Car Con Carne

James VanOsdol
  • 4.8 (40)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. LATTER: Equal Parts Art Project and Band (Episode 1111)

    3D AGO

    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 their integration into the local heavy music scene, and the raw, emotional alchemy that defines their creative process. What You’ll Hear in This Episode The "Latter" Origin Story: How a "just for funsies" Instagram post and a mutual friend brought together a New Jersey transplant and the drummer from Beach Bunny to form this formidable duo. Songwriting as Catharsis: Meredith explains why her lyrics are fueled by raw emotion, channeling whatever she is "pissed off about"—from the state of the world to personal struggles—into the music. World-Building Through Visuals: A look at the band's cinematic approach, from rmusic videos to curated Pinterest mood boards for future releases. Left-Handed Synergy: A fun look at the "similar genes" and creative connection Meredith and Jon share as two left-handed musicians. What’s Next: Details on their Audiotree session dropping March 4th and their upcoming May tour supporting Faetooth Featured Music & Mentions Album: My Body is My Sickness (2024) EP: What Lives Inside Me (2025) Key Tracks: "Bloodlines," "Expiration Date," “Callous,” and "I Don’t Owe You.” Local Ties: Shoutouts to The Empty Bottle, SubT, and their engineer Pete, the "King of Tones". About the Guests Meredith: Vocals/Guitar. A sound artist and musician originally from New Jersey and Philadelphia who uses Latter as a vehicle to "exorcise demons". Jon: Drums/Bass. Known also for his work in Beach Bunny, Jon explores his love for heavy, propulsive music and experimental tones with Latter. Sponsor Spotlight This episode is brought to you by Exploding House Printing. Based in Hermosa, they specialize in screen printing, embroidery, and custom merch for bands and brands. Visit explodinghouseprinting.com for a quote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    19 min
  2. The history of Chicago dining told in new ‘oral history’ book (Episode 1110)

    FEB 20

    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" era of the 1960s to the modern, diverse food scene of 2026. Key Highlights: The Evolution of Chicago Dining: Gebert explains how he tracked the city’s change through its restaurants, starting with the formal, male-dominated French dining scene and moving through the neighborhoods that restaurants helped put on the map. Legendary Personalities: The episode dives into the "outsized personalities" of Chicago’s most famous chefs, including: Charlie Trotter: Discussion of his complicated legacy, intense kitchen culture, and the "PTSD" some former staff still carry. Louis Szathmary: The story of Chicago's first celebrity chef at The Bakery and his surprising connection to Stouffer’s spinach souffle. Rick Bayless and Tony Mantuano: How they acted as the "anti-Trotters" by fostering reasonable workplaces and focusing on local produce and peasant cuisines. Neighborhood Transformations: Gebert and James discuss how dining pioneered areas like River North (thanks to Gordon Sinclair and developer Al Friedman) and the ongoing gentrification patterns in neighborhoods like Rogers Park and Bronzeville. The "Chicago Way" of Dining: Mike defines the city's unique dining spirit as a blend of high-end artistry and blue-collar work ethic—where even at the finest restaurants, the goal is for the experience to be unpretentious and, above all, fun. Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing.   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, and their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between. 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 (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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    41 min
  3. The Effigies + the Evictions (Episode 1109)

    FEB 17

    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 also were treated to new items from Cobra’s pizza menu, thanks to Chef Jason:    Dragged Through the Garden - poppy seed crust, sliced hot dogs, onion, sport peppers, dill pickles, green relish, mustard and celery salt   Louie’s Pizza - Pepperoni, giardiniera, and calabrian chili oil   Both pizzas were spectacular, but I think the hot dog pizza was really something extra special.   See you at Cobra on Saturday! Apologies for not also having the Bollweevils on this episode - looks like I’ll have to have Daryl on again soon.   Cobra Lounge (235 N. Ashland) - Saturday 2/21 - Effigies, Bollweevils, Evictions Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing.   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 (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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min
  4. Do the Dale (Episode 1108)

    FEB 16

    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 about the event, which will include (but isn’t limited to) the following:   Thursday 2/26 - Dmen Tap - Art Show Friday 2/27 & Saturday 2/28 - Livewire Lounge 2 days of music Sunday 3/1 - Dmen Tap - Craft Fair   This is an exclusively Avondale event - everyone is from the neighborhood. If you’re keeping track, it’ll be (roughly) 15 bands, 7 artists, 7 vendors.   And how’s this for the music line-up?  Lollygagger, Salvation, Autofobia, Vaudettes, Sharkula, the Sonnets, Reivers, Revel Noise, Freelapse, the Nix, Vince and Lauren, Chancey Brothers, Selfish Lovers, Werewolf Detective, Denim Daisy, Baggy Time   I plan on coming out for some of it, and hope you will, too! DO THE DALE.   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing.   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 (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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min
  5. Pulling back the curtain on podcasting: A chat with Jaime Black (Episode 1107)

    FEB 6

    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 a bit “inside baseball,” but I think it’s a conversation that will click with anyone who’s ever taken a DIY approach or who’s worked to build a brand.   Jaime’s one of the good ones - I’m thrilled I got to reconnect with him!   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing.   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 (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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    56 min
  6. La Rosa Noir: ‘Existence is resistance … I am doing this for younger me’ (Episode 1106)

    JAN 29

    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 House Printing. 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 (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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    19 min
  7. Time Thieves meet me at “VEGAN TACO HELL” inside Dante’s (Episode 1105)

    JAN 28

    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. Returning guest Mustafa is one of the principals at Palermo’s, and he shared the amazing Crunchwrap and Taco Hell Grande with us - I swear it tasted authentic, and was entirely plant-based.   Jonathan and I talk about the suitable-for-framing-and-playing new album, old record players, authentic recording, and the goal of being a one-hit wonder. It’s always a great time with Jonathan - hope you enjoy listening/watching!   ##Let’s talk about merch.    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 (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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min
  8. DØUBLE IDENTITY twins embrace pop, physical media, and metaphor (Episode 1104)

    JAN 22

    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 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 (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.   You can always expect prompt and quick communication as they're a small company and are hyper-focused on making your vision a reality. Their goal isn't just to print another t-shirt; you put your heart and soul into your project or business- they want their work to reflect that passion, as well. Email info at exploding house printing dot com for a quote today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 2024 James VanOsdol
  • Show Website
    Car Con Carne

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