OTL: Episode #127

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the I’ll-blow-you-away-with-my-mad-phat-harmonica-skills radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss transit issues in Chicago and beyond, they talk with a very special vegan, and then they visit the country’s only harmonica factory. Rick Harnish – executive director, Transit Riders’ Alliance; on advocating for fast, frequent and dependable trains linking the entire Midwest Sheena Spikes – finalist, Sexiest Vegetarian Next Door 2009; on why she’s a vegan, and how she got involved in the PETA-sponsored contest Brad Harrison – founder, Harrison Custom Harmonicas LLC; on being the only harmonica factory in the United States (segue music this week from Tim Kough) COMING NEXT WEEK : THE FIRST OTL LOCAL FOOD SHOW !!

OTL: Episode #126

(podcasting from the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the I-think-I’ll-throw-my-hat-into-the-Fifth-Congressional-District-race-ring radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann talk about pedestrian deaths in Chicago, they discuss the Fifth Congressional District race, they learn how to track a local bar hero, and then they hear about the Chicago Olympic debate. OTL Public Service Announcement; pedestrian deaths in Chicago are up despite safety measures Ben Joravsky – staff writer, Chicago Reader; on the “The Race to Replace Rahm” — this week’s cover story on the Fifth Congressional District race in Illinois Clint McMahon – founder, Tamale Guy Tracker; using technology to celebrate a local Chicago bar hero Steve Frayne – A Balanced Discussion, hosted at Chicago2016.com; on discussion about the pros and cons of the Olympic Games potentially in Chicago (segue music this week from Leslie Hunt)

OTL: Episode #123

Chicago: Out of Sight, Out of Mind (podcasting from the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the 100-watt preservation-worthy radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann present a special Chicago: Out of Sight, Out of Mind themed show — featuring preservation issues including Michael Reese Hospital, The Prodigal Son Bar & Grill, and Saint Boniface Church. Chicago is losing its landmarks; Mike misses the old Rainbo roller rink in Uptown Jacob Kaplan, Corinne Aquino, Serhii Chrucky – Forgotten Chicago; on Michael Reese Hospital and talk of a Chicago Olympic Village Jason Mathews – bacon enthusiast; lamenting the loss of The Prodigal Son Bar & Grill Jonathan Fine – executive director, Preservation Chicago; on the struggle to save Saint Boniface Church (segue music this week from The Eli Story)

OTL: Episode #114

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !! (podcasting “from” out in the Staples, just off Ashland / north of Milwaukee) (broadcasting on the 100-watt oh-so-thankful radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann pay another visit to the OTL NewsDesk, they learn about a controversy involving the CTA, they spread some holiday cheer, and then they talk about an organization dedicated to alternative transit in Chicago. OTL NewsDesk; OTL continues its Mike Quigley Watch, with exclusives galore Mike Doyle – scribe/poobah, Chicago Carless; on the “CTA’s Holiday Homeless Harrassment” OTL spreading Holiday Cheer; with “Brand New Day” by the Sacred Heart Schools Justice Day Choir Rob Sadowsky – executive director, Active Transportation Alliance; on expanding the mission of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation (segue music this week from Morry Sochat & the Special 20s)