Category: Episodes
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…
Metal! Beer! Tacos! Cats! ‘Feed the Beasts’ fundraiser preview at Soundgrowler (Episode 817)
Feed the Beasts is hosting a metal-themed cat rescue benefit at Soundgrowler Brewing Co. (8201 183rd Street Suite P, Tinley Park) on February 18 (5pm start). I’m joined by Nicci and Dan, the kind souls behind Feed the Beasts, as…
The personal side of record collecting explored in ‘Vinyl Nation’ (Episode 816)
For the second year in a row, vinyl records outsold CDs in the U.S. I’m at a point where I have a turntable. My son has a turntable. My daughter has a turntable. The appeal… the draw… of vinyl records…
Visiting new Palatine hotspot Pink’s Shrimp with LOTEC (Episode 815)
In this episode, I’m joined by Chicago indie band LOTEC (Dan, Kenny and Sean) for a visit to PINK’S SHRIMP & OYSTERS (773 N. Quentin Road). LOTEC’s back after being away for… decades (how is that even possible?). We talk…
The Brokedowns talk new album, eat pizza slices (Episode 813)
Mustafa, Eric and Jon from the Brokedowns joined me for a chat over slices from Dante’s Pizzeria (3028 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647). We talked about their fantastic new album, “Maximum Khaki,” their first release in five (!) years….
Comedian Mike Stricker eats hot dogs, says funny things (Episode 812)
Comedian Mike Stricker joins me for hot dogs from Gene & Jude’s in this episode. He’s a very funny guy, and we talked about: *How I totally forgot we’d already met, and feel really dumb about it. *Gene & Jude’s…
Peanut Park Trattoria serves killer pasta, tiramisu and more in Little Italy (Episode 811)
Chicago Magazine says Peanut Park Trattoria (1359 W. Taylor St.) is one of the “10 hottest restaurants in Chicago right now.” Time Out named it one of the 30 best Italian restaurants in the city. The accolades are well-deserved. Dave…
Sweetie: Raw, bluesy, garage rock awesomeness (Episode 810)
Sweetie is an excellent Chicago-based punk band with Birdy Vee, Sweet Johnny Marble, and Joe Pennington. The band joined me for a chat before a gig at Punk Rock Tacos on 1/13/23, and we talked about: The religious rebellion…
