PODCAST · music
Car Con Carne
by James VanOsdol
Car Con Carne is an award-winning interview podcast hosted by legendary Chicago media personality James VanOsdol (Q101, WXRT, WGN, WLUP). Hosted in James's car, at live events, restaurants, brewpubs and recording studios, Car Con Carne offers engaging and honest conversations with people you want to know, mostly from the world of music.
Episodes
-
Recreating PiL’s ‘The Flowers of Romance’ live w/ Martin Atkins (ex-PiL drummer) (Episode 1114)
In this episode, Martin Atkins (Public Image Ltd., Killing Joke, Pigface) joins the show from his Post-Punk and Industrial Music Museum to discuss the upcoming 45th-anniversary recreation of Public Image Ltd.’s third album, The Flowers of Romance. On Saturday, April 11, Martin returns to Reggie’s...
-
Finding community and catharsis: Cat Ayala of Scarlet Demore (Episode 1113)
This episode of Car Con Carne features Cat Ayala, the frontwoman for the Chicago band Scarlet Demore. James and Cat discuss the band's impressive trajectory, moving from DIY basement shows to playing Thalia Hall and Lincoln Hall and performing at Lollapalooza. The conversation covers several key...
-
The DIY evolution: Cult Canyon’s Josh Chicoine on the making of ‘Smoke Tricks’ (Episode 1112)
In this episode of Car Con Carne, James VanOsdol welcomes Josh Chicoine, the creative force behind Cult Canyon, to discuss the release of the debut album, Smoke Tricks. The conversation delves into the evolution of Josh's musical projects, from the raw energy of the M's and the acoustic harmonies...
-
LATTER: Equal Parts Art Project and Band (Episode 1111)
Episode Overview In this episode of Car Con Carne, host James VanOsdol welcomes Meredith and Jon from the Chicago-based band Latter. Described as "equal parts art project and band," Latter delivers a sound that is jarring, experimental, and unapologetically intense. James talks with the duo about...
-
The history of Chicago dining told in new ‘oral history’ book (Episode 1110)
In this episode of Car Con Carne, James VanOsdol welcomes James Beard Award-winning food writer Mike Gebert to discuss his ambitious new book, The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining. The conversation explores the evolution of Chicago’s culinary identity, from the high-stakes "Mad Men"...
-
The Effigies + the Evictions (Episode 1109)
In advance of their show at Cobra Lounge on Sunday, 2/21, I’m joined by members of the Effigies and the Evictions at Cobra! Paul, Steve, and Andy from the Effigies and Johnny from the Evictions jumped in the car to preview the show and talk about the long history of Chicago music and punk. We…
more -
Do the Dale (Episode 1108)
Are you doin’ the Dale? You should plan on doin’ the Dale. https://dointhedale.com/ My guests are Shawn Podgurski (DMen/Sybris) and Dave Hornyak (Livewire Lounge), organizers of Doin’ the Dale, an Avondale-centric music and arts festival happening 2/26-3/1. We met outside Avondale Tap and talked...
-
Pulling back the curtain on podcasting: A chat with Jaime Black (Episode 1107)
Jaime Black (Dynasty Podcasts) has been podcasting for 20+ years, and has a wealth of experience and success behind that history. While not his first time on the podcast, this marks his first time joining me in the car - very exciting stuff. We talk about the art and business of podcasting. It’s…
more -
La Rosa Noir: ‘Existence is resistance … I am doing this for younger me’ (Episode 1106)
Yeshi and Zach of La Rosa Noir jump into the car, conveniently parked outside their Pilsen practice space, for a chat about the band’s history, their Riot Fest performance, and new music/happenings for 2026. See La Rosa Noir at the Athenaeum on February 21! Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding...
-
Time Thieves meet me at “VEGAN TACO HELL” inside Dante’s (Episode 1105)
Jonathan of Time Thieves returns to the podcast in advance of the band’s LP release show at Empty Bottle on February 26 (also featuring Josh Caterer Trio, Al Scorch, and Earl Gary). We met at Dante’s (1936 W. Chicago), which played host to a Palermo’s Unreal Foods pop-up: VEGAN TACO HELL.…
more -
DØUBLE IDENTITY twins embrace pop, physical media, and metaphor (Episode 1104)
Arden and Courtney of DØUBLE IDENTITY jump in the car in the dead of winter to talk about the band’s growth, songwriting, live show, and the need for CDs. Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing. Exploding House Printing is here for all of your screen printing, embroidery and other...
-
The Brokedowns can be wolf (Episode 1103)
“You're born, you'rе cursed, and every deck is stacked.” Who are the Brokedowns? “A tradesman, two remote workers, and a pizza chef named Mustafa forged their sound in the industrial glow of Chicagoland, channeling blue-collar grit through a lens of existential comedy and transforming Midwest...
-
Comics aftermarket - flipping, speculating, and celebrating w/ Jon Belonio and Dave Zortea (Episode 1102)
I’ve been reading comics since I was a small child. I’m pretty sure, without exaggeration, that I learned how to read largely because of comics. Like anyone in the hobby, I’d fallen in and out of it through the years. These days, I’m fully back in it, though I’m not terribly concerned with new...
-
Dr. Daryl Wilson (Bollweevils) reviews JVO’s medical drama of past few months (Episode 1100)
As I head toward the end of my appendectomy/ileocectomy recovery, I jump back into podcasting with an obvious guest: Dr. Daryl Wilson of the Bollweevils. Who better to talk through the past 2 ½ months of medical madness than a celebrated ER doctor with decades of experience? We talk through my...
-
Guest host Gillian McGhee (Hi Ho) with Aly Jados (Blood People) - Episode 1101
Guest host Gillian McGhee is a local musician, leading bands Hi Ho and Turnspit over the last decade, and is returning to Car Con Carne to interview her friend and fellow musician, Aly Jados. Aly's here to discuss her band Blood People's debut full length record 'Here' - a collection of songs…
more -
Guest host Jacques LaMore chats with Guardrail frontman Kevin Andrew (Episode 1099)
Guest host Jake “Jacques” LaMore, formerly of Pop-Punk & Pizza, now the voice behind new narrative storytelling podcast, “This One Time in Kankakee”, sits down for a conversation with Kevin Andrew, the lead vocalist of Chicago’s diet punk band, Guardrail. The two discuss: -Kevin’s recent wedding...
-
2025 Revisited with James VanOsdol (Episode 1098)
I’m back for a special end-of-the-year episode! Watch/listen for a handful of memorable highlights from 2025, including two especially wonderful musical performances. As I explain early in this episode, this is in no way meant to be considered a “best of.” With over 80 episodes recorded this…
more -
Guest host Kevin Kellam talks with SKLAR BROTHERS (Episode 1097)
Comedian/radio personality Kevin Kellam returns to guest host and welcome special guests Sklar Brothers! Randy and Jason Sklar have been seen everywhere, including Curb Your Enthusiasm, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Playing House, Better Call Saul, Roast Battle III, Grey’s Anatomy…
more -
Guest host Kevin Kellam talks with comedian Adam Burke (Episode 1095)
Comedian/radio personality Kevin Kellam returns for another guest-hosting stint, and this time around he welcomes comedian Adam Burke. Kevin digs into Adam’s comedy career and the details of Adam's recently-released comedy special, “Unamerican,” recorded at the Den Theatre. There are also a few...
-
Guest host Jaime Black talks architecture with Stewart Hicks (Episode 1096)
Guest host Jaime Black interviews Stewart Hicks (Associate Dean of Physical Resources and Planning and Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago) about his eponymous YouTube channel that features deep dives on all things architecture. Hicks details the role of...
-
Drainage tubes, the colorectal surgeon, appendicitis and me (Episode 1094)
Hi. It’s me. James VanOsdol. As my recent (and forthcoming) guest hosts continue to kill it, I’m finally in a physical and emotional place where I can check in and let you know everything that’s been going on with me. This isn’t a traditional episode - it didn’t make sense to read sponsor tags or...
-
Welcome to the Family Business: Fiona VanOsdol guest-hosts (Episode 1093)
As I continue to recover from a variety of appendix-related issues, I’m turning to capable and talented guest hosts to keep Car Con Carne running. This episode offers something a little bit different: It features the podcast-hosting debut of my daughter, Fiona VanOsdol. Joining her are her…
more -
Guest Host Evan J. Thomas welcomes Chicago rockers Now It’s Dark (Episode 1092)
Guest Host Evan J. Thomas (TAG Publicity, Sound Fury Magazine, Bad Ass Radio Network) fills in for me while I'm recovering from a cruel appendix. For this episode, he welcomes Chicago rockers Now It’s Dark, who are set to play the Bad Ass Radio Network's 4th Anniversary Show at Durty Nellie’s on...
-
Guest hosts Bellhead talk Killing Joke’s ‘Extremities’ with Martin Atkins (Episode 1091)
As I continue to recover (and prepare for a couple of procedures and impending surgery) from appendix issues, I’ve excitedly turned Car Con Carne over to guest hosts. For this episode, Karen and Ivan from the Chicago bass duo Bellhead steal the keys to the car while I recover. Their guest is a...
-
Guest host Kevin Kellam talks about the 90s with author Greg Prato (Episode 1090)
Hello from James VanOsdol. As I type this, I’m recovering from appendix-related issues and preparing for an appendectomy just before Christmas. I’m counting it as a holiday gift. Bottom line: I’m not able to get out and record the podcast in-person or at my usual pace at the moment. When I first...
-
Folk-punk troubadour Sam Russo takes huge leap forward on ‘Hold You Hard’ (Episode 1089)
Sam Russo put out his fourth album (“Hold You Hard”) a few months ago and is currently touring the states in a run-up to the Fest in Gainesville later this month. The new album was written across America, and feels like the result of travels that were well, if not thoughtfully, spent. Sam jumped…
more -
The 55+ year journey of Chicago legends the Flock (Episode 1088)
The Flock was making noise on a national level starting back during the Nixon administration. They were unorthodox for the time: Jazz. Prog. Rock. Fusion. A little bit of everything, all masterfully played by the individual band members. They put out a few major label albums in their prime...
-
Are the Volo Antique Malls haunted? (Episode 1087)
This episode finds me at the fabulous Volo Antique Malls, where I can easily lose myself for hours at a time. Owners/managers Keith and Lisa Santiago sat down with me to talk about collectibles and antique culture, as well as the fact that their buildings are “haunted.” Seemed like the perfect…
more -
wht.rbbt.obj delivers fuzzed-out, torchy & sexy new album, ‘Oscar Bravo Juliett’ (Episode 1086)
Frank and River of wht.rbbt.obj are back to talk about their excellent new album, “Oscar Bravo Juliett.” As I mention early in this episode, the new album is a collection of songs that are alternatingly (sometimes all at once) fuzzed out, torchy, sexy, and searing. We met at Charlie Beinlich’s in...
-
Noon Whistle: ‘Who wants chili-infused Malort?’ Everyone: ___ (Episode 1085)
I’m back at Noon Whistle’s Lombard Brewpub (800 E. Roosevelt) for this one. They’ve pulled me back with yet another mad scientist idea. I’ve had cicada-infused Malort there. I choked down Garlic Butterlort, still an all-time low taste experience. And now, I’m back for a Car Con Carne…
more -
HellsGate Haunted House with clubdrugs (Episode 1084)
It’s my favorite time of year - I’m back at Hellsgate Haunted House in Lockport to see what’s new at the haunt and meet up with creator/owner John LaFlamboy. Joining me for the trip this year are two of my favorite people: John and Maria of the synthy, edgy, glorious gothpop duo clubdrugs. Get...
-
The Ooozin’ Ahhhs have emerged from their hellholes and crypts (Episode 1083)
In what’s accidentally become an annual tradition, I’m joined by America’s favorite monster band, the Oooozin’ Ahhhs. We met at the wonderful Cigars and Stripes (6715 Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 // stripesbbq.com) for the episode, and recorded at the bar. Looking for spooky monster rock this...
-
Venus Club goes to ‘dark places’ on dreamy new EP (Episode 1075)
I’m joined by Emilie and Josh from Venus Club — they’re a dark wave Chicago band that I absolutely adore. The new EP, Extended, is dreamy, haunting, and well positioned for your autumnal listening pleasure. We met in a south side parking lot, as people do, and chatted about their sound, their...
-
Bass Drum of Death at Beat Kitchen (Episode 1082)
Bass Drum of Death was back in Chicago on 9/24/25 for a show at Beat Kitchen, and I sat down with John Barrett (singer/multi-instrumentalist) shortly before he took the stage. We talked about: *Chicago, and the band’s “Live and Let Die” album that was recorded at Cobra Lounge. *The new album,...
-
Are you ready for Nü-yacht music? - Jacob on the Moon (Episode 1081)
Indie-soul band, Jacob on the Moon, recently released their new EP, “The Gemini Club,” and it’s absolutely excellent. Band mastermind, Jake Dineen, joins to talk about the EPs concept and the band’s infectious, unique sound (Nü-yacht?). Keep an eye out for upcoming shows from Jacob on the Moon -...
-
The Pulsars return! (Episode 1080)
“This is a very nice day, yeah. Hugs and kisses all the way to Wisconsin” Not to bury the lead: synthy, new wavey, indie rock favorites, the Pulsars are back and moving forward. Full disclosure: I love this band and have waited decades to hear what band leader Dave Trumfio had to say on this...
-
Troubled Hubble at Bay View Bash (Episode 1079)
Troubled Hubble is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its wonderful “Making Beds in a Burning House” album, and the band joined me in the car before their (long-rain delayed) set at Bay View Bash in Milwaukee! Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation: Looking to transform your home, office,...
-
Devon Kay at Bay View Bash (Episode 1078)
I’m joined for this episode by “one of Chicago, Illinois' biggest crybabies,” Devon Kay. Devon’s a favorite of mine, and it was fun to connect before the band’s (weather abbreviated) set at the Bay View Bash in Milwaukee. We talked about the band’s Harvey Danger cover, their status as “world’s...
-
The pinball episode! (Episode 1077)
Warning: This episode will make you want to play more pinball. This episode was recorded outside the perfectly-curated pinball cafe, Pin Grounds (31 W. Irving Park Rd., Roselle, IL). Thanks to Art for his hospitality, and for opening up on an off night to host this podcast and its guests. Thanks...
-
Iconic guitarist Kid Congo Powers (Cramps, Nick Cave, Gun Club) talks storied career (Episode 1076)
Kid Congo Powers is an iconic punk guitarist, wildly inventive solo artist, author, and storyteller. His resume includes legendary runs playing guitar in Gun Club, the Cramps and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. He’s also been doing his own thing for decades, most notably with Kid Congo and the Pink...
-
Gina Barcal is ‘Midwest ‘til the End’ (Episode 1074)
“I could barely stop from grinnin’, and I’m sorry, Jesus, but tonight I’m sinnin’” Gina Barcal has moved away from her punk and indie roots (Venom Lords, Pillowmints, etc.) to create a solo EP of authentic, no-kidding, Americana songs. “Midwest ‘til the End” comes out on November 7, followed by a...
-
Never mind the existential dread, here’s Alexis Plaen (Episode 1073)
Alexis Plaen releases her sharp, conceptual, and beautifully constructed pop debut, “Enjoy the Void,” on 10/10/25. In advance of that, she joined me for a conversation in Avondale that covered: *The pervasive album themes of existential dread and finding oneself *The devastating (and perhaps...
-
Broken Robots meet challenge of ‘The Great American Struggle’ (Episode 1072)
I’m out of the car for this one, joining Broken Robots (Kat, Tony, Elix, Anthony, Ari) in the band’s Logan Square home studio for a long overdue conversation. The chat lands days before the release (9/12) of what is arguably their finest moment, “The Great American Struggle.” We talk at length...
-
Cinematic, avant garde, band Friend of a Friend eats tacos (Episode 1071)
Friend of a Friend is the brilliant and inventive musical group powered by Claire Molek and Jason Savsani. Their third album, “Desire!,” came out earlier this year, and it’s moody, atmospheric, at-times unnerving, and gorgeous. I love it. They joined me outside Tacos El Tio in Oak Park (1115 Lake...
-
‘If NPR’s Tiny Desk grew up, got day-drunk, and moved to the South Side’ - Wonderlick (Episode 1070)
I’m joined for this episode by two guys who spent decades turning a smart, biting sense of humor into underground, DIY favorites as part of Too Much Joy, and later… Wonderlick. We talked during the pandemic about Too Much Joy in a standard COVID-era “Zoom” chat… and this time around, I met Tim...
-
Live at Legit Dogs + Ice (Episode 1069)
This episode had a long, strange journey. Recorded at Legit Dogs + Ice in South Elgin less than 48 hours before the restaurant closed for good, this episode features guests Lollygagger, Coyote Man, flowersatherfeet, Chris Baker from Ink 180 and Brennan Weaver/Phil Lisiecki of Wild Dogs Comedy.…
more -
Busy Beaver celebrates 30 years of buttons (Episode 1068)
Busy Beaver Buttons & Merch is an independent business that’s built a lot of big ideas around a small thing…buttons. They’ve made a stunning 63 million buttons to date. Busy Beaver’s celebrating its 30th anniversary with a party at Color Club on Saturday, September 13: “Hot Dam! We’re 30!” will...
-
Chicago food icon Steve Dolinsky previews Pizza City Fest reset (Episode 1067)
Steve Dolinsky is synonymous with food in Chicago. He’s won 13 James Beard Awards and I swear his face can be seen on the walls of every restaurant in the city, from dives to fine dining establishments. He’s been part of the media landscape …TV, radio, and podcasting… for over 30 years. He was…
more -
Comedian Kristen Toomey heads to Apple TV with new special (Episode 1066)
This interview was a long time in the making – four years, to be exact – and that gets explained early in the show. In short, I sent an SOS to the world, and comedian Kristen Toomey received it. We met in Bensenville (home of Victory Auto Wreckers!) for a fun, smart, sharp conversation covering…
more -
‘Americana with teeth’: Dave Suh and the Dirty Wings (Episode 1065)
After many years of profile roles in some excellent Chicago bands, Dave Suh is putting himself out there with his new project, Dave Suh & the Dirty Wings. The digital release of their album, “Set to Begin,” is set for August 12 and will be followed by a record release show at Montrose Saloon on...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Car Con Carne is an award-winning interview podcast hosted by legendary Chicago media personality James VanOsdol (Q101, WXRT, WGN, WLUP). Hosted in James's car, at live events, restaurants, brewpubs and recording studios, Car Con Carne offers engaging and honest conversations with people you want to know, mostly from the world of music.
HOSTED BY
James VanOsdol
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Car Con Carne have?
Car Con Carne currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Car Con Carne about?
Car Con Carne is an award-winning interview podcast hosted by legendary Chicago media personality James VanOsdol (Q101, WXRT, WGN, WLUP). Hosted in James's car, at live events, restaurants, brewpubs and recording studios, Car Con Carne offers engaging and honest conversations with people you want...
How often does Car Con Carne release new episodes?
Car Con Carne has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Car Con Carne?
You can listen to Car Con Carne on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Car Con Carne?
Car Con Carne is created and hosted by James VanOsdol.
URL copied to clipboard!