OTL: Episode #148- Local Biz Roadblocks, Is It OK to Like DMB Now?, Godless In Chicago

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “it’s OK to like Dave Matthews” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the city’s interference of small business startups and entrepreneurs, chats with a local writer about whether or not it’s ok to enjoy Dave Matthews, and learns what an Illinois atheist activist is blogging about these days. Beth Milnikel – Director of the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School Beth recently wrote an op-ed for the Chicago Tribune arguing that the city stands in the way of small business startups more often than not.  We discuss her views on this issue. Steve Heisler – Assistant City Editor for Decider Chicago and Contributor to The AV Club Recently Steve wrote this blog post that raises the question, “Should we still hate Dave Matthews?” Rob Sherman – Blogger at Godless In Chicago at ChicagoNow.com For an atheist’s POV of local politics and other issues, Rob Sherman’s blog is a popular read.  He chats with us this week about atheism and the local separation of church and state. OTL #148 local music provided by The Smoking Popes…

OTL: Episode #138- Ald. Joe Moore on Parking Meters and the CTA Tattler

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “one quarter gets you 15 minutes” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a Chicago alderman about examining the city’s parking meter lease deal, warns you to be careful when playing flip cup, and chats with the CTA Tattler about the latest local transit issues. Ald. Joe Moore – Alderman of the 49th Ward The Alderman explains why he voted for the parking meter lease deal, why he regrets that vote, and what he’s doing to shed some light on how this deal was passed in the City Council. Above: Ald. Joe Moore OTL Party Advice – Lottie’s Pub (as featured in OTL #120) celebrates its 75th anniversary this weekend.  They’re having a flip cup party.  Oh my. Above: A Flip Cup Arena Kevin O’Neil – Founder of ctatattler.com Kevin gives us the lowdown on the Blue Line repairs redux, CTA stimulus funding, and the bus tracker FINALLY tracking all bus routes. Above: The Blue Line Train Approaches OTL #138 local music provided by Chin Up Chin Up…

OTL: Episode #134- Alderman Manny Flores, Spotd on Twitter, and The Cubscast

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “welcome back basebeball” radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen wants to hear from YOU, discusses a wide array of local issues with Ald. Manny Flores, learns about the new Chicago “Spotd” page on Twitter, and talks to the hosts of a Cubs fan podcast called The Cubscast. OTL Official Biz: We want to hear from you!  E-mail us, friend us online, or post a comment if you have feedback, story ideas, love letters, etc. Manny Flores– alderman of the 1st Ward in Chicago: Discusses the Green Exchange, TIF Districts, the 2016 Olympics, and what’s up with the old Pizza Hut on Division and Ashland. Above:  Alderman Flores Above: The Dead Pizza Hut in Wicker Park Clint McMahon – Founder of Twitter’s Tamale Guy Tracker: Tells us about his newest Twitter creation, Spotd.  **BONUS**: to hear the OTL interview about the Tamale Guy Tracker click here! “Lou” and “Shepps” – co-hosts of The Cubscast They give us the lowdown on their Cubs fan-themed podcast. OTL #134 local music provided by Brown Line Fiasco…

OTL: Episode #127

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the I’ll-blow-you-away-with-my-mad-phat-harmonica-skills radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss transit issues in Chicago and beyond, they talk with a very special vegan, and then they visit the country’s only harmonica factory. Rick Harnish – executive director, Transit Riders’ Alliance; on advocating for fast, frequent and dependable trains linking the entire Midwest Sheena Spikes – finalist, Sexiest Vegetarian Next Door 2009; on why she’s a vegan, and how she got involved in the PETA-sponsored contest Brad Harrison – founder, Harrison Custom Harmonicas LLC; on being the only harmonica factory in the United States (segue music this week from Tim Kough) COMING NEXT WEEK : THE FIRST OTL LOCAL FOOD SHOW !!