Toadies return with new Albini-recorded ‘The Charmer’ (Episode 1126)
Release Date: 06/02/2026
Are we living through another 90s comics crash? Market thoughts w/ Patrick Brower of Challengers Comics (Episode 1143)
Car Con Carne
Is the modern comic book market spiraling back into the speculator madness of the 1990s? Patrick Brower, co-owner of Chicago’s award-winning Challengers Comics + Conversation in Bucktown, joins James in the car to break down today's comics retail landscape. Together, they dig into the explosion of variant covers, blind bags, and modern "what if" blockbusters like Absolute Batman. Patrick traces the structural shocks that reshaped the entire industry, from the collapse of Diamond Comic Distributors to the logistical hurdles comic shops face working with massive book distributors like Penguin...
info_outline
Setting the stage for the 2026 Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (Episode 1142)
Car Con Carne
In this episode, Car Con Carne heads to Joliet for a special live conversation from inside the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 (9 W. Cass St.). Founder Ron Romero joins me to preview the 2026 Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame induction ceremony taking place Sunday, September 27, at the Harris Theater in Chicago. Ron breaks down the extensive public nomination and voting process, how the museum preserves and documents Illinois music history across all genres, and new initiatives like the upcoming Amplify Illinois project (which I agreed to help with). We dive into this...
info_outline
The rapid and deserved rise of Dogs With Hats (Episode 1141)
Car Con Carne
For this episode, I caught up with Dogs With Hats founder/frontman Sam Shrier outside Beat Kitchen to talk about the band's rapid rise, creative evolution, and upcoming plans. Sam details how Dogs with Hats grew from a solo bedroom recording project into a tight, hard-touring unit, as well as the organic recording sessions at Palisade Studios for their debut EP Lampshades at the Party. We also get into the impact of their infectious song "Almost Famous," navigating major-label interest on DIY terms, and why staying committed to craft and full-length album cohesion matters far more than feeding...
info_outline
Breakups and breakthrough songwriting moments - Savanna Ruth (Episode 1140)
Car Con Carne
I sat down with singer-songwriter Savanna Ruth outside Dunkin’ Donuts over iced caffeinated beverages to talk about her forthcoming album, The Baseball Diaries. After years performing as Burr Oak, Savanna decided to wipe the slate clean and step into a new creative chapter under her own name. We talk about the breakthrough moment of writing "Bad Thoughts," turning the raw fallout of a major breakup into vulnerable and relatable songs, and why artists have to give themselves permission to change direction entirely. We also dive into what it was like working with co-producers Scott Lucas...
info_outline
The shapes of ‘Wrath’ - Zak and Alex of Bleached Cross (Episode 1139)
Car Con Carne
Chicago post-punk outfit Bleached Cross (Zak and Alex) joins James VanOsdol to break down their latest album, Wrath. Episode Highlights Radio Nostalgia & Cassette Tapes: Zak brings in his childhood box of handwritten cassette radio rips from late-'90s Q101 broadcasts, sharing early memories of recording tracks off the airwaves and attempting a fourth-grade talent show performance of Silverchair and 311. Origins & Evolution: The duo traces their history back to meeting in college, initially bonding over pop-punk, emo, and an Alkaline Trio cover set before steering into darker,...
info_outline
Somebody put a Ramone in my podcast: Richie Ramone (Episode 1138)
Car Con Carne
Former Ramones drummer Richie Ramone joins the show at Beaumont's (2020 N. Halsted) in Chicago to talk about his Ramones days, live shows, solo albums, acting pursuits, and what keeps his creative sparks lit for him. Thanks to Beaumont’s for the unbelievably good burgers and hospitality. Discussed in this episode: Joining the Ramones: Richie reflects on joining the band in 1983, navigating the group's mid-80s era, and writing iconic tracks like "Somebody Put Something in My Drink." Life on the Road & Leaving the Band: What led to his departure in 1987, including the infamous...
info_outline
Arcada Theatre/Des Plaines Theatre owner Ron Onesti (Episode 1137)
Car Con Carne
In this episode of Car Con Carne, host James VanOsdol sits down with Ron Onesti of Onesti Entertainment (OShows.com). For decades, Ron has been a fixture of the Chicago-area music scene, booking hundreds of shows a year at the historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles and transforming the century-old Des Plaines Theatre into an entertainment hub. James and Ron dive into: Saving Historic Venues: The stories behind reviving century-old local landmarks and turning them into bustling community centers. The Chicago Concert Business: Navigating the most competitive live music market in the country,...
info_outline
Coyote Man is back and still (mostly) an instrumental band (Episode 1136)
Car Con Carne
In this episode of Car Con Carne, James VanOsdol catches up with Ian from Chicago post-rock/metal instrumental powerhouses Coyote Man. Parked outside Noon Whistle Brewery in Naperville where a record and comic book show was coincidentally (?) happening, they dive into the band's long-awaited new album, Prosthetic Memories. What’s In This Episode: Breaking the Instrumental Rule: Discover the story behind "Faith in a Burning Room," the album's closing track featuring vocals (yes, vocals) from guest singer Chris. 5 Years in the Making: How Prosthetic Memories evolved over five years,...
info_outline
Chris Otepka reinvents own Troubled Hubble songs with Heligoats (Episode 1135)
Car Con Carne
Chris Otepka of Heligoats joins me to talk about Neat New Monuments, a new album reimagining songs from Troubled Hubble's 20-year-old record, Making Beds in a Burning House. In this interview, Chris breaks down: The origin of Neat New Monuments: How a vinyl reissue proposal from Foreign Leisure Records prompted him to pause his new Heligoats project, relearn his older material, and record new versions of the songs. Recording in Elburn, Illinois: Working with engineer Mark Walker and bringing in guest musicians with connections to the songs.. Track-by-track changes: Reworking songs...
info_outline
In praise of ‘slut rock’ - Naked Brunch at Rattleback (Episode 1134)
Car Con Carne
This episode was recorded in front of Rattleback Records in Andersonville with Naked Brunch lead singer Michael Hanna and Rattleback Records owner Paul Ruffino. Topics discussed: Naked Brunch’s origins via Craigslist and their self-described "slut rock" sound. The band's recent 12-inch vinyl release on Rattleback Records featuring the tracks "Kiddie Pool" and "Humanoid". Remixes on the 12-inch release by Chicago house music pioneer Ralphi Rosario and jazz trombonist/DJ Emma Blau (Tromblau). The economics and creative mission behind running an independent boutique record label. ...
info_outlineWhen Clark Vogeler joined the Toadies in 1996, there was no way to imagine the band would still be going, selling out rooms across North America. Thirty years later, the veteran guitarist finds himself navigating a beautifully unpredictable landscape, touring behind The Charmer, a gritty, tough new LP recorded with the late, legendary Steve Albini. Sitting over pizza at The Art of Pizza in Chicago (3033 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657), Vogeler reflects on how the band has defied time to become a cross-generational force. From old-school fans to teenagers crowding the front row, the Toadies are experiencing a career renaissance they never could have predicted decades ago.
Vogeler pulls back the curtain on the creative process behind the new material, including the dark, self-critical inner voice that inspired frontman Vaden Todd Lewis to write the album's title track as a way of making peace with his own creative friction.
Being an independent band in 2026 comes with freedom, a sharp contrast to the major label pressures the Toadies faced in the 1990s. By self-funding their studio time through relentless touring, the band completely owns their masters, ensuring their creative output stays entirely in their own hands. As they prepare to share the stage at the Vic Theatre with Local H, Vogeler chats about the camaraderie of the road, the enduring legacy of Steve Albini, and why age has absolutely nothing to do with making great, muscular rock and roll.
Featured Sponsor: Exploding House Printing
Exploding House Printing is here for all of your screen printing, embroidery, and other merchandising needs. They’re local, headquartered in the heart of Hermosa. Here’s why I want you to consider them for your t-shirts, merch, whatever—their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between.
Check out their work on Instagram at @explodinghouse, or check out their site at explodinghouseprinting.com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients.