OTL: Episode #551- Chicago Market Co-Op, Our food truck scene has stalled, How to get craft beer in a local bar

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicagoist food editor Anthony Todd about the development of the Chicago Market, a new co-op grocery store that’s coming to Uptown;   Chicago Reader staff writer Julia Thiel about why Chicago’s once-promising food truck scene is having a rough time; and   Fooditor editor/publisher Michael Gebert about how your potentially favorite new beer gets into Chicago bars.   Meanwhile, we discuss how Mike recently spoke at the NISPA (Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association) high school journalism conference… about how much he loves tacos!   This week’s local music is provided by The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club.   OTL host Mike Stephen spoke at the 2017 Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association (NISPA) high school journalism conference about… tacos. Check out the screen behind him. [photo courtesy @EldesAyse]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #521- Religion and politics, Ruckus Entrepreneurs, Chicago food truck struggles

Mike Stephen talks with:   U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom chair Fr. Thomas J. Reese, SJ about his upcoming “Religion & Politics 2016” Albertus Magnus Lecture at Dominican University;   Concordia Place teen program manager Gwyndolyn Siebert Moss and teen program instructor Rene Pineda about teaching kids to run a business via the Ruckus Entrepreneurs program; and   Illinois Food Truck Association head Gabe Wiesen about the struggles to run a food truck business (like his very own Beavers Donuts) in the city of Chicago.   Meanwhile, we celebrate the CTA testing non-fabric plastic seats on its buses and trains!   This week’s local music is provided by The Gold Web.   OTL host Mike Stephen III shows his son Mike Stephen IV around Wrigley Field. Go Cubs! [circa summer 2015]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #414- Revisiting The Salsa Truck, Chicago School of Data, Reeling 32: Chicago LGBT Film Fest

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 “tacos to the masses” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen pays a visit to the owner of The Salsa Truck, learns about the Chicago School of Data, and previews Reeling 32: The Chicago LGBT International Film Festival.   Dan Salls– Owner of The Salsa Truck We pay a visit to The Salsa Truck HQ (the West Loop restaurant known as The Garage) to hear what Dan has learned during his time as a Chicago food truck owner.       Dan O’Neil– Executive Director of Smart Chicago Collaborative The SCC is working on a new project: the Chicago School of Data.  This effort seeks to use data to help our everyday lives.  We learn about how it all works.     Alexandra Ensign– Programming Director of Reeling 32: The Chicago LGBT International Film Festival We get a preview of this incredible film festival now in its 32nd year in Chicago.           OTL #414 local music provided by House Sounds…  

OTL Radio #340- The Pierogi Wagon comes to Chicago, What’s new with Group Mind Films, Chi-Town Clown

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 “yummy pierogi” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen previews the arrival of The Pierogi Wagon in Chicago, Gets an update about Group Mind Films, and leans about the Chi-Town Clown group.   Damian Warzecha– Co-owner of The Pierogi Wagon Coming in May look for The Pierogi Wagon to hit the Chicago streets.  We get a preview of the wagon and learn how to contribute through their Kickstarter page.   John Berka – Managing partner of Group Mind Films This Chicago-based production company has lots going on, including the release of a film and important philanthropy work in Uganda.  We get the lowdown.           Dean Evans– Artistic director of Chi-Town Clown Did you know that Chicago has a strong clown community?  We learn about this group that encompasses all types of local clown performance.     OTL #340 local music provided by Dead Native…