OTL: Episode #187- Privatizing Chicago’s Water, You Me Them Everybody Podcast, Chicago Fun Club for Nudists

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “Chicago Fun” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen explores the possibility of privatizing Chicago’s water system, talks to the creator of a local podcast, and gets the skinny on the Chicago Fun Club, a social gathering for nudists. Phineas Baxandall — Senior Analyst of Tax and Budget Policy for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group There’s talk that the city will privatize our water system.  What will that mean for Chicagoans?  We find out this week. Brandon Wetherbee— Host of the You, Me, Them, Everybody Podcast Chicago’s podcast community is growing.  We find out the lowdown on this locally-produced show and the live shows recorded at the Hungry Brain in Roscoe Village. Steve — Co-Founder of the Chicago Fun Club Are you a nudist?  Then the Chicago Fun Club is for you!  It’s a social club where nudists can go to hang out.  We get the skinny on the club. OTL #187 local music provided by Julie Meckler…

OTL: Episode #185- IL Better Off Without Chicago?, A Year’s Worth of Local Garbage, Public Art in Chicago

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “better off with Chicago” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen explores the relationship between Illinois and Chicago, talks to a local resident who measured his family’s garbage output for 2009, and hits the streets to discuss the Chicago public art culture. Ed Zotti — Confidant, Editor, and Personal Trainer to Cecil Adams, author of The Straight Dope column Cecil and Ed address the question, “Would Illinois be better off without Chicago?” Scott Rappe— Architect, member of the East Village Association Have you ever wondered how much garbage your household produces in a year?  Scott pondered this question and he measured his family’s garbage output for 2009.  He joins us to discuss the results. A Representation of the 2009 Garbage Output for the Rappe Household Jon Pounds — Executive Director of the Chicago Public Art Group Chicago has a history of public art.  Jon discusses this history and how public art in Chicago relates to the community. OTL #185 local music provided by Kid You’ll Move Mountains..

OTL: Episode #181- Music Thanatology, Two Unique Chicago Artists

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “music is good for the soul” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen plugs the new OTL Facebook Fan Page, learns about music thanatology, and profiles two Chicago artists doing some great work with local youth. Margaret Pasquesi and Tony Pederson — Certified Music Thanatologists Recently I traveled to Skokie to chat with Margaret and Tony about music thanatology.  We discuss this approach to end-of-life care and hear what a thanatologic music vigil sounds like. A Harp Used in a Music Vigil Mike Bancroft and Evan Plummer— Local Artists and the Guys behind Co-Op Image and Garage Spaces Earlier this week I recorded an interview with these guys in Mike’s garage, which is actually a gallery space.  They discuss their efforts to bring art to local area youth and their Garage Spaces project. A Billboard on Division St. Plugging Mike and Evan’s Work Check out the New OTL Facebook Fan Page! — We’re so 21st Century Yup, we’re staying on top of the technology wave and the OTL Facebook page is up and running.  Become an official “fan” of the show and stay in touch with the OTL community! Click Above to Head On Over to the OTL Facebook Fan Page! OTL #181 local music provided by Mike Golden and Friends…

OTL: Episode #179- The Pilsen Show!

THE THIRD IN THE OTL NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES… ALSO, CHECK OUT THE LOGAN SQUARE AND BUCKTOWN SHOWS! (podcasting from the streets of Pilsen in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “come on over to Pilsen” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen goes on-location in the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago for a profile of this unique community. Stephanie Manriquez — Executive Assistant at Casa Aztlan This incredible organization has been assisting the Pilsen community for 40 years with cultural activities, community organizing, and adult education.  We get a look inside the great work that goes on there. Casa Aztlan in Pilsen Fr. Chuck Dahm, O.P.— Associate Pastor at St. Pius V Catholic Church Father Chuck is well-known in the Pilsen community for his work helping victims of domestic violence.  I drop into St. Pius to discuss his experiences in Pilsen. St. Pius V Catholic Church Willie Wagner — Owner and Chef at Honky Tonk BBQ There’s a great BBQ joint in the heart of Pilsen…OF COURSE I’m going to check it out!  Willie sits down to chat about his award-winning BBQ and owning a business in the community. Honky Tonk BBQ Vanessa Sanchez — Youth Programs Project Manager for Yollocalli Arts Reach Art is an important part of the Pilsen community.  Yollocalli encourages area youth and young adults to participate in arts.  Vanessa describes how the programs impact Pilsen residents and her outlook on the future of the neighborhood. A Mural on the Side of the Building that Houses Yollocalli OTL #179 local […]