OTL: Episode #231- The Just-Back-From-Vacation Show

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 “beautifully tanned” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen, having just returned from a trip to Mexico, plays some great conversations from past shows. Everyone needs a vacation, right?  Right!  OTL host Mike Stephen just got back into town from a lovely trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  So, on this week’s show we hear some interesting discussions from previous editions of the program. Tune in to hear about how shrinking the size of the City Council would save the city money, how the “malling” of Chicago threatens the character of the city, and the local underground food scene that’s catching fire! OTL Host Mike Stephen Takes Off in Mexico! Tune in next week for a brand new edition of the show! OTL #231 local music provided by the Velcro Lewis Group…

OTL: Episode #221- OTL is #1!, The “Malling” of Chicago, Inside a Bears Tailgate, NewCity’s Best of Chicago 2010

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 “OTL is #1” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen celebrates the show being selected best podcast in Chicago, discusses the “malling” of the city with Jonathan Fine, plays some audio from a recent Bears tailgate, and reviews NewCity’s Best of Chicago 2010 list with the magazine’s publisher. Outside the Loop and #1 in Chicago!— NewCity selected OTL as the “best local podcast” in Chicago for 2010!  We’re all pretty excited!  Thanks for checking out Chicago’s almost above-ground audio magazine! Jonathan Fine— Executive Director of Preservation Chicago Recently, Jonathan was part of a debate over the “malling” of Chicago.  He explains his view of why bringing large malls into Chicago isn’t a good idea. The Proposed Wrigleyville Development Inside a Bears Tailgate —  Host Mike Stephen was at a Chicago Bears tailgate before the game last week…with an audio recorder.  We get a brief recap from the sounds of Bears fanatics Kevin, Joe, and Matt. A View of Last Week’s Bears Tailgate Brian Hieggelke— Editor and Publisher of NewCity Brian returns to discuss the annual best of Chicago edition of NewCity.  NOTE: Since Brian is an occasional guest on OTL, he recused himself from the “best local podcast” category and gave that assignment to another writer.  We’re legit, baby! OTL #221 local music provided by The Rails…

OTL: Episode #197- 46th Ward Aldermanic Candidate Returns, Forgotten Chicago’s Upcoming Boat Tour, Getting a Liquor License 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 “licensed for liquor” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen chats with a candidate for alderman in the 46th Ward, previews some upcoming historical tours from Forgotten Chicago, and learns what it takes to get a liquor license in Chicago. James Cappleman — Candidate for alderman in the 46th Ward In 2007 James Cappleman lost to Helen Schiller in the race for alderman.  He’s back this time around to tell us about the focus of his campaign and why he wants to join the Chicago City Council. Jacob Kaplan— Co-Founder of Forgotten Chicago Forgotten Chicago is a great website if you’re interested in Chicago history and infrastructure.  There are some upcoming tours of the Pilsen/Little Village area and the Calumet River that Jacob previews this week. Lisa Arnett — Nightlife Producer for Metromix and Author of The Bottle Blond Blog What does it take to get a liquor license in Chicago?  Lisa did some investigating and she shares what she found with us. OTL #197 local music provided by Otter Petter…

OTL: Episode #147- OTL News Desk, Trakan, the Author of the “At Your Service” Blog

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “at your service” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen jumps behind the OTL News Desk, chats with local musician, Trakan, reflects on last week’s parking-themed show, and talks to the author of the At Your Service blog. The OTL News Desk – The Sears Tower changed its name yesterday.  Mike shares a spin on the new name. Trakan – Local musician and community activist Trakan is a local rocker who is involved in the community.  In addition to his music you can also check out the cool map making he does for neighborhoods here. OTL Parking Reflections – Mike gives some of his thoughts on the parking-themed edition of the show that aired last week. “Patti Hunter” – Blogger at the At Your Service blog on BeachwoodReporter.com Patti writes about her experiences as a server at a local pizza joint  She shares some of her stories this week. OTL #147 local music provided by Trakan…