OTL: Episode #300- Art on (The El) Track, OTL’s 300th show, Lake Claremont Press covers 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 “30o is the new 50” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen celebrates the 300th episode of the show, learns about turning the El into an art gallery, airs a clip from Robert McChesney, and talks to the founder of Lake Claremont Press.   Tristan Hummel— Founder of Art on Track On September 22nd, a 6-car CTA El train will become a mobile art gallery.  We get a preview of the event this week.  You can check out the event’s Kickstarter page HERE. Robert McChesney – Media reformer, professor of communication at U of I, founder of FreePress Since this is OTL’s 300th show, we take a look back at Mike’s first interview on the program.  It’s a discussion about localism in our media.     Sharon Woodhouse–  Founder of Lake Claremont Press This local press has been publishing books on Chicago-specific topics since 1994.  They have a great body of work and we hear about the origins of this fantastic press. OTL #300 local music provided by Hollows…  

OTL: Episode #298-Chicago as a creative hub

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 “bad week for the air conditioning to fail” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Since Mike Stephen had to deal with the breakdown of the OTL Bunker air conditioning unit, we hear a rebroadcast of a roundtable discussion from last April… The topic of this roundtable ishow to make Chicago a creative hub. Mike welcomes: Nik Rokop– Director of the IIT Knapp Entrepreneurship Center Erika Pfleger–  Asst. Director of the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School John Bosher– Producer, Beverly Ridge Pictures L to R: John Bosher, Erika Pfleger, and Nik Rokop The Roundtable is portable!  If you have an idea where we should record the next one or what we should talk about, let the OTL Staff know!      

OTL: Episode #295- New TV pilot from Steve Tobiasz, Felony Franks closes, Metropia Experience 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 “radiopia experience” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a local comedian about his new TV pilot, learns why Felony Franks hot dogs closed down, and previews the Metropia Experience festival.   Steve Tobiasz— Local writer and comedian We learn about Steve’s new local TV pilot, The Third Coast. Jim Andrews – Owner of Felony Franks This West Side hot dog joint that employed ex-offenders closed its doors this week.  We get the full story.  You can check out the first OTL interview at Felony Franks on OTL #201.     Omar Barragan– Founder of the Metropia Experience This new Chicago music and arts festival happening tonight and Friday, June 8th. OTL #295 local music provided by Band Called Catch…  

OTL: Episode #290- Will Guzzardi fights on, The Late Live Show returns, 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 “count every vote” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to Will Guzzardi about his state rep campaign’s decision to request a vote recount in the 39th district, learns about the return of the Late Live Show at Stage 773, and gets a preview of the Chicago Writers Conference.   Will Guzzardi– Candidate for the Democratic nominee in the IL State Rep (39th) contest Even though the IL primary election was last month, Will Guzzardi continues his fight against incumbent Toni Berrios.  He’s down 125 votes and he tells us why he’s asking for some votes to be recounted and re-examined. Will Guzzardi   Joe Kwaczala – Host of The Late Live Show This late-night live talk show is back starting April 21st at Stage 773.  We find out why the show disappeared in the first place and what’s on deck for the new run.     Mare Swallow– Founder of the Chicago Writers Conference This conference is coming up September 14-16 at the Tribune Tower and will bring together local writers for a unique networking and education experience.   OTL #290 local music provided by Chicago Stone Lightning Band…