As I head toward the end of my appendectomy/ileocectomy recovery, I jump back into podcasting with an obvious guest: Dr. Daryl Wilson of the Bollweevils. Who better to talk through the past 2 ½ months of medical madness than a celebrated ER doctor with decades of experience?

We talk through my experiences, from the moment my appendix burst through my current recovery, all discussed with a requisite amount of dark humor (and insight). If you ever wanted to know what the most vomit-inducing experience was during this period, we don’t hold back (spoiler: the colonoscopy doesn’t even come close).

After Daryl “clears me” to return to podcasting and we put a bow on my appendix era, we get into Daryl’s new band, Pressure Set. It’s surprising, brand new, and something you’ll want to look out for in 2026. And don’t forget the Bollweevils: They have big plans for ‘26, as well.

I’m grateful to have a friend like Daryl, and I think after listening to this episode Daryl will feel like a friend of yours, as well.

So yeah… I’m back. As Daryl says in the episode, I’m “big back.” Thank you for your support, positive vibes, and kind words. Let’s have fun this year.

-JVO

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Let’s talk about merch.

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 (at)explodinghouse, or check out their site at explodinghouseprinting.com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest host Gillian McGhee is a local musician, leading bands Hi Ho and Turnspit over the last decade, and is returning to Car Con Carne to interview her friend and fellow musician, Aly Jados. Aly's here to discuss her band Blood People's debut full length record 'Here' - a collection of songs that weave together heavy distortion, intricate guitar riffs, singalong choruses and Aly's unmistakably raw vocals. In short, you need to hear ‘Here.’

Join Gillian and Aly as they have a cozy fireside chat about:

• Faking sick as a teenager to win Foo Fighters tickets on Q101
• How songwriting is a way for Aly to connect with her highest self
• Special guest Cat from Scarlet Demore asks Aly a question about the new record
• Gillian and Aly reminiscence on their favorite albums and artists of 2025

(Note from James: Many thanks to Gillian and Aly. I can’t imagine a better way to wrap up the year than with this episode.)

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Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

Bands, brands, listeners who want to get the word out: Exploding House Printing can help with your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.

Exploding House 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 go to their website or just email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest host Jake “Jacques” LaMore, formerly of Pop-Punk & Pizza, now the voice behind new narrative storytelling podcast, “This One Time in Kankakee”, sits down for a conversation with Kevin Andrew, the lead vocalist of Chicago’s diet punk band, Guardrail. The two discuss:

-Kevin’s recent wedding

-How their bands used to play shows together

-The meaning behind the group’s new single, “Heroes”, now streaming everywhere

-The upcoming ten anniversary of their yearly benefit show, Snuzfest

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Jake did an incredible job - and his mic/audio quality are tops (I notice this stuff). I’m incredibly grateful that he was willing to jump behind the mic to talk punk rock on behalf of CCC. And thanks of course to Kevin for again agreeing to have the world’s premiere diet punk band featured on the podcast.

-JVO

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Car Con Carne is nominated for “Best Music Podcast” in the Chicago Reader’s “Best of Chicago” survey (https://chicagoreader.com/best-of-chicago-music-nightlife-2025/). Please consider voting for the podcast - recognition like this can go a long way for a DIY, one-person operation!

###

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

Bands, brands, listeners who want to get the word out: Exploding House Printing can help with your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.

Exploding House 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 go to their website or just email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.