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

    Are we living through another 90s comics crash? Market thoughts w/ Patrick Brower of Challengers Comics (Episode 1143)

    Is the modern comic book market spiraling back into the speculator madness of the 1990s? Patrick Brower, co-owner of Chicago's award-winning Challengers Comics + Conversation in Bucktown, joins James in the car to break down today's comics retail landscape. Together, they dig into the explosion of variant covers, blind bags, and modern "what if" blockbusters like Absolute Batman. Patrick traces the structural shocks that reshaped the entire industry, from the collapse of Diamond Comic Distributors to the logistical hurdles comic shops face working with massive book distributors like Penguin Random House. They also discuss CGC grading obsession, the difference between modern readers and 90s-era investment collectors, and the unbeatable joy of digging through dollar bins for hidden gems. 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. Reach out to them to partner on your t-shirts, merch, whatever - their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between. http://www.explodinghouseprinting.com

  2. 4d ago

    Setting the stage for the 2026 Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (Episode 1142)

    In this episode, Car Con Carne heads to Joliet for a special live conversation from inside the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 (9 W. Cass St.). Founder Ron Romero joins me to preview the 2026 Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame induction ceremony taking place Sunday, September 27, at the Harris Theater in Chicago. Ron breaks down the extensive public nomination and voting process, how the museum preserves and documents Illinois music history across all genres, and new initiatives like the upcoming Amplify Illinois project (which I agreed to help with). We dive into this year's stacked class of inductees and honorees, including Terri Hemmert, Plain White T's, Jim Peterik, Kevin Cronin, Koko Taylor, The Flock, The Boyzz, Curtis Mayfield, WDRV (The Drive), and Brunswick Records. Plus, Ron shares stories about the museum's roots, the all-star house band, and what fans can expect on induction night. Tickets and event details are available at roadtorock.org. ##   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.

  3. 6d ago

    The rapid and deserved rise of Dogs With Hats (Episode 1141)

    For this episode, I caught up with Dogs With Hats founder/frontman Sam Shrier outside Beat Kitchen to talk about the band's rapid rise, creative evolution, and upcoming plans. Sam details how Dogs with Hats grew from a solo bedroom recording project into a tight, hard-touring unit, as well as the organic recording sessions at Palisade Studios for their debut EP Lampshades at the Party. We also get into the impact of their infectious song "Almost Famous," navigating major-label interest on DIY terms, and why staying committed to craft and full-length album cohesion matters far more than feeding the modern release algorithm. Dogs with Hats plays Beat Kitchen on November 12. ## 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.

  4. Aug 25

    Breakups and breakthrough songwriting moments - Savanna Ruth (Episode 1140)

    I sat down with singer-songwriter Savanna Ruth outside Dunkin' Donuts over iced caffeinated beverages to talk about her forthcoming album, The Baseball Diaries. After years performing as Burr Oak, Savanna decided to wipe the slate clean and step into a new creative chapter under her own name. We talk about the breakthrough moment of writing "Bad Thoughts," turning the raw fallout of a major breakup into vulnerable and relatable songs, and why artists have to give themselves permission to change direction entirely. We also dive into what it was like working with co-producers Scott Lucas (Local H) and Blake Smith (Fig Dish, Caviar), alongside drummer Jason Batchko. Savanna breaks down how that powerhouse team pushed her to dig deeper, sharpen her lyrics, and deliver an unapologetic record. Plus, we get into the Jim Carroll inspiration behind the album title and why putting the full record out on vinyl via Easy Does It Records matters so much.   ## Exploding House Printing is here for all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merchandising needs. Check them out at explodinghouseprinting.com!

  5. Aug 20

    The shapes of 'Wrath' - Zak and Alex of Bleached Cross (Episode 1139)

    Chicago post-punk outfit Bleached Cross (Zak and Alex) joins James VanOsdol to break down their latest album, Wrath.  Episode Highlights Radio Nostalgia & Cassette Tapes: Zak brings in his childhood box of handwritten cassette radio rips from late-'90s Q101 broadcasts, sharing early memories of recording tracks off the airwaves and attempting a fourth-grade talent show performance of Silverchair and 311. Origins & Evolution: The duo traces their history back to meeting in college, initially bonding over pop-punk, emo, and an Alkaline Trio cover set before steering into darker, more aggressive sonic territory. Dissecting Wrath: Alex and Zak detail the creative workflow behind key tracks like "Crucible" and "Thorn Crown," explaining how bass-driven foundations, layered guitars, and vocal hooks helped define the tone of the record. Featured Collaborations: Zak discusses the making of the track "Tomb," featuring guest vocals from Harlee of the Chicago band Bosses. Horror Influences & What's Ahead: The band dives into favorite horror cinema classics (including Hellraiser, The Thing, and Rosemary's Baby) and shares what's next as they balance tour dates, live sets, and early writing for future releases. 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. 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.

  6. Aug 10

    Somebody put a Ramone in my podcast: Richie Ramone (Episode 1138)

    Former Ramones drummer Richie Ramone joins the show at Beaumont's (2020 N. Halsted) in Chicago to talk about his Ramones days, live shows, solo albums, acting pursuits, and what keeps his creative sparks lit for him. Thanks to Beaumont's for the unbelievably good burgers and hospitality. Discussed in this episode: Joining the Ramones: Richie reflects on joining the band in 1983, navigating the group's mid-80s era, and writing iconic tracks like "Somebody Put Something in My Drink." Life on the Road & Leaving the Band: What led to his departure in 1987, including the infamous merchandise dispute and the realities of touring Europe in the pre-Euro era. Transition to Acting: How a chance encounter at a horror convention launched a second career in film, including recent projects like Deify and working alongside Clint Howard. The Legacy of Punk: Richie discusses why the Ramones' music remains timeless, connecting with generations of fans at conventions, and what true punk rock means to him. What's Next: Future touring plans, scoring films, and his dream of voicing an anime punk rock character. ## Exploding House Printing is here for all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merchandising needs. 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.

  7. Aug 4

    Arcada Theatre/Des Plaines Theatre owner Ron Onesti (Episode 1137)

    In this episode of Car Con Carne, host James VanOsdol sits down with Ron Onesti of Onesti Entertainment (OShows.com). For decades, Ron has been a fixture of the Chicago-area music scene, booking hundreds of shows a year at the historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles and transforming the century-old Des Plaines Theatre into an entertainment hub. James and Ron dive into: Saving Historic Venues: The stories behind reviving century-old local landmarks and turning them into bustling community centers. The Chicago Concert Business: Navigating the most competitive live music market in the country, radius clauses, and how personal relationships keep major acts coming back. The Full Experience: How Ron intertwines live rock, speakeasy culture, vintage pinball, and authentic Italian dining (including the new Rock 'N Ravioli) to give audiences a complete night out. What's Next: The upcoming centennial celebration of the Arcada Theatre, new projects on Harlem Avenue, and keeping the spirit of classic rock alive. ## 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. 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.

  8. Aug 1

    Coyote Man is back and still (mostly) an instrumental band (Episode 1136)

    In this episode of Car Con Carne, James VanOsdol catches up with Ian from Chicago post-rock/metal instrumental powerhouses Coyote Man. Parked outside Noon Whistle Brewery in Naperville where a record and comic book show was coincidentally (?) happening, they dive into the band's long-awaited new album, Prosthetic Memories. What's In This Episode: Breaking the Instrumental Rule: Discover the story behind "Faith in a Burning Room," the album's closing track featuring vocals (yes, vocals) from guest singer Chris. 5 Years in the Making: How Prosthetic Memories evolved over five years, blending heavy riffs, psychedelic soundscapes, and even 20-year-old unused ideas. Production: Bringing in producer Dan Klein to help sequence a seamless, cinematic "Pink Floyd-style" album experience. Finally on Vinyl: Why releasing this album on physical vinyl through Smashed Plastic makes this milestone release so special for the band. Catch Coyote Man Live! Album Release Show: August 21st at Liar's Club in Chicago Album Streaming: Available everywhere starting August 14th Car Con Carne is proudly brought to you by Exploding House Printing.

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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

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