Enough About Me ...

This week's podcast finds me talking with author and humorist Kevin Guilfoile, whose last two books, Cast of Shadows and The Thousand, are can't-put-'em-down, provocative, ready-for-Hollywood, thrillers. During the length of the show, we talk about the writing process, publishing, the Gilmore Girls, Chicago culture, parenting, baseball (Kevin worked for both the Astros and Pirates), and the late Wesley Willis (Rock over London, Rock on Chicago!). If that's not enough enticement, listen to find out what Kevin calls "the most self indulgent, narcissistic, place on earth" (hint: you've probably been there). I loved talking with him--hope you enjoy listening!

This week, it's musician/author/instructor/label owner Martin Atkins, a guy whose list of credits and accomplishments shame the rest of us.

Martin's a fascinating, smart, man and his Tour:Smart book is required reading for any artist serious about sustaining a career as a musician. 

If Martin's wisdom about the music industry doesn't interest you, listen this week for his stories about working with John Lydon in Public Image, Ltd. and playing with Killing Joke!

Michael McDermott is the kind of guy you can't help but root for. Debuting at the front end of the 1990s with a well-received major label release (620 W. Surf), his songcraft has only improved in the years and decades that have followed.

Most recently, McDermott successfully crowdfunded his next release through Kickstarter, with plans to release the project this summer. Over 30K was raised by 142 people who wanted to see the album come to life. Michael McDermott may not be a household name, but damn it all if his fans aren't believers.

I never got the chance to interview Michael during my radio days, and I wanted to make up for lost time by having him on the podcast. For those unfamiliar with his music, this album remains a favorite of mine. You may also like "Unemployed," which is referenced during the interview. That song couldn't be more timely, despite it being ten years old. Please give this episode a listen, then take some time to discover (or get reintroduced) to a true Chicago treasure.

This week, I catch up with pal and former co-worker Sherman, who's been off the air since Q101's format change in July, 2011. We talk about the state of local media, Steve Tingle, podcasting, the Mars Cheese Castle, and more.

I'm joined this week by Jerry Bryant, the congenial host of the long-running JBTV!

Well, it's official: I'm podcasting again. On a related note, I really need to come up with a name for the podcast.

Guest #1: The honorable king of horror and unofficial mayor of Berwyn: SVENGOOLIE.

The gregarious and ever-personable Sal Abbinanti has an artistic style that is wholly his own. Beginning this week, his work is celebrated and showcased at the Rogues Gallery comic art garllery in the Bucktown area of Chicago.

I caught up with my pal Sal on the phone just days before his 12/9/11 gallery opening.

Sal's website

I'm getting dangerously close to podcasting again. Here's a choppy interview I did with Urge Overkill earlier this year in the meantime.