal 25 favorite films, talk about the year in general and have a lot to say as usual. In addition, you’ll get to hear thoughts from previous guest Chloe Waryan as well as a tradi…
  continue reading
 
Kerry and Collin continue the tradition of starting the new year off with a look at a Nutcracker movie. Although, this Hulu offering is not a Nutcracker-based movie, the ballet does figure into the plot eventually, as Ben Stiller has to housesit his four recently orphaned nephews, who happen to have some talent in that artform. Can he really put on…
  continue reading
 
In this special episode, film critics Erik Childress, Steve Prokopy, and host Nick Digilio unveil their annual lists of The Best and Worst Movies of 2024. The lists feature some genuine surprises, including a few titles that appear on all three lists—sparking lively and fun conversations about the films, trends, standout performances, and much more…
  continue reading
 
Not every sketch makes it to air on Saturday Night Live. Some are cut after dress rehearsal due to time constraints, rewrites, or because they bombed—or were just too bizarre for live TV. In this episode of That Show…, Nick dives into some memorable sketches that were “cut for time” and never made it to the live broadcast. The talent behind these l…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes writer Marnie Shure to the podcast for her monthly “Horror Report,” featuring reviews of Thanksgiving and The Visit. They also chat about the upcoming Mortified show, the best food trends of 2024, the weirdest podcasts of the year, and Twizzlers Merry Berry Punch Twists. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to fulfill a Steely Dan Magic Me…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes Monica Eng from Axios.com back to the podcast to discuss the latest issues surrounding the mayor and the budget, wild boat rides, the changing tipping habits of diners, and Monica’s rundown of the best things she ate in 2024. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to contemplate the charm of the Santa Tracker and reflect on the anticlimacti…
  continue reading
 
It’s Christmas time, and to celebrate the holiday, Nick shares some of his favorite holiday-themed sketches, songs, films, and bits from Saturday Night Live over the years. Highlights include a vulgar, method-actor twist on the Charlie Brown Christmas special, the violent alternate ending of It’s a Wonderful Life, and 19th-century film critic Jebid…
  continue reading
 
Happy holidays! Grateful to my incredibly smart and passionate guests to cover a genre I’m not as well-versed in - Hong Kong cinema particularly martial arts action. I am familiar with Buster Keaton though unlike the first time I saw Rumble In The Bronx back in 1995 at the local multiplex. Nevertheless, I know I was watching a legendary talent of t…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter back to the podcast to review a couple of new shows and reflect on the television highlights of 2024. They discuss the Best Shows of the Year, the Best Episodes of the Year, and the Best Performances of the Year. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about Christmas movies, the wond…
  continue reading
 
Nick teams up with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the big holiday movie releases, including the chilling vampire remake Nosferatu, Nicole Kidman in Babygirl, the true-life boxing drama The Fire Inside, and Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to dive into pop culture moments …
  continue reading
 
The perennial classic starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen turns 70 years-old this year. Kerry and Collin are celebrating the occasion by having on one of the film's biggest fans, film critic Pat McDonald. Is Michael Curtiz's much-celebrated film more of a post-WWII nostalgia piece than it is a Christmas movie? What oth…
  continue reading
 
Nick revisits the memorable episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Tony and Oscar-winning singer and actress Ariana DeBose. This standout show featured great material, stellar musical performances, and one of the best, weirdest, and funniest “12:50 Sketches” of all time: Kitchen Staff, also known as At The End of the Day…Lurr. In this hilariously…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes the multi-talented Amy Guth to the podcast to discuss her many creative projects, including movies, podcasts, and more. They also chat about the strangeness of the holiday season in L.A., Amy’s magenta hair, her favorite 80s concert memory (featuring RATT and L.A. Guns), and her past participation in the holiday tradition, Jews Do The…
  continue reading
 
Hello everyone! I am no longer putting out episodes via Libsyn, they are now hosted right here at my Substack. Formerly known as the 5 Years Substack, this is now the hub for all-things Director’s Club including a new URL. Learn about all this and more during my 8-minute preamble before we get to the subject at hand - indeed a very special one sinc…
  continue reading
 
Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan back to the podcast to discuss the new HBO documentary about Yacht Rock, the upcoming Toto tour, and the Mavis Staples show at the Auditorium Theatre. They also chat about Jim’s interviews with Gavin Rossdale of Bush and Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, who is now venturing into the coffee business. Jim sh…
  continue reading
 
Kerry and Collin are joined by first-time guest, longtime friend, film critic Nick Digilio, who claims "The Ref"--starring Dennis Leary, Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis--is his favorite Christmas film of all time. Collin has similar feelings and wanted to wait until the movie had an anniversary, so it could be featured prominently in the December line-…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of That Show…, Nick looks back at five SNL sketches that never really took off or got the attention they deserved. Whether they were too specific, too weird, or intentionally not funny, these bits flew under the radar despite being pretty great. Among the sketches discussed is a hilariously awkward blind date in an airport bar, the …
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Quick Reference Guide

Listen to this show while you explore
Play