Posted in Episodes podcast hosts

South side culture, hidden treasures and beer: Chris Lanuti of Southside Pod (Episode 625)

Southside Pod is a very well-done, funny and community-focused podcast that I love listening to. Chris Lanuti joins me tonight to talk about his show, the south side, and why people should pledge to “Phonation” TODAY. Car Con Carne is…

Posted in 1980s Episodes Live performances pop stars

Tiffany brings sunlight and joy while promoting ‘Shadows’ (Episode 624)

I think we’re online now…

Posted in Encased Meats Episodes

Cobra Lounge welcomes a return to normalcy (Episode 623)

It’s time to light the masks on fire, have a cold beer, listen to loud music, eat kickass food and re-embrace the concept of what ‘Saturday night’ can be. Cobra Lounge (235 N. Ashland) owner Louie Mendicino returns to the…

Posted in Encased Meats Episodes sausage

Vicious Kicks, hot sausage and a songwriting triumph for David Singer (Episode 622)

An early favorite for my 2021 “best of” list is David Singer & the Sweet Science’s new album, “Vicious Kicks.” After years of exemplary songwriting, David has outdone himself with this new release. David and I met at Roma’s on…

Posted in Episodes Onsite recording Record Store Day vinyl

Record Store Day live from Siren Records (Episode 620)

Record Store Day, 6/12/21: I recorded this one from the front of Siren Records in McHenry, just as the doors opened at 8 a.m. I talked with owner Bill Linquist about the state of record store retail, the pros and…

Posted in Episodes wrestling

WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre (Episode 619)

Drew McIntyre is a giant among men and a giant in professional wrestling. He’s a 2-time WWE champion… former Intercontinental champion… 2 time Raw tag team champion… a Royal Rumble winner… a guy who’s worked every corner of the business…

Posted in Episodes Oswego

Transforming ‘painful reminders’ of gang life or human trafficking enslavement into beautiful art: Ink 180 (Episode 618)

Victims of human trafficking are often “branded” with tattoos of pimps’ names or bar codes. Gang members’ tattoos are proof of allegiance. But what happens when a human trafficking victim escapes enslavement? When a gang member leaves the life? Those…

Posted in Episodes Evanston gin Onsite recording whiskey

The FEW Spirits distillery tour and conversation with Paul Hletko (Episode 617)

Evanston was a hotbed for the temperance movement and remained a dry town for many decades. These days, it’s home to one of our favorite distilleries, the very-local and very-excellent FEW Spirits. We went onsite to the distillery for a…

Posted in crowdfunding Episodes Kickstarter

Launching the podcasts-to-vinyl ‘Phonation’ project (Episode 616)

What is Phonation? I’m chatting about the podcasts-on-vinyl crowdfunding project with my co-conspirators Giorgio Reyes and Zach Spangler. We had plenty of video mishaps as we recorded (it’s been a long time since I did car-based podcasts on a regular…

Posted in Episodes

Rancid tribute and 924 Gilman St: Alex Botkin from Lavasocks Records (Episode 615)

Alex Botkin of Lavasocks Records joins me to talk about the rerelease of 80s punk comp “The Thing That Ate Floyd” and the forthcoming Rancid tribute “And Out Come the Lawsuits.” Sponsored by Siren Records McHenry