Best Wxrt Podcasts (2024)

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

2h 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
Elk Grove Village’s #1 brewery: Mikerphone Brewing (Episode 978) 14:29

4h 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
Episode #179 - New Day (7/17/24) 1:00:00

7h ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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

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

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

3d 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
Episode #178 - Rainbow (7/10/24) 1:00:00

6d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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

4d 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
Episode #177 - Young Americans (7/3/24) 1:00:00

7d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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

8d 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
Celebrating two years of SW suburban brewing: Flipside Brewing (Episode 972) 28:46

12d ago28:46

28:46

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

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

14d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

1
wht.rbbt.obj at Village Inn Pizzeria (PERFORMANCE/INTERVIEW) - Episode 971 43:31

15d ago43:31

43:31

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

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

21d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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

27d ago16:35

16:35

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

1
Sincere Engineer at Taste of Randolph (Episode 969) 12:10

28d ago12:10

12:10

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

1
Local H at Taste of Randolph (Episode 968) 16:47

29d ago16:47

16:47

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

1
Phantom Planet at Taste of Randolph/Q101’s PIQNIQ (Episode 967) 20:42

29d ago20:42

20:42

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

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

28d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

1
Friko at Taste of Randolph: a quick check-in (Episode 966) 7:05

30d ago7:05

7:05

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

1
‘Street festivals are the heart and soul of Chicago’ - Taste of Randolph (Episode 965) 16:55

1M ago16:55

16:55

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

1
Neptune’s Core at Roti (Episode 964) 23:02

1M ago23:02

23:02

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

1
Fig Dish is back (Episode 963) 19:13

1M ago19:13

19:13

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

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

1M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

1
Americana artist Karen Shook joins me for tacos (Episode 962) 21:25

1M ago21:25

21:25

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

1
Godzilla, Chinatown and XXX: Cinephile Stephanie Sack (Episode 961) 20:50

1M ago20:50

20:50

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

1
MS Sucks - honest talk about Multiple Sclerosis (Episode 960) 39:56

1M ago39:56

39:56

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

1
Ravinia - 2024 season preview (Episode 959) 16:13

1M ago16:13

16:13

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

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

1M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

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

2M ago28:37

28:37

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

1
Weekend Run Club moves forward after line-up changes (Episode 957) 23:52

2M ago23:52

23:52

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

1
A visit to Mirella’s Tavern in Wicker Park (Episode 956) 21:00

2M ago21:00

21:00

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

1
Episode #171 - My Dark Hour (5/22/24) 1:00:00

2M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

1
One of Chicago’s hidden treasures: Irish American Heritage Center (Episode 954) 19:52

2M ago19:52

19:52

Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox) celebrates Irish and Irish American culture through events, music, theater, literature, and language. It’s truly one of the city’s hidden treasures, which is why I’m thrilled to spotlight what they do in this episode. Home to Fifth Province Pub, Mayfair Theatre and plenty of meeting and event spaces, th…

1
Noon Whistle breaks internet with Cicada-infused Malört (Episode 955) 19:43

2M ago19:43

19:43

(Disclaimer: We're not in the car for this one, which allowed for the consumption of beer/spirits.) Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn't stop to think if they should Cicada-infused Malört is a real thing, and it’s being served at Noon Whistle’s Lombard Brewpub (800 E. Roosevelt). I sat down with Marketing Directo…

1
Byron’s Hot Dogs with pop-punkers After the Fight (Episode 953) 21:18

2M ago21:18

21:18

Pop punk/skate punk band After the Fight is back after a period of relative quiet. They’ll be releasing a new song (“Age of Distraction”) on 5/24/24, the same day as their first show in four years, at Montrose Saloon (also appearing: Medicine Hat, the Fomites and 13 Monsters). Josh, Steve and Tim of After the Fight join me for delicious hot dogs fr…

1
Episode #170 - Sold Me Down the River (5/15/24) 1:00:01

2M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

1
(PERFORMANCE AND INTERVIEW) Take the Reins debut new song (Episode 952) 18:26

2M ago18:26

18:26

Returning favorites Take the Reins jumped in the car before headlining Punk Rock Tacos at Cemitas Poblanas in Villa Park on May 10, 2024. In addition to catching up on all the things that have been happening with the band since we last chatted in 2023, the band debuted an acoustic version of a new, as-yet unheard, song called “Dead Leaves.” Car Con…

1
Episode #169 - Stop the Bus (5/8/24) 1:00:01

2M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

1
Cambodian fried chicken sandwiches with Leo Graphics Chicago at Hermosa Restaurant (Episode 951) 49:00

3M ago49:00

49:00

Jamie and Deb of Leo Graphics Chicago (4200 W. Diversey) join me for conversation and food from the remarkable Hermosa Restaurant (4356 W. Armitage). We’re joined by Hermosa Restaurant owner/visionary Ethan Lim. Ethan has built up Hermosa on his own terms, and his warmth and authenticity are present inside the space and in every bite he prepares. A…

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Episode #168 - Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More (5/1/24) 1:00:00

3M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

1
Her Head’s on Fire (or HHOF w JVO @ TBKG) - Episode 950 42:28

2M ago42:28

42:28

Her Head’s on Fire band members Jeff Dean (Guitars) and Rodrigo Palma (Bass) join me for veggie tacos at TBK Grill in Skokie. We talk about the differences between recording the new album, “Strange Desires” (out 5/17), and the previous release (College Rock & Clove Cigarettes). We also cover topics like the creative process, royalty in tacos, how t…

1
The Dennies are younger than you, and better than you’d imagine (Episode 949) 18:52

2M ago18:52

18:52

The Dennies join me for delicious food from Taco Mucho ( (220 Harrison, Oak Park) as I’m parked outside longtime local favorite record store Val’s halla Records. We talk about the recently-released “It All Fades to Grey,” how the band started, and what happens next (since they’re all in high school). Also… who knew high school kids in 2024 could be…

1
Goose Island opens Salt Shed Pub (Episode 948) 29:06

3M ago29:06

29:06

I visited Goose Island Beer Co.’s soon-to-open Salt Shed Pub (1357 N. Elston) on what turned out to be a perfect night for having a 312 on the river. Let’s get this out of the way: Goose has found the perfect location and built the perfect brewpub. Located behind Salt Shed and along the Chicago River, Salt Shed Pub is now the go-to for before/after…

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Episode #167 - Better Now (4/24/24) 1:00:00

3M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

1
Classic rock lives with TikTok sensation Adam and the Metal Hawks (Episode 947) 17:47

3M ago17:47

17:47

Adam and the Metal Hawks (Adam Ezegelian, Johnny Barry, Ryan Daversa, Griffin McCarthy) joined me before their in-store appearance at Loud Pizza Records (716 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035) to talk about their viral video history, Jack Black, rock music and the new(ish) original album, “Hurry Up And Wait” Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is pre…

1
Infamous Lou Reed ‘Metal Machine Music’ album gets reimagined by indie stars (Episode 946) 50:31

3M ago50:31

50:31

“Metal Machine Muzak” is a reimagining of Lou Reed’s infamous Metal Machine Music album, curated and released by Dave Gebroe, creator and host of the Discograffiti podcast. Dave and “Metal Machine Muzak” contributor Lou Barlow (Folk Implosion, Sebadoh, Dinosaur Jr.) join me to talk about the tribute (available May 3, only on the Discograffiti Patre…

1
clubdrugs: My new best friends (Episode 945) 29:06

3M ago29:06

29:06

John and Maria from gothpop duo clubdrugs join me for tacos as we talk about their super cool band (they seriously sound amazing). We also discussed our shared interest in all things horror, and basically made plans to do this again in October at a haunted house. Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTu…

1
Estonian band Evestus gets dark and heavy with ‘Post Hate Teen Depression’ (Episode 944) 39:05

3M ago39:05

39:05

Ott Evestus of Estonian industrial band Evestus joins me for a virtual chat from across the globe to talk about the new album (“Post Hate Teen Depression), industrial influences, coming out of a coma (!) and the looming specter of Russia on Estonian culture. Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@…

1
Stiff Little Fingers prepare for final U.S. tour (Episode 943) 36:00

3M ago36:00

36:00

Stiff Little Fingers hits the road for their final U.S. tour next month, and that run will find the band at Metro on Friday May 10. The legendary Irish band was there at the beginning of punk rock, burning bright for six years before breaking up (eventually restarting in 1987). Stiff Little Fingers frontman Jake Burns joined me virtually for this c…

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