OTL: Episode #533- A look back on 2016 Chicago entertainment, food, and politics

Mike Stephen takes a look back at 2016 and peeks into 2017 with:   Chicago Reader associate editor Brianna Wellen about women in the local comedy scene;   Chicagoist food editor Anthony Todd about some recent restaurant openings and closings; and   Chicago Sun-Times staff reporter Mick Dumke about the local political landscape.   Meanwhile, the OTL crew wishes you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!   This week’s local music is provided by The Flat Five.   OTL host Mike Stephen and his better half Jenny are ready to hit the town on New Year’s Eve 2012! 2016’s festivities include sweatpants, wine, and television.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #531- Women in politics, The new IL energy bill, Reviving soggy fries

Mike Stephen talks with:   Rodham Consulting founder Anne Szkatulski about how her brand new start-up is focusing on getting women to run for public office;   Midwest Energy News staff writer Kari Lydersen about Illinois’ just-passed sweeping energy bill and what it means for energy and the environment; and   The A.V. Club “Food Science” columnist (and University of Chicago physics instructor!) Dave McCowan about how to successfully revive soggy french fries at home.   Meanwhile, we play a voicemail from #1 OTL fan Mrs. Stephen… who continues to look out for her son’s safety in dangerous winter weather.   This week’s local music is provided by Teds Dancin.   OTL host Mike Stephen shows off one of his many radio show work suits before the snowstorm hits.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #530- High School Bound, The Secret History of 6 Feet Under, The Fooditor 99

Mike Stephen talks with:   UChicago Impact co-CEO Elliot Ransom about how students and parents can take a look at every Chicago public high school via their new High School Bound website;   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about influential proto-hardcore band 6 Feet Under for this week’s “The Fall of Punk” edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music; and   Fooditor editor Michael Gebert about a brand new food guide that profiles everyday restaurants — The Fooditor 99: Where To Eat (And What To Eat There) In Chicago.   Meanwhile, we discuss how Chicago food trucks lost a 4-year court battle against the city and the industry’s reaction to the ruling.   This week’s local music is provided by The Way Down Wanderers.   The Secret History of Chicago Music mastermind Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) and OTL host Mike Stephen strike the most badass of badass poses on Western Avenue.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #521- Religion and politics, Ruckus Entrepreneurs, Chicago food truck struggles

Mike Stephen talks with:   U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom chair Fr. Thomas J. Reese, SJ about his upcoming “Religion & Politics 2016” Albertus Magnus Lecture at Dominican University;   Concordia Place teen program manager Gwyndolyn Siebert Moss and teen program instructor Rene Pineda about teaching kids to run a business via the Ruckus Entrepreneurs program; and   Illinois Food Truck Association head Gabe Wiesen about the struggles to run a food truck business (like his very own Beavers Donuts) in the city of Chicago.   Meanwhile, we celebrate the CTA testing non-fabric plastic seats on its buses and trains!   This week’s local music is provided by The Gold Web.   OTL host Mike Stephen III shows his son Mike Stephen IV around Wrigley Field. Go Cubs! [circa summer 2015]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.