OTL: Episode #565- Improving public schools, Affordable housing near The 606, Fritz Kaegi runs for Assessor

Mike Stephen talks with:   Generation All associate program officer Misuzu Schexnider about their plan for improving neighborhood high schools and the new Chicago Public Schools app;   Logan Square Neighborhood Association former president Lissette Castañeda about the fight for affordable housing in areas by The 606 park system; and   Cook County Assessor candidate Fritz Kaegi about his vision for transparent and competent assessments for everybody.   Meanwhile, we discuss how the Chicago Triathlon is introducing a one-mile Underwear Run along the lakefront this year!   This week’s local music is provided by Ratboys.   OTL host Mike Stephen III, son Mike Stephen IV, and wife Jenny Stephen I enjoy The 606 park system. [circa summer 2015]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #552- The Secret History of Boyce Brown, Migratory birds in Chicago, Local saxophonist Chris Greene

Mike Stephen talks with:   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about hot jazz saxophonist Boyce Brown for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music;   U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Chicago field supervisor Louise Clemency about celebrating International Migratory Bird Day Celebration at LaBagh Woods next Saturday; and   local musician Chris Greene to the studio to play a selection from the Chris Greene Quartet‘s new album Boundary Issues.   Meanwhile, we wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day by playing a classic voicemail from #1 OTL fan Mrs. Stephen!   Local musician Chris Greene stopped by OTL #552 to play a live a capella saxophone selection from the Chris Greene Quartet‘s new record Boundary Issues.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #543- Women’s equality with 24WORDS, Chicago River Swim, Noah Gabriel plays in studio

Mike Stephen talks with:   24WORDS: the equal rights rock musical producer/writer/lyricist Charles Kouri about exploring the journey for women’s equality;   Chicago River Swim co-creator Doug McConnell about a proposed long-distance swim in the Chicago River; and   local musician Noah Gabriel, who hung out live for the hour! Check out his new record Dead Reckoning.   Meanwhile, we anticipate today’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade insanity, and we pre-celebrate Mike’s 37th birthday.   Local musician Noah Gabriel rocked the OTL #543 soundtrack in anticipation of his Dead Reckoning record release!   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #520- Hunting bobcats in IL, The Secret History of The Crucified, Getting personal with Therapy Sessions

Mike Stephen talks with:   Marc Ayers, Illinois State Director of The Humane Society of the United States about why Illinois’ first bobcat hunting season in decades is a bad idea;   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) Chicago’s very own ’70s protopunk band The Crucified for this week’s “The Fall of Punk” edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music; and   former Homeroom program director Seth Vanek about his new venture hosting “Therapy Sessions” at the Hungry Brain.   Meanwhile, we tell the tale of eating, drinking, and being merry with our friend Lou Manfredini last night at the Hofbräuhaus Chicago; and Mike recaps breakfast with his parents after OTL’s 10th anniversary show!   This week’s local music is provided by Dos Santos: Anti-Beat Orquestra.   OTL meets Mr. Fix-It at the Hofbräuhaus Chicago! [OTL producer Andy Hermann and host Mike Stephen; Mr. Fix-It host Lou Manfredini and producer Lindsey Smithwick]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.