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 #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 #117

(podcasting from the brand new studio in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the 100-watt don’t-expect-your-street-to-get-snow-plowed radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss this week’s snowstorm, they catch up on some Chicago political stories, they send out an APB for holiday music, and then they get an update a past OTL story subject. Chicago’s first big snow of this winter; and Mayor Daley is cutting back on the snow plowing Mick Dumke – writer/editor, Chicago Reader; on non-Blagojevich local news, including… Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan is named Education Secretary under President Obama, the city is buying Michael Reese Hospital to turn into the Olympic Village, and the never-ending Wrigley Field deal OTL Holiday Show next week; SEND US LOCAL HOLIDAY MUSIC, WOULD YA ?! Nell Taylor – co-founder, Chicago Underground Library; a follow-up on a segment from OTL #24, and the library’s new digs (segue music this week from Dave Specter)

OTL: Episode #107

(podcasting “from” out in back of Holy Name Cathedral) (broadcasting on the 100-watt marathon-walking-tour-of-Chicago radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss religion and politics, they chat with someone running the Chicago Marathon this weekend, and then they go out on location for a walking tour of the city. Robert Gillian – executive director, Catholic Conference of Illinois; on religion and politics, and a panel discussion next week at DePaul University (Holy Name Cathedral) Kathleen Weber – Evanston Township High School coach/teacher; on running the Chicago Marathon this weekend (Chicago Marathon 2007) Ryan Ver Berkmoes – author and travel expert; on his book Walking Chicago: 31 Tours of the Windy City’s Classic Bars, Scandalous Sites, Historic Architecture, Dynamic Neighborhoods, and Famous Lakeshore (Walking Chicago by Ryan Ver Berkmoes) (segue music this week from The Lawrence Arms)