Stavros from the Atlas Moth is back for his 4th appearance on Car Con Carne - it’s been over four years, so we were overdue for a chat. The first thing you may notice in this episode is how easy the conversation is between the two of us. Besides Stavros being a natural and funny conversationalist, we have a lot in common: music, comics, horror, vin…

Post-hardcore trio With Patience release their debut album, “Triptych,” on Friday, 5/9. In advance of that, guitarist/vocalist Chris Wade and bassist/vocalist Lance Curran join me on the lakefront in Rogers Park to talk about the band and album. ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutt…

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys discuss cheating on book reports, turning the dark film classic “Taxi Driver” into a musical, and how Walter got a subscription to Playboy for his 14th birthday. Plus: the hard-driving dedication of Jehovah’s Witnesses, very specific Zodiac predictions, a prescription strength breakfast cereal, and a lawyer…

What'd you like? Send us a text. We’re Back!! Tim’s putting his “miter” in the ring to be the new Pope and the tells us all about it. Then we wonder why scientists would make robots that can run! Then sketches about a new religious murder-solving show, temporary mobsters, teaching kids about the real world of work, and a song that’s just asking for…

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 sa…

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 thei…

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 yea…

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 episo…

What'd you like? Send us a text. A whole new season of The Duck Logic Comedy Half Hour starts any day now! Something different for your ears. Podcast-y talk like you find on other pods, plus comedy bits and sketches like they do on Saturday Night Live. All from the Chicago comedy group called Duck Logic that played clubs and colleges, did network T…

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, …

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 wit…

What'd you like? Send us a text. With the Duck Logic guys still out, A.I. Announcer, Brian dug deep into the old WLUP radio show archives and found this little nugget--- The time Tim, as Bruce “Rooster” Cogburn, the host of Rock Rap, improvises an interview with an actual Chicago rock band named Chetyre Pevo (translated: “Four Beers”) as they prete…

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 automati…

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 giardinier…

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…

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys are still away, but Brian, their A.I. announcer, offers up a 2-fer of gems from their Chicago radio show that haven’t been on the pod before. First, a downright sweet sketch from Bob Odenkirk about one man’s discovery of true happiness. Then Tim does a Comic Strip Countdown in the style of Casey Kasem’s cla…

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…

What'd you like? Send us a text. Duck Logic’s vay-cay continues with a sketch Tim wrote for an “all-news” concept episode of their 2-hour comedy radio show on WLUP-AM in Chicago back in the day. It's an abridged version of the original, okay rather lengthy parody of a hard-hitting, investigative exposé of small-town local events called “The Interro…

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 curd…

“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 …

Brian Case of FACS returns to Car Con Carne, not long after the release of the band’s incredible 6th album, “Wish Defense,” and before they play Thalia Hall on April 17. We talk about Steve Albini’s role in the recording, as “Wish Defense” was the last thing he worked on before his untimely passing last year. We also talk about the ambiguity of Bri…

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys are still on break. But here’s your weekly dose of DL--- another improvised interview from Duck Logic’s 2-hour radio show on WLUP-AM in Chicago. This time with Tim’s running character named Marty Farty, a sleezy TV mogul who’s starting a sleezy network filled with sleezy programming. A word of warning: it’s…

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 t…

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys are taking a much-deserved break. But you can still get your DL fix with this snippet, um, nugget, er, previously not played bit—an improvised interview between Tim and Bob Odenkirk (yes, THAT Bob Odenkirk!) He and Tim were classmates in college and Bob was invited to be a cast member on Duck Logic’s 2-hour…

Violets is a new band bringing together players from Naked Raygun, the Methadones and Blood People: Aly Jados – vocals, guitar Bill Stephens – guitar Simon Lamb – guitar Fritz Doreza – bass, vocals Michael Soucy – drums As the band gets ready to play their 5th (!) show on 4/27 at Reggie’s (along with Riverboat Gamblers and the Evictions) and releas…

What'd you like? Send us a text. Walter, Tim, and Jim talk about showering in gym class and in prison, old guys at the health club who parade around naked, and how Jim named his penis Captain Bibi. Plus, casting for the new live action Barney movie. Then: the truth about Ford trucks, the best places to party at Easter, why Walter thinks his body is…

Chicago’s favorite hard-drinking, hard-partying, inspirers-of-bad-decisions, band is back. The Beer Nuts will play an early show on St. Patrick’s Day at Liar’s Club (with opening act One for the Ditch). Joining me to preview the show outside Liar’s Club are Joe Kelly, Lou Svitek and returning favorite Herb. Lou and Joe turned the episode into a pot…

River Toussaint Rabbitte is the frontwoman of wht.rbbt.obj, a favorite artist of this podcast, and she’s getting ready to release a solo single called “Put Down For Love” - “a slow-burning Pop/R&B ballad that drips with passion, submission, and the intoxicating pull of obsession.” In short, it’s a whole vibe and a stunning piece of music. River joi…

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys talk way too much about dog poop. Then they come up with a really super superhero, and discuss women who glow in the dark. There are sketches about the new Saturday night lineup on PBS, your third amendment rights, getting those lying babies to tell the truth, and more. • Get more laughs! Visit our website …

This episode is smooth. I sat down with Scott McGaughey (vocals) and Dylan Ryan (piano, synth, drums, string & horn arrangements) of the soft synth-pop Chicago band BRONZE for a conversation in the green room of beloved local venue The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Did I hear someone say Car Con Verde Quarto? Bronze will perform at the Hideout on Sat…

This one is arguably best enjoyed in its video form (YouTube/Facebook). Over another delicious dinner from Byron’s (1701 West Lawrence), I’m joined by hypnotist Chris Jones and returning favorites Dr. Daryl Wilson (the Bollweevils) and Stubhy (Lucky Boys Confusion). Chris is performing at Zanies (Wells) on 3/18 and Zanies (Rosemont) on 3/30. As a p…

What'd you like? Send us a text. Walt, Tim, and Jim talk about bobbleheads, what passes for food in England, the million-dollar idea Tim has when he was 7, and politically incorrect corn chips. Then, Jim’s new egg-themed bitcoin, the real Bruce Springsteen, and a sports bar for guys who like to watch sports in a bar with other guys who like to watc…

Something we see repeatedly is that the gift, thrill and occasional curse of music is passed down from parents to their kids … and that’s what we have on display for this episode. I’m joined for Episode 1024 by Brian Krumm (Great Crusades, Brian Krumm and his Barfly Friends) and his daughter, Hazel Krumm. Two years ago, Brian put out his first solo…

There’s cool shit happening in Lombard. For this episode, I led a chat with four interesting and amazing creatives: From the Unmasked Coven, a queer + neurodivergent-owned space: owners Sarah and Faeth. Also from Unmasked Coven: Jesse, the person behind the productions happening at the Unmasked Coven’s super cool DIY space, Basement of the Coven. R…

What'd you like? Send us a text. In their first encore compilation episode--- Walt, Tim, Jim, and Dave compare their favorite “Jackson,” then reminisce about that time Duck Logic did improv on ice skates. Or did they? Plus, sketches about a different kind of talk radio station, keeping up with the Johnson family, the secret lives of weathermen, a p…

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys talk about medical uses for maggots and leeches, and Tim’s obsession with gut leakage. Then Walter describes his little leather Speedo and prosthetic abs but can’t convince Tim and Jim to get surgery to change the color of their eyes. Also, sketches about a vague pick-up bar, Jean Smiley’s Valentine traditi…

Dyslexicon is the soul-searching and emotionally-driven creative outlet of multi-instrumentalist Dan Hart. It’s metal. It’s punk. It’s prog. It’s cool. Dan joins me just as the second Dyslexicon album, Dracula at Sea, is available for streaming. At one point during the conversation, I call him a “mad scientist” for the way he put together this rema…

What'd you like? Send us a text. What happens when a Chicago sketch comedy radio show from the past gathers their classic bits— along with new skits, songs, and improv —into a weekly podcast? You get the goofiest gabfest laugh riot this side of the Internet. You’ll laugh… and how! • Get more laughs! Visit our website ducklogiccomedy.com • Special t…

I love a good record store, and for this episode, I’m focused one of the greatest record stores in Chicago history: The Flip Side. The Flip Side: Where Chicago Rocked is a new book about the birth, innovation, success and eventual end of the Flip Side chain. To talk about the book, I’m joined by co-author Ken Churilla, who wrote the book with Flip …

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys talk about Pamela Anderson going makeup-less, the Mickey Mouse slasher movie, why someone hasn't made a Popeye porn video yet, and why 52 seems to be the magic number for men to have heart attacks. Then a scofflaw game show sketch, adult diapers can be fun, a sale on over-sized musical instruments, and what…

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys talk about some people install toilets right in the middle of their basements and how Tim can whip up excellent toilet wine. Then a Rain Man prequel, boxer concussions, and why everyone's into manscaping. Plus, sketches about a car dealer that sells brown cars, trouble with time travel, a guy who's good at …

I’m a sucker for broody, synthy, hooky post-punk, and that’s what you’ll get on the debut from Milwaukee band Seances. The album, “Power is a Phantom,” comes out on February 13th, and I’m joined for lunch by Eric Arsnow -singer, bassist, founder of Seances. We recorded outside Poochie’s in Skokie (3602 Dempster), a hot dog joint that deserves to be…

Kansas-based singer/songwriter Aud Whitson is about to release her stark, authentic EP, “A House That Can’t Get Quieter,” on February 7. I caught up with her while she was in Chicago to talk about her songwriting, as well as the very DIY method she used to record the EP - voice memos on her iPhone. Check out Aud’s EP when it comes online on 2/7! It…

What'd you like? Send us a text. Jim’s come to realize the Nissan Rogue he bought from Dave’s wife makes people think he’s an old lady. And Jim tells Walt about a Colorado guy whose legs got caught in a woodchipper and about the comedy club owner with a smelly butt. There are sketches about Girl Scouts joining the Army, a raunchy microbrew beer, a …

The fairly obscure, cult favorite, 70s Chicago prog band, McLuhan may very well be the least likely band to have entered 2025 with a string of live dates … but here we are. 50+ years after the release of their debut album, “Anomaly,” it’s getting a second life with a repressing/rerelease and the band is doing a monthly residency at Montrose Saloon.…

Liar’s Club (1665 W. Fullerton) is set to host two fundraisers for victims of the L.A. fires: Friday, January 24, and Sunday, January 26. The Friday event, featuring Local H, Viceroy and Tuff Sudz, is sold out. The Sunday event, featuring Handcuffs, Jon Langford and more TBA, will go on sale soon (keep an eye on Liar’s Club’s social media for updat…

What'd you like? Send us a text. Tim tells us about his plans to open manifesto writing classes and how important juice is to him--- any kind of juice. Jim recalls how a stranger called him a “jag in a bag.” Then there are sketches about mini memorabilia, a patient in search of a disease, and coffee so strong it puts hair on your tongue. Plus, more…

Slice to Meet You returns to Piece Pizzeria (1927 North Avenue)! The fundraiser benefiting Paws Chicago, the Midwest’s largest no-kill shelter, kicks off with “Bill and Doug’s Excellent Adventure, a collaboration between Piece and iconic Chicago chef Hot Doug. Piece owner Bill Jacobs and Hot Doug jump in the car to unveil their masterful collab: a …

This conversation was long overdue! I sat down with LiveWire Lounge owner Dave Hornyak to talk about LiveWire’s 14 years in business: The highs, the lows, the bands and the $2 PBRs. Looking for a zero-bullshit, low-budget, place to unwind, listen to cool music, and be yourself? Visit my friends at LiveWire: 3394 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641. …

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys talk about eye surgery. Jim encourages Tim and Walt to donate sperm. Tim has his doubts about Johnny Depp’s teeth. And evidence that the new Fed Ex campaign is plagiarizing-ly close to a long-running Duck Logic bit. Then sketches about wheelie bags, a store with a sale on "mystery boxes," how to get the bes…