OTL: Episode #416- South Side teaching reflections, Local politics with Mick Dumke, Beardsgaard Barbers, Chicago Kickboxing Club

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “never-late-to-the-news” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen talks to a South Side teacher about why he does what he does, chats local politics with reporter Mick Dumke, drops by Beardsgaard Barbers in Batavia, and visits the Chicago Kickboxing Club in Lincoln Park.   Dave Stieber– History teacher at Chicago Vocational Career Academy Dave reflects on his years of teaching on the South Side of Chicago.  You can also read his recent post on this topic here. Dave Stieber and his son.   Mick Dumke– Senior writer at the Chicago Reader Mick discusses how the Mayor’s low poll numbers might affect the aldermanic races and the lack of enthusiasm for the IL gubernatorial candidates. Mick Dumke and Mike Stephen talk Chicago politics.   Tyler and Natalie Anderson– Co-owners of Beardsgaard Barbers We drop by this new barber shop at 117 S. Batavia Ave. in Batavia, IL to learn about this young couple’s dream shop come true. Natalie Anderson gets ready to cut some hair at Beardsgaard.   Jim Glasgow– Owner of the Chicago Kickboxing Club This Lincoln Park gym specializes in Muay Thai Kickboxing.  We find out what that is and get the story behind this increasingly-popular workout spot. Jim Glasgow trains students at the Chicago Kickboxing Club   OTL #416 local music provided by Mooner…

OTL: Episode #409- Chicago’s food journalism, A local YouTube star, We’ll Sing a Song with Ella Jenkins

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 “you sing a song, I sing a song” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the state of Chicago’s food journalism, talks to a local YouTube star, and learns about a documentary about Ella Jenkins that is in pre-production.   Mike Gebert– Local food writer and creator of “Sky Full of Bacon“ Chicago has a wonderful food scene, but how do we fair when it comes to food journalism?  We hear Mike’s opinion.       Blake Grigsby– DePaul University junior, local actor, comedian, and YouTube star We hear how this college student has gained millions viewers through his work on YouTube.     Blake in his Kiss Me, I’m Desperate video.     Tim Ferrin– Director & Producer of Ella Jenkins: We’ll Sing a Song Together Ella Jenkins is the first lady of children’s music and she turned 90 last week.  This week we learn about efforts underway to make a documentary about her incredible life.           OTL #409 local music provided by Tea Tsunami…  

OTL: Episode #405- The OTL House Party Tour- Ald. Joe Moreno, Heather Cherone of DNA Info Chicago, Mayoral Candidate Amara Enyia, 120 Sports Host Dylan McGorty

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from Mike Stephen’s garage in Chicago’s East Village Neighborhood) (broadcasting on the “House Party” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen takes the show on the road…to his garage.  It’s the first stop on the OTL House Party Tour where we broadcast from homes across Chicago!   Proco “Joe” Moreno– Alderman, 1st Ward of the City of Chicago We hear from the Ald. Moreno on his views on Chicago crime, working with the Mayor, and being accessible to constituents.     Heather Cherone– Reporter & Producer for DNA Info Chicago DNA Info Chicago is bringing back beat reporting.  We get the scoop on what it means to be a good beat reporter in Chicago and how DNA Info is working to bring back quality neighborhood reporting.       Dr. Amara Enyia– Candidate for Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel has oat least one challenger in the February elections.  We meet her and find out why she’s running.       Dylan McGorty– Host at 120 Sports This new “Netflix-stlye” sports site gives you up-to-the-minute sports information about your favorite teams and it’s headquartered right here in Chicago.           OTL #405 local music provided by Bob Kessler…  

OTL: Episode #402- Homicide in Rogers Park, Chicago’s light pollution, Art Meets Science at the Theater

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 “art meets science” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about the rising homicide rate in Rogers Park, discusses a plan to light up Chicago at night, and previews the upcoming Art Meets Science at the Theater Festival at the Chicago Dramatists.   Tracy Swartz– Reporter for RedEye Tracy gives us the lowdown on her story on the rise in the number of homicides in Rogers Park.     Audrey Fischer– President of the Chicago Astronomical Society Recently Mayor Emanuel put out a request for proposals to turn Chicago into a “city of lights” in the evening.  Not everyone is happy about this.  We get the details.     A rendering of what Chicago could look like at night. Barbara Wells– Local playwright and founder of The Art Meets Science at the Theater Festival Sci-Fi, horror, and fantasy are all genres that you’d probably expect to read in a book or see in a movie.  Over the years these types of work have been largely absent from theater…until now.  We learn about the festival that brings the genres together on July 11-13 at the Chicago Dramatists.         OTL #402 local music provided by I Love You…