Car Con Carne Podcast By James VanOsdol cover art

Car Con Carne

Car Con Carne

By: James VanOsdol
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About this listen

Car Con Carne is an award-winning interview podcast hosted by legendary Chicago media personality James VanOsdol (Q101, WXRT, WGN, WLUP). Hosted in James's car, at live events, restaurants, brewpubs and recording studios, Car Con Carne offers engaging and honest conversations with people you want to know, mostly from the world of music.2025 2024 James VanOsdol Art Food & Wine Music Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Bellhead follows up on earlier promises with ‘Threats’ (Episode 1049)
    May 20 2025

    Bellhead (Karen Righeimer and Ivan Russia) is a favorite of mine. The post-punk duo continues to take massive evolutionary steps forward with each new release; the new EP, “Threats,” is their finest moment yet.

    Rather than meet in my car, I invited Bellhead over to do an interview in my backyard (they’re like family at this point). My fire pit was a bit … suffocating … as we chatted, but we still managed to have a great chat. To make sure the conversation flowed, Karen brought samples of her homemade mead for us to enjoy as we sat out in the 50-degree Midwestern spring weather. Best bootlegged booze I’ve had in ages.

    We talked about the new EP, Spinal Tap, steampunk, the reality of touring, running into Martin Atkins (Pigface, PiL) in an unlikely place, whether this is their “Americana” moment, and some of the “Threats” reviews so far.

    If you’re new to Bellhead, this is a great way to jump in. If you’re just a fan of musicians being authentic, candid and fun, you’re also going to love this episode.

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    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

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    TAG PUBLICITY is a 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 creation, booking and 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 and TikTok!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    36 mins
  • Instrumental duo El Bisonte visits Chicago from Louisville (Episode 1048)
    May 13 2025

    El Bisonte is a spectacular bass and drum instrumental duo (Henry Ignacio - bass and sounds; Blake Lowery - drums) from Louisville, Kentucky. I caught up with them last weekend before they headlined “Goatstock” in Norridge, and we talked about:

    *Their take on Chicago

    *Louisville’s most famous haunted attraction

    *How Henry gets “upskirted” at live shows

    *What storytelling in song means for an instrumental band

    *Why they sat on “Buried Beneath the Rubble” for so long

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    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

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    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 creation, 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

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    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. Featuring music from Aaron Williams, Karen Shook and Derision Cult, comedy from Chris Bongat, and craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    17 mins
  • UR Mom was in my car last night (Episode 1047)
    May 11 2025

    I’m hanging with UR Mom for this episode. Me and UR Mom have a lot to get into, including the just-announced Summerfest date!

    Maura Wolf (vocals, rhythm guitar), Tommy Hinds (guitar) and Alex O’Malley (drums) joined me to talk about the band’s beginnings and the speedy word-of-mouth that’s encircling the band. More impressive, they conducted the interview without the invaluable assist of bassist Andrew Vucsko-Cameron!



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    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

    ##

    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 creation, 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. Featuring music from Aaron Williams, Karen Shook and Derision Cult, comedy from Chris Bongat, and craft brewer Carson Souza from Obscurity Brewing.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    11 mins
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Fun and lively podcast with great guests like Tom Higgenson of TLB. He has an independent record label Humans Were Here. Listen to find out what this guy is up to next.

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