OTL: Episode #216- The Latest on the Heartland Cafe’s Financial Struggles, Vote for OTL!, On the Set of Trubadeaux

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 “vote for OTL” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen visits the Heartland Cafe to get the latest on its financial future, reminds all of us to vote for OTL for best podcast in Chicago, and reports from the set of the new locally-produced movie, Trubadeaux. Michael James and Katy Hogan— Co-Founders and Co-Owners of the Heartland Cafe This Rogers Park community institution recently went through some difficult financial times.  We get an update on the state of the Heartland and learn about the public’s outpouring of support. Mike Stephen, Katy Hogan, and Michael James at the Heartland Cafe Vote for Outside the Loop!—  NewCity magazine is running their Best of Chicago 2010 poll right now.  You’d be oh-so-awesome if you wrote in Outside the Loop for “Best Local Podcast!”  REMEMBER: you must vote for at least TEN categories for your ballot to count!  Thanks for your support! Jay Sukow and John Berka— Co-Writers and Producers of Trubadeaux This week Jay and John were part of the cast and crew shooting this movie all about life and craziness in a high-end Chicago restaurant.  We get a behind the scenes peek into the making of the film.  Oh, and OTL host Mike Stephen plays a sleezy Chicago alderman! From L to R: Cynthia Kolb as the Alderman’s Wife, Mike as Ald. Ed Meritos, […]

OTL: Episode #215- Straight Dope Chicago With Ed Zotti, Film Fest Previews: Pizza Film Fest & Reeling 29th Gay and Lesbian

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 “straight dope” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen chats with Straight Dope researcher/writer Ed Zotti, previews the Pizza Film Fest and talks to the director of the 29th Reeling Gay & Lesbian Film Festival here in Chicago. A Man’s Gotta Eat—  When you hold big office, you have a big appetite.  President Obama was in town last week and he visited Topolobampo for dinner.  Chef Rick Bayless Tweeted away while preparing the Prez’s food in the kitchen. Pres. Obama’s Dinner.  Photo Courtesy of Rick Bayless’ Twitter Feed Ed Zotti— Confidant, Editor, and Personal Trainer to Cecil Adams, Author of The Straight Dope Column Does Chicago clean its streets more than the average city?  What’s up with dead roosters in the streets?  Is Rahm too much of a lightweight to be mayor?  We answer these questions this week. Tia Ayers— Creator and Producer of the Pizza Film Festival A film festival revolving around pizza?  Yep. Brenda Webb – Director of Reeling 2010: The 29th Annual Chicago Lesbian and Gay Film Festival This week marks the beginning of Reeling 2010- it’s 29th year!  We get a preview on this year’s festival and Brenda discusses why it’s important to our community. OTL #215 local music provided by Reds and Blue..

OTL: Episode #194- The Roundtable Show: DIY Art Scene in Chicago

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from Toons Bar and Grill in Lakeview) (broadcasting on the “roundtable” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen hosts the first in a series of occasional discussions, taking place in the community and covering different local topics/themes.  The topic of the first roundtable is the DIY Art Scene in Chicago. Mike welcomes: Jay Sukow and John Berka—  Chicago Improv Actors, Writers, and Producers of the film, American Legacy Michael Strening, Jr. — Local Musician, Member of The SDS Trio Strening, Sukow, and Berka at Toons The Roundtable is portable!  If you have an idea where we should record the next one or what we should talk about, let the OTL Staff know! Thanks to the Roundtable’s sponsor, Toons Bar and Grill— The place has excellent cajun food and a friendly atmosphere.  Tell ’em Outside the Loop Radio sent you! Go to Toons at 3857 N. Southport in Lakeview! OTL #194 local music provided by The SDS Trio…

OTL: Episode #189- Chicago’s Water Supply, Historic Chicago Bars, Vincent the “Fashion Man” Documentary

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “Fashion Man” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the future of Chicago’s water supply, chats about historic Chicago bars, and finds out who Vincent the “Fashion Man” is. Jessica Pupovac — Freelance journalist and regular contributor to mindfulmetropolis.com What’s the future of Chicago’s water supply?  Jessica examines this question and talks about how we have a bad habit of wasting our water.  Check out her article on this topic here. Sean Parnell— Author of Historic Bars of Chicago and founder of the Chicago Bar Project Sean has worked hard to complete this handy guide to some of the most historic bars and taverns in the city.  He sits down over a cold beer to discuss his new book. Jennifer Burns — Director and producer of the documentary Vincent: A Life in Color If you’ve ever seen the guy in the picture below wearing crazy-colored suits and spinning around on downtown bridges and streets, well you’re not alone.  His name is Vincent Falk and we’ve got his story on this week’s show. Vincent Falk OTL #189 local music provided by Chaperone…