Beste Wxrt podcaster (2024)

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Doom metal band Avernus reemerges with ‘Grievances’ (Episode 989) 38:36

2d ago38:36

38:36

Atmospheric doom metal band Avernus joins me for a conversation at Melinda’s Pub (6906 W 111th Worth). After a considerable time away, Avernus returns with the stunning new release, “Grievances.” We talk about the new album and its broad, cinematic scope, as well as the band’s jagged path to the present day. “Grievances” is a solid album; it’s doom…

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(PERFORMANCE) flowersatherfeet at River Street Tavern - Episode 988 35:18

3d ago35:18

35:18

flowersatherfeet is a promising new shoegaze band from Chicago. How new? They’ve been together for roughly four months. We’re on the ground floor here. Ivory, Robert and Tim from the band join me at River Street Tavern in East Dundee (102 N. River St.) for a fun episode that kicks off with an in-car, acoustic performance of their new single “Tempte…

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Episode #186 - Ramrod (9/5/24) 1:00:00

6d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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Won’t Stay Dead at DryHop Brewers (Episode 987) 29:11

9d ago29:11

29:11

Violet, Saffron and Tyler from horror pop-punk band Won’t Stay Dead join me for food and adult beverages at DryHop Brewers (3155 N. Broadway). As we eat delicious DryHop menu items like the DryHop Double Smash Burger, Fried Pickles and the Marinara Pizza, we also enjoy DryHop beers (the beauty of recording outside the car). I had the seasonal Wolpe…

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The Jesus Lizard returns with ‘Rack’ (Episode 986) 25:54

11d ago25:54

25:54

The Jesus Lizard is back! The band is set to release “Rack” on September 13, their first new album of new music since “Blue” (1998). TJL guitarist Duane Denison joins me for a conversation about the new album, the early Chicago days, and whether “Rack” and a lengthy tour are signs of what’s to come for the band. In Chicago? Don’t miss the Jesus Liz…

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Episode #185 - If I Can't Change Your Mind (8/28/24) 1:00:00

13d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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OUTDrejas talks live album, social strategy and the joys of Thorogood (Episode 985) 25:57

14d ago25:57

25:57

David Drejas of OUTDrejas joins me for dinner at Twisted Q in Homewood (2053 Ridge Road; twistedq.com). As we dive into brisket platters and brownies, we talk about: *The Corey Feldman opening slot that led to profound physical pain *The benefit of opening for Counting Crows, including the resulting live release (Live at the PAV) *David’s sartorial…

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Episode #184 - Pale Shelter (8/21/24) 1:00:00

20d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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Episode #183 - In Your Mind (8/14/24) 1:00:00

27d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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‘Psych-wave quartet in a polygamist marriage’ 8-bit crEEps at Cobra Lounge (Episode 984) 16:49

28d ago16:49

16:49

Practically four years since the last time we chatted (over Zoom in COVID days), ¾ of 8-bit crEEps met me in the parking lot of Cobra Lounge. We talked about the band in advance of their opening slot for Ultimate Fakebook and Hembree at Cobra on Saturday 9/17. While we talked, we also enjoyed delicious macarons from Offbeat Macarons. Band drummer R…

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Volunteer-driven, community radio: CHIRP (Episode 983) 28:57

1M ago28:57

28:57

CHIRP Radio Founder/General Manager Shawn Campbell joins for this episode to talk about CHIRP’s growth, mission and approach. If you haven’t yet had the chance to listen, CHIRP (chirpradio.org) is a totally independent, hyperlocal, “non-comm” station run by volunteers. It’s true to the spirit (and perhaps the promise) of radio, and runs live 24/7 f…

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Episode #182 - Psychic Radio (8/7/24) 1:00:00

1M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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Pravda Records celebrates 40th anniversary (Episode 982) 23:47

1M ago23:47

23:47

Pravda Records celebrates 40 years of independent music with PRAVDAFEST at Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn (6615 Roosevelt) on August 31. The all-day event spans three stages and includes performances from: Nathan Graham, Steve Dawson, Diplomats of Solid Sound, The Handcuffs, Ivan Julian with Nick Tremulis, Chris Greene Quartet, Sunshine Boys, The Service, …

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Mac Sabbath’s meat-e-oric 10-year rise (Episode 981) 15:21

1M ago15:21

15:21

Mac Sabbath, fast food-themed Black Sabbath cover band, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The band returns to Chicago for a show at Reggie’s on August 28. Since the characters of Mac Sabbath exist under a cloak of anonymity, I’m joined by band manager Mike Odd for a conversation about one of the most insane band concepts I’ve ever seen. Se…

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Episode #181 - Vapour Trail (7/31/24) 1:00:00

1M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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2-song performance from Shukin & the Ramblers (Episode 980) 23:25

1M ago23:25

23:25

Roots/Americana/garage rock band Shukin and the Ramblers (actually, Matt Shukin and one Rambler, Rob) join me for Italian beef at Pop’s in Lyons. We talk about the debut EP, No Canteen, and then Shukin and Rob play two acoustic songs in the car: “No Canteen” and “The Water." See Shukin and the Ramblers at Widows Harvest in Plano next month! It’s on…

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Episode #180 - All Down the Line (7/24/24) 1:00:00

2M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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A look at the music industry in 2024: Tom Schmall (Episode 979) 24:24

2M ago24:24

24:24

What is the state of the music industry in 2024? I know I can’t answer that one, so I invited old friend Tom Schmall to talk about it. Tom’s a Promotion, Marketing, and Artist Development Specialist for Red Light Management. In previous roles, he led promotion and marketing for record companies like Interscope and Maverick, and cut his teeth on ind…

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Elk Grove Village’s #1 brewery: Mikerphone Brewing (Episode 978) 14:29

2M ago14:29

14:29

Mike Pallen of award-winning Mikerphone Brewing (121 Garlisch Dr, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007) returns to Car Con Carne. Moments before Mikerphone’s senses-shattering burger throwdown between Biker Dude Burgers (Darrin Klapprodt) and Chicago Culinary Kitchen (Greg Gaardbo), Mike jumped in the car to talk craft brewing trends, Mikerphone’s history a…

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Episode #179 - New Day (7/17/24) 1:00:00

2M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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Preview: 12th annual Homegrown Arts and Music Festival (Episode 977) 24:27

2M ago24:27

24:27

Coming July 27: 12th annual Homegrown Arts and Music Festival 2024 Live from BaseCamp at Four Lakes - Lisle IL 20 Bands. 15 Acoustic Artists. 12 Art Vendors. Aaron Williams (Homegrown Founder/Promoter) returns to the show to preview this year’s event. Joining him are two new-to-Car Con Carne guests: Michael (“Iggy”) from the Citrosonics and Arreis!…

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Podcast collab with Barguments (Episode 976) 53:55

2M ago53:55

53:55

Remember DC’s “World’s Finest” comics, where Superman would join forces with Batman? Or Marvel’s “Marvel Team-Up,” where Spider-Man would be paired with a new hero every month? That’s kinda like what this episode is all about. This episode’s content is done as a collaboration with “Barguments” podcast host Dan Levy (and will also be found on the Ba…

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Author K.L. Doty at FoxFire in Geneva (Episode 975) 21:53

2M ago21:53

21:53

Jack Russell of enduring rock band Great White gets the deep dive treatment in a new autobiography written by local author K.L. Doty, “The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock + Roll Narrative.” K.L. Doty joins me in Geneva to chat about the book as we enjoy award-winning food from FoxFire Restaurant in Geneva (17 West State Street). FoxFire’s the real …

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Episode #178 - Rainbow (7/10/24) 1:00:00

2M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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Music and beer come alive on ‘Malt Row’ - Ravenswood on Tap (Episode 974) 26:35

2M ago26:35

26:35

Ravenswood on Tap comes to Ravenswood & Berteau on Chicago’s north side on July 20-21. “Malt Row” will be well-represented with a list of participants, including Begyle Brewing, Cultivate by Forbidden Root, Demo Brewing Company, Dovetail Brewery, Half Acre Beer Company, Hop Butcher For The World, Is/Was Brewing, KOVAL Distillery and Spiteful Brewin…

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Episode #177 - Young Americans (7/3/24) 1:00:00

2M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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They’re still having fun: Orleans (Episode 973) 33:16

2M ago33:16

33:16

See Orleans, Peter Beckett (Player) and Walter Egan: Des Plaines Theatre on July 27! ## Orleans’ first album came out 51 years ago … and the band still exists in the present day. Orleans is joining forces with Peter Beckett (Player) and Walter Egan for a night of yacht rock awesomeness at the Des Plaines Theatre on July 27. Specific to Orleans, the…

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Celebrating two years of SW suburban brewing: Flipside Brewing (Episode 972) 28:46

2M ago28:46

28:46

I’m back in Tinley Park for a chat with Flipside Brewing owner Erik Pizer. As Flipside revs up its second anniversary plans, we chat about the business and beer while eating from Flipside’s menu (my order of smash burger and brussel sprouts was fantastic). Erik also walks us through the nuances of different popular beer styles, kinda like an ad hoc…

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Episode #176 - R.O.C.K. (6/26/24) 1:00:00

3M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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wht.rbbt.obj at Village Inn Pizzeria (PERFORMANCE/INTERVIEW) - Episode 971 43:31

3M ago43:31

43:31

wht.rbbt.obj performs and chats outside The Village Inn Pizzeria Sports Bar and Grill (8050 N. Lincoln in Skokie), bringing “femme fatale-fronted roadhouse raunch” to the Mazda 3. Frank, River, Mike and AC all crammed in the car for an acoustic performance of “Your Love’s a Crime” (off the just-released EP, Romeo Bravo Bravo Tango). See wht.rbbt.ob…

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Episode #175 - Carouselambra (6/19/24) 1:00:00

3M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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Devon Kay and the Solutions at Q101's PIQNIQ / Taste of Randolph (Episode 970) 16:35

3M ago16:35

16:35

I last interviewed Devon Kay at Riot Fest 2021. Since then, Devon Kay & the Solutions have put out lots of music and done lots of things. This catch-up was long overdue. Unlike our Riot Fest chat, we’re joined this time by four of the Solutions. Remarkably, they all fit in the backseat of my Mazda (perhaps not comfortably, but they fit). While it’s…

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Sincere Engineer at Taste of Randolph (Episode 969) 12:10

3M ago12:10

12:10

Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer returns for a backstage conversation from Q101’s PIQNIQ at the Taste of Randolph. Deanna’s one of the most authentic, enthusiastic and positive forces I’ve met in the scene, and that energy carries through to this chat. Deanna also breaks the news that two new acoustic songs are coming soon!Next stop for Sincere Eng…

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Local H at Taste of Randolph (Episode 968) 16:47

3M ago16:47

16:47

Before Local H headlined the second night of Q101’s PIQNIQ at Taste of Randolph, Scott Lucas returned to Car Con Carne for a quick catch-up. Scott gives an update on the reissue of “Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles,” chats about the Lifers podcast and the Lifers movie (branding!), and discusses the strategy behind making a Local H setlist. And after…

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Phantom Planet at Taste of Randolph/Q101’s PIQNIQ (Episode 967) 20:42

3M ago20:42

20:42

This one was a delight to record. Alex Greenwald and Darren Robinson of the long-running California band Phantom Planet joined me backstage at Taste of Randolph to talk about their career, music and future. ## A smart home connects virtually all of the technology in your home. With an Easy Automation-installed smart home system, you and your family…

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Episode #174 - High in Low Places (6/12/24) 1:00:00

3M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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Friko at Taste of Randolph: a quick check-in (Episode 966) 7:05

3M ago7:05

7:05

I caught up with Niko from Friko at Taste of Randolph, months after the release of “Where We’ve Been, Where We Go from Here,” and weeks before Friko takes the stage at Lollapalooza. ## A smart home connects virtually all of the technology in your home. With an Easy Automation-installed smart home system, you and your family can control nearly every…

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‘Street festivals are the heart and soul of Chicago’ - Taste of Randolph (Episode 965) 16:55

3M ago16:55

16:55

Moments before doors opened on 2024’s Taste of Randolph, Julie Darling (West Loop Community Organization President) and Kelli Packer (West Loop Community Organization Spokesperson) jumped in the car to talk about the 27th Taste of Randolph, its vendors, the music acts and where that “suggested donation” at the gate goes to… Sampled during the conve…

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Neptune’s Core at Roti (Episode 964) 23:02

3M ago23:02

23:02

The two sets of sisters comprising Neptune's Core are on a creative roll. Since I last spoke with them, they nailed down their live show and their music continues to take chances and go to interesting places. I can only imagine what they'll be capable of by the time they can all legally vote. Give this band your ears. Neptune’s Core has two new son…

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Fig Dish is back (Episode 963) 19:13

3M ago19:13

19:13

Blake Smith of beloved Chicago alt rock band Fig Dish joins me in my backyard for grilled brats and beer, which is what one consumes when making a big announcement. The big announcement? *Fig Dish returns with first new music in over 27 years. *The new album, Feels Like the Very First Two Times, releases on 9/6/24 on Forge Again. Preorders availabl…

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Episode #173 - Dog Days (6/5/24) 1:00:00

3M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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Americana artist Karen Shook joins me for tacos (Episode 962) 21:25

3M ago21:25

21:25

This episode finds me outside El Vado in McHenry (929 Front St.) for a chat over tacos with Americana singer-songwriter Karen Shook. As I mentioned early in the interview, her sound is more “Nashville” than “McHenry” (though what, really, is a McHenry sound?). I enjoyed my chat with her, and hope you’ll visit her website (karenshook.com) to learn m…

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Godzilla, Chinatown and XXX: Cinephile Stephanie Sack (Episode 961) 20:50

3M ago20:50

20:50

Cinephile Stephanie Sack returns to preview cool screenings at local independent theaters. Discussed in this episode: -“Go Go Godzilla,” a Godzila marathon at the venerable Music Box Theatre -Chinatown - 50th anniversary screening at the Pickwick (Park Ridge) -Hollywood 90028 at Alamo Drafthouse -Modern Horror Retro Vibes Double Feature of Pearl an…

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MS Sucks - honest talk about Multiple Sclerosis (Episode 960) 39:56

3M ago39:56

39:56

The third MS fundraiser is happening on June 29 at Bottom Lounge. Returning guest/longtime friend Stubhy Pandav (Lucky Boys Confusion, Super Happy Fun Club, Shock Stars, etc.) joins me to talk about the event, as well as living with MS. Joining him in the conversation are MS Sucks team members Dan Volz and Lizz Lukes. And because Stubhy and I have …

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Ravinia - 2024 season preview (Episode 959) 16:13

3M ago16:13

16:13

Ravinia’s Senior Artistic Producer, Erik Soderstrom, joins me for a conversation about the 2024 summer season line-up. See you at Elvis Costello/Daryl Hall, Violent Femmes and more! Tickets for the The 2024 Ravinia Festival Summer Schedule are on sale. Don't miss your chance to see The Beach Boys, Elvis Costello, ZZ Top and more under the stars thi…

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Episode #172 - People Have the Power (5/29/24) 1:00:01

3M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

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Monster Dogs Morning Monster Cafe with Steve Silver (Episode 958) 28:37

4M ago28:37

28:37

Monster Dogs Morning Monster Cafe with Steve Silver (Episode 958) They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I agree, especially if hot dogs are involved. Steve Silver, Chicago's legendary lover, fighter, doorman, and raconteur, joined me at the Morning Monster Cafe (Monster Dogs food truck) outside Cobra Lounge (235 N. Ashland)…

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Weekend Run Club moves forward after line-up changes (Episode 957) 23:52

4M ago23:52

23:52

The second Weekend Run Club album, “Liminal Space Race,” finds the band hitting its stride and frontman Mitchell Kinn cementing his metaphorical and lyrical voice. Mitchell and Xack (bass) join me for pizza slices from Lobo in Logan Square, and we talk about all the coming of age issues and trauma that fuel Mitchell’s art (and therapy sessions, as …

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A visit to Mirella’s Tavern in Wicker Park (Episode 956) 21:00

4M ago21:00

21:00

This episode finds me at Mirella’s Tavern (2056 W. Division), where I chatted with chef/owner “Angry” Chef Jose and restaurant social media director Callie Ezell. I ate Chef’s MASSIVE, award-winning, burger: Double five ounces patties, gem lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, caramelized onions, chef aioli, secret cheese on a brioche bun. It’s truly delicio…