For this episode, I’m joined by Jim Marcus (Die Warzau, Go Fight), Karen Righeimer (Bellhead) and David Schock (concert promoter).

All of them are involved with “Thrashnetic - The Josh Russo Memorial Benefit for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention,” happening Saturday, April 6, from 4-11 p.m. at  X-Ray Arcade in Milwaukee. Check out this line-up:

GoFight (with Sapphira Vee)

Hate Dept.

Cyanotic

Klack

Bellhead

am.psych

Subspace

I haven’t interviewed Jim since long before Car Con Carne existed (over 10 years ago), and this is also a first time for David. Karen’s a returning favorite.

Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators.

******

I’m teaming up with the American Lung Association to help them save lives! 

I’ve committed to climbing the steps at Soldier Field for the Fight For Air climb. And you can be part of my team. I’m raising funds for the cause… so please help! 

People of all ages and fitness levels climb the stairs to raise awareness and money to end lung disease. I hope you’ll join me and help, because… when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters. 

Sign up for my team! Donate to the American Lung Association!

Join me for the Chicago Fight for Air Climb Sunday, May 19, at Soldier Field! Go to fightforairclimb.org/chicagoland, and mention Car Con Carne!

***

A smart home connects virtually all of the technology in your home.  With an Easy Automation-installed smart home system, you and your family can control nearly every device and system in the house in ways that are easy and fun to use.

Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules.

Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call Dan at 630.730.3728

For this episode, I’m joined by Jim Marcus (Die Warzau, Go Fight), Karen Righeimer (Bellhead) and David Schock (concert promoter).
All of them are involved with “Thrashnetic - The Josh Russo Memorial Benefit for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention,” happening Saturday, April 6, from 4-11 p.m. at  X-Ray Arcade in Milwaukee. Check out this line-up:
GoFight (with Sapphira Vee)
Hate Dept.
Cyanotic
Klack
Bellhead
am.psych
Subspace
I haven’t interviewed Jim since long before Car Con Carne existed (over 10 years ago), and this is also a first time for David. Karen’s a returning favorite.
Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators.
******
I’m teaming up with the American Lung Association to help them save lives! 
I’ve committed to climbing the steps at Soldier Field for the Fight For Air climb. And you can be part of my team. I’m raising funds for the cause… so please help! 
People of all ages and fitness levels climb the stairs to raise awareness and money to end lung disease. I hope you’ll join me and help, because… when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters. 
Sign up for my team! Donate to the American Lung Association!
Join me for the Chicago Fight for Air Climb Sunday, May 19, at Soldier Field! Go to <a href="http://fightforairclimb.org/chicagoland">fightforairclimb.org/chicagoland</a>, and mention Car Con Carne!
***
A smart home connects virtually all of the technology in your home.  With an Easy Automation-installed smart home system, you and your family can control nearly every device and system in the house in ways that are easy and fun to use.
Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules.
Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call Dan at 630.730.3728

Car Con Carne is an award-winning interview podcast hosted by legendary Chicago media personality James VanOsdol (Q101, WXRT, WGN, WLUP). Hosted in James's car, at live events, restaurants, brewpubs and recording studios, Car Con Carne offers engaging and honest conversations with people you want to know, mostly from the world of music.

Car Con Carne

Industrial musicians come together for ‘Thrashnetic’ mental health benefit (Episode 935)

I’ve been reading comics since I was a small child. I’m pretty sure, without exaggeration, that I learned how to read largely because of comics.

 

Like anyone in the hobby, I’d fallen in and out of it through the years. These days, I’m fully back in it, though I’m not terribly concerned with new titles. I’m more interested in back issues, mainly from the formative years of my youth- the so-called “Bronze Age “ between 1970-1985.

 

I’ve been building up my collection with lots of “reader copies” - books that are good for the home library but won’t exactly be paying for any college tuition bills. As I’ve been jumping back in, it’s clear that since I started collecting many years ago, the hobby of collecting has changed a lot, to no one’s surprise. 

 

“Slabbed,” or professionally graded and encased comics are very much a factor in modern collecting, making even amateur collectors think of comics less as pieces of a narrative and more as numbers on a 10 scale. I used to - still do - chase missing books and key issues. The chase for books that are only graded above certain numbers is relatively new and kinda gross  to me, though I realize that may make me sound like an old man.

 

It’s an interesting time for the aftermarket, and that’s the focus of this episode. Don’t be scared: this one’s not a nerdy deep dive into comic book lore. Instead, it’s about the art and science of collecting, speculation, and the buying and selling of used comics. You don’t need to read comics to listen or watch this episode.

 

Two of my Facebook friends seem to have figured a lot of this puzzle out, and I’ve wanted to pick their brains for a while. Joining me are two guys who never met before recording.

 

First, it’s Jon Belonio.  Find him at cstyledog on Instagram, cstyledog_comics on ebay

 

And here’s Dave Zortea. He’s at Zortea.us, Tiki Comics on Facebook Marketplace, and Tikicomicsandmore on ebay.

 

For this episode,we met outside the Half Price Books in Schaumburg - I’m not convinced there are deals to find at Half Price Books, but it made geographic sense to meet there.

 

Discussed on this episode:

-Is there money to be made in flipping comics?

-Where do you source comics?

-What platforms are best for selling?
-Should we all pool resources and do a video claim sale together?

-Raw vs. slabbed.

-The simple joy of having a good “reader copy”

 

##

Car Con Carne is also 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!

I&rsquo;ve been reading comics since I was a small child. I&rsquo;m pretty sure, without exaggeration, that I learned how to read largely because of comics.
&nbsp;
Like anyone in the hobby, I&rsquo;d fallen in and out of it through the years. These days, I&rsquo;m fully back in it, though I&rsquo;m not terribly concerned with new titles. I&rsquo;m more interested in back issues, mainly from the formative years of my youth- the so-called &ldquo;Bronze Age &ldquo; between 1970-1985.
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;ve been building up my collection with lots of &ldquo;reader copies&rdquo; - books that are good for the home library but won&rsquo;t exactly be paying for any college tuition bills. As I&rsquo;ve been jumping back in, it&rsquo;s clear that since I started collecting many years ago, the hobby of collecting has changed a lot, to no one&rsquo;s surprise.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Slabbed,&rdquo; or professionally graded and encased comics are very much a factor in modern collecting, making even amateur collectors think of comics less as pieces of a narrative and more as numbers on a 10 scale. I used to - still do - chase missing books and key issues. The chase for books that are only graded above certain numbers is relatively new and kinda gross&nbsp; to me, though I realize that may make me sound like an old man.
&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s an interesting time for the aftermarket, and that&rsquo;s the focus of this episode. Don&rsquo;t be scared: this one&rsquo;s not a nerdy deep dive into comic book lore. Instead, it&rsquo;s about the art and science of collecting, speculation, and the buying and selling of used comics. You don&rsquo;t need to read comics to listen or watch this episode.
&nbsp;
Two of my Facebook friends seem to have figured a lot of this puzzle out, and I&rsquo;ve wanted to pick their brains for a while. Joining me are two guys who never met before recording.
&nbsp;
First, it&rsquo;s Jon Belonio.&nbsp; Find him at cstyledog on Instagram, cstyledog_comics on ebay
&nbsp;
And here&rsquo;s Dave Zortea. He&rsquo;s at <a href="http://zortea.us">Zortea.us</a>, Tiki Comics on Facebook Marketplace, and Tikicomicsandmore on ebay.
&nbsp;
For this episode,we met outside the Half Price Books in Schaumburg - I&rsquo;m not convinced there are deals to find at Half Price Books, but it made geographic sense to meet there.
&nbsp;
Discussed on this episode:
-Is there money to be made in flipping comics?
-Where do you source comics?
-What platforms are best for selling? -Should we all pool resources and do a video claim sale together?
-Raw vs. slabbed.
-The simple joy of having a good &ldquo;reader copy&rdquo;
&nbsp;
##
Car Con Carne is also 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Exploding House delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices.&nbsp;
Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or go to their website or just email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

Comics aftermarket - flipping, speculating, and celebrating w/ Jon Belonio and Dave Zortea (Episode 1102)

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


###

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.

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 &frac12; months of medical madness than a celebrated ER doctor with decades of experience?
&nbsp;
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&rsquo;t hold back (spoiler: the colonoscopy doesn&rsquo;t even come close).
&nbsp;
After Daryl &ldquo;clears me&rdquo; to return to podcasting and we put a bow on my appendix era, we get into Daryl&rsquo;s new band, Pressure Set. It&rsquo;s surprising, brand new, and something you&rsquo;ll want to look out for in 2026. And don&rsquo;t forget the Bollweevils: They have big plans for &lsquo;26, as well.
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;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.
&nbsp;
So yeah&hellip; I&rsquo;m back. As Daryl says in the episode, I&rsquo;m &ldquo;big back.&rdquo; Thank you for your support, positive vibes, and kind words. Let&rsquo;s have fun this year.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
-JVO
 ###
Let&rsquo;s talk about merch.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Exploding House Printing is here for all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merchandising needs.&nbsp; They&rsquo;re local, headquartered in the heart of Hermosa. Here&rsquo;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&rsquo;ve worked on products for Meat Wave, Empty Bottle, the Music Box, Dante&rsquo;s Pizzeria, the Brokedowns, and the list goes on and on.
&nbsp;
Jonathan at Exploding House has been doing screen printing for decades. He knows what he&rsquo;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.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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.

Dr. Daryl Wilson (Bollweevils) reviews JVO’s medical drama of past few months (Episode 1100)

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.)


###

 

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!

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 &lsquo;Here.&rsquo;
&nbsp;
Join Gillian and Aly as they have a cozy fireside chat about:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Faking sick as a teenager to win Foo Fighters tickets on Q101</li>
<li aria-level="1">How songwriting is a way for Aly to connect with her highest self</li>
<li aria-level="1">Special guest Cat from Scarlet Demore asks Aly a question about the new record</li>
<li aria-level="1">Gillian and Aly reminiscence on their favorite albums and artists of 2025</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
(Note from James: Many thanks to Gillian and Aly. I can&rsquo;t imagine a better way to wrap up the year than with this episode.)
 ###
&nbsp;
Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing.
&nbsp;
Bands, brands, listeners who want to get the word out: Exploding House Printing can help with your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Exploding House delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices.&nbsp;
 Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or go to their website or just email <a href="mailto:info@explodinghouseprinting.com">info@explodinghouseprinting.com</a> to get a quote!

Industrial musicians come together for ‘Thrashnetic’ mental health benefit (Episode 935)

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