OTL: Episode #196- Inside Rogers Park’s Mayne Stage, WindyCitizen.com’s NowSpots Project, the Peterson Garden

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 “victory garden” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen would like a pic with the Stanley Cup, goes inside a new Rogers Park venue, learns about a new kind of web banner ad, and visits the Peterson Garden on the North Side. Chris Ritter — General Manager of the Mayne Stage and Act One Cafe in Rogers Park We go inside this new venue that doubles as a giant recording studio and radio broadcast facility. Mayne Stage in Rogers Park Brad Flora— Founder of WindyCitizen.com and NowSpots.com Brad was recently awarded $250,000 from the Knight Foundation for his NowSpots idea.  We find out all about it this week. LaManda Joy — Block Captain for the Peterson Garden We pay a visit to this organic community vegetable garden at Peterson and Campbell in the 40th Ward. Peterson Garden OTL #196 local music provided by Bird Talk…

OTL: Episode #184- Shadow Chicago Budget, the Etiquette Bitch, the New Indie Film, “American Legacy”

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “always-mindful-of-our-etiquette” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the city’s vice-mayor budget, chats about manners in the 21st Century with the Etiquette Bitch, and learns about an indie film that was recently shot and produced in Chicago. Hugh Devlin — Contributing Writer for Lake Effect News Have you ever heard of the Office of the Vice-Mayor in Chicago?  Did you know that it receives $100,000 to operate every year?  Just how is that money spent?  Hugh joins us to discuss his findings.  You can read his story here. The Etiquette Bitch— Chicago’s Very Own Ms. Manners She’s trying to bring civility to the 21st Century and she has a blog and podcast.  The EB joins us this week. Jay Sukow and John Berka — Authors and Producers of American Legacy Michael Strening, Jr. – Pianist in The SDS Trio, the band that scored the film These three creative guys have a great story about how they brought to life an independently produced film shot here in Chicago. The Cast of American Legacy OTL #184 local music provided by The SDS Trio…

OTL: Episode #180- Mike Doyle Checks Out of ChicagoNow, Comic Books in Academics, Mick Dumke Talks Chicago Politics

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “all politics is local” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to local blogger Mike Doyle about leaving the Trib’s ChicagoNow blog, learns how comic books reflect American history, and chats about the latest local political issues with Mick Dumke. Mike Doye — Scribe at ChicagoCarless.com This week Mike resigned his post as the scribe of ChicagoNow’s Chicagosphere blog.  He tells us the story of why he left and the problems he sees with the ChicagoNow approach to blogging. Cord Scott— Ph.D. Student in American History at Loyola University Chicago Comic books can tell a great deal about our history.  Cord will be exploring the link between comics, academics, and history at an event on Monday, March 22 at Challenger’s Comics at 1845 N. Western Ave. from 6-9 p.m.  He joins us on the show this week. Mick Dumke — Writer and Editor at the Chicago Reader From the politics of Chicago garbage to the city’s economic woes, Mick Dumke is covering the story.  He brings us up to speed on the latest Chicago political issues. Mike Stephen and Mick Dumke Talk Chicago Politics at Toon’s in Lakeview in November of ’09 OTL #180 local music provided by The Streets on Fire…

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…