Podcast appearances and mentions of grey line

It’s hard to be in a bad mood after a Save Ferris show. They are simply a fun band to see live, and their shows are a great way to kinda forget all the (looks around) madness going on in the world. That was reinforced on Saturday, August 26, when Save Ferris returned to Chicago to kick off their “Get Dancing” tour at Chop Shop (2033 W. North). I sat down with frontwoman Monique Powell after the show to talk about: Launching the tour specifically in Chicago The topic of aging in music, something she brought up during the Save Ferris performance My local “SPAM” sighting on Elston Avenue The spooky vibes of “Lights Out in the Reptile House” Debuting the single “Get Dancing” on stage in Chicago The current slow drip of singles … what’s it leading up to? The approaching 30th anniversary of Save Ferris’ breakthrough album, “It Means Everything” The adorable Save Ferris circle pit Save Ferris will be on the road for the majority of 2025. Don’t miss out! ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It’s the ultimate novel about the ’90s and Chicago’s music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. ## TAG PUBLICITY is Music & Event Publicity company that is freshly distinctive. TAG PUBLICITY is a full service entertainment PR, talent development, branding, digital Marketing, Social Media Management, project management, distribution, content creators, booking, public relations company currently headed by Evan J. Thomas - You can reach out to Evan anytime for any of your PR needs to EvanJThomasPR@gmail.com Follow TAG Publicity on Facebook, IG, TikTok ## On Thursday, May 15, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin – 322 S. Randall Road. Music from Aaron Williams Band, Karen Shook and Derision Cult. Comedy from Chris Bongat. Craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a historic first for the podcast: The cast of the beloved (and rapidly-growing) Spectral Silhouette Radio Show performs a scene created exclusively for Car Con Carne. What is the Spectral Silhouette? Before the performance, I had a great chat with Henry Scherer, the mad genius behind the concept, to learn more. Watch for ticket info on their next live performance, happening at Center Stage Theater in Naperville on May 31! This episode was recorded at one of my absolute favorite places, Skeleton Key Brewery in Woodridge (8102 Lemont). Appearing in the car for this episode: Colleen Wild (Penny Aster) Paul Slayton (Monty Eldritch) Walter Piper (Sil) Brian Dixon (Blackguard) This was crazy fun to do, and I hope you enjoy listening/watching! Normal and paranormal beware … ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It’s the ultimate novel about the ’90s and Chicago’s music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. ## TAG PUBLICITY is Music & Event Publicity company that is freshly distinctive. TAG PUBLICITY is a full service entertainment PR, talent development, branding, digital Marketing, Social Media Management, project management, distribution, content creators, booking, public relations company currently headed by Evan J. Thomas - You can reach out to Evan anytime for any of your PR needs to EvanJThomasPR@gmail.com Follow TAG Publicity on Facebook, IG, TikTok ## On Thursday, May 15, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin – 322 S. Randall Road. Music from Aaron Williams Band, Karen Shook and Derision Cult. Comedy from Chris Bongat. Craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing. Doors – 6:30 p.m.Showtime – 8:30 pm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FITZGERALDS (6615 Roosevelt in Berwyn) is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places to see music and simply hang out. The vibe is always chill, and the bookings are fantastic. Beyond that, the building is historic! FITZGERALDS was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Park Service at the end of last year. In advance of the plaque dedication on May 3, co-owners Will Duncan and Jess King jumped in the car to talk about the storied history of FITZGERALDS, as well as its impact on the local and music communities. Adding the “Carne” to this episode is BABYGOLD BARBECUE, the killer restaurant that’s part of the FITZGERALDS campus. Will and Jess brought a massive sampler of the BABYGOLD menu into the car, and we did our best to make our way through it. Chef Steve Domanik is doing amazing things over in Berwyn… Can’t make it to the plaque dedication? You’ll see it afterward when you go to any upcoming show at FITZGERALDS. See you at the American Music Festival? Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. ## On Thursday, May 15, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road. Music from Aaron Williams Band, Karen Shook and Derision Cult. Comedy from Chris Bongat. Craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing. It starts at 8:30 pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Threadless - the online artist community and design marketplace - is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Founder and CEO Jake Nickell joins me for char dogs at Poochie’s (a favorite for hot dog fans north of the city) and talks about the company’s history, his leadership role, and why he celebrates the weird designs. Discussed in this episode: Starting Threadless with $1000 and an idea Jake’s comfort in being a leader, and his leadership style Big mistakes (or, more euphemistically, learning opportunities) along the way Why Threadless’s success required marketing legend Seth Godin to be fired The value of remote/hybrid work Jake’s thoughts on AI, relative to the business of Threadless Growth plans for the next 5 years The impact of tariffs on business I say it early on in the interview, but Jake is not your typical CEO. He’s literally a dude you’d want to eat a hot dog with … who just happens to run one of the coolest, most influential, online businesses of the past 25 years. ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It’s the ultimate novel about the ’90s and Chicago’s music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. ## On Thursday, May 15, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin – 322 S. Randall Road. Music from Aaron Williams Band, Karen Shook and Derision Cult. Comedy from Chris Bongat. Craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing. Doors – 6:30 p.m.Showtime – 8:30 pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m joined for this episode by Carla Harvey, who we first came to know through her 15-ish years with the band she co-founded, Butcher Babies. At the beginning of this year, she announced that she’s the new “Acid Queen” in Lords of Acid, with a tour and album to follow. As I describe early in the episode, Lords of Acid fuses acid house, industrial, techno, pop smarts and taboo-shattering sexuality. It’s a devastatingly great combo. Carla talks about how she became part of the Lords collective and how it’s a dream come true; she’s been a fan for decades. She also talks about the artistic journey awaiting us from her new band, the Violent Hour, which is revving up as I type this. Finally, we discuss her career as a grief counselor and end-of-life specialist, specifically diving into the topic of mental health and its importance to musicians and other nocturnal creatures. Beyond Lords of Acid and the Violent Hour, Carla’s also getting married this year. Given the fact that her plate is super full, I was thrilled that she took time out to talk with Car Con Carne. See Lords of Acid in Chicago at Bottom Lounge on June 7! ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. ## On Thursday, May 15, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road. Music from Aaron Williams Band, Karen Shook and Derision Cult. Comedy from Chris Bongat. Craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing. Doors - 6:30 p.m. Showtime - 8:30 pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comasoft, the “gothy little rock band from Chicago,” is back! Jay and Chris jump in the car to talk with me about the band's history and future plans. Actually, Chris joined us for the last few minutes, but we were glad to have him regardless. Comasoft’s new EP, “Gather at the End,” comes out on Friday 4/25 and they’ll be celebrating that night with a show at Cobra Lounge. After time away, Comasoft is back in full swing. It’s a good time to wear black in Chicago. Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. ## On Thursday, May 15, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road. Music from Aaron Williams, Karen Shook and Derision Cult. Comedy from Chris Bongat. Craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing. It starts at 8:30 pm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded at Siren Records, McHenry IL (3902 Main) on Record Store Day 2025 at 6:30 a.m. Siren Records owner Bill Linquist joins me for a conversation about this year’s RSD, as well as the impact RSD has on local record stores. Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. ## On Thursday, May 15, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road. Music from Karen Shook and Derision Cult. Comedy from Chris Bongat. Craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing. More to be announced! It starts at 8:30 pm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer, fundraiser and pizza pro John Carruthers of Crust Fund Pizza is a Car Con Carne favorite, and it was awesome to have him back in the car to talk about his new cookbook, “Super Pizza World.” I met him at his Crust Fund Pizza distribution point, the alley behind his house, where we shared one of his masterful “Royko” (sausage + hot giardiniera) tavern-style pizzas. We talked a lot about pizza basics, the fun and engaging presentation and content of the new book, and the persevering (and growing) business model of Crust Fund Pizza. Super Pizza World is a riot to read, and isn’t just for cooks - it’s funny, Chicago-centric and the sort of thing you’ll want to share with your friends. Order your copy here: https://hi-buddy.org/products/super-pizza-world Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. ## On Thursday, May 15, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road. Music from Karen Shook and Derision Cult. Comedy from Chris Bongat. Craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing. More to be announced! It starts at 8:30 pm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded live at Legit Dogs & Ice in South Elgin (322 S. Randall Road), and includes interviews with East Moon, artist Chris Pienta and comedian Joseph Christopher (who also does a live comedy set for this episode!) ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music sce ne, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pianist, composer, improviser and scenographer, Jean-François Alcolea met me on the roof of Reggie’s when he was in Chicago for his “Right in the Eye” multimedia event. I can’t do the “Right in the Eye” event justice with a description, but for general understanding, he and his fellow musicians provide scores and background for the films of Georges Méliès. It’s fascinating, immersive stuff - if you have the chance to see him in another city on this tour, I highly recommend this show. Jean-François and I talk about the birth of cinema, staging this sort of event and where creativity comes from. If you’re watching the video version, you can watch the weather go from bad to worse in mere minutes. I wrapped up the conversation shortly before the skies totally opened up on Chicago. Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## On Thursday, April 3, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at the soon-to-reopen Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road. Yeah, I know it’s a school night, but I’ll be featuring live performances and interviews with East Moon, Ricky Liontones Revue, Joseph Christopher and Chris Pienta! It starts at 8:30 pm. Doors at 7:30 - we start recording the podcast at 8:30. Hope to see you there. ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music sce ne, written by Andy Frye.Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Vinopal (Opal Vinopal, Local Motive, badcandy, wht.rbbt.obj) joined me for food and conversation outside Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights (10 South Vail Avenue/heynonny.com). The episode starts with an acoustic performance of the Opal Vinopal song “Speck in the Universe,” and then transitions to the food from Hey Nonny… lots of food! Cheese curds with IPA ranch? The Nonny Burger (2 Slagel Farm beef patties/aged cheddar/dijonnaise/bacon jam/ caramelized red onions, brioche)? Yes, please! We talked about all of Mike’s projects, including his new, very personal, Opal Vinopal songs. We also got caught up on Local Motive, badcandy and wht.rbbt.obj. See Local Motive at Hey Nonny on May 15! Speaking of Hey Nonny … what on earth does the name mean? In their words: Old English songs and verse use “Hey Nonny Nonny” to describe a state of cheerful bliss you feel as you let go of your cares. In Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, the song “Sigh No More” reminds women that “men were deceivers ever.” What to do about it? “Be you blithe and bonnie, converting all your sounds of woe into Hey Nonny Nonny.” We also love the Violent Femmes’ 1991 song “Hey Nonny Nonny” in which the singer tries to suppress his “wanton thoughts” inspired by a “beauty bathing” into . . . “Hey Nonny Nonny.” Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## On Thursday, April 3, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at the soon-to-reopen Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road. Yeah, I know it’s a school night, but I’ll be featuring live performances and interviews with East Moon, Ricky Liontones Revue, comedian Joseph Christopher and artist Chris Pienta! It starts at 8:30 pm. Doors at 7:30 - we start recording the podcast at 8:30(ish). Hope to see you there. ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye.Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Goatstock” is a new festival set for Goat Village (4701 N Cumberland, Norridge) on Saturday, May 10. Organizers (and Goatstock performers) Jamie and Deb of 13 Monsters came on the podcast to talk about the 10+ bands playing the event, as well as how it came to be. Also jumping in the car for this episode is fellow podcaster Evan J. Thomas (Better Listen Up, Badass Radio Network)! ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## On Thursday, April 3, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at the soon-to-reopen Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road. Yeah, I know it’s a school night, but I’ll be featuring live performances and interviews with East Moon, Ricky Liontones Revue and more! It starts at 8:30 pm. Doors at 7:30 - we start recording the podcast at 8:30. Hope to see you there. ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m joined by the self-described “cutest band in Chicago,” CalicoLoco. Very recently, their album, “I Love Myself,” was picked as “Best Local Album of the Year” in the Chicago Reader’s “Best of Chicago” 2024 survey. Dani and Zeke from CalicoLoco joined me for empanadas from Cafe Tola on Southport, and we talked about: -What was it about the album that connected with people in the way it did? -Headlining Metro -The high price of candles -What it takes to get a place painted these days -Their meticulous approach to recording I hear a real joy and honesty in the songs CalicoLoco makes, and if this is your first go-round with the band, I think you’ll really enjoy “I Love Myself.” Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## On Thursday, April 3, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at the soon-to-reopen Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road. Yeah, I know it’s a school night, but I’ll be featuring live performances and interviews with East Moon, Ricky Liontones Revue and more! It starts at 8:30 pm. Doors at 7:30 - we start recording the podcast at 8:30. Hope to see you there. ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. And also follow 90daysinthe90s on Instagram for tons of Chicago scene & alternative music related contentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interview with retired San Diego Police Department Sergeant Detective David ContrerasYears of Service: 1985-2015Born in Tijuana, Mexico, David came to the United States and, as a young child, knew he wanted to become a police officer. As David explains, he always had a sheepdog mentality and was always looking to defend the weaker kids who were getting picked on by bullies and saw law enforcement as a way to protect others who were being preyed upon.As a young man, David became the founder and Executive Director of the New Life Rehabilitation Center for drug addicts and hardcore gang members. David explains that it was here that he learned his communication skills and began his education in how to deal with gang members and drug addicts and developed a philosophy to never believe anyone without first looking into the facts.David was later hired as a corrections officer, where he worked with maximum security inmates and developed expertise in gangs, and furthered his street education in dealing with people from all walks of life.At 28 years old, David was recruited by a mentor to the San Diego Police Department, where he began a long and storied career. With 8 months on patrol, David talks about what it was like working in San Diego in heavy crime and gang-ridden areas and tells the story of purchasing drugs in full uniform.Throughout his career, David worked in the gang unit, internal affairs, narcotics, community relations and was the assistant to the chief of police. Most importantly, David worked for the Criminal Intelligence Unit which worked as the Mexican Liaison group, working directly with the Mexican Government on crimes such as rape, robbery, narcotics, and murder. The CIU unit worked in Mexico, where David and his team often found themselves searching for suspects from the United States hiding in Mexico.David is the co-author of the book “When the Music Stops! The Pain Begins” which discusses the troubles law enforcement officers have reintegrating into society after a career in policing.David is also working on his second book about active shooters, their mentality, and the after-effects.Finally, David is the co-host of three podcasts. The Grey Line The Story Behind the Blue Line where he and his co-hosts talk to various guests about law enforcement as well as suspects they dealt with, as well as the spin-off podcast called Ash Wednesday, where they discuss numerous topics. If you love God, Family, Country, Whiskey and a great cigar this podcast is for you.And lastly, the podcast “The Three Chingones” which is a boxing podcast where David and his co-hosts discuss past and present boxers and boxing matches and provide their analysis.The Grey Line the Story Behind the Blue Line: https://www.youtube.com/@thegraylinepodcast Los #3 Chingones Boxing: https://www.youtube.com/@UCw9Unx2Voqn9AR2-ssdhe1wWhen The Music Stops! The Pain Begins

The first-ever H.O.O.F. (Hands Off Our Fest) happens on Saturday, September 30 at Blue Island Beer Company (13357 Olde Western Avenue, Blue Island). Appearing on the bill are:   Sweetie Hayley and the Crushers Won't Stay Dead Heet Death Hi Ho Sex Dream Sleeping Villains Shannon Candy   … as well as a drag show and flash tattoos by Teddi Garson.   I recorded this episode in Blue Island Beer Company with three of the performers: Birdy (Sweetie), Shannon Candy and Rachael Villa (Sleeping Villains). Birdy is also the organizer of the event, so she explains the genesis of the event and how it's meant to create positive vibes and bring community together.   We talk a lot about the journey of women musicians within the “scene,” and the things they don't feel comfortable calling out or addressing.   H.O.O.F is going to be a fantastic event, and I hope you'll consider spending your Saturday afternoon/evening at Blue Island Beer Company! Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece. __ Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! What bands does she see? What clubs does she see them in? Read the book and find out!   Get a copy wherever you buy books, or get a signed copy Sun, Oct 1 at Loud Pizza Records, in Highland Park.  

Matt Baron of Young Man in a Hurry joins me for hot dogs at U Dawg U in Northfield. We talk about the new album, “Actor Brought a Vice,” and the unorthodox way it was recorded and produced.   We also cover the heavy duty list of musicians who contributed to the album, the single with a strange spelling (“Fauucet”), and driving in Skokie.   See Young Man in a Hurry at Constellation on October 14, 2023.   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece. __ Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! What bands does she see? What clubs does she see them in? Read the book and find out! Get a copy wherever you buy books, or get a signed copy Sun, Oct 1 at Loud Pizza Records, in Highland Park.  

Sadly, Hotline TNT was one of the bands that got cut on Day Three of Riot Fest due to extreme weather. Happily, Will Anderson was onsite the night before, and I took the occasion to learn more about the band and to talk about the upcoming Third Man release, “Cartwheel.”   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece. __ Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! What bands does she see? What clubs does she see them in? Read the book and find out! Get a copy wherever you buy books, or get a signed copy Sun, Oct 1 at Loud Pizza Records, in Highland Park.       __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net). Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?   Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728  

Daryl of Snapcase talks backstage at Riot Fest 2023 about the band's history, his approach to singing and performing, and whether we can expect more activity from Snapcase. Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! What bands does she see? What clubs does she see them in? Read the book and find out!   Get a copy wherever you buy books, or get a signed copy Sun, Oct 1 at Loud Pizza Records, in Highland Park. __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728  

This wasn't the interview I'd set out to have with Smoking Popes frontman Josh Caterer. Smoking Popes were set to play an early slot on Day Three of Riot Fest; unfortunately the weather had other plans for the band. Flash flooding in the Chicago area forced Riot Fest organizers to push back the door time from 1pm - 3pm. As a result, a handful of earlier bands were 86'd from the line up, including the Popes. I ran into Josh as he got the text to say that a force majeure had forced them off the schedule. Shortly after that, we sat down for an interview, three hours earlier than originally planned. While the weather thwarted the Popes (their legion of fans), we can feel excited about what's ahead, including lots more new music! I love having Josh on the show; I'm a fan of his music and him personally.   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! What bands does she see? What clubs does she see them in? Read the book and find out! Get a copy wherever you buy books, or get a signed copy Sun, Oct 1 at Loud Pizza Records, in Highland Park.   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net). Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good? Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs. Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728

Cobe Williams, Director of Programs -Cure Violence Global, talks about his non-profit organization's mission at Riot Fest 2023.   Stopping violence is a need and desire everyone shares. Cure Violence Global's mission is to interrupt the transmission of violence and change social norms.  Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! What bands does she see? What clubs does she see them in? Read the book and find out!   Get a copy wherever you buy books, or get a signed copy Sun, Oct 1 at Loud Pizza Records, in Highland Park. __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728  

Screaming Females (Marissa, Jarrett and Mike) joined me for a backstage chat at Riot Fest 2023. Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! What bands does she see? What clubs does she see them in? Read the book and find out!   Get a copy wherever you buy books, or get a signed copy Sun, Oct 1 at Loud Pizza Records, in Highland Park. __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728  

Rob Felicetti of Bowling for Soup talks with Car Con Carne backstage at Riot Fest 2023.   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! What bands does she see? What clubs does she see them in? Read the book and find out!   Get a copy wherever you buy books, or get a signed copy Sun, Oct 1 at Loud Pizza Records, in Highland Park. __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728  

Dan and Brian of Sludgeworth talked with Car Con Carne before closing the Rebel Stage at Riot Fest. Just so we're not burying the lede: They're making new music!!   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! What bands does she see? What clubs does she see them in? Read the book and find out!   Get a copy wherever you buy books, or get a signed copy Sun, Oct 1 at Loud Pizza Records, in Highland Park. __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728  

With the new album, “Charmed,” now available and their Riot Fest performance behind them, I caught up with the Aquadolls backstage at Riot Fest 2023.   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! What bands does she see? What clubs does she see them in? Read the book and find out!   Get a copy wherever you buy books, or get a signed copy Sun, Oct 1 at Loud Pizza Records, in Highland Park. __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728  

The four members of Fea joined me for a backstage conversation at Riot Fest 2023.   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! What bands does she see? What clubs does she see them in? Read the book and find out!   Get a copy wherever you buy books, or get a signed copy Sun, Oct 1 at Loud Pizza Records, in Highland Park. __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728

It's been 20 years since Spitalfield released their breakthrough album, “Remember Right Now.” To celebrate, I sat down with Mark and TJ of Spitalfield in front of a live audience at Beard & Belly in Edgewater for a longform Q&A about the band and the album anniversary.   Thanks to Beard and Belly for the hospitality!   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! What bands does she see? What clubs does she see them in? Read the book and find out!   Get a copy wherever you buy books, or get a signed copy Sun, Oct 1 at Loud Pizza Records, in Highland Park. __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728  

It's long been my belief that writing has fallen off a cliff: Social media is littered with misspellings and bad grammar.  Worse, the people who should be getting it right … media and journalists, are representing their brands with a shocking amount of typos, run-on sentences and incorrect grammar.    Brian Moore is here to help! He's an editor (ex-RedEye, Tribune Publishing) copywriter, marketer, writer and social media pro who also answers to “Grumpy Grammar Guru.”  Brian came prepared with some general tips we can all follow to improve our writing. If you spend any time on social media, this episode can help you!   In addition to those tips, we discuss:   *The ‘memeification' of America *Using profanity in writing *Vinyls vs. Records *”I before E, except after C”: BULLSHIT. *Unnecessary apostrophes in plural words *Use profanity with purpose… you fucker. *STOP SAYING “VERY” AND “REALLY” Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! What bands does she see? What clubs does she see them in? Read the book and find out!   Get a copy wherever you buy books, or get a signed copy Sun, Oct 1 at Loud Pizza Records, in Highland Park. __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728  

Liv Warfield returns to Car Con Carne just as she's about to release her first new studio album in nine years (“The Edge”).   She recommended we go for Ethiopian food for the chat, and we had amazing food from Ethiopian Diamond in Edgewater (6120 N. Broadway). As we ate (with our hands), we talked about the new album, Liv's frame of mind, influencer culture; and, of course… Prince.   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728  

Richard Patrick and Jonny Radtke of Filter talked with Car Con Carne before the Tinley Park date of the “Freaks on Parade” tour (Rob Zombie / Alice Cooper / Ministry / Filter).    The conversation happened weeks after the release of the new Filter album, “The Algorithm,” a high water mark for a band with an already-strong catalog and history.   Covered in this episode: * The tour (“no stinkers in the bunch”) * Richard's reconciliation with Trent Reznor, and the subsequent good vibes * “The Algorithm” - The songs, and the stories behind their creation. * Sharing personal and political thoughts in song: Does Richard ever think he should be more abstract? * The unlikely music discovery Richard made that led to cool sounds and moments on “The Algorithm.” * The perils and legit horrors attached to celebrity.   I really enjoyed and got a lot out of this conversation … hope you enjoy it! Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728   ##

I'm joined by Kira Leadholm of Madame Reaper and the Gentlemen's Club, recorded outside Middle Eastern Bakery on Foster/Clark.   We talk about the forthcoming album release (9/8) and the release show at Golden Dagger the following week.   We also talk about the fictional backstory behind the band name, fainting in public and Lady Gaga.   Get to know Madame Reaper and the Gentlemen's Club, then be sure to stream the album and see the band in September!   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube! Be sure to also visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728   ##  

Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer returns to Car Con Carne at an exciting time: The band just played Lollapalooza, and the new album (“Cheap Grills”) is set to arrive on September 22.   Deanna and I caught up over corn dogs (naturally), weeks before the launch of the new album and her first-ever headlining tour. ##   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold.   __ Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net). Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?   Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs. Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728 ##    

Car Con Carne visits Plainfield, IL for a visit to Black Dog Vinyl Cafe (16108 South Rt 59, Plainfield, IL 60586). The cafe/live music venue/record store/bar is a focal point for the SW suburban music community, and my trip there was long overdue.   Black Dog Vinyl Cafe owner Mike Marchetti and musician/frequent Black Dog Vinyl Cafe performer Jason Benefield jumped in the car to chat. Mike brought breakfast paninis and coffee to keep the conversation moving, and they were delicious!   We talked about the vinyl retail business and the community that's developed around the cafe/store/venue. After Mike jumped out to take care of his business, Jason grabbed his acoustic guitar to perform “Chicago Song.”   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold. __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728   ##

It was an absolute pleasure to have comedian Kyle Kinane join me for a chat about comedy, his hilarious new “Shocks and Struts” special, and the planet-friendly taste treat, Takis. We cover a lot of ground, though here are some overarching topics: shitty jobs in Addison AI and Chat GPT  Takis Podcasting and comedy Autumn Punk rock and music Suburban anti-nuke missiles JAGOFF! Shocks and Struts Addison nightlife Comedy clubs Gratitude  See Kyle live this Fall: Pabst Theater in Milwaukee - 10/7 Kinanesgiving Thalia Hall 11/20 & 11/21 There was an issue with the video recording, which I explain at the top of the YouTube and Facebook versions of this episode. I tried to overwhelm you with visuals so you didn't feel like you were missing out.   Kyle rules. He's easily one of the funniest people I'll ever meet.   ## Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold. __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728   ##  

JC Brooks is a frontperson's frontperson: An undeniable force of soul, charisma and swagger who helped elevate soul and classic R&B sounds to audiences across Chicago over the past 15 years.   I'm a fan of JC's, and songs from both Uptown Sound albums and the most recent album, “The Neon Jungle,” continue to find their way onto my playlists.   After a period of relative quiet, JC Brooks emerged with a pair of higher-profile live shows in Chicago this year, including the NASCAR event. Seemed like a good time to catch up with him and find out what he's working on.   We met in Uptown (naturally), and had big, greasy slices from Gigio's. My shorts are ruined, but it was worth it.   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold. __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?     Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728   ##  

Cultivate is the first-ever three-day cannabis music festival, and it's coming up soon, from August 25-August 27.   The event will be at the Nursery, a cutting-edge venue by the Green Line stop at 1800 W Lake Street.  This first-time event comes with a ridiculously affordable $99/3-day pass price tag, and artists include GZA, Graveyard (only U.S. performance), Crumb, The Pharcyde, Mac Sabbath, Julian Marley, Afroman and former podcast guests like Fishbone, Lucky Boys Confusion and Otnes.   Festival founder Louie Mendicino joins me to talk about building Chicago's first-ever cannabis festival, from creating the venue through the artist booking.   Get tickets: https://www.tixr.com/groups/cultivate/events/cultivate-2023-71920 Food for this episode came from Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn (6715 Ogden Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402). Louie says they have the best wings in the area, and he's not wrong. The Tijuana Dog was also something special! Great place to eat, drink and hang!   ##   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __ Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold.  __ Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net). Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?   Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs. Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728  

Marites Velasquez (bass, vocals) and Nick Barnett (guitar) of Ovef Ow, an eclectic and cool Chicago band, jump in the car for this episode.   Ovef Ow will release their first full-length album, “Vs. the Worm,” and will play a free release show at the Empty Bottle on Monday, August 28, to celebrate.   We talk about the new album, the band's sound, records and food.   This episode was recorded while eating tacos and drinking horchata from El Original Chavas Tacos on Grand Avenue.   ##   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold.   __ Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).   Are you a home owner? Are you ready for a truly “smart home?” Doesn't the idea of minimizing your energy usage while maximizing your comfort sound good?   Easy Automation will help you find the customized solution that's right for you. Their team has 30 years of collective experience in the industry and will tailor a service package that fits your lifestyle and needs.   Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call at 630.730.3728    

I love Nathan Graham. The singer/songwriter returns to Car Con Carne for his 6th appearance, as he prepares to release his debut album, “Saint of Second Chances.”   We talk a lot about the album's first single, which Nathan performed live in the car (a performance that will give you chills).   Catch up with Nathan in this interview, then support him in October when the album comes out (which he'll celebrate with a show at Fitzgerald's on 10/19)!   For this episode, we went for soul food at 6978 in Oak Park.   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold.  

Award-winning creative duo DJ Corchin and Dan Dougherty are currently crowdfunding “Shut Up and Feel: An Adult Picture Book on Emotions,” a book that's “relatable, hilarious, and has a lot of swears. A bold, picture book approach to the messy human experience.”   This was a super fun interview, and you should totally help them reach their Kickstarter goal. There are tons of cool rewards to claim, many at a reasonable price. Just search “SHUT UP” on Kickstarter.   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold.. ##  

Too Much Joy returns to the Chicago area for the first time since the late 90s! The band plays Blue Island Beer Company on September 16 for a can't-miss show that also includes a performance from Jon Langford and Sally Timms of the Mekons!   We talk about the band's evolution from college rock band to major label artist in the 90s. We cover everything: their KRS-One collaboration (“Good Kill”), “Making Fun of Bums,” R.E.M., the band's cover of the dreaded Terry Jacks song (“Seasons in the Sun”) and the unthinkable things Ace Frehley's handlers take care of.   This band is smart, funny and full of pop smarts. Their Blue Island Beer Company show is essentially a once-in-a-generation opportunity!   Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece.   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold. ##  

Today's Snack is “Hey That's Funny” by Caroline Lucius, from her new release, “Running Without Me.” Hear more of Caroline's music:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3B7iZjEbSlWp1FycoYYpeE?si=KKaVhSvHT1-wWZG4K0EnFA Bandcamp: https://carolinelucius.bandcamp.com/album/running-without-me This Snack is sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold.

John Carruthers of Crust Fund Pizza made it to runner-up on Chopped Season 54, Episode 14: “Wanna Pizza Me?”   John addresses the unforgiving Chopped counters early in the episode: “You have not one second longer than those clocks say”   We talk at length about his experience, from the thought process behind preparing his dishes to his reaction to hearing, “Chef John, you've been Chopped.”   We also talk about Crust Fund Pizza, the local charity-focused, back-alley pizza venture that got him on the show.   Crust Fund Pizza is run from John's Instagram account:  http://www.instagram.com/nachosandlager   ___   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Suburban Roofing and Siding, a family-owned company that provides interior and exterior home remodeling services, offering services to the Chicagoland area. Their staff has more than 40 years of collective experience.   Roofing, siding, windows, gutters...they do it all! Call their friendly team to get started today!    Call 224-677-6149 or visit SuburbanRoofingandSiding.com   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story    Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story is the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene.   Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine.  90daysinthe90s.com  

The decades-long process to bring an arcade game to market is chronicled in the forthcoming documentary film, “Ghostlord and the Quest for Dark Presence.”    The game in question is “Dark Presence,” the brainchild of Galloping Ghost owner/International Video Game Hall of Famer Doc Mack. His story is being captured by documentarian filmmaker Craig Bass, and the project is being Kickstarted through April 28.   This episode finds me parked inside Bass's studio, Motion Source, with Doc Mack in the front seat, and Bass and producer Lydia Koranda in the back seat.   This episode is a study in creativity, entrepreneurship, ambition and authenticity. I can't wait to see the documentary come to life.   In the meantime, support the Kickstarter (Ghostlord and the Quest for Dark Presence), and spend an hour or five at Galloping Ghost in Brookfield. There's no better way to spend a day.   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Suburban Roofing and Siding, a family-owned company that provides interior and exterior home remodeling services, offering services to the Chicagoland area. Their staff has more than 40 years of collective experience.   Roofing, siding, windows, gutters...they do it all! Call their friendly team to get started today!    Call 224-677-6149 or visit SuburbanRoofingandSiding.com   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story    Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story is the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene.   Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine.  90daysinthe90s.com  

One of the most revered Chicago bands from the 1990s, Triple Fast Action, returns with a collection of demos and rarities, appropriately titled “Triple Fast Action.”   The 3-record, 2-CD, collection is available on 4/21 (preorders are happening now on Bandcamp).   Joining me to talk about the release is returning guest Brian St. Clair, TFA drummer and unofficial band archivist.   We talk about the 90s scene in Chicago, Triple Fast Action's memorable moments, what this release means for the band and what it means for the future.   __       Car Con Carne is sponsored by Suburban Roofing and Siding, a family-owned company that provides interior and exterior home remodeling services, offering services to the Chicagoland area. Their staff has more than 40 years of collective experience.   Roofing, siding, windows, gutters...they do it all! Call their friendly team to get started today!   Call 224-677-6149 or visit SuburbanRoofingandSiding.com   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story   Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story is the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene.   Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine.     90daysinthe90s.com

River from wht.rbbt.obj joins me to talk about her band, which sounds like “Amy Winehouse meets the Black Keys and challenges them to a game of strip poker.”  In short, I love this band.   See wht.rbbt.obj at Summerfest on July 6, and look out for their first EP around the same time!   __    Car Con Carne is sponsored by Suburban Roofing and Siding, a family-owned company that provides interior and exterior home remodeling services, offering services to the Chicagoland area. Their staff has more than 40 years of collective experience.   Roofing, siding, windows, gutters...they do it all! Call their friendly team to get started today!    Call 224-677-6149 or visit SuburbanRoofingandSiding.com   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story    Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story is the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene.   Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine.  90daysinthe90s.com

“Out of the Loop” is a new documentary about Chicago's stand-up comedy scene (available on streaming services 4/11/23). The people speaking in the doc represent a “who's who” of Chicago comedy, including Hannibal Buress, Jeff Garlin, Deon Cole, Erica Clark, Tom Dreesen, Chris Redd, Kyle Kinane and the late, wonderful, Judy Tenuta.  Joining me to talk about the documentary is its producer, the very funny Dwayne Kennedy (he also appears in the film). As I mention at the start of the interview, he's far too credentialed for this podcast. He won an Emmy for his work on CNN's United Shades of America. He wrote for the Arsenio Hall show and the Orlando Jones show. He's also appeared on Seinfeld and Martin. Dwayne's a very funny man.  See Dwayne at Zanies on Wells on May 17! Watch the documentary starting on April 11.   ___ Car Con Carne is sponsored by Suburban Roofing and Siding, a family-owned company that provides interior and exterior home remodeling services, offering services to the Chicagoland area. Their staff has more than 40 years of collective experience.   Roofing, siding, windows, gutters...they do it all! Call their friendly team to get started today!    Call 224-677-6149 or visit SuburbanRoofingandSiding.com   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story    Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story is the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene.   Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine.  90daysinthe90s.com  

This episode finds me at FoxFire (17 W. State St., Geneval IL) for a conversation with owner/chef K.C. Gulbro. Chef Gulbro talked about the restaurant's longevity in the Geneva area, the only “right” cooking temperature for steak, the FoxFire menu and where and how he got his chops (specifically: cooking chops and pork chops).   As we chatted, we indulged in the “Surf & Curt”: 6 oz. Certified Angus Beef ® filet mignon served with Sashimi grade tuna, both rolled in Cajun seasoning. Sliced and served with sliced avocado, drizzled with teriyaki and wasabi yogurt. Served with Asian-style Brussels sprouts.   It. Was. Magnificent. _   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Suburban Roofing and Siding, a family-owned company that provides interior and exterior home remodeling services, offering services to the Chicagoland area. Their staff has more than 40 years of collective experience.   Roofing, siding, windows, gutters...they do it all! Call their friendly team to get started today!    Call 224-677-6149 or visit SuburbanRoofingandSiding.com   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story    Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story is the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene.   Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine.  

Adam T. Siska of the Academy Is ... is my guest this week! He joined me for a chat over dumplings from the Joong Boo Wang Mandoo stand outside Joog Boo Market on the northwest side. It's one of Chicago's best-kept secrets (trust me).   With the Academy Is continuing their reunion that kicked off over Riot Fest weekend last year, Adam talked about where the band stands in the present day. Is there more music to come, or is this it?   We talk about the band's upcoming show with Fall Out Boy and Alkaline Trio at Wrigley Field on June 21, both bands' shared history in Chicago, and how the Academy Is came into being. There was a lot of music talk in between, too. There will likely be lots more if we do this again over the summer.   As fantastic as it is that the Academy Is is back together, and for however long it lasts, it's also cool that Adam continues to stretch out creatively. Check out his new(ish) band, Football Head, to hear what life after TAI sounds like.   _   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Suburban Roofing and Siding, a family-owned company that provides interior and exterior home remodeling services, offering services to the Chicagoland area. Their staff has more than 40 years of collective experience.   Roofing, siding, windows, gutters...they do it all! Call their friendly team to get started today!    Call 224-677-6149 or visit SuburbanRoofingandSiding.com   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story    Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story is the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene.   Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine.  

For this conversation, we met at Club Lago in River North (331 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654). Owner GianCarlo was kind enough to jump in the car with a variety of items from Lago's menu, and it was all delicious.   Also in the car for this episode is Patrick's friend, Jessica. What are the two of them up to? You'll watch/hair, but let's just say your podcast host was immensely humbled by their actions.   We talk about Challengers' longevity, as well as Lago's long-running, family-owned, history. This is a fun one!   +++ Car Con Carne is sponsored by Suburban Roofing and Siding, a family-owned company that provides interior and exterior home remodeling services, offering services to the Chicagoland area. Their staff has more than 40 years of collective experience.   Roofing, siding, windows, gutters...they do it all! Call their friendly team to get started today!    Call 224-677-6149 or visit SuburbanRoofingandSiding.com   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story    Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story is the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene.   Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine.   

Brian Case (singer/guitarist) of FACS joins me for a chat in advance of their new release, “Still Life in Decay.”   We met for hot dogs at Red Hot Ranch, ate depression dogs and talked about: *FACS capturing the moment with each of the band's annual releases. *The upcoming record release shows at Empty Bottle. *The tension that comes across in the band's music. *The very specific difference in the “A Side” and “B Side” of “Still Life in Decay.” *The band's “Chicago” sound. *The band's focus on putting the music first; band faces and image second. *Where a FACS song starts is rarely where it ends. *What playing Riot Fest was like. *What's the best Jesus Lizard album?   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Suburban Roofing and Siding, a family-owned company that provides interior and exterior home remodeling services, offering services to the Chicagoland area. Their staff has more than 40 years of collective experience.   Roofing, siding, windows, gutters...they do it all! Call their friendly team to get started today!    Call 224-677-6149 or visit SuburbanRoofingandSiding.com   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story    Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story is the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene.   Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. 

Djunah's second album, “Femina Furens,” is brave. It's raw. It's cathartic. It's gut wrenching. It's fierce. It's vulnerable. Most importantly, it's great.   Donna Diane of Djunah jumped in the car outside Innjoy, in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, to talk about the new album. Much of the songwriting evolved from Donna's “diagnosis and continuing recovery from complex post-traumatic stress disorder, or C-PTSD,” and she shares insight into that process.   Djunah is a force of nature, and this album is one of the most personal and powerful musical portraits you'll hear all year.   See Djunah at Empty Bottle in Chicago on March 24 (along with Huntsmen)!     __ Car Con Carne is sponsored by Suburban Roofing and Siding, a family-owned company that provides interior and exterior home remodeling services, offering services to the Chicagoland area. Their staff has more than 40 years of collective experience.   Roofing, siding, windows, gutters...they do it all! Call their friendly team to get started today!   Call 224-677-6149 or visit SuburbanRoofingandSiding.com   __   Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story   Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story is the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene.   Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine.