Car Con Carne

James VanOsdol
  • 4.8 (40)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY
Car Con Carne

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.

  1. Threadless CEO Jake Nickell on influential company’s 25th anniversary (Episode 1040)

    1D AGO

    Threadless CEO Jake Nickell on influential company’s 25th anniversary (Episode 1040)

    Threadless - the online artist community and design marketplace - is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.  Founder and CEO Jake Nickell joins me for char dogs at Poochie’s (a favorite for hot dog fans north of the city) and talks about the company’s history, his leadership role, and why he celebrates the weird designs.  Discussed in this episode: Starting Threadless with $1000 and an idea Jake’s comfort in being a leader, and his leadership style Big mistakes (or, more euphemistically, learning opportunities) along the way Why Threadless’s success required marketing legend Seth Godin to be fired The value of remote/hybrid work Jake’s thoughts on AI, relative to the business of Threadless Growth plans for the next 5 years The impact of tariffs on business I say it early on in the interview, but Jake is not your typical CEO. He’s literally a dude you’d want to eat a hot dog with … who just happens to run one of the coolest, most influential, online businesses of the past 25 years. ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It’s the ultimate novel about the ’90s and Chicago’s music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. ## On Thursday, May 15, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin – 322 S. Randall Road. Music from Aaron Williams Band, Karen Shook and Derision Cult. Comedy from Chris Bongat. Craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing. Doors – 6:30 p.m.Showtime – 8:30 pm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  2. Carla Harvey is the new Lords of Acid ‘Acid Queen’ (Episode 1039)

    4D AGO

    Carla Harvey is the new Lords of Acid ‘Acid Queen’ (Episode 1039)

    I’m joined for this episode by Carla Harvey, who we first came to know through her 15-ish years with the band she co-founded, Butcher Babies. At the beginning of this year, she announced that she’s the new “Acid Queen” in Lords of Acid, with a tour and album to follow. As I describe early in the episode, Lords of Acid fuses acid house, industrial, techno, pop smarts and taboo-shattering sexuality. It’s a devastatingly great combo. Carla talks about how she became part of the Lords collective and how it’s a dream come true; she’s been a fan for decades.  She also talks about the artistic journey awaiting us from her new band, the Violent Hour, which is revving up as I type this. Finally, we discuss her career as a grief counselor and end-of-life specialist, specifically diving into the topic of mental health and its importance to musicians and other nocturnal creatures. Beyond Lords of Acid and the Violent Hour, Carla’s also getting married this year. Given the fact that her plate is super full, I was thrilled that she took time out to talk with Car Con Carne. See Lords of Acid in Chicago at Bottom Lounge on June 7! ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books.  ## On Thursday, May 15, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road.  Music from Aaron Williams Band, Karen Shook and Derision Cult. Comedy from Chris Bongat. Craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing.  Doors - 6:30 p.m. Showtime - 8:30 pm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min
  3. Comasoft returns with new EP, Cobra Lounge show (Episode 1038)

    6D AGO

    Comasoft returns with new EP, Cobra Lounge show (Episode 1038)

    Comasoft, the “gothy little rock band from Chicago,” is back! Jay and Chris jump in the car to talk with me about the band's history and future plans. Actually, Chris joined us for the last few minutes, but we were glad to have him regardless. Comasoft’s new EP, “Gather at the End,” comes out on Friday 4/25 and they’ll be celebrating that night with a show at Cobra Lounge. After time away, Comasoft is back in full swing. It’s a good time to wear black in Chicago. Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books.  ## On Thursday, May 15, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road.  Music from Aaron Williams, Karen Shook and Derision Cult. Comedy from Chris Bongat. Craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing. It starts at 8:30 pm.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    21 min
  4. Record Store Day 2025 at Siren Records (Episode 1037)

    APR 12

    Record Store Day 2025 at Siren Records (Episode 1037)

    Recorded at Siren Records, McHenry IL (3902 Main) on Record Store Day 2025 at 6:30 a.m. Siren Records owner Bill Linquist joins me for a conversation about this year’s RSD, as well as the impact RSD has on local record stores. Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books.  ## On Thursday, May 15, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road.  Music from Karen Shook and Derision Cult. Comedy from Chris Bongat. Craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing. More to be announced! It starts at 8:30 pm.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    13 min
  5. Crust Fund Pizza creator takes us to ‘Super Pizza World’ (Episode 1036)

    APR 11

    Crust Fund Pizza creator takes us to ‘Super Pizza World’ (Episode 1036)

    Writer, fundraiser and pizza pro John Carruthers of Crust Fund Pizza is a Car Con Carne favorite, and it was awesome to have him back in the car to talk about his new cookbook, “Super Pizza World.” I met him at his Crust Fund Pizza distribution point, the alley behind his house, where we shared one of his masterful “Royko” (sausage + hot giardiniera) tavern-style pizzas. We talked a lot about pizza basics, the fun and engaging presentation and content of the new book, and the persevering (and growing) business model of Crust Fund Pizza. Super Pizza World is a riot to read, and isn’t just for cooks - it’s funny, Chicago-centric and the sort of thing you’ll want to share with your friends. Order your copy here: https://hi-buddy.org/products/super-pizza-world   Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books.  ## On Thursday, May 15, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road.  Music from Karen Shook and Derision Cult. Comedy from Chris Bongat. Craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing. More to be announced! It starts at 8:30 pm.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    55 min
  6. East Moon, Joseph Christopher, Chris Pienta live at Legit Dogs (Episode 1035)

    APR 9

    East Moon, Joseph Christopher, Chris Pienta live at Legit Dogs (Episode 1035)

    This episode was recorded live at Legit Dogs & Ice in South Elgin (322 S. Randall Road), and includes interviews with East Moon, artist Chris Pienta and comedian Joseph Christopher (who also does a live comedy set for this episode!)   ##   Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net   Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules.   Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728   ##   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music sce ne, written by Andy Frye.   Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min
  7. Creating a multimedia concert experience around Georges-Jean Méliès’ films: Jean-François Alcolea (Episode 1034)

    APR 2

    Creating a multimedia concert experience around Georges-Jean Méliès’ films: Jean-François Alcolea (Episode 1034)

    Pianist, composer, improviser and scenographer, Jean-François Alcolea met me on the roof of Reggie’s when he was in Chicago for his “Right in the Eye” multimedia event. I can’t do the “Right in the Eye” event justice with a description, but for general understanding, he and his fellow musicians provide scores and background for the films of Georges Méliès. It’s fascinating, immersive stuff - if you have the chance to see him in another city on this tour, I highly recommend this show. Jean-François and I talk about the birth of cinema, staging this sort of event and where creativity comes from. If you’re watching the video version, you can watch the weather go from bad to worse in mere minutes. I wrapped up the conversation shortly before the skies totally opened up on Chicago. Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## On Thursday, April 3, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at the soon-to-reopen Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road.  Yeah, I know it’s a school night, but I’ll be featuring live performances and interviews with East Moon, Ricky Liontones Revue, Joseph Christopher and Chris Pienta! It starts at 8:30 pm. Doors at 7:30 - we start recording the podcast at 8:30. Hope to see you there. ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music sce ne, written by Andy Frye.Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16 min
  8. Live performance and chat w/ Mike Vinopal at Hey Nonny (Episode 1033)

    MAR 31

    Live performance and chat w/ Mike Vinopal at Hey Nonny (Episode 1033)

    Mike Vinopal (Opal Vinopal, Local Motive, badcandy, wht.rbbt.obj) joined me for food and conversation outside Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights (10 South Vail Avenue/heynonny.com). The episode starts with an acoustic performance of the Opal Vinopal song “Speck in the Universe,” and then transitions to the food from Hey Nonny… lots of food! Cheese curds with IPA ranch? The Nonny Burger (2 Slagel Farm beef patties/aged cheddar/dijonnaise/bacon jam/ caramelized red onions, brioche)? Yes, please! We talked about all of Mike’s projects, including his new, very personal, Opal Vinopal songs. We also got caught up on Local Motive, badcandy and wht.rbbt.obj. See Local Motive at Hey Nonny on May 15! Speaking of Hey Nonny … what on earth does the name mean? In their words: Old English songs and verse use “Hey Nonny Nonny” to describe a state of cheerful bliss you feel as you let go of your cares. In Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, the song “Sigh No More” reminds women that “men were deceivers ever.” What to do about it? “Be you blithe and bonnie, converting all your sounds of woe into Hey Nonny Nonny.” We also love the Violent Femmes’ 1991 song “Hey Nonny Nonny” in which the singer tries to suppress his “wanton thoughts” inspired by a “beauty bathing” into . . . “Hey Nonny Nonny.” Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## On Thursday, April 3, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at the soon-to-reopen Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road.  Yeah, I know it’s a school night, but I’ll be featuring live performances and interviews with East Moon, Ricky Liontones Revue, comedian Joseph Christopher and artist Chris Pienta! It starts at 8:30 pm. Doors at 7:30 - we start recording the podcast at 8:30(ish). Hope to see you there. ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye.Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    40 min
See All (100)

4.8
out of 5
40 Ratings

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 to know, mostly from the world of music.

Information

  • Creator
    James VanOsdol
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 2024 James VanOsdol
  • Show Website
    Car Con Carne

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