OTL: Episode #127

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the I’ll-blow-you-away-with-my-mad-phat-harmonica-skills radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss transit issues in Chicago and beyond, they talk with a very special vegan, and then they visit the country’s only harmonica factory. Rick Harnish – executive director, Transit Riders’ Alliance; on advocating for fast, frequent and dependable trains linking the entire Midwest Sheena Spikes – finalist, Sexiest Vegetarian Next Door 2009; on why she’s a vegan, and how she got involved in the PETA-sponsored contest Brad Harrison – founder, Harrison Custom Harmonicas LLC; on being the only harmonica factory in the United States (segue music this week from Tim Kough) COMING NEXT WEEK : THE FIRST OTL LOCAL FOOD SHOW !!

OTL: Episode #126

(podcasting from the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the I-think-I’ll-throw-my-hat-into-the-Fifth-Congressional-District-race-ring radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann talk about pedestrian deaths in Chicago, they discuss the Fifth Congressional District race, they learn how to track a local bar hero, and then they hear about the Chicago Olympic debate. OTL Public Service Announcement; pedestrian deaths in Chicago are up despite safety measures Ben Joravsky – staff writer, Chicago Reader; on the “The Race to Replace Rahm” — this week’s cover story on the Fifth Congressional District race in Illinois Clint McMahon – founder, Tamale Guy Tracker; using technology to celebrate a local Chicago bar hero Steve Frayne – A Balanced Discussion, hosted at Chicago2016.com; on discussion about the pros and cons of the Olympic Games potentially in Chicago (segue music this week from Leslie Hunt)

OTL: Episode #125

HAPPY VALENTINE’S EVE !! (podcasting from the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on your favorite 100-watt community radio station in the third-most miserable city, according to Forbes magazine, WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann agree that the people at Forbes are drunk, they check in with the official OTL parking correspondent, they discuss corporate jargon, and then they learn about some subpoenas in the Wilson Yard lawsuit. Chicago makes Forbes magazine’s “America’s Most Miserable Cities” list; but we’re pretty happy here, and are totally not buying this The Parking Ticket Geek – local celebrity, and TheExpiredMeter.com founder; on Phil Ponce, ticket amnesty, the boot, and Mike’s parking woes Happy Valentine’s Day, and corporate jargon sucks; the Tribune Company uses fancy words for cutting jobs and freezing pay Matt Zimmerman – senior staff attorney, Electronic Frontier Foundation; on anonymous blogs named in subpoenas filed regarding the Wilson Yard case (segue music this week from Mad Bread)

OTL: Episode #124

(podcasting from the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the 100-watt in vino veritas radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann talk marriage, they learn about the politics of wine, they discuss an online resource featuring info on elected representatives in Chicago, and then they chat about the state of local community journalism. Mike realizes that he’s really getting married; he’s registered and is even taking religious classes to make it all official Gretchen Neuman – spokesperson, Illinois Wine Consumers Coalition; on the passage of HB 429 into law, and what it means for wine enthusiasts in Illinois Brad Flora – founder, The Windy Citizen; on learning more about your elected officials at RepSheet Helen Karakoudas – managing editor, Wednesday Journal and Chicago Journal; on National Buy a Newspaper Day, and the current state of local community journalism (segue music this week from Sars Flannery)