OTL: Episode #233- Where Does TIF $$ Go?, The Vegan Stephen Recap, Story Week Fest of Writers

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “vegan for a week” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns where Chicago’s TIF money has been going, recaps his week as a vegan, and learns about the Story Week Festival of Writers. Ellyn Fortino— Columbia College Senior and Reporter for ChicagoTalks.org Ellyn was part of an investigative team that tracked where exactly Chicago’s TIF money ended up.  We hear what her team discovered. The Vegan Stephen Recap— Mike and his wife decided to go vegan for one week.  We hear an audio recap of the Vegan Stephen Experiment. A Lovely Vegan Meal Randy Albers— Chair of Columbia College’s Fiction Writing Department and Founding Producer of the Story Week Festival of Writers This local week-long series of events celebrates the written word.  We get the lowdown from its founder. OTL #233 local music provided by yourfeetstoobig…

OTL: Episode #231- The Just-Back-From-Vacation Show

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “beautifully tanned” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen, having just returned from a trip to Mexico, plays some great conversations from past shows. Everyone needs a vacation, right?  Right!  OTL host Mike Stephen just got back into town from a lovely trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  So, on this week’s show we hear some interesting discussions from previous editions of the program. Tune in to hear about how shrinking the size of the City Council would save the city money, how the “malling” of Chicago threatens the character of the city, and the local underground food scene that’s catching fire! OTL Host Mike Stephen Takes Off in Mexico! Tune in next week for a brand new edition of the show! OTL #231 local music provided by the Velcro Lewis Group…

OTL: Episode #223- A Look Back at 2010

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “happy new year!” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen takes a look back at some of the stories covered on the show in 2010. An OTL 2010 Flashback- Sit back, relax, and listen to a few clips that aired in 2010! Thanks so much for listening to and supporting Outside the Loop Radio.  2010 was a great year and I’m excited to make 2011 even better! Have a Happy New Year! –Mike Stephen Here’s to the New Year!   OTL #223 local music provided by Cottonseed…

OTL: Episode #214- Inside the Gaztro Wagon, OTL News Desk Update, Covering Chicago Politics with Early and Often

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “gaztro” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen pays a visit to the Gaztro-Wagon, jumps behind the OTL News Desk to give us an update on some local stories, and discusses a new website dedicated to in-depth coverage of Chicago politics. Matt Maroni— Chef and Owner of the Gaztro-Wagon We go inside the popular Chicago food truck to find out how it got started, why people dig it, and the future of the local food truck movement. The Gaztro-Wagon Parked at Division and Ashland The OTL News Desk Update—  Mike Stephen dons his anchorman blazer and mustache to bring us updates on some past OTL stories and other local happenings. Mike Fourcher— Business Manager for Early and Often This new site provides in-depth coverage of Chicago politics.  We find out how it came to be and why it’s all the buzz right now. OTL #214 local music provided by Lionlimb..