OTL: Episode #447- YMTE Podcast, Chicago Wildlife Watch, Inside the Koval Distillery

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “wildlife watch” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen previews a YMTE podcast recording event, learns about cataloging Chicago’s wild animals, and visits the Koval Distillery in Ravenswood to learn about local craft distilling.   Brandon Wetherbee– Host of the You, Me, Them, Everybody podcast We preview the YMTE podcast recording at Saki in Logan Square coming up on May 21st and learn about the Brightest Young Things Chicago site that’s starting up soon.     Dr. Seth Magle– Urban Wildlife Institute director, Lincoln Park Zoo Dr. Laura Whyte– Citizen Science director, Adler Planetarium The Chicago Wildlife Watch aims to find out what wild animals live in and around Chicago by utilizing a network of cameras.  We get the lowdown and this ambitious and very cool project from two of the scientists involved.       Robert Birnecker and Sonat Birnecker– Founders and owners of Koval Distillery We go inside this organic distillery in Ravenswood to learn about its history and how it revitalized craft distilling in Chicago.    Sonat and Robert inside the Koval Distillery   OTL #447 local music provided by Blind Moon…

OTL: Episode #444- Local high school journalism, Chicago Area Tiki Tour, Bridgeport’s 1855 Lager Beer Riot reenactment

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “it’s tiki time” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen discusses the importance of local high school journalism, previews the Chicago Area Tiki Tour, and visits Bridgeport to learn about the 1855 Lager Beer Riot reenactment.   Jason Block–  Program chair, Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association We discuss the importance of high school journalism programs and preview the annual NISPA conference that takes place Friday, April 24.       Caroline Roe– Organizer of The Chicago Area Tiki Tour We preview this tour of some of the best area tiki bars!   Ed Marszewski and Paul Durica– Co-Organizers of Version Fest Bridgeport’s Version Fest is a wonderful celebration of local art and media.  We learn about this event, including the exciting 1855 Lager Beer Riot reenactment on April 25.       OTL #444 local music provided by The Cocktail Preachers…

OTL: Episode #430- Inside BreakRoom Brewery, The Secret History of Chicago Music, Live music from Go Time!

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “locally-brewed” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen visits a new brewery on Chicago’s north side, learns about Chicago Blues musician Albert Ammons, and welcomes the local band Go Time! into the studio.   Aaron Heineman, Michael Pallen, and Dean Ordzowialy – Owner, Head Brewer, and General Manager (respectively) of BreakRoom Brewery We go inside Chicago’s newest craft brewery at 2925 W. Montrose Ave.  This place a has a unique story…and is literally attached to a bar-making company!  Dean, Mike, and Aaron at Breakroom Brewery   The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles 20th century Blues musician Albert Ammons in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on his musical contribution to Chicago.       Go Time!– Live in studio! We get a visit from Go Time!  They play a few songs, talk about their new record, and preview their record-release show at Silvie’s Lounge this Saturday, 1/17.    Mike Stephen joins Scott, Marko, Paul, and Steve of Go Time! in the WGN Radio Green Room   OTL #430 local music provided by Go Time!…

OTL: Episode #380- Local booze & baseball, Biggest pothole contest, The City Life Supplement returns

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 “knowledge pothole” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks local booze and baseball, learns about the Bridgeport Citizens Group’s pothole contest, and previews The City Life Supplement podcast’s third season.   Josh Noel– Reporter for the Chicago Tribune Recently Josh worked on a project that documents the oral history of Wrigley Field.  We learn about that and hear about Josh’s latest reporting on the state of Malort. Mike Stephen hanging out outside of Wrigley Field before sipping Malort.       Dan Pugh – Director of the Bridgeport Citizens Group This time of year we see some pretty nasty potholes on our streets.  The Bridgeport Citizens Group is holding a contest to see who can find the biggest pothole.  We get the details.         Matt Lyle– Head writer and host of The City Life Supplement podcast This live show that’s also distributed as a podcast is described as a metropolitan “A Prairie Home Companion” and it’s all about life in Chicago.  You can attend the next performance at The Holiday Club on January 25th.     OTL #380 local music provided by Brother George…