OTL: Episode #504- A journalist’s Chicago taco journey, Anne Elizabeth Moore wins a house in Detroit, The Secret History of John Gilmore

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Tribune writer Nick Kindelsperger at La Lagartija Taqueria about his monthlong taco-eating journey and why and how Chicago is a taco town;   author and cultural critic Anne Elizabeth Moore about her new book Threadbare: Clothes, Sex & Trafficking and how she won a house Detroit via the Write A House program; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about Sun Ra saxophonist John Gilmore for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we update the House Bill 5902 (aka Speech Rights of Student Journalists Act) story from OTL #499, and we actually side with Mayor Rahm Emanuel… when WTTW’s Paris Schutz broke the “off-the-record” journalism rule!   This week’s local music is provided music provided by Early Autumn Station.   Chicago Tribune writer Nick Kindelsperger and OTL host Mike Stephen talk tacos at La Lagartija Taqueria. #mikelovestacos   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #499- Protecting high school journalists, Oak Park’s newest theater productions, The Mini Maker Faire preview

Mike Stephen talks with:   Illinois Journalism Education Association board member Stan Zoller about Illinois House Bill 5902 (aka the Speech Rights of Student Journalists Act) and how the proposed law would give some legal protections to high school students;   Surging Film & Theatrics artistic director Billy Surges about the Oak Park theater company’s 2016 season (featuring walk-ons by Tracers actors Patrick McGrath and Tony Calkins); and   Chicago Northside Mini Maker Faire founder Christina Pei about the fifth annual celebration of DIY and all the amazing and innovative stuff we create.   Meanwhile, we play yet another voicemail from #1 OTL (and Lou Manfredini) fan Mrs. Stephen!   This week’s local music is provided music provided by THEDEADWOODS.   OTL host Mike Stephen and multimedia star Lou Manfredini go way back! [pictured in the old WGN Radio newsroom circa 2004]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #471- Spying on Chicago citizens, Lucas Museum on the Lakefront, Pinball Chicago plays on

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Sun-Times staff reporter Mick Dumke about how the Chicago Police have been spying on protesters;   Friends of the Parks executive director Juanita Irizarry about the Lucas Museum causing headaches for those who advocate for a free and open lakefront; and   Pinball Chicago founder and commissioner Ben Vigeant at the Emporium barcade about Chicago’s competitive pinball scene.   Meanwhile, Chicago Baseball publisher and editor Matt Smerge can claim a victory for free speech as we update a story from OTL #463.   This week’s local music is provided by Cousin Dud.   OTL host Mike Stephen takes on Pinball Chicago founder and commissioner Ben Vigeant in a round of Twilight Zone pinball.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #461- The new Cabrini Green documentary, Mick Dumke on Chicago politics, Making food carts legal in the city

Mike Stephen talks with:   Filmmaker Ronit Bezalel about her 20-years-in-the-making documentary 70 Acres in Chicago: Cabrini Green;   Chicago Reader senior writer Mick Dumke about his new job at the Chicago Sun-Times, House Speaker Michael Madigan’s not-so-public schedule, and Governor Bruce Rauner’s veto of a marijuana decriminalization law; and   Illinois Policy Institute managing editor Hilary Gowins about her Crain’s Chicago Business op-ed on legalizing Chicago food carts (see also NoCronies.com).   This week’s local music is provided by Mystery Crash.   OTL host Mike Stephen reflects on the fantastic question he just asked a guest.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.