Category: Episodes
World-class FoxFire steakhouse approaching 20th anniversary in Geneva (Episode 827)
This episode finds me at FoxFire (17 W. State St., Geneva, IL) for a conversation with owner/chef K.C. Gulbro. Chef Gulbro talked about the restaurant’s longevity in the Geneva area, the only “right” cooking temperature for steak, the FoxFire menu…
The Academy Is returns for Wrigley Field, UK shows (Episode 826)
Adam T. Siska of the Academy Is… is my guest this week! He joined me for a chat over dumplings from the Joong Boo Wang Mandoo stand outside Joog Boo Market on the northwest side. It’s one of Chicago’s best-kept…
Challengers Comics celebrates 15th anniversary at Club Lago (Episode 825)
This episode sees the return of longtime friend and Challengers Comics + Conversation co-owner Patrick Brower! For this conversation, we met at Club Lago in River North (331 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654). Owner GianCarlo was kind enough to…
Art-rock band FACS returns with ‘Still Life in Decay’ (Episode 824)
Brian Case (singer/guitarist) of FACS joins me for a chat in advance of their new release, “Still Life in Decay.” We met for hot dogs at Red Hot Ranch, ate depression dogs and talked about: *FACS capturing the moment with…
Djunah’s Donna Diane is ‘she who is powerful’ (Episode 823)
Djunah’s second album, “Femina Furens,” is brave. It’s raw. It’s cathartic. It’s gut wrenching. It’s fierce. It’s vulnerable. Most importantly, it’s great. Donna Diane of Djunah jumped in the car outside Innjoy, in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, to…
The Nettes perform/chat outside Perkolator in Portage Park (Episode 822)
This episode is a perfect example of what Car Con Carne tries to accomplish. I’m joined by the Nettes (Alex, Kristina and Sonya) for a visit to Perkolator (6032 W. Irving Park) in Portage Park. Before enjoying coffee and breakfast…
Moon celebrates vinyl release of ‘Sapiens’ at Livewire (Episode 821)
David, Shen and Chris of Moon join me to chat about their fourth full-length, “Sapiens.” The album will finally see a vinyl release at the Moon show at Live Wire on 3/11 (also appearing: Rocket Miner & 5RVL5). We talk…
Poi Dog Pondering’s Frank Orrall opens up about new album (Episode 820)
Frank Orrall of Poi Dog Pondering joins me for a chat at award-winning distillery, FEW Spirits (918 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL). Poi Dog started 2023 off with their tenth full-length album, “Keep On Loving Each Other.” The messages within are…
Aweful at Tony D’s (Episode 819)
Aweful (Traci, Lucy and Izzy) joined me at Tony D’s (7725 W. Belmont, Elmwood Park) for delicious wings and tacos. We talked about Aweful’s new video (“Open Heart”), their history and their forthcoming release. Thanks to Tony D’s for the…
Punk legend Ivan Julian (Richard Hell and the Voidoids) talks new solo album, punk history (Episode 818)
Ivan Julian is a guitar monster … a punk pioneer … a founding member of Richard Hell & the Voidoids. He’s also played with bands and artists like the Clash, Matthew Sweet and Shriekback. We met outside Rattleback Records in…