Welcome to the first of a three volume Episode 1000 anniversary episode recorded at live events held at four locations throughout the greater Chicagoland area. The next two volumes will be released over the next two days. My original idea was to combine all the interviews and performances into one single release. As fate would have it… it’s just to…

Welcome to the third and final part of the Episode 1000 anniversary episode, recorded at live events held at four locations throughout the greater Chicagoland area. My original idea was to combine all the interviews and performances into one single release. As fate would have it… it’s just too much content for one single episode, so I decided to br…

Welcome to the second part of the three-volume Episode 1000 anniversary episode, recorded at live events held at four locations throughout the greater Chicagoland area. My original idea was to combine all the interviews and performances into one single release. As fate would have it… it’s just too much content for one single episode, so I decided t…

E-Scooters are a step closer to being legal on NSW roads, Sonos launches new soundbar with new breakthrough audio technology in board, you can score a bargain at Aldi – a Uniden dash cam for less than $100, we give you our final verdict on the Samsung Galaxy Ring, our complete review on the new iPad Mini, we check out the affordable yet effective U…

We have a 3G network community service announcement ahead of the network shutdown, our early thoughts on the Samsung Galaxy Ring, Apple has unveiled the latest iPad Mini, we check out the Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni robot vacuum, Amazon has launched a new range of Kindle, we also test drive a Svbony telescope and we’ll answer all your questions in t…

This episode is brought to you by stubborn tenacity. SubT and Beat Kitchen are two of Chicago’s favorite music rooms, and for good reason. Both are embedded in their respective neighborhoods (Wicker Park and Roscoe Village, respectively), have warmth and character, and provide consistently great entertainment. Robert Gomez, owner of both venues, jo…

An update on our movie ripping project – and our efforts not to break the law, is your car spying on you – we reveal the car brands that are, Arlo has launched the new Essential XL with four times more battery, we check out the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE smartphone, we put the Google TV Streamer through its paces, the powerful new Panasonic shaver that …

Sideshow Villains’ Deviant Cabaret brings their mix of circus and cabaret acts ‘designed to disturb and delight’ back to Alhambra Palace (1240 W. Randolph) on Sunday, October 27th. This is the latest project from Dante Ingram, and she joins me to preview the show, which may involve everything from knife throwing and puppetry to trapeze and a jaw-dr…

We are getting rid of all our movie discs – but what we’re doing with our movie collection, Netgear has expanded its range of Wi-Fi 7 mesh and standalone routers, Jura unveils its latest automatic coffee machine, we give you our verdict on the Apple Watch Series 10, we take a look at the PlayStation 5 Portal remote player, Amazon has released a new…

In what’s become a favorite annual tradition, old friend/radio colleague Tim Virgin (94.7 WLS) and I meet up at Hellsgate (hellsgate.com) in Lockport for a trip through the haunt and a podcast conversation with creator/owner John LaFlamboy. I say it a lot, and I mean it: HellsGate is the best of the haunts. I look forward to it every year, and it t…

T1 Fest is back this year, with three nights worth of killer shows at Reggie’s (2105 S. State Street), from 10/10-10/12. T1 Fest’s mission is to fight Type 1 diabetes, otherwise known as juvenile diabetes. Their mission: “To make a difference using the power of music and community to bring people together to create awareness for Type 1 Diabetes.” T…

Kingdom Come is a four-issue DC Comics graphic novel miniseries that came out in 1996. Mark Waid wrote it, Alex Ross envisioned it and painted it, and this epic story continues to ripple through not just the comics industry but the mainstream. It’s a study in heroism, morality, and generational change. And despite the large cast of characters, this…

Meta unveils its new Orion prototype AR glasses, Samsung releases a new smartphone and tablet with Galaxy AI onboard, one in six Australians have had their credit card information stolen – how you can protect yourself, we take the DJI Neo selfie drone for a spin, how you can turn your Echo speakers into wi-fi extenders, Rode releases a new game-cha…

McHenry Outdoor Theater - Golden Age Cinemas (1510 N Chapel Hill Rd, McHenry, IL 60051) will host a Halloween Triple Feature, including independent cult favorites “High on the Hog” and “Halloweed” and the sometimes overlooked/always awesome “Halloween 3.” I recorded this one inside the concession stand at the McHenry Outdoor Theater, and was joined…

Returning favorite Stephanie Sack is back to preview the 25th edition of the Chicago Horror Film Festival, happening this weekend. Stephanie’s an associate producer of this year’s event, which focuses on women in horror and the “Final Girl” trope. The fest’s happening at the Logan Theatre from September 27th through the 29th. Plan on three days of …

We share our reviews of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro and the AirPods 4, we’ll also tell you about the Optus 5G standalone network for your home internet instead of the NBN, DJI has launched the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Logitech has a new go-anywhere speaker and we’ll answer all your questions in the Tech Guide Help Desk. Learn more about your ad choices.…

Chicago composer Maxx McGathey, best known for his work with Gramps the Vamp, releases his first solo album, “Imaginary Eyes,” on September 27. We met at Roma’s (4237 N. Cicer) for Italian beef (that’s what we do here in Chicago) and talked about the mo`ie score, cool instrumental, vibes of the new album. It’s instrumental music for people who thin…

Red Scare Industries celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The new compilation, “20 Years of Dreaming and Scheming,” includes contributions from Laura Jane Grace, Sludgeworth, the Brokedowns, the Falcon, Won’t Stay Dead and the Bollweevils. I’m out of the car for this one … Toby Jeg and Brendan Kelly of Red Scare joined me at the Q101 studios …

I'm back! We go through all of the Apple announcements including the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods meanwhile Sony has revealed the PlayStation 5 Pro - but it's not cheap, we take a look at the DJI Neo - the drone that can take off from the palm of your hands, Withings has a new smartwatch, Adobe previews its new Fir…

Disco Pancake (1155 N. Wells) is a new breakfast/brunch spot in Old Town that gives the most important meal of the day a sparkly, casual and fun shot in the arm. Take, for example, the Disco Stack, the most expensive stack of pancakes in the city, featuring 20-carat gold syrup and golden flakes. Joining me to chat about the concept is co-owner Crys…

Atmospheric doom metal band Avernus joins me for a conversation at Melinda’s Pub (6906 W 111th Worth). After a considerable time away, Avernus returns with the stunning new release, “Grievances.” We talk about the new album and its broad, cinematic scope, as well as the band’s jagged path to the present day. “Grievances” is a solid album; it’s doom…

flowersatherfeet is a promising new shoegaze band from Chicago. How new? They’ve been together for roughly four months. We’re on the ground floor here. Ivory, Robert and Tim from the band join me at River Street Tavern in East Dundee (102 N. River St.) for a fun episode that kicks off with an in-car, acoustic performance of their new single “Tempte…

In this week's Tech Guide Recast - we're taking a look back at our greatest Celebrity Tech interviews - this week it's the Blue Wiggle Anthony Field and best selling Australian author Matthew Reilly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesPor Stephen Fenech

Violet, Saffron and Tyler from horror pop-punk band Won’t Stay Dead join me for food and adult beverages at DryHop Brewers (3155 N. Broadway). As we eat delicious DryHop menu items like the DryHop Double Smash Burger, Fried Pickles and the Marinara Pizza, we also enjoy DryHop beers (the beauty of recording outside the car). I had the seasonal Wolpe…

The Jesus Lizard is back! The band is set to release “Rack” on September 13, their first new album of new music since “Blue” (1998). TJL guitarist Duane Denison joins me for a conversation about the new album, the early Chicago days, and whether “Rack” and a lengthy tour are signs of what’s to come for the band. In Chicago? Don’t miss the Jesus Liz…

In this week's Tech Guide Recast - we're taking a look back at our greatest Celebrity Tech interviews - this week it's TV and radio hosts Erin Molan and Deborah Knight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesPor Stephen Fenech

David Drejas of OUTDrejas joins me for dinner at Twisted Q in Homewood (2053 Ridge Road; twistedq.com). As we dive into brisket platters and brownies, we talk about: *The Corey Feldman opening slot that led to profound physical pain *The benefit of opening for Counting Crows, including the resulting live release (Live at the PAV) *David’s sartorial…

In this week's Tech Guide Recast - we're taking a look back at our greatest Celebrity Tech interviews - this week it's former Australian Test cricket captain Steve Waugh and 2GB Breakfast host Ben Fordham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesPor Stephen Fenech

In this week's Tech Guide Recast - we're taking a look back at our greatest Celebrity Tech interviews - this week it's best selling authors Tara Moss and Jane Harper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesPor Stephen Fenech

Practically four years since the last time we chatted (over Zoom in COVID days), ¾ of 8-bit crEEps met me in the parking lot of Cobra Lounge. We talked about the band in advance of their opening slot for Ultimate Fakebook and Hembree at Cobra on Saturday 9/17. While we talked, we also enjoyed delicious macarons from Offbeat Macarons. Band drummer R…

CHIRP Radio Founder/General Manager Shawn Campbell joins for this episode to talk about CHIRP’s growth, mission and approach. If you haven’t yet had the chance to listen, CHIRP (chirpradio.org) is a totally independent, hyperlocal, “non-comm” station run by volunteers. It’s true to the spirit (and perhaps the promise) of radio, and runs live 24/7 f…

In this week's Tech Guide Recast - we're taking a look back at our greatest Celebrity Tech interviews - this week it's Dave Faulkner from the Hoodoo Gurus and Dan Whitford from Cut/Copy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesPor Stephen Fenech

Pravda Records celebrates 40 years of independent music with PRAVDAFEST at Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn (6615 Roosevelt) on August 31. The all-day event spans three stages and includes performances from: Nathan Graham, Steve Dawson, Diplomats of Solid Sound, The Handcuffs, Ivan Julian with Nick Tremulis, Chris Greene Quartet, Sunshine Boys, The Service, …

Mac Sabbath, fast food-themed Black Sabbath cover band, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The band returns to Chicago for a show at Reggie’s on August 28. Since the characters of Mac Sabbath exist under a cloak of anonymity, I’m joined by band manager Mike Odd for a conversation about one of the most insane band concepts I’ve ever seen. Se…

In this week's Tech Guide Recast - we're taking a look back at our greatest Celebrity Tech interviews - this week's Ch 10's newsreader Sandra Sully and Ch 9's news anchor Peter Overton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesPor Stephen Fenech

Roots/Americana/garage rock band Shukin and the Ramblers (actually, Matt Shukin and one Rambler, Rob) join me for Italian beef at Pop’s in Lyons. We talk about the debut EP, No Canteen, and then Shukin and Rob play two acoustic songs in the car: “No Canteen” and “The Water." See Shukin and the Ramblers at Widows Harvest in Plano next month! It’s on…

We’ve reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 – we’ll take a deep dive into the device that goes on sale this week and we’re talking LED lighting – and in particular downlights – we even went to the factory where they are made. In the Tech Guide reviews, we take a look at the Uniden products that are a must for new parents, the Belkin product that’s a …

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…

The Global IT outage that stopped the world actually could have been much worse, Apple launches a new campaign about the dangers of web browsing, Optus is giving away 20,000 phones ahead of the 3G shutdown, we take a look at the new range of Uniden home security products, Dyson is taking on the big audio brands its new noise-cancelling headphones a…

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…

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!…

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…

We take you through Samsung’s new announcements from Paris and we chat with Eric Chou – Head of Mobile Experience for Samsung Australia, we also have an interview that’s out of this world – we talk to Katherine Bennell Pegg – she’s the first astronaut who trained under the Australian flag – a fascinating chat. In the Tech Guide reviews, we take a l…

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 …

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…

The Apple Vision Pro is here – we give you our in-depth review. Also on the show, LG has released its new wireless OLED evo TVs – and they’ve added an extra size, DJI has gone from drones to electric bikes, the TCL smartphone with a screen that’s easy on your eyes and we’ll answer all your questions in the Tech Guide Help Desk. Learn more about you…

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…

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…

Samsung has confirmed a launch event in Paris – what can we expect to see? Rumours are swirling ahead of the release of a 10th Anniversary Apple Watch, Telstra reveals how scammers are trying to catch you off guard, JBL has released the new SoundGear Frames Audio Sunglasses, we take a look at the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra robot vacuum, we take a liste…

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…