From Screeching Weasel to the ‘Basement’: John ‘Jughead’ Pierson (Episode 740)
John ‘Jughead’ Pierson is probably best known as a founding member and driving force of Screeching Weasel up through the beginning of the 21st century. These days, he’s well into the triple digits of his long-running podcast, Jughead’s Basement. We…
Whatever: The Slugs return for Pravda Fest (Episode 739)
The Slugs are one of Chicago’s most enduring indie rock bands, and they’re reuniting for Pravda Fest at Sketchbook Brewing Co. (4901 Main St., Skokie, lineup below). Dag and Gregg Juhlin came together to talk about the band’s long history…
Creating a Branded Podcast (Panel) – Chicago Podcast Day (Episode 738)
Small businesses… big companies… entrepreneurs… it seems like the demand for branded podcasts is at an all time high. In a panel recorded at Chicago Podcast Day in May, 2022, I was joined by Patrick Brower (Contest of Challengers) and…
What Can Digital Audio Learn From Traditional Media (Panel): Chicago Podcast Day (Episode 736)
This episode features the audio from a panel held at the first-ever “Chicago Podcast Day” event held at 2112 on May 21, 2022. “What Can Digital Audio Learn From Traditional Media?” was the focus, and my guests were prolific creators…
Night Spice eats spicy food from Beacon Tap (Episode 735)
Beacon Tap (1374 Lee, Des Plaines) was one of the last restaurants Car Con Carne visited before lockdown (March 2, 2020). Now, just over two years later, I was more than excited to return. I was joined by the talented…
The Handcuffs release best album to date: The reverential ‘Burn the Rails’ (Episode 734)
Chicago band the Handcuffs will release their finest moment to date on Friday (6/3), “Burn the Rails,” on Pravda Records. ⅗ of the band joined me to talk about the new album onsite at Sketchbook Brewing in Skokie, which is…
‘If Elvira & Wednesday Adams did shots of snake venom at a bachelorette party’ – The Darts (Episode 733)
“Garage-punk-rock grrls will make your head slam and your feet shake. And then there’s the music” The Darts play Liar’s Club on May 28 (along with Mystery Actions and the Rumours). In advance of that, Nicole Laurenne from the Darts…
Chicago Podcast Day recap
Chicago Podcast Day wrapped up a couple hours ago, and I’m elated to say the first-ever event was a success. The idea became a priority for me when I realized nothing like it existed in Chicago. Beyond that, I felt…
Dialogue with Howard Jones in advance of ‘Dialogue’ tour (Episode 732)
Howard Jones returns to the Greater Chicagoland area on July 2 for a show at the Des Plaines Theater (with Midge Ure!).
Photo credit – Tina Hagerling
LBC 25, Riot Fest and Mr. Ms. & the Infusions: Stubhy (Episode 731)
Two weeks from the day this episode was recorded, Lucky Boys Confusion will play a sold-out 25th anniversary show at Bottom Lounge. Didn’t get tickets in time? No worries: The band was just announced as part of this year’s Riot…
