OTL: Episode #554- The psychology of Chicago violence, The Secret History of Paris Smith, IL Fair Economy

Mike Stephen talks with:   Loyola University professor of Criminal Justice and Psychology Arthur Lurigio about the psychology of violence in Chicago;   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about unheralded vibe man Paris Smith for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music; and   Fair Economy Illinois leader Erica Nanton about the March to Springfield movement for a state budget.   Meanwhile, we discuss how Mayor Emanuel is excited that Chicago is a U-Haul destination city!   This week’s local music is provided by Iverson 2.0.   OTL host Mike Stephen wraps up his pre-show vocal exercises in a seventh floor radio studio in the Tribune Tower.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #551- Chicago Market Co-Op, Our food truck scene has stalled, How to get craft beer in a local bar

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicagoist food editor Anthony Todd about the development of the Chicago Market, a new co-op grocery store that’s coming to Uptown;   Chicago Reader staff writer Julia Thiel about why Chicago’s once-promising food truck scene is having a rough time; and   Fooditor editor/publisher Michael Gebert about how your potentially favorite new beer gets into Chicago bars.   Meanwhile, we discuss how Mike recently spoke at the NISPA (Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association) high school journalism conference… about how much he loves tacos!   This week’s local music is provided by The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club.   OTL host Mike Stephen spoke at the 2017 Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association (NISPA) high school journalism conference about… tacos. Check out the screen behind him. [photo courtesy @EldesAyse]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #529- The solution to IL’s money problems, The Night Ministry does great work, Cocktails for Ding Dongs

Mike Stephen talks with:   The Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois professor David Merriman about the Fiscal Futures Project plan for getting Illinois back on the path to financial stability;   The Night Ministry advocacy and community affairs manager Tedd Peso about working with the local homeless community and the “Covers for Cover 8” concert benefiting the Response-Ability Pregnant and Parenting Program (RAPPP); and   Cocktails for Ding Dongs illustrator Alexandra Ensign about putting together a unique guide to making awesome drinks.   Meanwhile, we reminisce about work holiday parties past as we enter the season of office-related debauchery!   This week’s local music is provided by Donnie Biggins.   Cocktails for Ding Dongs illustrator Alexandra Ensign meets up with OTL host Mike Stephen at Mac’s Wood Fired tavern for a drink.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #515- Back taxes for Chicago music venues?, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, Visiting Studio Gang’s rooftop garden

Mike Stephen talks with:   freelance reporter Lee V. Gaines about Cook County attempting to define “fine art” while going after small venues for supposed back amusement taxes;   Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project executive director Dave Benjamin about how his organization is working to prevent drownings in Lake Michigan through education; and   Studio Gang model shop co-workers Schuyler Smith and Lydia Meyer about the wheat they’re growing in their rooftop garden and where it ends up in the community.   Meanwhile, via a listener tip, we run through some of the Chicago Transit Authority sounds featured on the Chicago “L”.org website.   This week’s local music is provided by The FeverTones.   OTL host Mike Stephen boats way out into Lake Michigan for his safe swimming practice. [photo circa 2008]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.   Wait… that’s not Andy Hermann. (We love you, Illinois Entertainer!)