OTL: Episode #398- Is there sewage in the Chicago River?, Rehab aid intended for blighted areas languishes

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 “what’s floating in the water” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to one of the creators of a website that tells us if there is raw sewage in the Chicago River, and discusses federal rehab aid not going going to intended areas in the city.   Scott Beslow– Co-creator of Is There Sewage in the Chicago River? If you ever wanted to know the answer to the above question, check out the site!  We hear why it was created and how Chicago deals with excess rainwater.   Mike Stephen ignoring the sewage in the Chicago River.     Angela Caputo– Staff Reporter at The Chicago Reporter Recently, Angela wrote a story about how federal money intended to rehab vacant buildings in blighted areas of Chicago never made it to those areas.  She gives us the details.           OTL #398 local music provided by Winkler Mill…  

OTL: Episode #397- IL’s marijuana policy, Reboot Illinois, Good in Englewood

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 “radio reboot” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the lead author of a recent study on Illinois’ marijuana policy, discusses state government with the executive editor of Reboot Illinois, and takes a closer look what’s good in Englewood.   Kathie Kane-Willis– Director of the Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy at Roosevelt University This week a new study was released that analyzes our state’s policy on marijuana misdemeanor enforcement.  Kathie is the lead author of this report and discusses what she and her team found.     Matt Dietrich– Executive Editor at Reboot Illinois This organization aims to encourage us to retake ownership of our local government by providing us with the information we need to take action.  We get the details.       Rashanah Baldwin– Journalist and resident of Englewood She’s sick and tired of the negative press Englewood receives, so Rashanah is on a mission to let us know what’s good in Englewood.         OTL #397 local music provided by Yellow Jacket…  

OTL: Episode #395- Old-school local biz with The Distance, Mike’s Mom leaves another voicemail, Self-Loved Actor Workshop

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 “love yourself” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about a new online magazine profiling well-established businesses, listens to another awesome voicemail from his mom, and previews the Self-Loved Actor Workshop.   Wailin Wong– Editor and writer of The Distance We learn about this new online publication that profiles local businesses that have been around for at least 25 years.     Mrs. Stephen– Mike’s Mom Since Mother’s Day is this weekend, Mike plays a voicemail him mom left him recently.  Note: it’s tough to pull a fast one on your mom.     Mom wouldn’t call you if she didn’t love you.   Ryan David Heywood– Local actor and creator of The Self-Loved Actor Workshop Rejection is part of being an actor, but that rejection can build up over time and be a source of pain.  We learn about this local workshop that helps actors learn to appreciate themselves.         OTL #395 local music provided by Videotape…  

OTL: Episode #393- Attack of the Killer Asparagus, Analyzing Transit Future, 826CHI’s sci-fi prom

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 “Radio-9 From Outer Space” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to environmental radio host Mike Nowak, gets an analysis of the Transit Future proposal, and previews the 826CHI sci-fi prom this weekend.   Mike Nowak – Host of The Mike Nowak Show on WCPT-AM (820) and author of the forthcoming book, Attack of the Killer Asparagus and Other Lessons Not Learned in the Garden We talk to Mike about Chicago environmental issues and preview his live broadcast from the Irish American Heritage Center this Sunday morning.     John Greenfield– Editor of Streetsblog Chicago Recently, John analyzed the Transit Future proposal to revamp Chicagoland’s transit system.  We get his opinions on the plan.       Hayley Miller– Events & Outreach Coordinator at 826CHI This local non-profit writing & tutoring center is holding its annual fundraiser this weekend.  We get a preview and learn more about this organization.         OTL #393 local music provided by Secret Science…