OTL: Episode #536- Dodging the minimum wage increase, The Secret History of Johnnie Temple, Rocking Chicken Wings at Wing Fling

Mike Stephen talks with:   reporter Stephanie Grimoldby about how some Cook County suburbs are not complying with the new minimum wage and sick time requirements;   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about obscure singer/guitarist Johnnie Temple for this week’s “Winter Blues” edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music; and   Toons Bar & Grill owner Danny Beck for a preview of the Toons 6th Annual Wing Fling.   Meanwhile, we celebrate the best burritos in Chicago!   This week’s local music is provided by Black Bolts.   OTL host Mike Stephen serves as MC and milk slinger at the 4th Annual Wing Fling at Toons Bar & Grill! [photo circa 2015]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #529- The solution to IL’s money problems, The Night Ministry does great work, Cocktails for Ding Dongs

Mike Stephen talks with:   The Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois professor David Merriman about the Fiscal Futures Project plan for getting Illinois back on the path to financial stability;   The Night Ministry advocacy and community affairs manager Tedd Peso about working with the local homeless community and the “Covers for Cover 8” concert benefiting the Response-Ability Pregnant and Parenting Program (RAPPP); and   Cocktails for Ding Dongs illustrator Alexandra Ensign about putting together a unique guide to making awesome drinks.   Meanwhile, we reminisce about work holiday parties past as we enter the season of office-related debauchery!   This week’s local music is provided by Donnie Biggins.   Cocktails for Ding Dongs illustrator Alexandra Ensign meets up with OTL host Mike Stephen at Mac’s Wood Fired tavern for a drink.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #528- Arts in the classroom, Feral cats help with rat control, The Secret History of Silver Abuse

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE) executive director Amy Rasmussen about bringing art to public school classrooms and making a positive impact on the lives in students;   Tree House Humane Society Cats at Work program manager Paul Nickerson about about how feral cats can help control the local rat population; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about protopunk weirdos Silver Abuse for this week’s “The Fall of Punk” edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we discuss throwing your trash in the garbage bins — whether they’re “your” bins or not. Just don’t contaminate our recycling!   This week’s local music is provided by The Artist Formerly Known as Vince.   OTL host Mike Stephen practices good recycling habits in Chicago.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #523- Chicago’s Equality Index score, Local parking and transit roundup, A new fun kids book inspired by the CTA

Mike Stephen talks with:   Human Rights Campaign legislative counsel Xavier Persad about how Chicago ranks in the fifth annual Municipal Equality Index, a nationwide rating system of LGBTQ inclusion in municipal law and policy;   The Expired Meter blogger The Parking Ticket Geek about Wrigleyville parking restrictions, raising parking meter rates around Wrigley Field, and the closing of all the Chicago vehicle emissions test facilities; and   local author Patrick McBriarty about City Railways Go Above and Below, his latest children’s book about riding public transportation.   Meanwhile, we learn how long you should #FlyTheW flag after a Cubs win!   This week’s local music is provided by riverhorse.   Local author Patrick McBriarty stops by the WGN Radio studios to talk with OTL host Mike Stephen about his new children’s book City Railways Go Above and Below.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.