‘If NPR’s Tiny Desk grew up, got day-drunk, and moved to the South Side’ – Wonderlick (Episode 1070)
I’m joined for this episode by two guys who spent decades turning a smart, biting sense of humor into underground, DIY favorites as part of Too Much Joy, and later… Wonderlick. We talked during the pandemic about Too Much Joy…
Live at Legit Dogs + Ice (Episode 1069)
This episode had a long, strange journey. Recorded at Legit Dogs + Ice in South Elgin less than 48 hours before the restaurant closed for good, this episode features guests Lollygagger, Coyote Man, flowersatherfeet, Chris Baker from Ink 180 and…
Busy Beaver celebrates 30 years (Episode 1068)
Busy Beaver Buttons & Merch is an independent business that’s built a lot of big ideas around a small thing…buttons. They’ve made a stunning 63 million buttons to date. Busy Beaver’s celebrating its 30th anniversary with a party at Color…
Chicago food icon Steve Dolinsky previews Pizza City Fest reset (Episode 1067)
Steve Dolinsky is synonymous with food in Chicago. He’s won 13 James Beard Awards and I swear his face can be seen on the walls of every restaurant in the city, from dives to fine dining establishments. He’s been part…
Comedian Kristen Toomey heads to Apple TV with new special (Episode 1066)
This interview was a long time in the making – four years, to be exact – and that gets explained early in the show. In short, I sent an SOS to the world, and comedian Kristen Toomey received it. We…
‘Americana with teeth’: Dave Suh and the Dirty Wings (Episode 1065)
After many years of profile roles in some excellent Chicago bands, Dave Suh is putting himself out there with his new project, Dave Suh & the Dirty Wings. The digital release of their album, “Set to Begin,” is set for…
Time Thieves steal my power-pop heart (Episode 1064)
Jonathan, Tim, and Mustafa of Time Thieves are my guests for a new episode recorded on the NW side of Chicago. We talk about the band’s power-pop leanings, emergence from much noisier bands, both 2025 EP releases (“If You Survive”…
DIY post-punk band Staring Problem talks ‘Equinox’ (Episode 1063)
The wonderful DIY post punk band Staring Problem joins me to talk about their bewitching album, “Equinox” on this episode. I’m joined by Lauren Owen and Mike Erickson for the conversation, which covers topics ranging from MTV, long distance drummers,…
Lucky Boys Confusion announces opening act ‘live’ on CCC (Episode 1061)
Lucky Boys Confusion returns to the House of Blues on 11/15/25 for The Soapbox Spectacle Vinyl Release Show. As I type this, the show is pretty much sold out, meaning if you waited on tickets, you may kick yourself early…
Giallo Gelato – ‘4-night spree of suspense, sleaze, and stylish psychosis’ (Episode 1062)
GIALLO GELATO Logan Theatre 2646 N. Milwaukee A 50th Anniversary Giallo Celebration July 18-21 | 11 pm | The Logan Theatre | Chicago Four nights of killer Italian movies celebrating their 50th anniversary will be featured at Logan Theatre next…
