Best Avernus Podcasts (2024)

1
Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus | 15.06 1:39:55

20h ago1:39:55

1:39:55

The party gathers back at Elfsong Tavern to consult with Captain Zodge about their successful mission of dealing with the Dead Three cultists. With their names now cleared of their crimes and with heavy rewards in their pockets, the party then continues onward to follow a new lead on the Vanthampers, a family whose goal is to overthrow Baldur's Gat…

1
Doom metal band Avernus reemerges with ‘Grievances’ (Episode 989) 38:36

16d ago38:36

38:36

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

1
UTT: "Carl Weezer" 1:02:06

9h ago1:02:06

1:02:06

The guys learn they're not recording a game session upon being down a party member and instead talk about some Chasm Inferno stuff, Talk Tuah Podcast, the party in which Danny met Lenny, the new upcoming PS5 Pro, and more!

1
The 25th Chicago Horror Film Fest is this weekend! (Episode 993) 17:05

2h ago17:05

17:05

Returning favorite Stephanie Sack is back to preview the 25th edition of the Chicago Horror Film Festival, happening this weekend. Stephanie’s an associate producer of this year’s event, which focuses on women in horror and the “Final Girl” trope. The fest’s happening at the Logan Theatre from September 27th through the 29th. Plan on three days of …

1
Instrumental music for people who think they don’t like instrumental music: Maxx McGathey (Episode 992) 24:19

8d ago24:19

24:19

Chicago composer Maxx McGathey, best known for his work with Gramps the Vamp, releases his first solo album, “Imaginary Eyes,” on September 27. We met at Roma’s (4237 N. Cicer) for Italian beef (that’s what we do here in Chicago) and talked about the mo`ie score, cool instrumental, vibes of the new album. It’s instrumental music for people who thin…

1
Red Scare Industries celebrates 20th anniversary (Episode 991) 51:04

8d ago51:04

51:04

Red Scare Industries celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The new compilation, “20 Years of Dreaming and Scheming,” includes contributions from Laura Jane Grace, Sludgeworth, the Brokedowns, the Falcon, Won’t Stay Dead and the Bollweevils. I’m out of the car for this one … Toby Jeg and Brendan Kelly of Red Scare joined me at the Q101 studios …

1
Former Playmate brings sparkle to Disco Pancake in Old Town (Episode 990) 17:56

1h ago17:56

17:56

Disco Pancake (1155 N. Wells) is a new breakfast/brunch spot in Old Town that gives the most important meal of the day a sparkly, casual and fun shot in the arm. Take, for example, the Disco Stack, the most expensive stack of pancakes in the city, featuring 20-carat gold syrup and golden flakes. Joining me to chat about the concept is co-owner Crys…

1
UTT: "That One Time I Ate the Jaguar" 21:17

2d ago21:17

21:17

Before they record the night's session, the guys talk about Sam's new stuff at work, their "training in the mountains" stories of how they got better at video games, new Z&D characters, and more!

1
(PERFORMANCE) flowersatherfeet at River Street Tavern - Episode 988 35:18

3d ago35:18

35:18

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

1
Won’t Stay Dead at DryHop Brewers (Episode 987) 29:11

13d ago29:11

29:11

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

1
Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus | 15.05 50:02

10d ago50:02

50:02

The party completes their mission, eliminating the cultists within their secret cavern after barely making it out alive. Now with a huge accomplishment under their belt, the Dead Three find themselves at odds with our players after they emerge topside back into Baldur's Gate.

1
The Jesus Lizard returns with ‘Rack’ (Episode 986) 25:54

18d ago25:54

25:54

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

1
OUTDrejas talks live album, social strategy and the joys of Thorogood (Episode 985) 25:57

26d ago25:57

25:57

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

1
UTT: "It was the Keychain?" 35:40

23d ago35:40

35:40

Before recording the night's session the guys talk about how to pronounce Pancheros, Cheddar's hot family, Napoleon Dynamite, using Red Bull cans as "size reference", the Tropic Terror episode, and more!

1
Z&D Anthologies | Tropic Terror! 1:34:51

26d ago1:34:51

1:34:51

Welcome to the Jungle! This episode hits Vietnam where our small gaggle of a unit helps Sergeant Haggis rescue his girlfriend who's been captured by Vietcong. Along the way our players must avoid traps, use stealth and any tactics at their disposal until they see that something feels different in the jungle...…

1
Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus | 15.04 1:28:59

1M ago1:28:59

1:28:59

The party continues through the dungeon of the Dead Three Cultists uncovering more twists and turns. Someone obtains a DM custom weapon after someone else carelessly attacks a crypt, which comes of use when they encounter one of the largest threats within the dungeon. Will they even survive?

1
UTT: "I Almost Threw up" 47:36

1M ago47:36

47:36

Before recording for tonight's session, the guys talk about underwear habits and brands, laughing at podcasts, a funny laughs clip, cheddar's new car, some rather taboo things said during last week's episode in Vietnam that was cut, driving through haunted towns in Iowa, and more!

1
‘Psych-wave quartet in a polygamist marriage’ 8-bit crEEps at Cobra Lounge (Episode 984) 16:49

28d ago16:49

16:49

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

1
Volunteer-driven, community radio: CHIRP (Episode 983) 28:57

1M ago28:57

28:57

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

1
UTT: "Chunky and Sour" 54:12

2M ago54:12

54:12

While waiting to record for the night's game of Z&D, the guys agonize waiting for Alex, guess the week's "new and trending" Steam game title, beer, creating their Vietnam characters, and more!

1
Pravda Records celebrates 40th anniversary (Episode 982) 23:47

1M ago23:47

23:47

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

1
UTT: "YOU'RE DRUNK SHUT UP" 30:57

1M ago30:57

30:57

Before playing the night's game session, the guys talk about Kingassripper (the farting on my roommate's door guy), Sam's modded Baldur's Gate, the story behind the "grandpa made me suck his peepee" joke, and more!

1
Mac Sabbath’s meat-e-oric 10-year rise (Episode 981) 15:21

1M ago15:21

15:21

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

1
Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus | 15.03 1:15:50

2M ago1:15:50

1:15:50

The party continues through the Dead Three Dungeon pushing to the end, not before encountering more of its secrets, triggering traps of lethal proportion, and a deadly necromancer.

1
2-song performance from Shukin & the Ramblers (Episode 980) 23:25

2M ago23:25

23:25

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

1
Cheddar's Z&D Quizities Game Show Special 57:12

2M ago57:12

57:12

Play with the rest of the guys as Derek, our resident "Cheddar", cooks up the toughest of questions for the first Z&D trivia game!

1
A look at the music industry in 2024: Tom Schmall (Episode 979) 24:24

2M ago24:24

24:24

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

1
UTT Live Super Special 1:27:14

2M ago1:27:14

1:27:14

The guys get most of them together for a live session of Under the Table shenanigans! For the first time Alex sits in live alongside a new guest Cody. Together everyone plays an intense game of Million Dollars But, certain details of conception are shared, Danny simps over Lenny, and more!

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

2M ago14:29

14:29

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

1
Preview: 12th annual Homegrown Arts and Music Festival (Episode 977) 24:27

2M ago24:27

24:27

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

1
Episode 77: Soul-ar Power 2:35:40

2M ago2:35:40

2:35:40

Our heroes arrive in hell, only to immediately be met by a colossal servant of Tiamat. If they're going to recover Lulu's memories, deal with Zariel, and take down the Dragon Queen herself, they can't afford to fail when they've barely begun. Special thanks to our friends for supplying lines for the Kenku characters: Crisosphinx Bagelodeon Former C…

1
Podcast collab with Barguments (Episode 976) 53:55

2M ago53:55

53:55

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

1
Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus | 15.02 1:28:33

2M ago1:28:33

1:28:33

The party follow up on information gathered from the Elfsong Tavern and head to the bath house to look for a secret entrance used by the Dead Three cultists. Finding them will gain trust from the Flaming Fist Captain, and possibly earn respect enough to clear their names from the murder that brings them together.…

1
UTT: "Punch the Fish" 1:12:28

2M ago1:12:28

1:12:28

The guys put their fresh spin from hearing the news about what happened at the Trump rally right after it happened, a crazy show about Alaskan hill billys and how they punch fish to survive, how Alex is an old soul, Capri Suns, and more!

1
Author K.L. Doty at FoxFire in Geneva (Episode 975) 21:53

2M ago21:53

21:53

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

1
One Shot - Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn - Ep 7 (of 7) 1:15:30

3M ago1:15:30

1:15:30

Welcome to One Shots! A Dumb-Dumbs & Dice podcast where professional voice over actors and improvisers tackle “one shot” stories created in a variety of hit RPGs. I’m your host DJ ONE-SHOT 2.0 and I’m here to welcome you to Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn, an introduction to Warhammer 40K's Wrath & Glory RPG! This arc features our GM Tom McGee (@mcge…

1
One Shot - Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn - Ep 6 (of 7) 52:52

2M ago52:52

52:52

Welcome to One Shots! A Dumb-Dumbs & Dice podcast where professional voice over actors and improvisers tackle “one shot” stories created in a variety of hit RPGs. I’m your host DJ ONE-SHOT 2.0 and I’m here to welcome you to Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn, an introduction to Warhammer 40K's Wrath & Glory RPG! This arc features our GM Tom McGee (@mcge…

1
One Shot - Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn - Ep 5 (of 7) 1:01:42

3M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Welcome to One Shots! A Dumb-Dumbs & Dice podcast where professional voice over actors and improvisers tackle “one shot” stories created in a variety of hit RPGs. I’m your host DJ ONE-SHOT 2.0 and I’m here to welcome you to Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn, an introduction to Warhammer 40K's Wrath & Glory RPG! This arc features our GM Tom McGee (@mcge…

1
One Shot - Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn - Ep 4 (of 7) 57:32

2M ago57:32

57:32

Welcome to One Shots! A Dumb-Dumbs & Dice podcast where professional voice over actors and improvisers tackle “one shot” stories created in a variety of hit RPGs. I’m your host DJ ONE-SHOT 2.0 and I’m here to welcome you to Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn, an introduction to Warhammer 40K's Wrath & Glory RPG! This arc features our GM Tom McGee (@mcge…

1
One Shot - Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn - Ep 3 (of 7) 57:17

2M ago57:17

57:17

Welcome to One Shots! A Dumb-Dumbs & Dice podcast where professional voice over actors and improvisers tackle “one shot” stories created in a variety of hit RPGs. I’m your host DJ ONE-SHOT 2.0 and I’m here to welcome you to Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn, an introduction to Warhammer 40K's Wrath & Glory RPG! This arc features our GM Tom McGee (@mcge…

1
One Shot - Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn - Ep 2 (of 7) 55:09

2M ago55:09

55:09

Welcome to One Shots! A Dumb-Dumbs & Dice podcast where professional voice over actors and improvisers tackle “one shot” stories created in a variety of hit RPGs. I’m your host DJ ONE-SHOT 2.0 and I’m here to welcome you to Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn, an introduction to Warhammer 40K's Wrath & Glory RPG! This arc features our GM Tom McGee (@mcge…

1
One Shot - Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn - Ep 1 (of 7) 1:06:39

2M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

Welcome to One Shots! A Dumb-Dumbs & Dice podcast where professional voice over actors and improvisers tackle “one shot” stories created in a variety of hit RPGs. I’m your host DJ ONE-SHOT 2.0 and I’m here to welcome you to Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn, an introduction to Warhammer 40K's Wrath & Glory RPG! This arc features our GM Tom McGee (@mcge…

1
One Shot - Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn - Session Zero 1:00:17

2M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Welcome to One Shots! A Dumb-Dumbs & Dice podcast where professional voice over actors and improvisers tackle “one shot” stories created in a variety of hit RPGs. I’m your host DJ ONE-SHOT 2.0 and I’m here to welcome you to Wrath & Glory: Traitor's Hymn, an introduction to Warhammer 40K's Wrath & Glory RPG! This arc features our GM Tom McGee (@mcge…

1
Music and beer come alive on ‘Malt Row’ - Ravenswood on Tap (Episode 974) 26:35

2M ago26:35

26:35

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

1
Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus | 15.01 1:52:45

3M ago1:52:45

1:52:45

A party drawn together under strange circumstances tied to a murder in the city. Since then, the guard have closed off the borders and prevented anyone from entering or exiting Baldur's Gate. Now those involved in the murder having kept it secret, find themselves set on a quest to help a Captain of the Flaming Fist gather information from an inform…

1
UTT: "That's Not a Grapenut" 27:40

3M ago27:40

27:40

The guys talk about Cheddar's story, DocDisrespect's banning, John Cena's retirement, kankles, and more!

1
They’re still having fun: Orleans (Episode 973) 33:16

2M ago33:16

33:16

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

1
Z&D Anthologies | Terror in Paradize 1:18:22

3M ago1:18:22

1:18:22

In this installment of Z&D Anthologies, our players each select a pair of players to embark on the Icon of the Seas, the largest American cruise ship. Trouble ensues after hitting their first stop when the ship's vacationers begin turning into the living dead once they're in the middle of the sea. Will Montgomery and his "roommate" Neil, Randy and …

1
Celebrating two years of SW suburban brewing: Flipside Brewing (Episode 972) 28:46

2M ago28:46

28:46

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