Posted in Announcements

A quick health update from your host

(Also shared to social media) It’s been… a week. Not to bury the lede: I was recently discharged from a hospital after checking in through the ER with a perforated appendix. Stupid vestigial organ. It took me longer than it…

Sam Russo on Car Con Carne with James VanOsdol
Posted in Episodes punk rock

Folk-punk troubadour Sam Russo takes huge leap forward on ‘Hold You Hard’ (Episode 1089)

Sam Russo put out his fourth album (“Hold You Hard”) a few months ago and is currently touring the states in a run-up to the Fest in Gainesville later this month. The new album was written across America, and feels…

The Flock on Car Con Carne
Posted in Classic rock Episodes

The 55+ year journey of Chicago legends the Flock (Episode 1088)

The Flock was making noise on a national level starting back during the Nixon administration. They were unorthodox for the time: Jazz. Prog. Rock. Fusion. A little bit of everything, all masterfully played by the individual band members. They put…

Volo Antique Malls owners Lisa and Keith
Posted in Antiques Episodes Halloween

Are the Volo Antique Malls haunted? (Episode 1087)

This episode finds me at the fabulous Volo Antique Malls, where I can easily lose myself for hours at a time. Owners/managers Keith and Lisa Santiago sat down with me to talk about collectibles and antique culture, as well as…

wht.rbbt.obj on Car Con Carne, 10/8/25
Posted in Episodes Northbrook

wht.rbbt.obj delivers fuzzed-out, torchy & sexy new album, ‘Oscar Bravo Juliett’ (Episode 1086)

Frank and River of wht.rbbt.obj are back to talk about their excellent new album, “Oscar Bravo Juliett.” As I mention early in this episode, the new album is a collection of songs that are alternatingly (sometimes all at once) fuzzed…

Chili-infused Malort at Noon Whistle Brewing in Lombard
Posted in Episodes Lombard Malort spirits

Noon Whistle: ‘Who wants chili-infused Malort?’ Everyone: ___ (Episode 1085)

I’m back at Noon Whistle’s Lombard Brewpub (800 E. Roosevelt) for this one. They’ve pulled me back with yet another mad scientist idea. I’ve had cicada-infused Malort there. I choked down Garlic Butterlort, still an all-time low taste experience. And…

At Hellsgate Haunted House with Chicago band clubdrugs
Posted in Episodes Halloween haunted house

HellsGate Haunted House with clubdrugs (Episode 1084)

It’s my favorite time of year – I’m back at Hellsgate Haunted House in Lockport to see what’s new at the haunt and meet up with creator/owner John LaFlamboy. Joining me for the trip this year are two of my…

The Ooozin' Ahhhs welcome Halloween on Car Con Carne
Posted in Berwyn Episodes Halloween

The Ooozin’ Ahhhs have emerged from their hellholes and crypts (Episode 1083)

In what’s accidentally become an annual tradition, I’m joined by America’s favorite monster band, the Oooozin’ Ahhhs. We met at the wonderful Cigars and Stripes (6715 Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 // stripesbbq.com) for the episode, and recorded at the…

John from Bass Drum of Death
Posted in Episodes

Bass Drum of Death at Beat Kitchen (Episode 1082)

Bass Drum of Death was back in Chicago on 9/24/25 for a show at Beat Kitchen, and I sat down with John Barrett (singer/multi-instrumentalist) shortly before he took the stage. We talked about: *Chicago, and the band’s “Live and Let…

Jake from Jacob on the Moon
Posted in Episodes Nu Yacht Yacht Rock

Are you ready for Nü-yacht music? – Jacob on the Moon (Episode 1081)

Indie-soul band, Jacob on the Moon, recently released their new EP, “The Gemini Club,” and it’s absolutely excellent. Band mastermind, Jake Dineen, joins to talk about the EPs concept and the band’s infectious, unique sound (Nü-yacht?). Keep an eye out…