Car Con Carne

James VanOsdol
  • 4.8 (40)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Semiweekly

Hyperlocal Chicago podcast hosted by long-running local media personality James VanOsdol. Guests include musicians, restaurateurs, brewers, authors, actors and interesting persons of note. More often than not, the interviews happen in James's car.

  1. 1d ago

    Chris Otepka reinvents own Troubled Hubble songs with Heligoats (Episode 1135)

    Chris Otepka of Heligoats joins me to talk about Neat New Monuments, a new album reimagining songs from Troubled Hubble's 20-year-old record, Making Beds in a Burning House. In this interview, Chris breaks down: The origin of Neat New Monuments: How a vinyl reissue proposal from Foreign Leisure Records prompted him to pause his new Heligoats project, relearn his older material, and record new versions of the songs. Recording in Elburn, Illinois: Working with engineer Mark Walker and bringing in guest musicians with connections to the songs.. Track-by-track changes: Reworking songs including "I See Molecules," "14,000 Things…," "Jackpot Stampede Deluxe," "Safe and Sound," and "Bees." Craft and perspective: Taking poetry classes with Buddy Wakefield, reflecting on how his connection to his lyrics has evolved over two decades, and stepping back from modern tech connectivity. Release show and future plans: Playing the album release show at Kiss the Sky Records in Batavia and preparing for upcoming Heligoats recordings and tours. Chris is a songwriting treasure, and these new versions are well worth a listen (if not an outright purchase of the vinyl version of the LP)! Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing. Support them (and do your brand a favor) by visiting explodinghouseprinting.com!

  2. 3d ago

    In praise of 'slut rock' - Naked Brunch at Rattleback (Episode 1134)

    This episode was recorded in front of Rattleback Records in Andersonville with Naked Brunch lead singer Michael Hanna and Rattleback Records owner Paul Ruffino. Topics discussed: Naked Brunch's origins via Craigslist and their self-described "slut rock" sound. The band's recent 12-inch vinyl release on Rattleback Records featuring the tracks "Kiddie Pool" and "Humanoid". Remixes on the 12-inch release by Chicago house music pioneer Ralphi Rosario and jazz trombonist/DJ Emma Blau (Tromblau). The economics and creative mission behind running an independent boutique record label. Rattleback Records' new physical print zine, RPM, and its included flexi-disc releases. Upcoming live performances and music development for Naked Brunch. Exploding House Printing is here for all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merchandising needs. Check out their work on Instagram at @explodinghouse, or check out their site at explodinghouseprinting.com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients.

  3. Jul 16

    Josh Joplin celebrates 'Useful Music' anniversary as a Chicago resident (Episode 1133)

    Singer/songwriter Josh Joplin sits down to talk about the silver anniversary of his 2001 album, Useful Music. The silver anniversary finds Josh's breakthrough pressed onto handsome vinyl alongside the digital release of "Useful Music (The Silver Anniversary Sessions)," a warts-and-all revisiting of the album's creation. Beyond the Useful Music reminiscence, Josh dives into his most recent album, Gap Year (stylized as GpYr). He shares the personal evolution behind its tracklist, focusing on the definitive mission statement of "Colored Copies", the resilience found within "Predator and Prey", and the full-circle emotional realization of "Before the Light Takes Us," a standout track featuring beautifully tracked backing vocals by his daughter. Josh also talks about what led him to relocate to Chicago in recent years, and how the adjustment has affected him creatively and motivated him professionally. Catch Josh Joplin live at The Hideout for a special matinee show on October 17th! Support Our Sponsors Exploding House Printing is here for all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merchandising needs. They're local, headquartered in the heart of Hermosa. Here's why I want you to consider them for your t-shirts, merch, whatever - their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between. They've worked on products for Meat Wave, Empty Bottle, the Music Box, Dante's Pizzeria, the Brokedowns, and the list goes on and on. Jonathan at Exploding House has been doing screen printing for decades. He knows what he's doing - besides his technical expertise, he delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices. Check out their work on Instagram at @explodinghouse, or check out their site at explodinghouseprinting.com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients.

  4. Jul 3

    Music journalist Selena Fragassi (Episode 1132)

    Selena Fragassi has built an extensive career in music journalism, writing for publications like the Sun-Times and Spin, and authoring seven music biographies. On this episode, she jumps in the car to discuss her work across multiple platforms. During the chat, we talk about what makes a live show "good." Selena also shares what it's like to navigate the modern landscape of music journalism, as well as what drives journalists. And in case you're an aspiring music writer, she also shares solid tips on how to get going. Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing. Headquartered in the heart of Hermosa, they offer boutique print shop quality at large print shop prices for bands, brands, and small businesses. Check out their work on Instagram @explodinghouse or visit explodinghouseprinting.com for a quote.

  5. Jun 17

    Taste of Randolph preview - OK Cool (Episode 1131)

    The last time James checked in with OK Cool, it was during the pandemic, and they were just faces on a screen. Now, they finally meet in vivid 3D at HIDE+SEEK on Randolph Street ahead of the band's Sunday performance at the 29th annual Taste of Randolph! Haley and Bridget reflect on their creative output since 2021, including the release of two EPs (Surrealist and Fawn) and their 2025 full-length LP, Chitchat. They also break down the meaning behind the catchy, residency-taking track "Jeans," reveal the Borat movie quote behind their "Wawwoowewa" music video, and share the exciting news that they have officially started tracking their next record. Special Thanks to Our Sponsor Exploding House Printing is here for all of your screen printing, embroidery, and other merchandising needs. Check out their work on Instagram at @explodinghouse, or check out their site at explodinghouseprinting.com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients.

  6. Jun 17 ·  Video

    Taste of Randolph preview - Action/Adventure (Episode 1130)

    Years in the making, Chicago band Action/Adventure joins Car Con Carne ahead of their upcoming performance on the West Stage at the 29th annual Taste of Randolph! Recorded at the wonderful HIDE+SEEK on Randolph, the band talks about their masterful album Ever After, the transition from the remote, high-pressure writing process of Imposter Syndrome, and the realities of life on the road. Plus, they dive into the unique dynamics of their dual-vocal delivery and reveal that writing for their next record is already officially underway. ## Exploding House Printing is here for all of your screen printing, embroidery, and other merchandising needs. Check out their work on Instagram at @explodinghouse, or check out their site at explodinghouseprinting.com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients.

  7. Jun 17

    Taste of Randolph preview - Julie Darling (Episode 1129)

    From Hide+Seek (838 W. Randolph Street), James VanOsdol sits down with Julie Darling, the President of the West Loop Community Organization. With the 29th annual Taste of Randolph just days away, Julie shares an insider's look at what it takes to bring the massive, three-day street festival to life. In this episode, Julie previews the event's culinary focal points and highlights some incredible new festival additions. She also addresses the major structural shifts for this year's event, including the decision to completely eliminate the suggested gate donation in favor of a 50/50 cash raffle, and hints at some highly anticipated volunteer bars run by Chicago for Chicagoans and Double Door Rocks. ## Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing, here for all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merchandising needs. They're local, headquartered in the heart of Hermosa. Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or check out their site at exploding house printing dot com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients.

  8. Jun 17

    Taste of Randolph preview - Gene Farris (Episode 1127)

    From Hide+Seek (838 W. Randolph), James VanOsdol sits down with a true Chicago treasure and underground legend, house music icon Gene Farris. With a career spanning more than three decades, Gene is set to close out the East Stage on Friday night at the upcoming 29th annual Taste of Randolph. In this episode, Gene discusses his brand-new single, "This is the World", his aggressive creative mission to release a new track every month, and how he keeps his music current by staying open to learning from the generations that follow him. He also dives deep into the rich history and unmatched talent pool of the Chicago house scene, and shares how his label, Farris Wheel Recordings, has been breaking new artists and providing a platform for independent music since 1998. ## Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing, here for all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merchandising needs. They're local, headquartered in the heart of Hermosa. Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or check out their site at exploding house printing dot com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients.

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4.8
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Hyperlocal Chicago podcast hosted by long-running local media personality James VanOsdol. Guests include musicians, restaurateurs, brewers, authors, actors and interesting persons of note. More often than not, the interviews happen in James's car.

Information

  • Creator
    James VanOsdol
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.1K
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Car Con Carne