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 !!

OTL: Episode #125

HAPPY VALENTINE’S EVE !! (podcasting from the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on your favorite 100-watt community radio station in the third-most miserable city, according to Forbes magazine, WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann agree that the people at Forbes are drunk, they check in with the official OTL parking correspondent, they discuss corporate jargon, and then they learn about some subpoenas in the Wilson Yard lawsuit. Chicago makes Forbes magazine’s “America’s Most Miserable Cities” list; but we’re pretty happy here, and are totally not buying this The Parking Ticket Geek – local celebrity, and TheExpiredMeter.com founder; on Phil Ponce, ticket amnesty, the boot, and Mike’s parking woes Happy Valentine’s Day, and corporate jargon sucks; the Tribune Company uses fancy words for cutting jobs and freezing pay Matt Zimmerman – senior staff attorney, Electronic Frontier Foundation; on anonymous blogs named in subpoenas filed regarding the Wilson Yard case (segue music this week from Mad Bread)

OTL: Episode #121

(podcasting from the brand new OTL Studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the 100-watt mortified radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann talk caffeine, they learn about the other side of the Wilson Yard controversy, they catch up with a car-free Chicagoan in the winter, and then they hear a local performer recite something from her past. Chicago (and OTL) is well-caffeinated! Andy enjoys more coffee, more often, than Mike Marc Kaplan – Northside Action for Justice; presenting another side of the Wilson Yard debate (update from OTL #112) Joe Marinaro – automobile-free Chicagoan; with an update from OTL #92, and how he’s getting along on his bike this winter Lori Goldenhersh – local performer; on her encore recitation of something embarrassing from her past, as part of the Mortified live experience in Chicago (segue music this week from Waiflike)

OTL: Episode #120

THE SECOND IN THE OTL NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES… [find the first episode of our series here] (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago, and on-location in Bucktown) (broadcasting on the 100-watt goats-head-soup radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann present a Bucktown themed show — featuring talk about the history and the features of the neighborhood, a brief historical look at a local tavern, and an interview with the Alderman of Chicago’s 32nd Ward. Jill Jaracz – editor, Not for Tourists Guide to Chicago 2009; on some of the history of Bucktown, and how it is today OTL at Lottie’s Pub; on the questionable history of a Bucktown tavern Scott Waguespack – Alderman, 32nd Ward; on his ward, Bucktown, and his relationship with Mayor Daley (segue music this week from Daemon Familiar)