Mike Stephen questions political authenticity on social media, dives into the history of Chicago’s Westside in the face of the proposed police academy with Tiffany Walden creator and editor/chief of TheTriibe.com, learns about endangered buildings in Illinois with the president of Landmarks Illinois, and chats with local reporter Yana Kunichoff about police training for police officers stationed in schools. The local music this week is powered by Ludlow. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 7 years ago Tagged

OTL: Episode #564- Frank Lloyd Wright at 150, Slow Roll Chicago, The Secret History of Julian Leal

Mike Stephen talks with:   Frank Lloyd Wright Trust curator David Bagnall about FLW’s architectural legacy in the 150th anniversary year of his birth;   Slow Roll Chicago co-founder/vice president Jamal Julien about promoting social change in Chicago via riding bicycles; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about 1980s power-pop wizard Julian Leal for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we read Mike’s t-shirt, discuss how Walgreens is wrongly applying the Cook County soda tax to LaCroix Sparkling Water, and talk about the new boozy Taco Bell just off the Magnificent Mile.   This week’s local music is provided by Sunjacket.   OTL host Mike Stephen is passionate about LaCroix Sparkling Water.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 8 years ago Tagged

OTL: Episode #545- Mom + Baby, Red light cameras are here to stay, Chicago’s Vernacular Architecture

Mike Stephen talks with:   Mom+Baby founder Alexandra Eidenberg about how her organization advocates for women and children online, in person, and on the Hill;   DNAinfo Chicago City Hall reporter Heather Cherone about Chicago’s new red-light camera rules and where they’re being installed and removed; and   Blaservations architectural historian Elizabeth Blasius about her Curbed Chicago story on understanding Chicago’s vernacular architecture.   Meanwhile, Mike his new baby’s arrival doesn’t interfere with our Saturday broadcast!   This week’s local music is provided by Boss Fight.   OTL host Mike Stephen gives the thumps-up to some Chicago vernacular architecture in Wicker Park. Note the contrast to the new condo building next door.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 8 years ago Tagged

OTL: Episode #515- Back taxes for Chicago music venues?, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, Visiting Studio Gang’s rooftop garden

Mike Stephen talks with:   freelance reporter Lee V. Gaines about Cook County attempting to define “fine art” while going after small venues for supposed back amusement taxes;   Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project executive director Dave Benjamin about how his organization is working to prevent drownings in Lake Michigan through education; and   Studio Gang model shop co-workers Schuyler Smith and Lydia Meyer about the wheat they’re growing in their rooftop garden and where it ends up in the community.   Meanwhile, via a listener tip, we run through some of the Chicago Transit Authority sounds featured on the Chicago “L”.org website.   This week’s local music is provided by The FeverTones.   OTL host Mike Stephen boats way out into Lake Michigan for his safe swimming practice. [photo circa 2008]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.   Wait… that’s not Andy Hermann. (We love you, Illinois Entertainer!)

Posted 9 years ago Tagged