Posted in Countryside Episodes Italian Beef pop pop stars

Plain White Tom: The man behind Plain White Ts, Million Miler and Humans Were Here (Episode 693)

Tom Higgenson of Plain White Ts/Million Miler is one of my favorite guests. He’s a mega-talented guy with an enviable list of accomplishments (Grammy & Tony nominee, VMA nominee, Teen Choice winner), but he’s still the humble, hard-working, midwestern guy…

Posted in beer business Entrepreneurs Episodes NA

The future of non-alcoholic beer is… delicious. Meet Jeff Stevens of Well Being Brewing (Episode 692)

Non-alcoholic beer was stigmatized for decades. Problem was, most NA products weren’t worth drinking. The craft beer revolution’s led to companies like Well Being Brewing, which for the past 5 years has been leading the way for non-alcoholic beer. Joining…

Posted in charity Episodes Italian Beef

KT’s Kids benefit preview with Scott Lucas, Herb Rosen & KT Augustyn (Episode 691)

I’m inspired by the work KT’s Kids does to help children who desperately need it. This Sunday night, Liar’s Club plays host to the KT’s Kids Toy Drive Fundraiser. Joining me to talk about the event are Scott Lucas (Local…

Posted in Episodes Theater guests

Sci-Fi and Fantasy come alive on stage at Otherworld Theatre (Episode 690)

We’re diving into the world of fantasy and sci-fi. Otherworld Theatre, on 3914 North Clark Street, has been bringing the theatrical experience to sci-fi and fantasy for close to 10 years now, and their new production, Winter in the Wildwood,…

Posted in Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENT: Welcome, Buona!

Car Con Carne is proud to announce a partnership with Chicago area institution Buona (as if I needed an excuse to go to Buona more often)! Buona’s celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and it’s an honor to be part…

Posted in burger joints Episodes Wheaton

Wheatonites Unite! Matt Derda at 302 Wheaton (Episode 689)

Musician Matt Derda joins me for food at 302 Wheaton (302 W. Front St.). We ate the “Wheaton Bowl” (it’s healthy, or so I’m told), fries, onion rings and more as we talked about Matt’s music and 302 Wheaton’s embracing…

Posted in Comics crowdfunding Episodes Kickstarter

Russian mythology and Italian sausage: Talking ‘Atomika’ over Johnnie’s Beef with comics creator Sal Abbinanti (Episode 688)

ATOMIKA: GOD IS RED, the independently-created graphic novel by Sal Abbinanti, is being compiled in a new Omnibus edition. Jump on the Kickstarter of Atomika while you can: It closes soon, and there are all kinds of cool extras and…

Posted in cinema cult movies Episodes Japanese cinema

‘More bizarre than Battle Royale and far bloodier than The Ring’ – A.V. Club’s Katie Rife talks ‘Suicide Club’ (Episode 687)

The A.V. Club Senior Writer Katie Rife joined me tonight to talk about Japanese shocker “Suicide Club,” from 2001. See it in two midnight shows in all of its 35mm glory at the legendary Music Box Theatre over Thanksgiving weekend!…

Posted in blog

Radio: Can this patient be saved? (BLOG)

11 ways to save radio

Posted in Actors Episodes Movie guests

‘The Last Days of Capitalism’ takes on social class disparity, white privilege and authenticity (Episode 686)

a The value of truth and money are explored (if not eviscerated) in the engaging, slow-burning new movie “The Last Days of Capitalism.” In a very lean, focused way, the film looks at white privilege, social class disparity, prositution and…