Best Wlup Podcasts (2025)

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Live at Legit Dogs - Glory Days, Heligoats, Chad the Bird, badcandy, Eric Oren (Episode 1057) 1:10:51

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2d ago1:10:51

1:10:51

Wrapping up a spectacular three-month run of live events at Legit Dogs + Ice, my guests for this special recording include Glory Days, Chris Otepka (Heligoats, Troubled Hubble), Chad the Bird, Alex Subak (badcandy) and comedian Eric Oren. Thanks to everyone at Legit Dogs for making these events and episodes happen - I had a lot of fun working on th…

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165: "Their poop is very nutritious." 28:44

2d ago28:44

28:44

What'd you like? Send us a text. The Duck Logic guys talk about worm farmers, competitive kite flying, grocery stores on wheels, and the children’s show Diver Dan. Then: rhetorical questions, mushy cigarettes, a needless health class film, and a must-have unless kitchen item.By Duck Logic

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Gird your loins: The new Daisychain album rips (Episode 1056) 27:07

11d ago27:07

27:07

Nickole Regala, Sophia Williams, and Frankie Sripada of the bluesy, psychedelic, raw and authentic, band Daisychain join me for a chat just days before their album release show (6/20) at Sleeping Village and a week in advance of the release of the new album, “All in a Name.” This one was recorded outside local treasure Reed’s Local in Avondale, and…

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164: "It's starting to look like a drug den." 27:15

9d ago27:15

27:15

What'd you like? Send us a text. This week, the conversation is about drug dens, how there used to be stereos, welding, shop class mishaps, Ferris Bueller and the joys of southern Illinois. Then: sketches about a sale on matzas and the Shroud of Turin. Pajamas. Well-read mountain folk. And a song about water.…

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Wrestling music, Night Spice and Flowers for Dorian: go-to drummer Marc Esses (Episode 1054) 31:00

16d ago31:00

31:00

This episode sees the return of drummer, Mark Esses, who's behind the kit for super-cool bands like Downstait, Night Spice and Flowers for Dorian. We met at El Vado, a Mexican restaurant in McHenry, and we chatted about: Balancing Multiple Projects: Besides being the drummer in a bunch of bands, Mark Esses also keeps busy as a D.J. We talk about ho…

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Taste of Randolph preview with Spitalfield at Hide+Seek (Episode 1055) 39:25

18d ago39:25

39:25

Taste of Randolph returns this weekend (June 13-15) for its 28th year! The event happens at ground zero for food in Chicago: Randolph Street, between Peoria and Racine. To preview this year’s event, I sat down with Julie Darling (West Loop Community Organization President) at Hide+Seek (838 W. Randolph), a standout Randolph St. restaurant that offe…

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163: "Who's going to give me a ride home?" 28:26

16d ago28:26

28:26

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys discuss goiters versus gout, then reminisce about the movie they made. Or did they? Plus the man with the most things. A little TMI at the morning status meeting. And: Terror.By Duck Logic

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Danimal Farm takes artistic residence in ‘Perseverance Hotel’ (Episode 1053) 25:38

23d ago25:38

25:38

Danimal Farm is a solo project created by singer/guitarist Danny Doom, formerly of Milk at Midnight. The album, “Perseverance Hotel,” is a comfortable, sometimes dark, collection of shimmering indie rock and indie pop songs that have stuck with me since the album’s February release. Danny Doom joins me to talk about the project, along with band mem…

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162: "Up and down all day long until he pukes." 26:03

23d ago26:03

26:03

What'd you like? Send us a text. New superhero movies, old Batman villains, Japanese schoolgirls, and blind drunk businessmen. Then sketches about Sammy Davis impersonators, Bob Dylan’s migraine, space janitors, and guys with unrealistic expectations.By Duck Logic

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Malört made impossibly worse by Noon Whistle Brewing (Episode 1052) 19:48

25d ago19:48

19:48

Almost exactly one year ago, I visited Noon Whistle’s Lombard Brewpub (800 E. Roosevelt) to understand why they were serving cicada-infused Malort. Sure enough, they got me again. Garlic Butterlört has arrived. In the brewery’s promotional copy, it’s described as “bringing big ‘better ingredients, questionable decisions’ energy. Rich, buttery goodn…

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Comedian Kevin Kellam welcomes you to ‘Kevin and Hell’ (Episode 1051) 31:36

27d ago31:36

31:36

I’m joined by comedian/radio host/wrestling journalist/former radio colleague Kevin Kellam, who’s recording a comedy album on stage at Lincoln Hall on August 9. We met outside the Brewed in Logan Square for a Sunday morning conversation that covered everything from the comedy album taping to Q101 philosophy. There’s also a detailed discussion on th…

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Live from Legit Dogs (Episode 1050) 1:04:00

28d ago1:04:00

1:04:00

The second live Car Con Carne event at Legit Dogs + Ice (322 S. Randall Road, South Elgin) happened on 5/15/25. Appearing at the event, and on this episode: Karen Shook, Carson from Obscurity Brewing, Aaron Williams, comedian Chris Bongat, Derision Cult and unannounced guest Sincere Engineer. In addition to being interviewed, Karen Shook, Aaron Wil…

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Kevin Chalfant: "The Voices of Rock Radio" 12:06

29d ago12:06

12:06

"The Voices of Rock Radio" perform at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL on Friday, May 30th, 2025. This all-star band features former lead singers from well-known classic rock bands, including John Elefante (Kansas), Kevin Chalfant (Journey/Storm), and Fran Cosmo (Boston). They will be performing a mix of classic rock hits from their respective…

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161: "He farts cuz he's happy." 25:55

1M ago25:55

25:55

What'd you like? Send us a text. Jim gets a voicemail from a kinky/leather website and tells us about his “special friendship” he had with a goat. Tim tells us how he lived under the family sink. And Walt had a pet alligator. Then sketches: a way-below-average doctor, a very basic truck driving school, a not-so-amusing amusement park, and a rug ful…

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Bellhead follows up on earlier promises with ‘Threats’ (Episode 1049) 35:41

1M ago35:41

35:41

Bellhead (Karen Righeimer and Ivan Russia) is a favorite of mine. The post-punk duo continues to take massive evolutionary steps forward with each new release; the new EP, “Threats,” is their finest moment yet. Rather than meet in my car, I invited Bellhead over to do an interview in my backyard (they’re like family at this point). My fire pit was …

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160: "Another episode of 'Jim Talks to Children.'" 28:15

1M ago28:15

28:15

What'd you like? Send us a text. Jim finds some cigs. Walt gets creeped out by a guy with a piggy bank head. And Tim tells us where memes come from. And, of course, Attack Squirrels. Then sketches about firm handshakes. Adequate construction. On hold hell. Cheery-flavored beer brewed far away from here.…

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Instrumental duo El Bisonte visits Chicago from Louisville (Episode 1048) 16:54

2M ago16:54

16:54

El Bisonte is a spectacular bass and drum instrumental duo (Henry Ignacio - bass and sounds; Blake Lowery - drums) from Louisville, Kentucky. I caught up with them last weekend before they headlined “Goatstock” in Norridge, and we talked about: *Their take on Chicago *Louisville’s most famous haunted attraction *How Henry gets “upskirted” at live s…

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159: "I don't get artificially inseminated. I get inseminated." 25:44

1M ago25:44

25:44

What'd you like? Send us a text. Peeing in the Stanley Cup. Flinging a Wimbledon platter. Or wearing Masters green jackets with or without pants. The guys discuss them all. And Tim tells us how he’s tight with the new pope because they were childhood buds. Then sketches about where to go after prom. Where not to get your car fixed. And Ken Burns fi…

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UR Mom was in my car last night (Episode 1047) 11:17

2M ago11:17

11:17

I’m hanging with UR Mom for this episode. Me and UR Mom have a lot to get into, including the just-announced Summerfest date! Maura Wolf (vocals, rhythm guitar), Tommy Hinds (guitar) and Alex O’Malley (drums) joined me to talk about the band’s beginnings and the speedy word-of-mouth that’s encircling the band. More impressive, they conducted the in…

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Introducing Afrofuturistics (Episode 1046) 11:30

2M ago11:30

11:30

Afrofuturistics is “A Chicago Collective of Horns, Bass, Hip Hop Beats” They’re jazz. They’re hip hop. They’re somewhere in between and everywhere around those edges. I met Eric Oldman and Keith Wakefield from the band outside Goat Village (4701 N. Cumberland) to chat as their band is taking off. ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-…

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Greek food, Glenview culture, metal AF: Stavros from Atlas Moth returns (Episode 1045) 47:26

2M ago47:26

47:26

Stavros from the Atlas Moth is back for his 4th appearance on Car Con Carne - it’s been over four years, so we were overdue for a chat. The first thing you may notice in this episode is how easy the conversation is between the two of us. Besides Stavros being a natural and funny conversationalist, we have a lot in common: music, comics, horror, vin…

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With Patience trio’s terrific ‘Triptych’ tantalizes (Episode 1044) 21:03

2M ago21:03

21:03

Post-hardcore trio With Patience release their debut album, “Triptych,” on Friday, 5/9. In advance of that, guitarist/vocalist Chris Wade and bassist/vocalist Lance Curran join me on the lakefront in Rogers Park to talk about the band and album. ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutt…

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158: "Don't talk to anybody named Manny!" 25:02

2M ago25:02

25:02

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys discuss cheating on book reports, turning the dark film classic “Taxi Driver” into a musical, and how Walter got a subscription to Playboy for his 14th birthday. Plus: the hard-driving dedication of Jehovah’s Witnesses, very specific Zodiac predictions, a prescription strength breakfast cereal, and a lawyer…

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157: "Time to break some commandments, ladies!" 25:04

2M ago25:04

25:04

What'd you like? Send us a text. We’re Back!! Tim’s putting his “miter” in the ring to be the new Pope and the tells us all about it. Then we wonder why scientists would make robots that can run! Then sketches about a new religious murder-solving show, temporary mobsters, teaching kids about the real world of work, and a song that’s just asking for…

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Save Ferris launches ‘Get Dancing’ tour in Chicago (Episode 1042) 14:10

2M ago14:10

14:10

It’s hard to be in a bad mood after a Save Ferris show. They are simply a fun band to see live, and their shows are a great way to kinda forget all the (looks around) madness going on in the world. That was reinforced on Saturday, August 26, when Save Ferris returned to Chicago to kick off their “Get Dancing” tour at Chop Shop (2033 W. North). I sa…

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Live performance of the Spectral Silhouette Radio Show (Episode 1041) 21:29

2M ago21:29

21:29

This is a historic first for the podcast: The cast of the beloved (and rapidly-growing) Spectral Silhouette Radio Show performs a scene created exclusively for Car Con Carne. What is the Spectral Silhouette? Before the performance, I had a great chat with Henry Scherer, the mad genius behind the concept, to learn more. Watch for ticket info on thei…

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FITZGERALDS celebrates its ‘Historic Place’ acknowledgment (Episode 1043) 49:04

2M ago49:04

49:04

FITZGERALDS (6615 Roosevelt in Berwyn) is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places to see music and simply hang out. The vibe is always chill, and the bookings are fantastic. Beyond that, the building is historic! FITZGERALDS was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Park Service at the end of last yea…

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Threadless CEO Jake Nickell on influential company’s 25th anniversary (Episode 1040) 32:20

2M ago32:20

32:20

Threadless - the online artist community and design marketplace - is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Founder and CEO Jake Nickell joins me for char dogs at Poochie’s (a favorite for hot dog fans north of the city) and talks about the company’s history, his leadership role, and why he celebrates the weird designs. Discussed in this episo…

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Season 8 Teaser: "Is that the bone I'm tickling?" 1:14

2M ago1:14

1:14

What'd you like? Send us a text. A whole new season of The Duck Logic Comedy Half Hour starts any day now! Something different for your ears. Podcast-y talk like you find on other pods, plus comedy bits and sketches like they do on Saturday Night Live. All from the Chicago comedy group called Duck Logic that played clubs and colleges, did network T…

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Carla Harvey is the new Lords of Acid ‘Acid Queen’ (Episode 1039) 30:53

2M ago30:53

30:53

I’m joined for this episode by Carla Harvey, who we first came to know through her 15-ish years with the band she co-founded, Butcher Babies. At the beginning of this year, she announced that she’s the new “Acid Queen” in Lords of Acid, with a tour and album to follow. As I describe early in the episode, Lords of Acid fuses acid house, industrial, …

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Comasoft returns with new EP, Cobra Lounge show (Episode 1038) 20:48

2M ago20:48

20:48

Comasoft, the “gothy little rock band from Chicago,” is back! Jay and Chris jump in the car to talk with me about the band's history and future plans. Actually, Chris joined us for the last few minutes, but we were glad to have him regardless. Comasoft’s new EP, “Gather at the End,” comes out on Friday 4/25 and they’ll be celebrating that night wit…

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Extra Stuff 5: "The Stalin jockstrap runs about $20." 11:34

3M ago11:34

11:34

What'd you like? Send us a text. With the Duck Logic guys still out, A.I. Announcer, Brian dug deep into the old WLUP radio show archives and found this little nugget--- The time Tim, as Bruce “Rooster” Cogburn, the host of Rock Rap, improvises an interview with an actual Chicago rock band named Chetyre Pevo (translated: “Four Beers”) as they prete…

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Record Store Day 2025 at Siren Records (Episode 1037) 12:40

3M ago12:40

12:40

Recorded at Siren Records, McHenry IL (3902 Main) on Record Store Day 2025 at 6:30 a.m. Siren Records owner Bill Linquist joins me for a conversation about this year’s RSD, as well as the impact RSD has on local record stores. Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automati…

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Crust Fund Pizza creator takes us to ‘Super Pizza World’ (Episode 1036) 55:03

3M ago55:03

55:03

Writer, fundraiser and pizza pro John Carruthers of Crust Fund Pizza is a Car Con Carne favorite, and it was awesome to have him back in the car to talk about his new cookbook, “Super Pizza World.” I met him at his Crust Fund Pizza distribution point, the alley behind his house, where we shared one of his masterful “Royko” (sausage + hot giardinier…

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East Moon, Joseph Christopher, Chris Pienta live at Legit Dogs (Episode 1035) 34:49

3M ago34:49

34:49

This episode was recorded live at Legit Dogs & Ice in South Elgin (322 S. Randall Road), and includes interviews with East Moon, artist Chris Pienta and comedian Joseph Christopher (who also does a live comedy set for this episode!) ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home…

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Extra Stuff 4: "Chocolate makes me more stupid than I am already." 16:31

3M ago16:31

16:31

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys are still away, but Brian, their A.I. announcer, offers up a 2-fer of gems from their Chicago radio show that haven’t been on the pod before. First, a downright sweet sketch from Bob Odenkirk about one man’s discovery of true happiness. Then Tim does a Comic Strip Countdown in the style of Casey Kasem’s cla…

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Creating a multimedia concert experience around Georges-Jean Méliès’ films: Jean-François Alcolea (Episode 1034) 16:25

3M ago16:25

16:25

Pianist, composer, improviser and scenographer, Jean-François Alcolea met me on the roof of Reggie’s when he was in Chicago for his “Right in the Eye” multimedia event. I can’t do the “Right in the Eye” event justice with a description, but for general understanding, he and his fellow musicians provide scores and background for the films of Georges…

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Extra Stuff 3: "Our proofreaders don't pussyfoot around with punctuation." 15:10

3M ago15:10

15:10

What'd you like? Send us a text. Duck Logic’s vay-cay continues with a sketch Tim wrote for an “all-news” concept episode of their 2-hour comedy radio show on WLUP-AM in Chicago back in the day. It's an abridged version of the original, okay rather lengthy parody of a hard-hitting, investigative exposé of small-town local events called “The Interro…

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Live performance and chat w/ Mike Vinopal at Hey Nonny (Episode 1033) 40:28

3M ago40:28

40:28

Mike Vinopal (Opal Vinopal, Local Motive, badcandy, wht.rbbt.obj) joined me for food and conversation outside Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights (10 South Vail Avenue/heynonny.com). The episode starts with an acoustic performance of the Opal Vinopal song “Speck in the Universe,” and then transitions to the food from Hey Nonny… lots of food! Cheese curd…

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Indie bands set to bleat at ‘Goatstock’ (Episode 1032) 24:02

3M ago24:02

24:02

“Goatstock” is a new festival set for Goat Village (4701 N Cumberland, Norridge) on Saturday, May 10. Organizers (and Goatstock performers) Jamie and Deb of 13 Monsters came on the podcast to talk about the 10+ bands playing the event, as well as how it came to be. Also jumping in the car for this episode is fellow podcaster Evan J. Thomas (Better …

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FACS delivers another minimalist masterpiece (Episode 1031) 14:55

3M ago14:55

14:55

Brian Case of FACS returns to Car Con Carne, not long after the release of the band’s incredible 6th album, “Wish Defense,” and before they play Thalia Hall on April 17. We talk about Steve Albini’s role in the recording, as “Wish Defense” was the last thing he worked on before his untimely passing last year. We also talk about the ambiguity of Bri…

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Extra Stuff 2: "I like the plush velour and a little plastic on the furniture." 11:33

3M ago11:33

11:33

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys are still on break. But here’s your weekly dose of DL--- another improvised interview from Duck Logic’s 2-hour radio show on WLUP-AM in Chicago. This time with Tim’s running character named Marty Farty, a sleezy TV mogul who’s starting a sleezy network filled with sleezy programming. A word of warning: it’s…

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‘Best local album of the year’ artist CalicoLoco (Episode 1030) 30:23

3M ago30:23

30:23

I’m joined by the self-described “cutest band in Chicago,” CalicoLoco. Very recently, their album, “I Love Myself,” was picked as “Best Local Album of the Year” in the Chicago Reader’s “Best of Chicago” 2024 survey. Dani and Zeke from CalicoLoco joined me for empanadas from Cafe Tola on Southport, and we talked about: -What was it about the album t…

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Extra Stuff 1: "Who’s gonna lay this gaffer’s tape? Who’s gonna drink all this free beer?" 13:49

3M ago13:49

13:49

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys are taking a much-deserved break. But you can still get your DL fix with this snippet, um, nugget, er, previously not played bit—an improvised interview between Tim and Bob Odenkirk (yes, THAT Bob Odenkirk!) He and Tim were classmates in college and Bob was invited to be a cast member on Duck Logic’s 2-hour…

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Familiar players break new ground as Violets (Episode 1029) 15:45

4M ago15:45

15:45

Violets is a new band bringing together players from Naked Raygun, the Methadones and Blood People: Aly Jados – vocals, guitar Bill Stephens – guitar Simon Lamb – guitar Fritz Doreza – bass, vocals Michael Soucy – drums As the band gets ready to play their 5th (!) show on 4/27 at Reggie’s (along with Riverboat Gamblers and the Evictions) and releas…

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156: "That's how they make people sing in prison." 29:32

4M ago29:32

29:32

What'd you like? Send us a text. Walter, Tim, and Jim talk about showering in gym class and in prison, old guys at the health club who parade around naked, and how Jim named his penis Captain Bibi. Plus, casting for the new live action Barney movie. Then: the truth about Ford trucks, the best places to party at Easter, why Walter thinks his body is…

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Beer Nuts return like Brigadoon for St. Patrick’s Day (Episode 1028) 27:32

4M ago27:32

27:32

Chicago’s favorite hard-drinking, hard-partying, inspirers-of-bad-decisions, band is back. The Beer Nuts will play an early show on St. Patrick’s Day at Liar’s Club (with opening act One for the Ditch). Joining me to preview the show outside Liar’s Club are Joe Kelly, Lou Svitek and returning favorite Herb. Lou and Joe turned the episode into a pot…

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A River runs through Arlington Heights - wht.rbbt.obj singer at Tuscan (Episode 1027) 27:09

4M ago27:09

27:09

River Toussaint Rabbitte is the frontwoman of wht.rbbt.obj, a favorite artist of this podcast, and she’s getting ready to release a solo single called “Put Down For Love” - “a slow-burning Pop/R&B ballad that drips with passion, submission, and the intoxicating pull of obsession.” In short, it’s a whole vibe and a stunning piece of music. River joi…

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155: "There was Canoe, Aramis, and Toxic Masculinity." 27:29

4M ago27:29

27:29

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys talk way too much about dog poop. Then they come up with a really super superhero, and discuss women who glow in the dark. There are sketches about the new Saturday night lineup on PBS, your third amendment rights, getting those lying babies to tell the truth, and more.…