100 episodes

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.

Car Con Carne James VanOsdol

    • Music
    • 4.8 • 38 Ratings

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.

    Cambodian fried chicken sandwiches with Leo Graphics Chicago at Hermosa Restaurant (Episode 951)

    Cambodian fried chicken sandwiches with Leo Graphics Chicago at Hermosa Restaurant (Episode 951)

    Jamie and Deb of Leo Graphics Chicago (4200 W. Diversey) join me for conversation and food from the remarkable Hermosa Restaurant (4356 W. Armitage).

    We’re joined by Hermosa Restaurant owner/visionary Ethan Lim. Ethan has built up Hermosa on his own terms, and his warmth and authenticity are present inside the space and in every bite he prepares.

    As we talk, we dig into the sandwiches that everyone is talking about: Hermosa’s Cambodian fried chicken sandwiches. Before you even listen or watch, take the time to order ahead and get one of them in your belly this week. This is a “top five” sandwich for Chicago; no exaggeration.

    Ethan’s story, history and perspectives are refreshing, and I think you’ll enjoy hearing what he has to say.

    As for the Leo Graphics team: Jamie and Deb are a blast to hang out with. We talked about their independent print shop business, which fuels and supports the local music community. They explain the process and economics behind their work in making record jackets (they share highlights from the likes of King Gizzard and Vortis), and the benefits of focusing on smaller-batch orders. 

    They also shared examples of the work they do on physical records; if you’re watching the video version, you’ll love seeing what they did for artists like Naked Raygun and My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult.

    The Leo Graphics chat came to a crescendo when Jamie and Deb show what they brought for “show and tell”: Car Con Carne stickers of all sizes & a cool banner! They do fantastic work, and if you’re looking for print work: signs, album jackets, decals, drum heads, stickers … whatever … give them a shout!

    Jamie and Deb are also in 13 Monsters. If you see this in time, check them out at Cary’s Lounge (2251 W Devon Ave) on Saturday, May 11!

    Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators.

    ##

    The summer season at Ravinia kicks off next month… and there’s no place more comfortable to see outdoor shows.  

    Load up your picnic basket and head to the show… or take advantage of some of Ravinia’s outstanding food options inside the park. 

    Violent Femmes are set to do an album play of their debut album with the Chicago Philharmonic. It’s been hard for me to imagine stripped down songs like Gone Daddy Gone and Add It Up done with a classical collaboration. Get tickets and see the full schedule at ravinia.org.

    ##I want you to join my team! I’m training for the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb at Soldier Field on May 19. Go to fightforairclimb.org/chicago and click “register as a team member.” From there, search “Car Con Carne” and get yourself signed up!

    Join me at Soldier Field. Let’s have some fun, do good and feel good.

    ##

    A smart home connects virtually all of the technology in your home.  With an Easy Automation-installed smart home system, you and your family can control nearly every device and system in the house in ways that are easy and fun to use.

    Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules.

    Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call Dan at 630.730.3728
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 49 min
    Her Head’s on Fire (or HHOF w JVO @ TBKG) - Episode 950

    Her Head’s on Fire (or HHOF w JVO @ TBKG) - Episode 950

    Her Head’s on Fire band members Jeff Dean (Guitars) and Rodrigo Palma (Bass) join me for veggie tacos at TBK Grill in Skokie.

    We talk about the differences between recording the new album, “Strange Desires” (out 5/17), and the previous release (College Rock & Clove Cigarettes).

    We also cover topics like the creative process, royalty in tacos, how to handle band personnel when more than one member share the same name and why all musicians in Chicago will end up in one of two camps.

    Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators.

    ##

    The summer season at Ravinia kicks off next month… and there’s no place more comfortable to see outdoor shows.  I’ll see you in Highland Park next month for Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (6/12). JD McPherson’s opening that one. And then, I can’t even believe this is a thing… Violent Femmes are set to do an album play of their debut album with the Chicago Philharmonic. It’s been hard for me to imagine stripped down songs like Gone Daddy Gone and Add It Up done with a classical collaboration. Get tickets and see the full schedule at ravinia.org.

    ##

    I want you to join my team! I’m training for the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb at Soldier Field on May 19. Go to fightforairclimb.org/chicago and click “register as a team member.” From there, search “Car Con Carne” and get yourself signed up!

    Join me at Soldier Field. Let’s have some fun, do good and feel good.

    ##

    A smart home connects virtually all of the technology in your home.  With an Easy Automation-installed smart home system, you and your family can control nearly every device and system in the house in ways that are easy and fun to use.

    Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules.

    Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call Dan at 630.730.3728
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 42 min
    The Dennies are younger than you, and better than you’d imagine (Episode 949)

    The Dennies are younger than you, and better than you’d imagine (Episode 949)

    The Dennies join me for delicious food from Taco Mucho ( (220 Harrison, Oak Park) as I’m parked outside longtime local favorite record store Val’s halla Records.

    We talk about the recently-released “It All Fades to Grey,” how the band started,  and what happens next (since they’re all in high school).

    Also… who knew high school kids in 2024 could be Steely Dan die-hards?

    Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators.

    ##

    I want you to join my team! I’m training for the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb at Soldier Field on May 19. Go to fightforairclimb.org/chicago and click “register as a team member.” From there, search “Car Con Carne” and get yourself signed up!

    Join me at Soldier Field. Let’s have some fun, do good and feel good.

    ##

    You and I both love music. It’s the soundtrack to where we live. 

    Imagine music playing in any room you want… or every room. 

    Having your favorite streaming sources available anywhere in your home.

    Easy Automation makes it all easy… integrating into your smart home system.

    How easy? Dan will tell you. Give him a call at 630-730-3728.

    Or get more information at easy-automation.net

    ##

    The summer season at Ravinia kicks off next month… and there’s no place more comfortable to see outdoor shows.  I’ll see you in Highland Park next month for Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (6/12). JD McPherson’s opening that one. And then, I can’t even believe this is a thing… Violent Femmes are set to do an album play of their debut album with the Chicago Philharmonic. It’s been hard for me to imagine stripped down songs like Gone Daddy Gone and Add It Up done with a classical collaboration. Get tickets and see the full schedule at ravinia.org.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 18 min
    Goose Island opens Salt Shed Pub (Episode 948)

    Goose Island opens Salt Shed Pub (Episode 948)

    I visited Goose Island Beer Co.’s soon-to-open Salt Shed Pub (1357 N. Elston) on what turned out to be a perfect night for having a 312 on the river.

    Let’s get this out of the way: Goose has found the perfect location and built the perfect brewpub. 

    Located behind Salt Shed and along the Chicago River, Salt Shed Pub is now the go-to for before/after concert drinks and light bites, as well as day drinking in full view of the Chicago skyline.

    Goose Island President Todd Ahsmann jumped in the car to talk about the new location and Goose Island’s long history in Chicago as we ate one of the best smashburgers I’ve ever had (credit to Executive Chef Henry Pariser). Note: The smashburgers are on the Salt Shed Pub menu. Do yourself a favor…

    Goose Island Brewing’s Salt Shed Pub officially opens May 3, 2024.

    Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators.

     

    ##

    I want you to join my team! I’m training for the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb at Soldier Field on May 19. Go to fightforairclimb.org/chicago and click “register as a team member.” From there, search “Car Con Carne” and get yourself signed up!

    Join me at Soldier Field. Let’s have some fun, do good and feel good.

    ##

    You and I both love music. It’s the soundtrack to where we live. 

    Imagine music playing in any room you want… or every room. 

    Having your favorite streaming sources available anywhere in your home.

    Easy Automation makes it all easy… integrating into your smart home system.

    How easy? Dan will tell you. Give him a call at 630-730-3728.

    Or get more information at easy-automation.net
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 29 min
    Classic rock lives with TikTok sensation Adam and the Metal Hawks (Episode 947)

    Classic rock lives with TikTok sensation Adam and the Metal Hawks (Episode 947)

    Adam and the Metal Hawks (Adam Ezegelian, Johnny Barry, Ryan Daversa, Griffin McCarthy) joined me before their in-store appearance at Loud Pizza Records (716 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035) to talk about their viral video history, Jack Black, rock music and the new(ish) original album, “Hurry Up And Wait”



    Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators.

     

    ##

     

    I want you to join my team! I’m training for the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb at Soldier Field on May 19. Go to fightforairclimb.org/chicago and click “register as a team member.” From there, search “Car Con Carne” and get yourself signed up!

    Join me at Soldier Field. Let’s have some fun, do good and feel good.

     

    ##

     

    Safety and security are things you and I want, need and expect. What if you could always come home to a well-lighted house knowing that you and everyone inside were safe?

     

    Or know that the package you were waiting on was delivered and secured.

     

    Embrace the future of smart living. Empower your home with intuitive control. Call Dan at Easy Automation for a free, no-hassle quote. 630-730-3728. Or visit easy-automation.net.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 17 min
    Infamous Lou Reed ‘Metal Machine Music’ album gets reimagined by indie stars (Episode 946)

    Infamous Lou Reed ‘Metal Machine Music’ album gets reimagined by indie stars (Episode 946)

    “Metal Machine Muzak” is a reimagining of Lou Reed’s infamous Metal Machine Music album, curated and released by Dave Gebroe, creator and host of the Discograffiti podcast. 

     

    Dave and “Metal Machine Muzak” contributor Lou Barlow (Folk Implosion, Sebadoh, Dinosaur Jr.) join me to talk about the tribute (available May 3, only on the Discograffiti Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/discograffiti). 

     

    Also included on the tribute: Cory Hanson (Wand), Mark Robinson (Unrest, Teenbeat Records founder) and W Cullen Hart (Olivia Tremor Control, co-founder Elephant 6 Recording Company).

     

    I start with the obvious question: “Is ‘Metal Machine Music’... good?”

     

    Music fans will love this episode. Dave’s a music obsessive and student of rock and roll. Lou Barlow is nothing short of an indie rock legend. Our hour-long conversation absolutely flew by.

     

    Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators.

     

    ##

     

    I want you to join my team! I’m training for the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb at Soldier Field on May 19. Go to fightforairclimb.org/chicago and click “register as a team member.” From there, search “Car Con Carne” and get yourself signed up!

    Join me at Soldier Field. Let’s have some fun, do good and feel good.

     

    ##

     

    Safety and security are things you and I want, need and expect. What if you could always come home to a well-lighted house knowing that you and everyone inside were safe?

     

    Or know that the package you were waiting on was delivered and secured.

     

    Embrace the future of smart living. Empower your home with intuitive control. Call Dan at Easy Automation for a free, no-hassle quote. 630-730-3728. Or visit easy-automation.net.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 50 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
38 Ratings

38 Ratings

jack_ralston ,

A must listen

Car Con Carne is a fun and lively podcast with guests like Tom Higgenson of TLB. He has an independent record label, Humans Were Here. Listen to find out what is next for this busy guy.

Alex_Huang00 ,

Car con carne

So cool! Loved hearing about Tom higgenson and his new label Humans were here and his artists like TLB. Just sad I missed out on their holiday extravaganza they talked about…

rokerjr ,

Car Con Carne

JVO is an amazing broadcaster and an even better man, when I hit the lottery and buy my dream radio station, he’s my first hire, bar none.

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