OTL: Episode #68

(podcasting “from” underneath Western Avenue intersected by Belmont) (broadcasting on the 100-watt essential Chicago radio experience WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss the CTA’s latest “doomsday” scenario, they talk about Cook County taxes, they learn about students working toward a green future, and then they get the scoop on a little-known presidential campaign. the CTA’s latest “doomsday” scenario; Mike fills us in on the latest ridiculousness Jim Chilsen – spokesperson, Citizens Utility Board; on the potential Cook County phone tax… and beyond Ty Newell – professor emeritus of mechanical engineering, University of Illinois; on the Solar Decathlon, and the U of I’s “elementhouse” Jason Mathews – former field organizer, Chris Dodd presidential campaign; on second- and third-tier candidates in the 2008 presidential race (segue music this week from Scale Model)

OTL: Episode #67

(podcasting “from” outside of the International House on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park) (broadcasting on the 100-watt New Year’s resolution WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss the OTL staff’s New Year’s celebrations, they learn about the University of Chicago and Hyde Park, they run through some stories of 2007, and then they get the scoop on the Chicago Sketchfest. OTL Staff’s New Year’s Activities; Little Announcer Guy sends in a sub Little Announcer Guy, Lawyer Danny leaves a voicemail on the OTL Hotline Jacob Lesniewski – contributor, Gapers Block; on the University of Chicago and his “Who Owns Hyde Park?” piece Stories and Polls of 2007; following up on a couple stories OTL covered in 2007, and the 2007 hipster polls at EveryoneIsFamous.com Brian Posen – executive producer & Jill Valentine – executive director, Chicago Sketchfest; on the seventh year of the sketch comedy festival in Chicago (segue music this week from Office)

OTL: Episode #65

(podcasting “from” near the outdoor skating rink in Warren Park) (broadcasting on the 100-watt sack of holiday cheer WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann spread holiday cheer, they learn about chickens in the city, they conduct a social experiment, and then they get the scoop on classic Chicago television. OTL HOLIDAY CHEER; revisiting the antics of OTL: Episode #14 Linda Nellett – activist and chicken owner; on the proposal to ban chicken raising in the city (find more info at the Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council) “The Payphone Experiment“; a much more successful version of what we tried in OTL: Episode #1 Rick Klein – curator and founder, FuzzyMemories.TV; about the online museum of classic Chicago television (segue music this week from The Injured Parties)

OTL: Episode #64

(podcasting “from” a parking lot next to the Chicago Reader building) (broadcasting on the 100-watt chopping block WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann read an OTL website comment, they learn about the recent staff cuts at the Chicago Reader, they leave a message for Dan Savage, and then they get the scoop on the spike in foreclosures in the region. OTL website comments; Shawno of Hyper Nonsense suggests an OTL naming rights opportunity Harold Henderson* – former Chicago Reader staff writer; on staff cuts at the alternative weekly, and his new blog “Harold, Daily” calling the Savage Love Podcast; tracking down Dan Savage for our as-yet-unnamed OTL podcast feature Steve Daniels – writer, Crain’s Chicago Business; on the increase in mortgage foreclosures in the city and region (segue music this week from Happy Chichester) * OTL web exclusive: the full conversation with Harold Henderson