Mike Stephen and Steve Rhodes chat about journalism at the WLUW-FM studios back in 2007.

Mike Stephen gets the story on the Beachwood Reporter hiatus from editor & publisher Steve Rhodes (pictured above with Mike in the WLUW-FM studios in 2007), discusses the push to end money bail in Illinois with Sharone Mitchell, the director of the Illinois Justice Project, and learns about the possibility of Chicago privatizing its recycling collection with Cole Rosengren of Waste Dive. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin tip their hats to the aforementioned Mr. Rhodes and decide which NFL franchise they’d like to own (besides the Bears and the 49ers). The local pandemic tunez come from Hospital Bracelet. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #172- Standee’s is Gone, Steve Rhodes on Ethics in Journalism, Chris Drew Fights the Eavesdropping Law

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “I’m craving a skillet” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen confirms that Standee’s in Edgewater is closed, talks to journalist Steve Rhodes about his resignation from NBCChicago.com, and learns about local artist Chris Drew’s upcoming legal battle. Standee’s Is Gone —  It’s official.  Standee’s Diner in Edgewater is closed.  Check out this great article by Lorraine Swanson of Lake Effect News about “Standee’s Last Stand.” Steve Rhodes — Journalist and Founder of BeachwoodReporter.com Recently Steve resigned his position as a contributor to NBCChicago.com.  Mike caught up with Steve at the Beachwood Inn this week to get the dirty details of what the heck happened. Chris Drew — Local Artist and Executive Director of the Uptown Multicultural Arts Center While Chris was protesting the Peddler’s License Law he was arrested and charged with eavesdropping on police.  He now faces a court battle and he gives us the story this week. OTL #172 local music provided by Jane Thatcher…

OTL: Episode #164- Sustainable Local Blogging, Going to Oprah, New City’s Best of Chicago 2009

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “everybody in the audience gets  a prize” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses making a living off of local blogging, what it’s like to be in the audience at Oprah, and New City’s Best of Chicago 2009 list. Reminder About the OTL Third Anniversary Party/Show Taping — At Toons Bar and Grill! Come by Toons on Friday, November 20 to catch a live taping of OTL!  It’s FREE to get in and we’ll have lots of WLUW and OTL merch to give away! Mick Dumke, writer and editor at the Chicago Reader, and the Parking Ticket Geek are two featured guests on the show.  More info to follow! Toons Bar and Grill at 3857 N. Southport Steve Rhodes — Founder of the Beachwood Reporter Making a living off of local blogging is difficult.  Steve discusses this and tells us about receiving some some grant money to improve his site. The “O” Experience – The lovely and talented Jenny Stephen drops by the OTL Bunker to give us a behind the scenes account of attending the Oprah show. Jenny and Beth Outside Harpo Studios Brian Hieggelke – Editor and Publisher of New City New City is out with its annual “Best of Chicago” list.  Brian gives us the highlights. OTL #164 local music provided by Roxy Swain…

OTL: Episode #154- 90s Chicago Music Rocked, Beachwood’s 20 Tweets Roundup, Another Chicago Magazine

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “gee, the 90s were a rocking time in Chicago ” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a former radio personality about the importance of the 90s local music scene, checks up on prominent Chicagoans’ ridiculous Tweets, and learns about Another Chicago Magazine. James Van Osdol– Former radio personality, local writer, author of Chicago Rocked The 1990s were an incredible time for the Chicago music scene.  James is working on telling the story of the local contribution to Rock & Roll over these 10 years in a book called Chicago Rocked.   He’s releasing the book himself and is looking for the people’s support! Photo Courtesy of Jeff Kroll (jeffkrollphotos.com) Steve Rhodes – Founder of BeachwoodReporter.com Some Chicagoans shouldn’t be allowed to Tweet.  Steve and I discuss why.  You can also check out the “20 Tweets” series on the Beachwood Reporter. Jacob Knabb – Editor of Another Chicago Magazine ACM is one of the many very cool facets of the Chicago literary scene.  Jacob explains what the magazine is all about and its role in the local writers’ community. OTL #154 local music provided by Moonshine Willy…