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. 6D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. APR 20

    Sean Mulroney on the future of Double Door and Gallery Cabaret (Episode 1118)

    James VanOsdol sits down with Sean Mulroney at the legendary Gallery Cabaret in Bucktown to discuss the evolving landscape of Chicago's music scene. Mulroney, the owner of Double Door, shares major updates regarding the iconic venue's future and his new role as the operator of Gallery Cabaret.     A new chapter at Gallery Cabaret After 38 years as a Bucktown staple, Gallery Cabaret is undergoing a revitalization under Mulroney's guidance. The goal is to preserve the dive bar's classic Chicago vibe while elevating the experience for artists and patrons. Upgraded Sound: The venue now features a professional sound system, incorporating high-end gear from the Double Door collection. Community Focus: The heart of the bar remains its open mic nights, which provide a platform for everyone from jazz musicians to poets. Staff Continuity: To maintain the bar's soul, Mulroney has retained a mix of legacy staff and new team members. The pivot of Double Door Mulroney provides a candid update on the Double Door relocation. While the previously announced move to the Wilson Theater in Uptown is no longer moving forward, the brand is far from dead. "Double Door was never intended to be a nine million dollar venue. The math doesn't work for a 750-capacity club." The high costs and rigid requirements of city grant programs made the Wilson Theater project unfeasible. Instead, Mulroney is currently scouting a new location that aligns with the "roadhouse" spirit of the original Double Door. He is currently working through zoning and city requirements to bring this new vision to life. Open mic and booking information Gallery Cabaret continues to be a home for local talent. Musicians, poets, and performers of all stripes are encouraged to participate in the weekly schedule: Sundays: Open Mic (Sign-up at 6:30 PM). Tuesdays: Open Mic hosted by Victor. Thursdays: Open Mic hosted by Kelly Wazer. Artists interested in booking a set or showing art can reach out to the venue directly at bookinggallerycabaret@gmail.com.   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. Upcoming event: Local music night James VanOsdol will be at Gallery Cabaret on Wednesday, April 22, spinning an all-Chicago music set. Stop by to hear local favorites and celebrate the city's rich musical history.

    29 min

  5. APR 17

    The Arrivals chat about their first album in 15 years, Payload (Episode 1117)

    Recorded on a drizzly Monday in the Fulton Market neighborhood, this episode features Little Dave Merriman and Ronnie DiCola of the long-running Chicago melodic punk band, The Arrivals. The band recently released Payload, their first full-length album in 15 years. Dave and Ronnie join James VanOsdol to discuss the evolution of the group, the challenges of promoting music in the age of TikTok, and the deep personal stories behind the new tracks. Highlights: A long-awaited return: After 15 years, the band explains that the hiatus was not exactly intentional. Life changes: Between moving to different cities and managing adult responsibilities, time simply slipped away. Capturing energy: They finally committed to recording after realizing the timing felt right to revisit old demos and capture new energy. Family and maturity: The track This Is What It Feels Like was originally written as a simple song for Dave's young daughter. Growth: Over time, it evolved into a more complex exploration of self-acceptance and emotional growth that resonates with the band's older perspective. Blue Island roots: The band reflects on their connection to Blue Island, Illinois. Community: They describe the town as a place filled with honest, hardworking people who know how to have fun. The DIY spirit: From producing music videos to recording on a worn-out eight-track digital recorder, the band continues to embrace a hands-on approach to their craft. Payload is available now on all major platforms. Car Con Carne is brought to you by Exploding House Printing. They are the local experts in Chicago for screen printing, embroidery, and band merchandise. Join me at Gallery Cabaret on Wednesday April 22nd for a night of local music! It's only my second time DJing - what can go wrong?

    23 min

  6. APR 11

    The world's best 'soft punk gestalt rock' band is back: Man's Body (Episode 1116)

    James VanOsdol sits down with J. and Greg from the Chicago/Los Angeles hybrid band Man's Body. They dive into the creation of their latest release, For All the Jailhouse Chess Masters, a project that marks a shift toward a more political and collaborative songwriting process for the group. Highlights: The sound of 'Gestalt rock': J. and Greg discuss the evolution of their sound and how their new five-piece lineup has solidified their musical identity since forming in 2016. For All the Jailhouse Chess Masters: A look at the new 12 inch EP, which is limited to a run of only 100 copies on vinyl and features a double-sided insert with hidden "Easter eggs." Political and personal themes: The band discusses the heavy inspiration behind specific tracks, including the anti-establishment sentiment of American Fire Sale and the deeply personal processing of grief in Crazy Person Song. The banality of the 9-5: A breakdown of Artless and Working Blues, a song that captures the soul-crushing experience of corporate life, specifically the dreaded "cake in the break room." Vinyl nerdiness: James, Greg, and Jay bond over their record collections, discussing everything from Gary Numan and The Cramps to the influence of Kid Congo Powers. The live experience: Why the band views a live performance not as a series of individual songs, but as a single, continuous "roller coaster" that allows for a unique form of self-actualization. EVENT NOTICE: James VanOsdol will be spinning local music at Gallery Cabaret on Wednesday April 22nd (2020 N. Oakley)! ## 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, and they focus on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between. And Jonathan, the guy behind Exploding House, has you covered. Beyond 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. 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.

    34 min

  7. APR 5

    Inside the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 (Episode 1115)

    In this episode of Car Con Carne, James heads to downtown Joliet to step inside a three-story vault of local musical history. He sits down with founder Ron Romero to explore how a "germ of an idea" from 2012 evolved into the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66.     Why you should listen: The "Underdog" Location: Discover why this massive project planted its roots in Joliet rather than Chicago, and how it's helping revitalize the "crossroads of Mid-America." Redefining the Hall of Fame: Learn about the museum's "all music is connected" philosophy—from Mavis Staples to Naked Raygun—and how they are using a community Wiki to honor every band in Illinois history. Preserving the Future: It's not just a collection of gear. Get a sneak peek at the museum's lower-level recording studios and classrooms designed to train the next generation of roadies, engineers, and rock stars. The Gear: Hear the stories behind artifacts from REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Styx, and the legendary Chicago Blues scene. Don't miss: James will be spinning a 100% Illinois-minted set at Gallery Cabaret in Bucktown on Wednesday, April 22, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. ###   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, and they focus on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between. And Jonathan, the guy behind Exploding House, has you covered. Beyond 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.

    33 min

  8. MAR 23

    Recreating PiL's 'The Flowers of Romance' live w/ Martin Atkins (ex-PiL drummer) (Episode 1114)

    In this episode, Martin Atkins (Public Image Ltd., Killing Joke, Pigface) joins the show from his Post-Punk and Industrial Music Museum to discuss the upcoming 45th-anniversary recreation of Public Image Ltd.'s third album, The Flowers of Romance. On Saturday, April 11, Martin returns to Reggie's in Chicago with a "murderers' row" of talent, including Chris Connelly, Robert Byrne, Leyla Royale, Orville Kline, Alicia Gaines, and Alan Lake, to bring the stark, experimental, and percussive record back to the stage. Martin reflects on the "Music Concrete" nature of the original recording sessions, which were defined by improvisation and disregard for traditional rock structures. He shares fascinating stories behind the album's signature sounds, such as the ticking of a Mickey Mouse watch used for the track "Four Enclosed Walls" and the CO2 fire extinguisher that opens "Under the House". He also sheds light on the band's internal dynamics during that era, including the departure of bassist Jah Wobble and Keith Levene's intense focus on video game. The conversation also covers Martin's recent performance of Killing Joke's "Extremities" and his complex, perhaps a bit strained, relationship with John Lydon. Martin discusses how his museum has become a surprising hub for younger generations who are just now discovering the textures and stories of the post-punk movement. I adore Martin, respect his career and business mind, and always love talking with him. Hope you enjoy the chat, and to see you at Reggie's!   ###   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.

    50 min
See All (1.1K)

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

You Might Also Like