OTL: Episode #358- Inside Joe’s Barbershop, Streetsblog Chicago, Chicago Writers Conference Preview

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 “straight razor shave” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen vists Joe’s Barbershop in Logan Square, learns about Streetsblog Chicago, and previews the Chicago Writers Conference.   Joe Caccavella Jr.– Barber at Joe’s Barbershop Located at 2641 W. Fullerton, this historic barbershop has been serving the community since 1968.  We go inside this Chicago gem.         John Greenfield– Editor of Streetsblog Chicago This new blog focuses on local sustainable transportation issues.  We learn about this site and discuss the proposed Chicago bus rapid transit system.     Mare Swallow– Founder of the Chicago Writers Conference This upcoming conference is a great resource for local writers or anyone who aspires to be an author.  We chat about what’s new at this year’s conference.       OTL #358 local music provided by Rabble Rabble…  

OTL: Episode #352- Parking Ticket Geek update, The Wisconsin supper club experience, Chicago budget transparency

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 “supper clubs are wonderful” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets a local transportation update from The Parking Ticket Geek, Recaps his Wisconsin supper club experience, and discusses Chicago’s budget transparency.   The Parking Ticket Geek– Blogger at TheExpiredMeter.com The Geek discusses red light cameras, city sticker violations, and much more.     Jenny Stephen – Mike’s better half Last week Mike talked to the author of a book on Wisconsin supper clubs.  Turns out he visited a few of those supper clubs this past weekend.  We hear about Jenny and Mike’s experiences there. Mike and Jenny at the Ishnala Supper Club in Wisconsin     Hailey Witt– Field director, Illinois PIRG In a recent report, Illinois PIRG gave Chicago an “A” grade for budget transparency.  We find out why and what improvements the city can make.       OTL #352 local music provided by Redgrave…  

OTL: Episode #345- Food Genius, Ray Manzarek of The Doors, The Awkward Phase website

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 “awkward phase” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about a local business that tracks ingredients on restaurant menus, airs a clip from his 2002 chat with The Doors’ Ray Manzarek, and talks to the founders of a website that celebrates the awkward phase in our lives.   Justin Massa – Founder and CEO of Food Genius This local business tracks food data from restaurant menus across the country.  We go inside their River North HQ to find out more.     Ray Manzarek– The late keyboardist for The Doors Sadly, Ray passed away earlier this week.  Mike got a chance to sit down with him in 2002.  We hear part of this conversation that covers Ray’s thoughts on the common misconceptions of Jim Morrison, drug use, spirituality, and modern music. Mike and Ray Manzarek in 2002   Claire Meyer and Tyler Gillespe– Co-founders of The Awkward Phase website This local site celebrates the awkward phase in our lives.  We get the lowdown from Claire and Tyler.   OTL #345 local music provided by Gabe Caruso…  

OTL: Episode #344- Peterson Garden Project, A new local fest called Bellwether, The Scott Emo Show

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 “urban gardening is fun” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen visits the Peterson Garden Project, previews the Bellwether event at The Hideout, and visits with the host of The Scott Emo Show.   LaManda Joy – Block Captain for the Peterson Garden We pay a visit to this organic community vegetable garden at Peterson and Campbell in the 40th Ward. Peterson Garden   Susie Daly– Co-host of Bellwether This new series kicks off at The Hideout on June 8-9.  We get a preview of this even that’s billed as Market + Happening + Feast all in one.         Scott Emo– Host of The Scott Emo Show This show is a combination local talk show, webisode series, and podcast.  The next live taping takes place on May 22 at Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont) at 8pm.   OTL #344 local music provided by The Bingers…