OTL: Episode #572- Fighting domestic violence, Beardsgaard Barbers grows, Local urban farming with The Gardeneers

Mike Stephen talks with:   Bethany Gomillion, Marathon Campaign Coordinator of Run Domestic Violence Out of Town and Elizabeth Gray, marathoner and domestic abuse survivor, about combating domestic abuse;   Natalie Anderson, co-owner and barber educator at Beardsgaard Barbers, about the success of this unique Batavia-based shop; and   May Tsupros, Executive Director and Co-founder of The Gardeneers, about educating CPS students on local urban farming and healthy eating   This week’s local music is provided by Fire Garden. Mike Stephen out in the field to explore the Gardeneers’ rail garden in Homan Square.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #529- The solution to IL’s money problems, The Night Ministry does great work, Cocktails for Ding Dongs

Mike Stephen talks with:   The Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois professor David Merriman about the Fiscal Futures Project plan for getting Illinois back on the path to financial stability;   The Night Ministry advocacy and community affairs manager Tedd Peso about working with the local homeless community and the “Covers for Cover 8” concert benefiting the Response-Ability Pregnant and Parenting Program (RAPPP); and   Cocktails for Ding Dongs illustrator Alexandra Ensign about putting together a unique guide to making awesome drinks.   Meanwhile, we reminisce about work holiday parties past as we enter the season of office-related debauchery!   This week’s local music is provided by Donnie Biggins.   Cocktails for Ding Dongs illustrator Alexandra Ensign meets up with OTL host Mike Stephen at Mac’s Wood Fired tavern for a drink.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #524- Cook Co. back-taxing local music venues, Press START to Drink, The Secret History of Rude Guest

Mike Stephen talks with:   freelance reporter Lee V. Gaines for an update on Cook County’s ruling on what is “fine art” and their pursuit of back taxes from small music venues;   Chicago Loot Drop chairman Mike Chuck about “Press START To Drink,” their 7th annual holiday fundraiser for University Of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about early ’80s ska band Rude Guest for this week’s “The Fall of Punk” edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we play a voicemail from #1 OTL fan Mrs. Stephen… who’s always looking out for her son’s safety!   This week’s local music is provided by Gramps The Vamp.   OTL host Mike Stephen has his very own nameplate to display in the WGN Radio Showcase Studio. This weekend it’s next to a Cubs W Flag sign! #AndyHermannReflection #FlyTheW   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #486- Chicago Gay Hockey, Coding While Black, The Secret History of local Bluesman Luther Allison

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Gay Hockey Association board members Andrew Sobotka and Brian Hull before a game at Johnny’s IceHouse West;   Coding While Black founder and president Dominic M. Liddell about the need for diversity in the tech community; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about unclassifiable guitar hero Luther Allison for this week’s “Winter Blues” edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we wonder if Chicago’s plastic bag ban is working.   This week’s local music is provided by Glamour Hotline.   OTL host Mike Stephen checks out the scene before strapping on his skates with the Chicago Gay Hockey Association.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.