Best Laczkowski Podcasts (2025)

1
That Show – Peyton Manning Hosts, & Kills 55:26

6d ago55:26

55:26

Nick takes a hilarious stroll down memory lane to the night Peyton Manning traded his helmet for a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. From Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler dishing it out as the “Bronx Beat” ladies, to Andy Samberg’s wild take on Sanjaya and a surprise visit from Dan Aykroyd, the show was packed with standout moments. Things get especi…

1
That Show – The Bad Boys Club: Season 20 1:18:50

13d ago1:18:50

1:18:50

Nick takes a deep dive into one of the most chaotic and heavily criticized seasons in Saturday Night Live history: Season 20, also known as The Bad Boys Club Season. Following the departure of core cast members like Phil Hartman, Rob Schneider, and Julia Sweeney, the show found itself leaning hard into the rowdy, often crude humor of Adam Sandler, …

1
Episode 237: Ross McElwee 50:05

17d ago50:05

50:05

I once saw a film called Sherman’s March which of course I adored. But then a year or so ago, I watched another film by the same director, Bright Leaves. For some reason, it had a profound effect on me. This episode goes into detail as to why. Joining me throughout is Illinois archivist and historian Eric Edwards for this unconventional approach to…

1
That Show – Cut For Time, Part 2 53:41

20d ago53:41

53:41

Sometimes Saturday Night Live sketches don’t make it past dress rehearsal, falling into the “Cut For Time” category. On this episode of THAT SHOW…, Nick revisits five recent sketches that were pulled at the last minute—whether for timing, length, or simply because they didn’t hit quite right. Despite featuring standout performances from a wide rang…

1
That Show – Special Guest: Mike Kerz 1:12:12

27d ago1:12:12

1:12:12

Nick welcomes film expert, exhibitor, and historian Mike Kerz to the podcast to talk about his lifelong love for Saturday Night Live—a passion that began in his teen years when he would record each episode’s audio with a portable tape recorder. As the co-creator of the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention and co-owner of The Midway Drive-In in Dixon…

1
Episode 236: Jack Clayton (feat. Rachel Bellwoar) 2:03:49

29d ago2:03:49

2:03:49

What an honor and a joy it was to talk with Rachel Bellwoar, an extremely talented writer and pop culture enthusiast whose work I’ve enjoyed discovering over the years. Thanks to many mutual cinephile friends and podcasters, we crossed paths in the world of Facebook and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have her on the show to talk about an underappre…

1
That Show – Failure to Communicate: Strother Martin Hosts SNL 52:35

1M ago52:35

52:35

On April 19, 1980, legendary character actor Strother Martin hosted Saturday Night Live—and delivered a surprisingly strong performance. Best known for his unforgettable roles in films like Cool Hand Luke, True Grit, Slap Shot, The Wild Bunch, Up in Smoke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Martin brought his unique presence and versatility to…

1
That Show – Special Guest: Jim Laczkowski 1:20:21

1M ago1:20:21

1:20:21

Nick welcomes musician, filmmaker, and podcast host Jim Laczkowski to That Show… to discuss his love for Saturday Night Live and how he became hooked on the show during the early days thanks to Steve Martin. Jim shares his appreciation for the weirder, more offbeat sketches, WTF moments, and—of course—anything involving cats. As Nick and Jim count …

1
That Show – Season 45: The Coronavirus 1:07:05

2M ago1:07:05

1:07:05

Nick looks back at Season 45 of Saturday Night Live, a season that started off strong with Woody Harrelson hosting and Billie Eilish as the musical guest. Everything felt business as usual—until it wasn’t. No one could have predicted that the season would end early, transformed into a series of prerecorded, at-home episodes due to the onset of a gl…

1
That Show – Special Guest: Monica Eng 1:09:29

2M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

Nick welcomes journalist, author, food writer, and Axios Chicago contributor Monica Eng to the podcast to share her memories of watching Saturday Night Live as a kid, what really makes her laugh, and how SNL helped shape her sense of humor. Monica reflects on her cheerleading days, her love for Jerry Lewis movies, and the influence of her hilarious…

1
That Show – Season 26 1:12:02

2M ago1:12:02

1:12:02

Nick takes a deep dive into one of the best seasons of Saturday Night Live ever: Season 26, which aired from October 2000 to May 2001. Fueled by a memorable election and a powerhouse cast, this season delivered sharp comedy and some of the most iconic sketches in SNL history. Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon took over the Weekend Update desk, while vetera…

1
That Show – Sketches That Bombed, Part 3 51:43

2M ago51:43

51:43

They may have gotten laughs at the table read or killed during rehearsal, but for some reason, these sketches completely tanked on live television. On this episode of That Show…, Nick looks back at five Saturday Night Live sketches that bombed in front of a national audience. You’ll hear those disastrous moments, the stories behind them, and a brea…

1
Episode 235: 1995 - Year In Review (feat. Collin Souter & Erik Childress) 5:55:58

2M ago5:55:58

5:55:58

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…

1
That Show – I’m 50!! 50 Years Old!! 59:19

3M ago59:19

59:19

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…

1
That Show – That One Time That Jodie Foster Hosted SNL 52:08

3M ago52:08

52:08

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…

1
Episode 234: Nick Digilio (Celebrating 40 Years As A Film Critic) 2:10:00

3M ago2:10:00

2:10:00

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…

1
That Show – Special Guest: Marnie Shure 1:22:09

3M ago1:22:09

1:22:09

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 …

1
That Show – Happy Valentine’s Day 48:20

3M ago48:20

48:20

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…

1
That Show – Special Guest: Peter Sobczynski 1:24:23

3M ago1:24:23

1:24:23

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…

1
That Show – The Horror…The Horror 50:56

4M ago50:56

50:56

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 …

1
That Show – Special Guest: Amy Guth 1:11:33

4M ago1:11:33

1:11:33

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…

1
Episode 233: Elaine May (feat. Sharon Gissy) 2:03:28

4M ago2:03:28

2:03:28

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…

1
That Show – Special Guest: Steve Prokopy 1:07:17

4M ago1:07:17

1:07:17

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…

1
That Show – Special Guest: Erik Childress 1:11:09

4M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

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…

1
Episode 232: Favorite Films of 2024 (feat. Bill Ackerman) 4:55:09

4M ago4:55:09

4:55:09

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…

1
That Show – Cut For Time 55:32

5M ago55:32

55:32

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…

1
That Show – An SNL Christmas 50:13

5M ago50:13

50:13

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…

1
Episode 231: Jackie Chan (feat. Sam Inglis & Gabe Powers) 2:56:53

5M ago2:56:53

2:56:53

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…

1
That Show – At The End of the Day…Lurr 45:35

5M ago45:35

45:35

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…

1
Bonus Episode: Joel Potrykus (Vulcanizadora) 44:48

5M ago44:48

44:48

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…

1
That Show – Under The Radar and/or Weird 56:17

5M ago56:17

56:17

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 …

1
That Show – Making a Strong Impression 54:30

6M ago54:30

54:30

Impressions have been a cornerstone of Saturday Night Live since its inception, showcasing the cast’s incredible comedic and mimicry skills. In this episode of That Show…, Nick highlights some of his favorite SNL impressions from over the years. Included are Kristen Wiig’s hilariously over-the-top impersonation of Jamie Lee Curtis promoting Activia…

1
That Show – Jay Leno and SNL 45:18

6M ago45:18

45:18

Nick looks back at the one and only time Jay Leno hosted Saturday Night Live on February 22, 1986. At the time, Leno was still a rising stand-up comedian, years away from his Tonight Show fame, with a hot reputation and a career on the rise. Despite his popularity, Leno was underused on the episode, largely because he lacked skill in sketch comedy …

1
Episode 230: Michael Mann Redux (feat. Brian Tallerico & Ryan Verrill) 1:44:10

6M ago1:44:10

1:44:10

Have you been waiting for the Mann? Well it's been over a decade since we last discussed his work back when Patrick and I mainly covered our love for both Heat & The Insider. Cut to present time, I have recruited two of my favorite returning guests to touch upon nearly every title by Michael Mann focusing on his post-Collateral output since it wasn…

1
That Show – Best Monologue Ever?? 53:19

6M ago53:19

53:19

In the latest That Show…, Nick revisits a standout episode of Saturday Night Live that aired on November 21, 2009, when actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt hosted for the first time. This episode is legendary for containing what many consider one of the best opening monologues in SNL history. Gordon-Levitt wowed audiences by recreating Donald O’Connor’s ico…

1
That Show – Special Guest: Nell Minow 1:01:51

6M ago1:01:51

1:01:51

Nick Digilio welcomes film critic, writer, financial analyst, and corporate governance speaker Nell Minow (AKA: The Movie Mom) to the podcast to discuss her love of Saturday Night Live and much more. Nick and Nell chat about how she’s watched every episode of the show since its very beginning, and how her father—the great Newton Minow—is forever co…

1
That Show – Michael Keaton! Michael Keaton! Michael Keaton! 1:01:22

7M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

Nick takes a look back at the four times iconic and beloved actor Michael Keaton hosted Saturday Night Live, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and highlights from each appearance. Keaton first hosted in 1982 when he was still transitioning from being a stand-up comedian and had just gotten his big break in Ron Howard’s Night Shift. In this episode,…

1
That Show – Flip Hosts SNL 57:41

7M ago57:41

57:41

The one and only Flip Wilson was one of the funniest and most important stars of the 60s and 70s. Not only did he host a top-rated variety show, break barriers for African-American artists, and create some of the most memorable characters in comedy history, but he also changed the face of television variety shows forever. Flip Wilson only hosted Sa…

1
Episode 229: Guillermo Del Toro (feat. Chloe Waryan) 2:11:21

7M ago2:11:21

2:11:21

The spooky season is here! Why not indulge in the twisted fantasy worlds of one renowned, revered Mexican filmmaker by the name of Guillermo Del Toro! Of course I needed to enlist a super fan of his and I was lucky enough to have returning guest Chloe Waryan back on the show for another truly delightful discussion. Chloe may very well be my go-to g…

1
That Show – Buck Henry 55:50

7M ago55:50

55:50

Nick looks back at the work of actor, writer, and director Buck Henry during the first five seasons of Saturday Night Live. Henry, who already had a rich history in TV and film during the 60s and 70s, became a mainstay in the early years of SNL, hosting the show a record 10 times in less than five years. Known for his sharp humor, Buck was always h…

1
That Show – Please Come Back, Donald Glover 57:50

7M ago57:50

57:50

The one and only time the multi-talented Donald Glover hosted *Saturday Night Live* was on May 5th, 2018, and it’s high time he returns to host again. The actor, writer, director, comedian, singer, and musician did an outstanding job, not just as the host but also as the musical guest, performing under his stage name, Childish Gambino. This episode…

1
That Show – Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger 54:13

7M ago54:13

54:13

Nick takes a look back at the legendary Olympia Diner sketches from the early days of *Saturday Night Live*. These classics are known for their memorable characters, the bustling diner atmosphere, the functioning flattop grill (LIVE on stage!), and of course, the catchphrases like “Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger…no Coke, Pepsi…no fries, chips!” This po…

1
That Show – Controversy! 58:10

8M ago58:10

58:10

In the 50 years that *Saturday Night Live* has been on the air, there have been plenty of controversial sketches and moments. Some were so outrageous that public apologies had to be issued—sometimes unsuccessfully. In this episode, Nick revisits four of the most controversial sketches that were either misguided, misinterpreted, or just plain offens…

1
Episode 228: Jeremy Saulnier (feat. Mitchell Beaupre) 2:18:52

8M ago2:18:52

2:18:52

It's been six weeks since a new episode of the show but this will be worth the wait, given not only the director we're covering but the guest is one of the best film critics working today. Letterboxd's very own Mitchell Beaupre returns after their debut a couple years ago for a nail-biting discussion on one of our premiere action-thriller directors…

1
That Show – Hey Jabronis! The Rock on SNL 57:26

8M ago57:26

57:26

Nick looks back at the very first time Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson hosted “Saturday Night Live,” which aired in March of 2000. At that time, Johnson was still known primarily as his wrestling persona, The Rock, and hadn’t yet become the Hollywood megastar demanding millions of dollars per film. He was simply a beloved WWE pro-wrestler with a massive …

1
That Show – Get a Life! Shatner Hosts SNL 1:03:20

8M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Nick takes a look back at the one and only time William Shatner hosted “Saturday Night Live,” which aired live on December 20th, 1986, as the Season 12 Christmas episode. The show featured special guests Buster Poindexter, comedian Kevin Meaney, and musical guest Lone Justice. At the time, Shatner was riding high on the success of the latest “Star …

1
That Show – Bad, Just Plain Bad 47:05

8M ago47:05

47:05

In the past 49 seasons of “Saturday Night Live,” there have been hundreds of terrible sketches—it’s just the nature of the game. In this episode, Nick looks back at five truly awful sketches from more recent years that are among the worst ever performed on the show. You’ll hear these bombs and learn about why they were written, performed, and inclu…

1
That Show – SURPRISE!!! SNL Cameos Pt. 2 57:27

9M ago57:27

57:27

We all know that “Saturday Night Live” has had some pretty incredible and funny surprise celebrity cameos over the years. Since the very beginning, SNL has had a wonderful habit of bringing out celebrities to have some fun and shock audiences at home and in the studio by simply popping on stage. In this episode, Nick looks back at some of the best …

1
That Show – Hey Everybody! Will Ferrell as Harry Caray 49:26

9M ago49:26

49:26

Nick takes a hilarious look back at Will Ferrell’s famous Harry Caray impression. While the impersonation itself might not be the most accurate or perfect recreation of the legendary sportscaster, it’s undeniably funny, bizarre, and one of the most memorable characters Ferrell brought to life during his tenure on “Saturday Night Live.” You’ll hear …

1
That Show – Goodbye Punkie 45:05

9M ago45:05

45:05

Cast member Punkie Johnson has announced her departure from “Saturday Night Live” after four seasons. In this episode, Nick reflects on her time on the show, highlighting some of her most memorable moments and discussing her comedy career—past, present, and future. The episode features hilarious segments, mostly from Weekend Update, where Punkie di…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Laczkowski Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide