Yak Channel Podcast Network

Pine Valley Cosmonauts’ new album, “The Closing Time,” is a song-for-song recreation of Tom Waits’ debut album, “Closing Time.” “Patron saint of Chicago music” Jon Langford returns to Car Con Carne to preview the album, and its release show at the Hideout (happening on 7/17). All ticket proceeds from the release show benefit Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVIL) to help secure the future of Chicago’s independently owned live music venues. Car Con Carne is sponsored by Siren Records McHenry

The first two guys I’m picking for my “imaginary bar trivia team” draft are Neal Asbury and Professor Jean-Pierre Isbouts. Together, they co-authored the stunning, full-color, new book, “Mapping America: The Incredible Story and Stunning Hand-Colored Maps and Engravings that Created the United States.” I thought this interview was absolutely fascinating. It appealed to the collector in me, and to my natural curiosity about history. I hope you enjoy it (and check out the book)! Pictured: Asbury holding the Nuremberg Chronicle (“the 'world is flat' book”), first published in 1493. My jaw literally fell open. Car Con Carne is sponsored by Siren Records McHenry

This episode marks the first post-pandemic visit to the hallowed grounds of Epic Deli. My signature sandwich is back on the menu! The “JVO” is an open-faced sandwich on cornbread, covered with pulled pork, country fried pork belly, crumbled bacon, Carolina vinegar BBQ sauce, fried pickles and coleslaw! Topped with a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey! Joining me for this episode is the talented and charming Marc Esses (For the Fallen Dreams/Flowers For Dorian), who also has a sandwich special on the Epic Deli menu this month. The “Messes” is oven roasted chicken breast, bacon, shredded provolone and smoked gouda cheese, bacon aioli, and sautéed onions cooked in 3 Floyd’s “Zombie Dust” beer!! Topped with fried cheese curds and lettuce that is tossed in ghost pepper ranch! Served on an eight-inch garlic bread sub roll with a side of “Zombie Dust” BBQ sauce!! Marc and I generally make a mess in my car while eating and talking about music stuff. Car Con Carne is sponsored by Siren Records McHenry, where I bought a Faith No More record before recording Car Con Carne this afternoon.

Frank recently hosted a special podcast series highlighting his struggles and success with his own mental health. On this week’s The Daily Life of Frank, Frank shares the first two episodes of the season. To hear the full series, please visit: https://www.spreaker.com/show/my-mental-health-breakdown.

Get ready for another month of drive-in movies at Rock Island Public House in Blue Island! Curator Mike Vanderbilt is back on Car Con Carne to talk about the weekend programming for July (Scorsese/DeNiro, John Candy summer movies, summer blockbusters, Madonna). See you at Raging Bull? Batman ‘89?   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Siren Records McHenry

Author Jessica Hopper (The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic and Night Moves) joins me today to talk about the revised and expanded version of “The First Collection...” You’ve read her stuff everywhere: the Chicago Reader, the Chicago Tribune, Pitchfork, GQ, Rolling Stone, the New York Times, Village Voice, etc.   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Siren Records McHenry

Frank recaps his Father’s Day weekend, talks about a scary Father’s Day night, how his kids can’t handle a power outage, his Dad being a hero, and more!

Chicago songwriting treasure Steve Dawson (Dolly Varden, Funeral Bonsai Wedding) is ready to release his new solo album, "At the Bottom of a Canyon in the Branches of a Tree," on PRAVDA. He jumped on Car Con Carne to preview the album and his upcoming shows (!).   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Siren Records McHenry

Mike Lust (Tight Phantomz, Lustre King) jumps in the car for a conversation over a delicious dinner provided by Dante’s Tavern (1936 W. Chicago Ave.). We loved the pepperoni slices, and couldn’t get enough of the wings. Mike talks at length about his killer debut, “Demented Wings,” and we go in plenty of musical tangents along the way. Car Con Carne is sponsored by Siren Records McHenry.

South side culture, hidden treasures and beer: Chris Lanuti of Southside Pod (Episode 625) Southside Pod is a very well-done, funny and community-focused podcast that I love listening to. Chris Lanuti joins me tonight to talk about his show, the south side, and why people should pledge to "Phonation" TODAY.   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Siren Records McHenry