OTL: Episode #417- The Daily Chicago Chocolate Smell Map, Intersecting religion and science, Future Hits’ music educates Chicago youth

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “do you smell chocolate?” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen talks to the creator of the Daily Chicago Chocolate Smell Map, learns about a local group that explores the intersection of religion and science, and talks to the creator of Future Hits– a band that plays educational music for kids.   Ian Petchenik– Creator of The Daily Chicago Chocolate Smell Map Have you ever smelled the scent of chocolate as you walk downtown or on the near north and west sides?  It’s the Blommer Chocolate Factory hard at work!  We learn how you can track that sweet smell on a map. A visual representation of the Blommer Chocolate factory smell.   Dr. Rachel Hart Winter– Director of The St. Catherine of Siena Center at Dominican University We learn about the Albertus Magnus Society, a group that explores the intersection of religion and science, and get the lowdown on this year’s speaker series: Sin and Pathology: Theology, Pathology, and the Roots of Violence.   Matt Baron and Ben Sutherland– Members of Future Hits This local band performs educational songs for children.  Their 3rd annual Halloween show is happening on Saturday, October 18th at 1pm at Schubas.  We hear the story of the band and some live music in studio! Matt and Ben of Future Hits perform live in the Allstate Showcase Studio.       OTL #417 local music provided by Future Hits…

OTL: Episode #416- South Side teaching reflections, Local politics with Mick Dumke, Beardsgaard Barbers, Chicago Kickboxing Club

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “never-late-to-the-news” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen talks to a South Side teacher about why he does what he does, chats local politics with reporter Mick Dumke, drops by Beardsgaard Barbers in Batavia, and visits the Chicago Kickboxing Club in Lincoln Park.   Dave Stieber– History teacher at Chicago Vocational Career Academy Dave reflects on his years of teaching on the South Side of Chicago.  You can also read his recent post on this topic here. Dave Stieber and his son.   Mick Dumke– Senior writer at the Chicago Reader Mick discusses how the Mayor’s low poll numbers might affect the aldermanic races and the lack of enthusiasm for the IL gubernatorial candidates. Mick Dumke and Mike Stephen talk Chicago politics.   Tyler and Natalie Anderson– Co-owners of Beardsgaard Barbers We drop by this new barber shop at 117 S. Batavia Ave. in Batavia, IL to learn about this young couple’s dream shop come true. Natalie Anderson gets ready to cut some hair at Beardsgaard.   Jim Glasgow– Owner of the Chicago Kickboxing Club This Lincoln Park gym specializes in Muay Thai Kickboxing.  We find out what that is and get the story behind this increasingly-popular workout spot. Jim Glasgow trains students at the Chicago Kickboxing Club   OTL #416 local music provided by Mooner…

OTL: Episode #414- Revisiting The Salsa Truck, Chicago School of Data, Reeling 32: Chicago LGBT Film Fest

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 “tacos to the masses” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen pays a visit to the owner of The Salsa Truck, learns about the Chicago School of Data, and previews Reeling 32: The Chicago LGBT International Film Festival.   Dan Salls– Owner of The Salsa Truck We pay a visit to The Salsa Truck HQ (the West Loop restaurant known as The Garage) to hear what Dan has learned during his time as a Chicago food truck owner.       Dan O’Neil– Executive Director of Smart Chicago Collaborative The SCC is working on a new project: the Chicago School of Data.  This effort seeks to use data to help our everyday lives.  We learn about how it all works.     Alexandra Ensign– Programming Director of Reeling 32: The Chicago LGBT International Film Festival We get a preview of this incredible film festival now in its 32nd year in Chicago.           OTL #414 local music provided by House Sounds…  

OTL: Episode #413- Local violence prevention, The Chicago Writers Association, Your Chicago Podcast

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 “your Chicago” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about local violence prevention in Chicago, talks to the president of the Chicago Writers Association, and pays a visit to the HQ of the Your Chicago Podcast.   Lori Crowder– Executive Director of the Alliance of Local Service Organizations (ALSO) Violence continues to plague Chicago.  ALSO works with at-risk youth and focuses on community solutions to violence issues.  We learn about this important work.       Tori Collins– President of the Chicago Writers Association The CWA helps to foster community among Chicago’s writers through networking online, in-person, and special events.  We get the lowdown on this organization.     Arden Joy and Stefania Rudd– Co-hosts of Your Chicago Podcast Mike pays a visit to this fun podcast that features conversations with some very interesting Chicagoans.         OTL #413 local music provided by Model Stranger…