OTL: Episode #378- Midwest Sweet Baking History, Winterize your car, Chicago Cabbie (Pin-up) Calendar

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 “sweet-baking” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen explores the Chicago history of making sweets, gets a few tips on how to keep our cars running in the winter, and discusses a new pinup calendar called the Chicago Cabbie Calendar.   Jenny Lewis– 5th generation Chicagoan, chef, author of Midwest Sweet Baking History: Delectable Classics around Lake Michigan, and founder of Chicago Candy Tours Chicago has a rich history of sweet-making.  We explore that history and learn about Jenny’s Chicago Candy Tour program.         The Parking Ticket Geek – Blogger at The Expired Meter Chicago winters can be brutal on our cars.  The Geek provides some tips on how to protect your vehicle.         Melissa Callahan– Chicago cabbie and creator of the Chicago Cabbie Calendar This unique calendar that features real Chicago cabbies as pin-up models benefits the Cabbies For Justice legal fund.  We get the lowdown.     OTL #378 local music provided by BIG JOY…  

OTL: Episode #375- Not buying anything in 2013 finale, Participate in Project Squirrel’s app, 8-Bit Christmas

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 “8-Bit Christmas” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen checks in one last time with a Portage Park store owner whose family hasn’t bought anything in 2013, gives a Chicago squirrel tracking update, and chats with the local author of the new book, 8-Bit Christmas.   Joe Basilone– Co-owner of Thrift & Thrive resale shop Could you go a whole year without buying anything?  That’s what Joe and his family are attempting in 2013.  We check in with him one last time to hear about the experience.         Be a citizen scientist – You can download the new Project Squirrel app from and help identify different species of squirrels in Chicago.  Listen to OTL #308 for all the details on the project.         Kevin Jakubowski– Author of 8-Bit Christmas This Chicagoland native’s new book has been called “A Christmas Story for the Nintendo generation.”  We learn about how this very funny book came about.     OTL #375 local music provided by Ghastly Menace…  

OTL: Episode #372- Kari Lydersen on Mayor 1%, Send in your Christmas music, Youth violence 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 “99%” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to local journalist Kari Lydersen about her new book on Mayor Emanuel, solicits Chicago Christmas music, and chats with the editor of a book that tells the stories of youth violence in the city.   Kari Lydersen– Chicago-based journalist and author of Mayor 1%: Rahm Emanuel and the Rise of Chicago’s 99% Kari discusses her new book that analyzes the governing style of Mayor Emanuel and profiles those citizens who oppose him.         Submit Your Local Holiday Music – We’re looking for Chicago musicians to submit versions of classic Christmas songs or original Holiday tunes.  Those songs will be featured on the Christmas show on December 26th!         Miles Harvey– Assistant professor of English at DePaul University and editor of How Long Will I Cry?  Voices of Youth Violence This powerful book provides firsthand accounts of what it’s like growing up in a culture of youth violence in Chicago.       OTL #372 local music provided by The Wild Finish…  

OTL: Episode #370- We Live Here art show, Chicago Book Expo, Giardiniera taste test

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 “We Live Here” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen previews the “We Live Here” art show, learns about the upcoming Chicago Book Expo, and explores a local giardinera taste test.   Megan Williamson– Local artist We visit Megan’s studio and learn about her upcoming show on December 6-9 at the Bette Cerf Hill Gallery (1821 W. Hubbard, Suite #210) that features paintings of areas around Chicago.         John Wilson– Co-organizer of the Chicago Book Expo We get a preview of the Expo that takes place on November 24 at St. Augustine College (1345 W. Argyle) from 11a-5p.  The event features 75 exhibitors selling books and more than 40 authors discussing their works.         Nick Kindelsperger– Editor of Serious Eats Chicago Do you like giardinera?  Then check out the taste test Nick put together.  We get the lowdown on this spicy study. Photo courtesy of Nick Kindelsperger and Serious Eats Chicago.   Also, thanks to the Chicago Tribune’s Rick Kogan for a great writeup on Outside the Loop!  Check it out HERE.     OTL #370 local music provided by Audiences…