Car Con Carne

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.

  1. Dr. Daryl Wilson (Bollweevils) reviews JVO’s medical drama of past few months (Episode 1100)

    JAN 5

    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 experiences, from the moment my appendix burst through my current recovery, all discussed with a requisite amount of dark humor (and insight). If you ever wanted to know what the most vomit-inducing experience was during this period, we don’t hold back (spoiler: the colonoscopy doesn’t even come close).   After Daryl “clears me” to return to podcasting and we put a bow on my appendix era, we get into Daryl’s new band, Pressure Set. It’s surprising, brand new, and something you’ll want to look out for in 2026. And don’t forget the Bollweevils: They have big plans for ‘26, as well.   I’m grateful to have a friend like Daryl, and I think after listening to this episode Daryl will feel like a friend of yours, as well.   So yeah… I’m back. As Daryl says in the episode, I’m “big back.” Thank you for your support, positive vibes, and kind words. Let’s have fun this year.    -JVO ### 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 explodinghouseprinting.com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    55 min
  2. Guest host Gillian McGhee (Hi Ho) with Aly Jados (Blood People) - Episode 1101

    12/30/2025

    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 that weave together heavy distortion, intricate guitar riffs, singalong choruses and Aly's unmistakably raw vocals. In short, you need to hear ‘Here.’   Join Gillian and Aly as they have a cozy fireside chat about: Faking sick as a teenager to win Foo Fighters tickets on Q101 How songwriting is a way for Aly to connect with her highest self Special guest Cat from Scarlet Demore asks Aly a question about the new record Gillian and Aly reminiscence on their favorite albums and artists of 2025   (Note from James: Many thanks to Gillian and Aly. I can’t imagine a better way to wrap up the year than with this episode.) ###   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing.   Bands, brands, listeners who want to get the word out: Exploding House Printing can help with your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.     Exploding House 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 go to their website or just email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min
  3. Guest host Jacques LaMore chats with Guardrail frontman Kevin Andrew (Episode 1099)

    12/20/2025

    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 -How their bands used to play shows together -The meaning behind the group’s new single, “Heroes”, now streaming everywhere -The upcoming ten anniversary of their yearly benefit show, Snuzfest   ###   Jake did an incredible job - and his mic/audio quality are tops (I notice this stuff). I’m incredibly grateful that he was willing to jump behind the mic to talk punk rock on behalf of CCC. And thanks of course to Kevin for again agreeing to have the world’s premiere diet punk band featured on the podcast.   -JVO   ###   Car Con Carne is nominated for “Best Music Podcast” in the Chicago Reader’s “Best of Chicago” survey (https://chicagoreader.com/best-of-chicago-music-nightlife-2025/). Please consider voting for the podcast - recognition like this can go a long way for a DIY, one-person operation!   ###   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing.   Bands, brands, listeners who want to get the word out: Exploding House Printing can help with your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.     Exploding House 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 go to their website or just email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 12m
  4. 2025 Revisited with James VanOsdol (Episode 1098)

    12/08/2025

    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 year, it would be impossible to pull something like that together (and incredibly unfair to my guests). Consider this an “amuse-bouche” for the podcast; a hint of what made it so much fun to host this year and a promise of more to come in 2026.   Thank you to all my guests (who are each individually named in this episode), and to you for supporting the podcast. I appreciate you.   -James   Car Con Carne is nominated for “Best Music Podcast” in the Chicago Reader’s “Best of Chicago” survey (https://chicagoreader.com/best-of-chicago-music-nightlife-2025/). Please consider voting for the podcast - recognition like this can go a long way for a DIY, one-person operation!   ##   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:  If you’re looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space, Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions that are tailored to your lifestyle.  Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed. Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!   ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing. Bands, brands, listeners who want to get the word out: Exploding House Printing can help with your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.   Exploding House 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 go to their website or just email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    41 min
  5. Guest host Kevin Kellam talks with SKLAR BROTHERS (Episode 1097)

    12/07/2025

    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, Entourage, and Cheap Seats on ESPN Classic.  My big takeaway from watching this episode is that I want the Sklars to be my best friends. I think you’ll love this chat - JVO.   See Sklar Brothers at The Den Theatre (1331 N. Milwaukee) for two shows on December 13! ##   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:    If you’re looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space, Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions that are tailored to your lifestyle.  Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.   Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!   ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.   Bands, brands, listeners who want to get the word out: Exploding House Printing can help with your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.     Exploding House 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 go to their website or just email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
  6. Guest host Kevin Kellam talks with comedian Adam Burke (Episode 1095)

    12/05/2025

    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 political tangents, and Kevin learns Amerigo Vespucci’s name for the first time (Ciao, Kevin!). Thanks to Kevin for again selflessly and capably taking the podcast reins. I’m beyond grateful. Thanks for supporting Car Con Carne, especially during this weird period where I’m off the grid. Thank you for listening and watching! - JVO   ##   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:  If you’re looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space, Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions that are tailored to your lifestyle.  Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed. Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!   ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing. Bands, brands, listeners who want to get the word out: Exploding House Printing can help with your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.   Exploding House 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 go to their website or just email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min
  7. Guest host Jaime Black talks architecture with Stewart Hicks (Episode 1096)

    12/04/2025

    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 architecture in our everyday lives, reveals the work that goes into producing his YouTube videos, and shares how Chicago influences his architectural productions.   ## Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:  If you’re looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space, Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions that are tailored to your lifestyle.  Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed. Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!   ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing. Bands, brands, listeners who want to get the word out: Exploding House Printing can help with your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.   Exploding House 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 go to their website or just email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min
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.