Yak Channel Podcast Network

Touched By Ghoul is one of Chicago’s more celebrated independent bands, and they recently delivered their much delayed and anticipated second album, “Cancel the World.” They join me tonight… just about 24 hours before headlining Liar’s Club for New Years Eve! Tonight's show is sponsored by Buona. Take 10% off your online or mobile order at Buona locations with my promo code (CARNE10)!

This week marks the return of a Car Con Carne favorite: Dr. Daryl Wilson! Daryl’s the frontman of the long-running Chicago punk institution the Bollweevils (new album out next year!). Dr. Daryl is also a real doctor, so we get into a lot of his experiences and philosophies in this episode.   We covered a lot of ground, including the current state of COVID and Daryl’s “punk rock Mount Rushmore.” We also dropped famous names like they were bad habits.   As we chatted, we enjoyed Italian Beefless sandwiches from Buona in Countryside (20 W. Plainfield). We added hot giardiniera to both, naturally.   The clock’s ticking…. Through December 31, join MyBuona Rewards and get a free burger or chicken sandwich. It really is that simple: join My Buona Rewards today and get FREE Buona… all new members get 1500 points.

My guest this week is Ike Reilly, a man whose voice, lyrics and songs are entirely unique, original and unforgettable. We talked at length about his musically interesting and wide-spanning new album, “Because the Angels.” We also talk about Ike’s music career, specifically from the release of “Salesmen and Racists” forward.    Also covered: Family: Working with them and writing songs about them. Ike’s milkshakes bring all the podcasters to the yard. I’ll straddle anything. Would Ike ever write a book? How about a screenplay? The latest developments in the Ike Reilly documentary. The song on Because the Angels that had a highly memorable live reaction, and also stands as Ike’s favorite recording. For this recording, we met at Buona in Mount Prospect (861 E Rand Rd, Mt Prospect, IL 60056). We made it a hot dog night… he had the Chicago dog and I had the double dog. Ike wisely added a vanilla shake to his order.   Speaking of Buona, Christmas is SATURDAY. If you’ve procrastinated gifts and stocking stuffers, load up on Buona gift cards. When you buy 25 dollars in gift cards, you get a five dollar bonus card for free (do it in-store or online)!

Tom Higgenson of Plain White Ts/Million Miler is one of my favorite guests. He’s a mega-talented guy with an enviable list of accomplishments (Grammy & Tony nominee, VMA nominee, Teen Choice winner), but he’s still the humble, hard-working, midwestern guy he’s always been.   He jumped in my car to talk about his record label’s upcoming holiday special: The Humans Were Here Holiday Extravaganza, happening live Sunday night (12/19). Get tickets at humanswerehere.com. We talked about his label, making music, the divergent 80s path of Million Miler and what’s next for the Ts. We also talked a lot about music, which is always easy to do with Tom.   As for dinner tonight? We were lucky to have our meal provided by the amazing people of Buona. We at the Countryside location (20 W. Plainfield). I had the beef & giardiniera pizza, and I swear I could eat that every day for the rest of my life.   Look, the clock’s ticking. The holidays are coming up, and if you still haven’t figured out food for your office party… your house party… your gathering of friends… let Buona take care of everything. They cater. You party. Try their signature Italian beef as a ready-made sandwich… or a side of delicious rigatoni marinara.. Starting at 12.95 per person… be a hero this holiday season, and feed your guests Buona!  

Non-alcoholic beer was stigmatized for decades. Problem was, most NA products weren’t worth drinking. The craft beer revolution’s led to companies like Well Being Brewing, which for the past 5 years has been leading the way for non-alcoholic beer. Joining me to talk about Well Being Brewing tonight is its founder, Jeff Stevens Car Con Carne is sponsored by Buona! Take 10% off your mobile or online order with the podcast promo code (CARNE10)!

I’m inspired by the work KT’s Kids does to help children who desperately need it. This Sunday night, Liar’s Club plays host to the KT’s Kids Toy Drive Fundraiser. Joining me to talk about the event are Scott Lucas (Local H), Herb Rosen (Liar’s Club) and KT Augustyn (KT’s Kids).   We met at the Buona in Skokie (3754 W. Touhy). I had the Combo Bowl, Scott ordered the Plant-Based Italian Beefless, Herb went with the Combo dipped and KT had the beef dipped. And make no mistake, we all had ours with Buona’s hot giardiniera.    Help yourself to some Buona! Take 10% off your online or app order with my promo code (CARNE10).   Holiday shopping is a lot easier with Buona gift cards… when you buy 25 dollars in gift cards, get a five dollar bonus card free. I love the whole “one for me, one for you" method of gift buying.

We’re diving into the world of fantasy and sci-fi. Otherworld Theatre, on 3914 North Clark Street, has been bringing the theatrical experience to sci-fi and fantasy for close to 10 years now, and their new production, Winter in the Wildwood, looks like the kind of thing that every family should find a way to get to. Otherworld Artistic Director Tiffany Keane joins me to talk about Otherworld’s vibe, history and approach. We also talk about lots of nerdy stuff.

Musician Matt Derda joins me for food at 302 Wheaton (302 W. Front St.). We ate the “Wheaton Bowl” (it’s healthy, or so I’m told), fries, onion rings and more as we talked about Matt’s music and 302 Wheaton’s embracing of the local community.

ATOMIKA: GOD IS RED, the independently-created graphic novel by Sal Abbinanti, is being compiled in a new Omnibus edition. Jump on the Kickstarter of Atomika while you can: It closes soon, and there are all kinds of cool extras and goodies you can get from stretch goals already hit!   Sal’s a favorite of mine, and it was a pleasure to meet him at Johnnie’s Beef in Elmwood Park. Over Italian sausages, we talked about Atomika’s storyline and publication history, the independent and mainstream sides of the comic book industry, Jack Kirby’s far-reaching legacy, and Sal’s potentially concerning new project title.    Support Sal. Support Atomika. Eat more Italian sausage.   Russian mythology and Italian sausage: Talking ‘Atomika’ over Johnnie’s Beef with comics creator Sal Abbinanti (Episode 688)

“More bizarre than Battle Royale and far bloodier than The Ring”: Japanese shocker “Suicide Club” can be seen in two midnight showings at Music Box Theatre next weekend.   Joining me to talk about Suicide Club is AV Club Senior Writer Katie Rife!