OTL: Episode #155- Privatizing Chicago, Bacon Fest Update, Share Your Soles Charity

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “O-gasm” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen introduces the new OTL correspondent, talks about privatization in Chicago and beyond, gets an important Baconfest Chicago update, and learns about the Share Your Soles local charity. Jessica Herman – “The Get” Writer at Time Out Chicago and new OTL Correspondent Everyone meet Jessica.  Jessica meet Everyone.  Our new correspondent drops by the OTL Bunker to say hi.  Look for her stories on the show in the coming weeks! In case you were wondering Jessica isn’t related to Andrew “The Count” Hermann, former OTL Executive Producer.  However, their glasses might be related. Mick Dumke – Writer and Editor at the Chicago Reader Privatization of local public assets is all the rage these days.  Mick joins us to explain why this is.  He also discusses how other cities are looking into privatization and how they’re doing it a bit differently than Chicago.  You can read his blog post on this topic here. Seth Zurer — Co-organizer and co-founder of Baconfest Chicago There is an important update about the launch of Baconfest.  Seth gives us the fatty details. Mona Purdy – Founder of Share Your Soles This locally-based charity provides shoes around the globe for those who don’t have any.  We get the story of the organization from its founder. OTL #155 local music provided by Soft Targets…

OTL: Episode #153- IL Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission, NW Side Neighborhoods, the Funding of Local Online Journalism

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “neighborhood friendly” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen plays anchor behind the OTL News Desk, discusses the pros and cons of the new Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission, learns about some NW Side neighborhoods, and looks at the funding of local online journalism. The OTL News Desk– From setting the record for most people wearing Groucho glasses in one place to the new local tax on booze, intrepid anchor Mike Stephen has the latest. Tracy Siska – Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project Recently Gov. Quinn signed legislation that established the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission; a response to torture authorized under Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge.  What are the pros and cons of this commission?  Tracy joins us to give us his views. Dan Kelly – Local writer and author of Chicago Revenant: Dunning/Schorsch Village Dan writes for this occasional feature on GapersBlock.com.  This is the first in a series of Chicago Revenants and for his maiden voyage Dan went to the Northwest Side of the city to profile some neighborhoods.  He reports back to us what he discovered. Mike Doyle – Scribe of ChicagoCarless.com Mike explains what he sees as the flaws of current funding system used to back various local blogs and profiles the upcoming Community Blogging and Online Media event.  He also wrote about the funding issue here. OTL #153 local music provided by The Artist Formerly Known […]

OTL: Episode #146- Unjust Chicago Towing, Ald, Vi Daley on Parking, Parking Ticket Geek Update

IT’S THE SPECIAL LOCAL PARKING SHOW… (podcasting from the inside of Mike Stephen’s car in front of the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “I’ll be right back after I move my car” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a Chicagoan about her unjust towing experience, chats at last with Ald. Vi Daley (43rd) about parking meters and towing problems, and checks in with the Parking Ticket Geek about city vehicle sticker issues. Mike Broadcasts From His Car – Through the magic of radio Mike anchors this week’s show from his car.  Unfortunately for our host, in no way does the below picture look anything like his ride. Ali Montag – Chicagoan who had her car towed Ali had her car towed in the Lincoln Park area (43rd Ward).  She tells us her story…a story that resembles what happened to Mike in that same area a year ago! Vi Daley – Alderman of the 43rd Ward After repeated attempts, Ald. Daley finally agreed to come on the show!  You might remember what happened last year when Mike got his car towed in Lincoln Park.  They discuss that incident and others like it as well as the parking meter rate increase. The Parking Ticket Geek – Blogger at theexpiredmeter.com and Official Parking Correspondent of OTL The PTG gives us his views on towing and the parking meter situation while providing some helpful city vehicle sticker tips. OTL #146 local music provided by The […]

OTL: Episode #140- Chicago Media Future Preview, Chicago Justice Update, and Local Politics with Mick Dumke

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “I’m very much interested in replacing Obama” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the co-organizer of the upcoming Chicago Media Future Conference, discusses a recent ruling about off-duty Chicago cops, and dives into some hot local political issues with Mick Dumke of the Chicago Reader. Scott Smith – Co-organizer of the Chicago Media Future Conference Scott discusses some of the challenges facing local media and how the upcoming conference will address these challenges. Tracy Siska – Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project Recently CPD officers were found not guilty in the Jefferson Tap brawl case.  Tracy blogged about this verdict and what it means for Chicago. Mick Dumke – Writer and Editor at the Chicago Reader and blogger at Clout City. Mick joins us once again to discuss some of the latest and hottest Chicago political news. OTL #140 local music provided by Powerspace…