A view of the atrium in the Thompson Center. (Photo credit: Collin Seaman/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the future of the Thompson Center with New City writer Philip Barash, talks to local musician Jared Rabin about his new album, and learns the Secret History of The Fabulous Turks. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show, discuss the role of local government in administering the Thompson Center, and give praise to chicken wings (and chicken wing substitutes). To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 4 years ago Tagged

Electric transportation. (Photo courtesy of Collin Seaman/WGN Radio).

Mike Stephen discusses Illinois’ grade for electric transportation with Bryan Howard of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, learns about the importance of local architectural journalism with architectural historian Elizabeth Blasius, and talks to Colleen Smith, deputy director of the Illinois Environmental Council, about a proposed ordinance aimed at curbing air pollution in Chicago. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin stress the need for immediate environmental protections, wonder if Mars will be a vacation destination in the future, and say some prayers for The Tamale Guy. The local music this week comes from Motel Breakfast. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 4 years ago Tagged

Pondering how COVID-19 will impact buildings.

Mike Stephen learns about the ongoing story of a proposed memorial to victims of police torture with Logan Jaffe of ProPublica Illinois, discusses how sustainable buildings are impacted by the pandemic with Connor Jansen of the Illinois Green Alliance, and explores how COVID-19 is affecting prisons with Jennifer Vollen-Katz of the John Howard Association of Illinois. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin continue the discussion about buildings and the pandemic. Also, Collin reports that there is decent mask-wearing happening in northern Michigan. The local phase four music comes from the new Bloodshot Records compilation Pandemophenia. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 5 years ago Tagged

Laura Austin of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and Mike Stephen hanging out at Simon's Tavern on Clark St. in Andersonville.

Mike Stephen heads up to the Andersonville neighborhood and takes the show to Simon’s Tavern on Clark Street.  We hear conversations from members of the community about what makes the neighborhood tick.  Mike and OTL producer Collin Seaman welcome Laura Austin of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce to talk about the strength of the community.  Simon’s Tavern owner Scott Martin sits down to discuss the importance of that bar in the neighborhood.  Next, we enjoy an architecture conversation with Thom Greene of Greene & Proppe Design.  And we explore what it’s like to own a local business with Milk Handmade owner Hallie Borden.  The local music this week is brought to us by Andersonville favorites Hodie Snitch.  We love you, Andersonville! To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 5 years ago Tagged