OTL: Episode #528- Arts in the classroom, Feral cats help with rat control, The Secret History of Silver Abuse

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE) executive director Amy Rasmussen about bringing art to public school classrooms and making a positive impact on the lives in students;   Tree House Humane Society Cats at Work program manager Paul Nickerson about about how feral cats can help control the local rat population; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about protopunk weirdos Silver Abuse for this week’s “The Fall of Punk” edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we discuss throwing your trash in the garbage bins — whether they’re “your” bins or not. Just don’t contaminate our recycling!   This week’s local music is provided by The Artist Formerly Known as Vince.   OTL host Mike Stephen practices good recycling habits in Chicago.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #527- The Resurrection Project, Volunteering makes a difference, Learning how to recycle

Mike Stephen talks with:   The Resurrection Project VP of Community Ownership Jose Munoz about helping immigrants in uncertain political times;   Chicago Cares CEO Jenné Myers about how to cause change in the community through volunteering; and   Chicago Sustainability Leaders Network (CSLN) lead organizer Seva Gandhi about efforts to improve recycling in Chicago.   Meanwhile, we reminisce about the time when Mike, as a young radio intern, drove to Indiana for a ridiculous hamburger.   This week’s local music is provided by wellthen.   OTL host Mike Stephen eats a big hunk of non-Hardee’s meat to celebrate his 15+ year WGN Radio career.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #525- The CTA gets new buses, Preparing to vote with BallotReady, A proposed Chicago River Bike Trail

Mike Stephen talks with:   DNAinfo Chicago reporter/producer Heather Cherone about the CTA’s upcoming new buses and improved service and why Chicago aldermen were upset about not getting World Series tickets;   BallotReady co-founder Alex Niemczewski about educating ourselves about political candidates and how she’s helping to make voting easier; and   Active Transportation Alliance advocacy director Jim Merrell about proposing a riverfront bike trail for Chicago… with some of it possibly floating!   Meanwhile, we realize that the city is still standing after the Cubs won the World Series, and we warn our listeners that businesses rewarding voters on election day is an illegal act.   This week’s local music is provided by Pool Holograph.   OTL host Mike Stephen is a Chicago Cubs lifer! #FlyTheW [photo circa 1980]   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.