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. 4h ago

    Dan Dougherty launches new 'Beardo' Kickstarter for 20th anniversary (Episode 1123)

    In this episode of Car Con Carne, James VanOsdol catches up with Chicago comic artist and musician Dan Dougherty at Hamburger Heaven in Elmhurst to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Dougherty's award-winning comic series, Beardo. Dan looks back on the decades-long evolution of the strip, from its late-night origins while working as a barista to its long newspaper runs and modern digital home. The conversation highlights Dan's current Kickstarter campaign for Beardo Volume 7, Generation X-Hausted, a massive collection bringing the brilliant collections current. For the first time ever, the campaign is offering backers a chance to own original, hand-drawn comic strips from the Beardo archives. Find the project on Kickstarter (search "Beardo"), and be sure to get yourself set up with a copy (and cool rewards in the process). 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. Their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between, offering 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.

    33 min

  2. 1d ago

    Toadies return with new Albini-recorded 'The Charmer' (Episode 1126)

    When Clark Vogeler joined the Toadies in 1996, there was no way to imagine the band would still be going, selling out rooms across North America. Thirty years later, the veteran guitarist finds himself navigating a beautifully unpredictable landscape, touring behind The Charmer, a gritty, tough new LP recorded with the late, legendary Steve Albini. Sitting over pizza at The Art of Pizza in Chicago (3033 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657), Vogeler reflects on how the band has defied time to become a cross-generational force. From old-school fans to teenagers crowding the front row, the Toadies are experiencing a career renaissance they never could have predicted decades ago.   Vogeler pulls back the curtain on the creative process behind the new material, including the dark, self-critical inner voice that inspired frontman Vaden Todd Lewis to write the album's title track as a way of making peace with his own creative friction.   Being an independent band in 2026 comes with freedom, a sharp contrast to the major label pressures the Toadies faced in the 1990s. By self-funding their studio time through relentless touring, the band completely owns their masters, ensuring their creative output stays entirely in their own hands. As they prepare to share the stage at the Vic Theatre with Local H, Vogeler chats about the camaraderie of the road, the enduring legacy of Steve Albini, and why age has absolutely nothing to do with making great, muscular rock and roll.   Featured Sponsor: 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.    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.

    29 min

  3. 3d ago

    Is Bask the 'turducken of rock?' (Episode 1125)

    Zeb and Ray from the fantastic North Carolina band Bask join me for this episode as we chat on the back patio of Livewire Lounge in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood. Bask released their epic, genre-defying album The Turning last year, blending elements of psych, prog, atmospheric rock, and country into an incredibly awesome, cinematic vibe. We dig into their collaborative songwriting evolution, how they execute their massive sonic dynamics, and how their music serves as a true journey for the listener. Plus, since the interview fell on Zeb's birthday, we talk about the band's essential Chicago birthday stop: hitting up Johnny's Beef in Elmwood Park (this band knows how to maximize their tour down time).   Support Our Sponsor 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.

    19 min

  4. 5d ago

    L7 takes victory lap on 'Last Hurrah' tour (Episode 1124)

    L7 takes victory lap on 'Last Hurrah' tour (Episode 1124) L7 is embarking on their final run, The Last Hurrah Tour, capping off a legendary career with a final celebration of iconic songs, hooks, and unforgettable riffs. For Chicago fans, the circle closes at the Vic Theatre on Sunday, November 1, a stage the band hasn't commanded since 1994. In this episode, L7 co-founder, guitarist, and vocalist Donita Sparks joins the show to reflect on the long road, the band's legacy, and what it means to finally say goodbye on their own terms. Donita looks back at the band's transition from its indie roots to early 90s alternative mainstays and highlights along the way, like being anointed by John Waters for Serial Mom. "We wanted our gender to not be relevant... we just wanted to prove in a punk rock way that you could throw a band together, work hard, and go on tour." — Donita Sparks Beyond the nostalgia, Donita dives deep into the sonic DNA of L7, explaining why they will always be a "guitar band, not a vocal band." She opens up about the realities of the 90s major label system, the resilience it took to create The Beauty Process: Triple Platinum, and the joy of reconnecting with fans over the last decade. It's a candid conversation about hard work, and ultimately, a mission accomplished. The end is near, and you don't want to miss the last hurrah. Press play and check out the full conversation with Donita Sparks. (Permission to use "Fuel My Fire" and the associated tour video sizzle kindly provided by L7/rights holders)   ## 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.

    20 min

  5. May 27

    Meet me in Golden Sands - Exploring Rachel Lichtman's corner of the multiverse (Episode 1122)

    Was life better before the digital era? That's the rhetorical question at the heart of Golden Sands, the immersive, totally analog experience created by Rachel Lichtman. She recently jumped in the car to talk about her upcoming Programme 4: The Affiliate Sales Presentation show at Evanston's SPACE on May 27th. Described as a station from an alternate timeline that simply never stopped broadcasting, the traveling show forces audiences to sit with media in a way that modern streaming interfaces disrupt. Lichtman notes that our modern "handheld casinos" offer so many options that choice paralysis sets in, torpedoing our attention and severing our cultural connection. I love the fact that these shows rely purely on old-school, word-of-mouth curation to bring people together.Described as a station from an alternate timeline that simply never stopped broadcasting, the traveling show forces audiences to sit with media in a way that modern streaming interfaces disrupt. Lichtman notes that our modern "handheld casinos" offer so many options that choice paralysis sets in, torpedoing our attention and severing our cultural connection. I love the fact that these shows rely purely on old-school, word-of-mouth curation to bring people together. The event is a highly collaborative, scripted performance inspired by the bizarre world of corporate industrial musicals and 1970s television. The performance features a stellar cast of local and national talent, including Chicago media legend Rich Koz, Dag Juhlin, Jon Langford, Kelly Hogan, Joel Murray, Nora O'Connor, and Chris Murphy.  Dag brings "Rod Kellogg" to life, a buttoned-up host surrounded by a world of mid-century grooviness he doesn't quite understand. With custom set designs, a live Rhodes piano providing a nostalgic soundscape, Programme 4 offers a needed, temporary escape from the digital world. I can't wait. To see the full schedule of upcoming dates, make the scene over at programme4.tv.

    33 min

  6. May 7

    Elevating concerts to next-level experiential moments: Robb Jibson (So Midwest) - Episode 1121

    "We're a little egoless. We're happy to just do the content, be a part of the lighting, or help anybody execute and create something cool." — Robb Jibson In this episode, I sit down with Robb Jibson, the founder and creative director of So Midwest, a Chicago-based production design firm. Robb has spent decades building the visual experiences that define live music for artists like Fall Out Boy, Incubus, and Panic! At The Disco. We discuss his journey from a teenager in Michigan to the center of the concert production world. Episode highlights The "Tetanus" origin story: Robb recounts his early days in a metal band called Tetanus and how an attempt to use car headlights for stage lighting led to a run-in with the law and a formative stint doing community service at the Frauenthal Theater. Touring with the Backstreet Boys: At just 19 years old, Robb landed a spot on a tour with the Backstreet Boys during the height of their popularity. The birth of So Midwest: Originally started as a tax shelter while touring with Incubus, the company name was inspired by a simple 1-inch button found at the Empty Bottle. The shift to motion graphics: Robb explains how the industry transitioned from "smoky beams of light" to complex video content and 3D animation around 2007. Working with Chicago legends: We talk about his long-standing relationships with local favorites like Alkaline Trio, The Lawrence Arms, and Chevelle. Follow So Midwest: Visit somidwest.com to learn more. 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. 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.

    45 min

  7. May 1

    Colombian music icon Andrés Cepeda starts his US tour in Chicago (Episode 1120)

    In this episode of Car Con Carne, host James VanOsdol talks with Colombian icon Andrés Cepeda. A multi-Latin Grammy winner and 2026 Grammy nominee for his album Bogota, Cepeda visits the podcast to discuss his upcoming performance at the Riviera Theatre on May 10. This Chicago date marks the beginning of the final leg of a tour that has spanned two years and multiple continents. Highlights from the conversation Cepeda reflects on his 30 years in the music industry, offering insights into his creative process and his evolution from a teenage rock musician to a global solo artist. Starting the US tour in Chicago: Although the tour routing began in Chicago due to logistics, Cepeda shares his excitement about returning to the city where he has performed on several previous tours. The power of storytelling: Cepeda explains how sharing the anecdotes behind his songs helps him connect with multi-generational audiences, including those who may not be familiar with his music. Finding an authentic voice: Having served as a mentor on The Voice and The Voice Kids, Cepeda emphasizes the importance of originality for independent artists. He suggests that authenticity is the only way to stand out in a world where thousands of songs are released daily. The recording of Bogota: The album was recorded in Los Angeles and Bogota using analog techniques. Cepeda describes the experience of "locking himself in" with a band for weeks to capture a more organic, realistic sound. What comes next: As the Bogota tour concludes, Cepeda is already looking toward the future. He plans to begin a new project in July and is working with several producers on a fresh album this summer. Event details Catch Andrés Cepeda live as he kicks off his latest run of shows. Venue: Riviera Theatre (Lawrence and Broadway, Chicago) Date: May 10, 2026 The Show: A full band performance featuring musicians who have collaborated with Cepeda for over 20 years. Support for Car Con Carne 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.

    15 min

  8. Apr 30

    When We Was Kids - evading grammar police and bending genres (Episode 1119)

    In this episode of Car Con Carne, James VanOsdol welcomes the Chicago-based band When We Was Kids to the car. Band members Chris, Mike, and Mark dive into their evolution from childhood rivals in the Cicero and Berwyn music scenes to becoming a technical, genre-bending powerhouse. The group discusses their newest release, A Maudlin Floor in Watercolor, which dropped in November 2025. They share the stories behind standout tracks like "Slutwalk" and "Crazy Guy," while reflecting on their formative years at the Motel 66 Cicero DIY venue. Highlights from the conversation The rivalries: The band members recall their early days in competing grade school bands, and how they eventually merged their pop-punk and instrumental prog influences. The double album: Get a sneak peek into their next massive project: a potential double album! The songwriting process: Chris explores the personal experiences and "cry for help" lyrics that define their intense compositions. See them live Catch When We Was Kids at these upcoming Chicago shows: May 1: Cole's June 11: Reggies This episode is brought to you by Exploding House Printing. Visit their website at explodinghouseprinting.com for all your merch needs.

    16 min
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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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