OTL: Episode #375- Not buying anything in 2013 finale, Participate in Project Squirrel’s app, 8-Bit Christmas

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 “8-Bit Christmas” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen checks in one last time with a Portage Park store owner whose family hasn’t bought anything in 2013, gives a Chicago squirrel tracking update, and chats with the local author of the new book, 8-Bit Christmas.   Joe Basilone– Co-owner of Thrift & Thrive resale shop Could you go a whole year without buying anything?  That’s what Joe and his family are attempting in 2013.  We check in with him one last time to hear about the experience.         Be a citizen scientist – You can download the new Project Squirrel app from and help identify different species of squirrels in Chicago.  Listen to OTL #308 for all the details on the project.         Kevin Jakubowski– Author of 8-Bit Christmas This Chicagoland native’s new book has been called “A Christmas Story for the Nintendo generation.”  We learn about how this very funny book came about.     OTL #375 local music provided by Ghastly Menace…  

OTL: Episode #372- Kari Lydersen on Mayor 1%, Send in your Christmas music, Youth violence in Chicago

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 “99%” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to local journalist Kari Lydersen about her new book on Mayor Emanuel, solicits Chicago Christmas music, and chats with the editor of a book that tells the stories of youth violence in the city.   Kari Lydersen– Chicago-based journalist and author of Mayor 1%: Rahm Emanuel and the Rise of Chicago’s 99% Kari discusses her new book that analyzes the governing style of Mayor Emanuel and profiles those citizens who oppose him.         Submit Your Local Holiday Music – We’re looking for Chicago musicians to submit versions of classic Christmas songs or original Holiday tunes.  Those songs will be featured on the Christmas show on December 26th!         Miles Harvey– Assistant professor of English at DePaul University and editor of How Long Will I Cry?  Voices of Youth Violence This powerful book provides firsthand accounts of what it’s like growing up in a culture of youth violence in Chicago.       OTL #372 local music provided by The Wild Finish…  

OTL: Episode #368- Chicago film history, Rooftop Sessions Chicago, Chicago Review Press turns 40

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 “Chicago review” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about Chicago film history, chats about local music with Rooftop Sessions Chicago, and discusses the 40th anniversary of Chicago Review Press.   Michael Corcoran– Co-author of Hollywood on Lake Michigan We learn about the rich film history in Chicago.       Joel Hoover– Audio engineer for Rooftop Sessions Chicago Music venues don’t have to be in traditional settings.  They can be anywhere, even on a roof.  Joel gives us the details.         Cynthia Sherry– Publisher, Chicago Review Press Chicago Review Press just celebrated 40 years in the the local literary scene.  We get the lowdown about this Chicago institution.     OTL #368 local music provided by Fort Frances…  

OTL: Episode #252- Sunday Salon Chicago Preview, Andy Hermann’s Pitchfork Review, Future of Midwest High-Speed Rail

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 “salon” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen previews the return of the Sunday Salon Chicago, gets an old friend’s Pitchfork review, and discusses the future of high-speed rail in the Midwest.   Natalia Nebel and Robert Rodi— Co-Director of the Sunday Salon Chicago and a Local Author, respectively We get the latest on the return of the Sunday Salon to Chicago.  It’s a prose reading series taking place at Uncommon Ground (1401 W. Devon) every last Sunday of the month.   Andy Hermann– Former Executive Producer of Outside the Loop Radio Andy attended last week’s Pitchfork music festival in Union Park- his first outdoor music fest in a LONG time.  We get his impressions of the weekend. Andy Hermann wearing a sweet-looking hat. Rick Harnish— Executive Director of the Midwest High-Speed Rail Association What is the future of high-speed rail in the Midwest and why is it important?  We explore these questions and others having to do with high-speed rail.   OTL #252 local music provided by The Pear Traps…