OTL: Episode #359- 35 Best Tacos in America, Windy City BBQ Classic, Open Tables movie

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 and BBQ” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks about the best tacos in America, previews the Windy City BBQ Classic, and learns about a new independent film shot in Chicago called Open Tables.   35 Best Tacos in America–  The Daily Meal came out with a list of the 35 best tacos in America.  Chicago makes a few delicious appearances on the list.         Gary Wiviott– Pit Master, Co-founder of the Windy  City BBQ Classic, Author of Low & Slow: Master the Art of Barbecue in 5 Easy Lessons We preview the Windy City BBQ Classic that’s happening this Sunday at noon in the South Parking Lot at Soldier Field.  There will be live Blues, great BBQ, and cooking demonstrations!     Jack Newell– Writer, Director, and Producer of Open Tables This independent film is slated for release early next year and was shot mostly in Chicago restaurants. Behind the scenes of Open Tables     OTL #359 local music provided by The Sweeps…  

OTL: Episode #358- Inside Joe’s Barbershop, Streetsblog Chicago, Chicago Writers Conference Preview

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 “straight razor shave” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen vists Joe’s Barbershop in Logan Square, learns about Streetsblog Chicago, and previews the Chicago Writers Conference.   Joe Caccavella Jr.– Barber at Joe’s Barbershop Located at 2641 W. Fullerton, this historic barbershop has been serving the community since 1968.  We go inside this Chicago gem.         John Greenfield– Editor of Streetsblog Chicago This new blog focuses on local sustainable transportation issues.  We learn about this site and discuss the proposed Chicago bus rapid transit system.     Mare Swallow– Founder of the Chicago Writers Conference This upcoming conference is a great resource for local writers or anyone who aspires to be an author.  We chat about what’s new at this year’s conference.       OTL #358 local music provided by Rabble Rabble…  

OTL: Episode #356- Sky Full of Bacon, In For a Trim, Rooftop Sessions 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 “water hero” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the creator of the “Sky Full of Bacon” blog and podcast, chats with the DP of a locally-produced video short, and learns about Rooftop Sessions Chicago.   Michael Gebert– Creator of “Sky Full of Bacon“ Chicago has a great food scene and the Sky Full of Bacon blog and podcast give us some unique perspective on all the local culinary action.         Jason “Doug” Beaumont– Director of Photography for Group Mind Films Recently, Mike caught up with Doug on set of the short In For a Trim.  Click on the pic below to watch the short and check out Doug’s site HERE. Mike Stephen as Bruce Cardiff in the short In For a Trim.     Joel Hoover– Audio engineer for Rooftop Sessions Chicago Music venues don’t have to be in traditional settings.  They can be anywhere, even on a roof.  Joel gives us the details.     OTL #356 local music provided by Yellow Jacket…  

OTL: Episode #355- Bus “bunching,” A Chicagoan’s experience on and off stage with Phish

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 “I’m with the band” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the annoying bus-bunching issue and talks to the Chicagoan who recently ended up on stage with Phish while the band was in town.   Shaun Jacobsen– Blogger at Transitized You’re waiting for a CTA bus and finally one pulls up- with two others behind it.  These buses are “bunched.”  We learn about why this happens.  Check out Shaun’s post on this topic HERE.         Julie Nichols– Musical director at the Main Stage at The Second City Julie tells her incredible story of meeting members of the band Phish at a Second City show on a Thursday night.  By Sunday evening she, along with other SC members, were on stage with the band at the First Merit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island.  We hear about this amazing 72 hours. Trey Anastasio of Phish and Julie Nichols on stage before a show at The First Merit Bank Pavilion     OTL #355 local music provided by When Clouds Attack…