OTL: Episode #164- Sustainable Local Blogging, Going to Oprah, New City’s Best of Chicago 2009

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “everybody in the audience gets  a prize” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses making a living off of local blogging, what it’s like to be in the audience at Oprah, and New City’s Best of Chicago 2009 list. Reminder About the OTL Third Anniversary Party/Show Taping — At Toons Bar and Grill! Come by Toons on Friday, November 20 to catch a live taping of OTL!  It’s FREE to get in and we’ll have lots of WLUW and OTL merch to give away! Mick Dumke, writer and editor at the Chicago Reader, and the Parking Ticket Geek are two featured guests on the show.  More info to follow! Toons Bar and Grill at 3857 N. Southport Steve Rhodes — Founder of the Beachwood Reporter Making a living off of local blogging is difficult.  Steve discusses this and tells us about receiving some some grant money to improve his site. The “O” Experience – The lovely and talented Jenny Stephen drops by the OTL Bunker to give us a behind the scenes account of attending the Oprah show. Jenny and Beth Outside Harpo Studios Brian Hieggelke – Editor and Publisher of New City New City is out with its annual “Best of Chicago” list.  Brian gives us the highlights. OTL #164 local music provided by Roxy Swain…

OTL: Episode #163- Reeling Fest 2009 Preview, OTL News Desk Update, Bird Collision Monitors

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “for the birds” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets a preview of the 28th Annual Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival, jumps behind the OTL News Desk for a local news update, and learns about the problem of birds colliding with local buildings. Reminder About the OTL Third Anniversary Party/Show Taping — At Toons Bar and Grill! Come by Toons on Friday, November 20 to catch a live taping of OTL!  The guest lineup is coming soon!  Stay tuned! Toons Bar and Grill at 3857 N. Southport Brenda Webb — Director of Reeling 2009: The 28th Annual Chicago Lesbian and Gay Film Festival This week marks the beginning of Reeling 2009- it’s 28th year!  We get a preview on this year’s festival and Brenda discusses why it’s important to our community. OTL News Desk Update – From the future of Kiddieland to the disappearance of Blue Cart recycling in Chicago, Mike Stephen has the latest.  We’re also treated to a blast from the past when a former OTL employee checks in. The OTL News Room Former Producer Andy Hermann as He Grows a Robust Beard Annette Prince – Director of the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors During this migratory season, birds can easily collide into tall buildings in Chicago.  We learn more about this and how it can be avoided. OTL #163 local music provided by An Aesthetic Anaesthetic…

OTL: Episode #159- Anne Elizabeth Moore Goes to Cambodia, Mobile Garden on the El, M3 Marathon Mentoring

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “self-published” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to local activist and writer Anne Elizabeth Moore about her efforts to help Cambodian girls self-publish, learns about the Mobile Garden project on the El, and Jessica Herman talks to a Chicagoan involved in mentoring youth to run the Chicago Marathon. Anne Elizabeth Moore – Writer and Activist Anne traveled to Cambodia to help young women in that country create self-published works.  She tells us this amazing story and lets us know if she plans to go back in the future.  Anne blogs about her work in Cambodia at Camb(l)o(g)dia. Joe Baldwin – Local Artist and Creator of the Mobile Garden Would you ever think of seeing a garden on the El?  You might see just that very thing come this April!  Joe gives us the latest in his effort to bring more greenery to our public transporation. Vesna Stelcer — Executive Director of the MGR Foundation OTL Correspondent Jessica Herman talks to Vesna about the M3 program that connects mentors with Chicago area youth in order to help train them for the Chicago Marathon. OTL #159 local music provided by Go Time…

OTL: Episode #158- Local Screenwriter’s Success, OTL News Desk, Local Home Decor

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “home care solution” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a former Chicagoland resident who’s making it as a screenwriter in L.A., reviews various local stories behind the OTL News Desk, and chats about local home decor with Jessica Herman. Kevin Jakubowski – Co-Screenwriter of Assassination of a High School President Kevin and Mike went to high school together.  Now, Kevin (originally from Batavia) lives in L.A. and has helped to pen a new movie starring Bruce Willis and Mischa Barton while Mike huddles for warmth in the OTL Radio Bunker. OTL News Desk — From the crappiest post office in Chicago to proving once again that Thax Douglas (pictured below) is alive and well, intrepid anchor Mike Stephen jumps behind the big desk to bring us the latest. Thax at the Double Door Last Weekend Jessica Herman — “The Get” Writer at Time Out Chicago and OTL Correspondent We take a peek at new trends in local home decor as Mike wonders where exactly the dining room is in a typical Chicago apartment. OTL #158 local music provided by Marbin…