I’m out of the car for this one, joining Broken Robots (Kat, Tony, Elix, Anthony, Ari) in the band’s Logan Square home studio for a long overdue conversation.

The chat lands days before the release (9/12) of what is arguably their finest moment, “The Great American Struggle.” We talk at length about the meaning and construction of the songs and how they all fit together.

It was important to frame the album’s completion around how the band has dealt with dramatic blows over the past few years, the most dramatic and impactful being Tony’s cancer diagnosis and his inspirational fight to come out on top. True to form, Tony discusses the topic with transparency and sincerity. Not to spoil any of the details, but it’s important to keep doing the things that inspire you, no matter what kind of hand life deals you.

See Broken Robots in their album release show at LiveWire on 9/12, and be sure to stream/buy/consume “The Great American Struggle” upon its release. 

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation: 

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation is a local business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, that delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle. 

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

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Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing, 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. 

They’ve worked on products for Meat Wave, Empty Bottle, the Music Box, Dante’s Pizzeria, the Brokedowns, and the list goes on and on.

Jonathan at Exploding House has been doing screen printing for decades. He knows what he’s doing - besides his technical expertise, he delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices. 

Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or check out their site at exploding house printing dot com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients.

Email info at exploding house printing dot com for a quote today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friend of a Friend is the brilliant and inventive musical group powered by

Claire Molek and Jason Savsani. 

Their third album, “Desire!,” came out earlier this year, and it’s moody, atmospheric, at-times unnerving, and gorgeous. I love it.

They joined me outside Tacos El Tio in Oak Park (1115 Lake Street) for a conversation about their history, “Desire,” and the incredibly spooky place where the album was recorded.

Befriend Friend of a Friend. I think you’re going to love them.

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation: 

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation is a local business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, that delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle. 

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

##

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing, here for all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merchandising needs.  

They’re local, headquartered in the heart of Hermosa. Their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between. 

They’ve worked on products for Meat Wave, Empty Bottle, the Music Box, Dante’s Pizzeria, the Brokedowns, just to name a handful of familiar bands and brands.

Jonathan at Exploding House has been doing screen printing for decades. He knows what he’s doing - besides his technical expertise, he delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices. 

Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or check out their site at exploding house printing dot com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients.

Email info at exploding house printing dot com for a quote today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m joined for this episode by two guys who spent decades turning a smart, biting sense of humor into underground, DIY favorites as part of Too Much Joy, and later… Wonderlick. We talked during the pandemic about Too Much Joy in a standard COVID-era “Zoom” chat… and this time around, I met Tim Quirk and Jay Blumenfield in person.

We met at the wonderful Blue Island Beer Company, where the band was set to play later in the evening. Sitting outside on a perfect Chicago weather day, we chatted about:

-The differences between Too Much Joy and Wonderlick

-The new album, “Wonderlick Goes to War”

-Tim’s obsessiveness about… everything?

-Why is there a documentary crew following them around everywhere?

-What the studio sessions were like for this album

-What being a musician is like in 2025, as opposed to Too Much Joy’s heyday

-The Chicago connection to the new Wonderlick album

-Vinko Bogotaj: Who was he? Why does Wonderlick have a song about him?

-There’s a major Too Much Joy reissue on the way!

See Wonderlick on tour, and give “Wonderlick Goes to War” a listen. They’re awesome.

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation: 

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation is a local business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, that delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle. 

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

##

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. They’ve worked on products for Meat Wave, Empty Bottle, the Music Box, Dante’s Pizzeria, the Brokedowns, and the list goes on and on.

Jonathan at Exploding House has been doing screen printing for decades. He knows what he’s doing - besides his technical expertise, he delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices. 

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.

You can always expect prompt and quick communication as they're a small company and are hyper-focused on making your vision a reality. Their goal isn't just to print another t-shirt; you put your heart and soul into your project or business- they want their work to reflect that passion, as well. Email [email protected] for a quote today.!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Busy Beaver Buttons & Merch  is an independent business that’s built a lot of big ideas around a small thing…buttons. They’ve made a stunning 63 million buttons to date.

Busy Beaver’s celebrating its 30th anniversary with a party at Color Club on Saturday, September 13: “Hot Dam! We’re 30!” will feature performances by Sharp Pins (GBV set), the Hentchmen (Detroit),  a singalong with Amalea Tshilds from Lula Cafe, a DJ set by Essential Logic, 40+ Double Dutch, button making, and cocktails from Wilderness Club.

Owner Christen Carter joins me for this one, recorded at Busy Beaver HQ, “The Dam.” We talk about how the business started modestly and has grown to become *the* source for buttons and merch for everyone from musicians to politicians and museums.

Busy Beaver is a Chicago business treasure, and a model for both small businesses and people with cool ideas to follow. 

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation is a local business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, that delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle. 

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Dolinsky is synonymous with food in Chicago. He’s won 13 James Beard Awards and I swear his face can be seen on the walls of every restaurant in the city, from dives to fine dining establishments. He’s been part of the media landscape …TV, radio, and podcasting… for over 30 years. He was the Hungry Hound on ABC, the Food Guy on NBC and now he’s working in a role created specifically for him with Levy Restaurants. But wait, there’s more… he’s the author of Pizza City, USA, and the curator of Pizza City Fest, happening from August 22-24th in River North. 

Speaking of Pizza City Fest, we recorded this one at Labriola Ristorante, 535 N. Michigan Avenue. Labriola is one of this year’s Pizza City Fest participants, and not far from where Pizza City Fest is happening this year.

Discussed in this episode:

*The 2023 event - lessons learned, and why this year’s event will be completely different.

*A preview of this year’s Pizza City Fest. Who’s participating? What’s in it for festival-goers?

*Pizza nuance - Steve breaks down the different styles, including deep dish, deep pan, Roman, artisan, and … thin crust. He also gets into the “thin crust vs. tavern style” argument.

*Why is Chicago the perfect town for pizza?

*What’s the state of food journalism in Chicago?

*What’s the next food trend he sees coming down the line?

I’d been wanting to chat with Steve for quite some time, and was thrilled to have the chance to do so over delicious Labriola pizzas. Thanks to the team there for the immaculate hospitality.

See you at Pizza City Fest!

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation.

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation is a local business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, that delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle. 

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This interview was a long time in the making – four years, to be exact – and that gets explained early in the show. In short, I sent an SOS to the world, and comedian Kristen Toomey received it.

We met in Bensenville (home of Victory Auto Wreckers!) for a fun, smart, sharp conversation covering the art and science of being a working comic today, why she threw her phone out the window a few years back, social media, the time she was arrested as a teen, and why poly people were quite cross with her.

I loved meeting and chatting with Kristen, and hope to make it a more regular occurrence on the podcast!

Support Kristen by watching her special, “Shriller,” debuting on Apple TV on August 12!

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Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation is a local business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, that delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle. 

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

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Car Con Carne returns to Legit Dogs & Ice in South Elgin for a live event on Friday, August 22. Plan on being part of the live show (it’s FREE!).

Joining me for the event: Lollygagger, flowersatherfeet, Coyote Man, Chris Baker of Ink 180, and Wild Dogs Comedy! Did I mention it’s FREE?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After many years of profile roles in some excellent Chicago bands, Dave Suh is putting himself out there with his new project, Dave Suh & the Dirty Wings. The digital release of their album, “Set to Begin,” is set for August 12 and will be followed by a record release show at Montrose Saloon on August 15 (also playing: The Bon Mots, badcandy, & Cisco Pike).

The whole band joins me for this one: Dave, Johnny Furman (bass), and Loren Guzik (drums), and the show starts with Dave doing two acoustic versions of songs from the new album!

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Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation is a local business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, that delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle. 

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

##

Car Con Carne returns to Legit Dogs & Ice in South Elgin for a live event on Friday, August 22. Plan on being part of the live show (it’s FREE!).

Joining me for the event: Lollygagger, flowersatherfeet, Coyote Man, Chris Baker of Ink 180, and Wild Dogs Comedy! Did I mention it’s FREE?

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan, Tim, and Mustafa of Time Thieves are my guests for a new episode recorded on the NW side of Chicago. We talk about the band’s power-pop leanings, emergence from much noisier bands, both 2025 EP releases (“If You Survive” / “Come Home”), gambling, concert etiquette, and Manowar.

I enjoy these guys as musicians and people, and hope you have fun listening to this one!

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Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation is a local business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, that delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle. 

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

##

Car Con Carne returns to Legit Dogs & Ice in South Elgin for a live event on Friday, August 22. Plan on being part of the live show (it’s FREE!).

Joining me for the event: Lollygagger, flowersatherfeet, Coyote Man, Chris Baker of Ink 180, and Wild Dogs Comedy! Did I mention it’s FREE?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wonderful DIY post punk band Staring Problem joins me to talk about their bewitching album, “Equinox” on this episode. I’m joined by Lauren Owen and Mike Erickson for the conversation, which covers topics ranging from MTV, long distance drummers, the joys of nature, and the perils of digital living.

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Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation is a local business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, that delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle. 

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

##

Car Con Carne returns to Legit Dogs & Ice for a live event on Friday, August 22. Details coming soon - plan on being part of the live show (it’s FREE!).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucky Boys Confusion returns to the House of Blues on 11/15/25 for The Soapbox Spectacle Vinyl Release Show. As I type this, the show is pretty much sold out, meaning if you waited on tickets, you may kick yourself early on during the listening of this episode.Stubhy from Lucky Boys Confusion is back on the show to reveal LBC’s opening act - and the lead singer is also in the episode (hidden off-screen until the reveal)!

The last Lucky Boys Confusion show at HOB was one of their all-time best - can’t wait for November!

To help the conversation along, we’re joined by Bill Thanoukos of Hub’s (3727 W. Dempster). I’ve been going to Hub’s since I was a kid, so it was super fun to talk with Bill about Hub’s history (since 1976!) while eating their legendary gyros. Pay Bill a visit and order the gyros (that tzatziki sauce!). Or the ribs. Or just order whatever moves you … you honestly can’t go wrong.

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Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation is a local business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, that delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle. 

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.