Chicago podcaster James Van Osdol celebrates 1,000 episodes of "Car Con Carne"
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For Chicago music radio fans, James Van Osdol (JVO) is a well-known name.
The big picture: The alternative rock disc jockey made a name for himself spinning hits at Q101, WLUP and WXRT, connecting his listeners with local bands and performers.
- For the last 10 years, he's been interviewing local musicians and artists on his podcast "Car Con Carne," where he talks to guests in his car.
- He souped up his vehicle with microphones and cameras and invited guests like Billy Corgan, Jeff Pezzati from Naked Raygun and Smoking Popes' Josh Caterer, to name just a few.
Driving the news: JVO just hit a huge milestone, releasing his 1,000th episode.
What they're saying: "I recognize that plenty of podcasts call it quits long before 1,000 episodes, mainly when hosts realize how much work is required and how little financial reward is available," Van Osdol tells Axios.
- "This has always been a creative outlet for me, so hitting 1,000 means I've found something that truly inspires and motivates me."
Zoom in: Van Osdol has left the radio business, but has found joy in the freedom of going it alone.
- "While it's great to have a traditional broadcasting infrastructure (marketing, sales, programming, budget), it's liberating and thrilling to be a one-person operation," says JVO. "It's pushed me to be more creative, marketing-savvy and focused."
Context: The podcast showcases the rich music community here, including in the suburbs, where many independent bands are thriving.
- "My theory is that independent artists are more inclined to share and talk about the content with their communities, whereas engagement with the larger artists almost always ends when the interview wraps."
If you listen: The three-part 1000th episode features the band Dehd, Ike Reilly and Josh Caterer.