OTL: Episode #299- Getting around with Uber Chicago, Mike’s first Phish experience, Bucktown Tree & Garden Walk Preview

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 “Phishy” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about a new transportation service in Chicago, recaps his first Phish experience, and previews the Bucktown Tree and Garden Walk.   Max Crowley— Community Manager of Uber Chicago Uber is your new on-demand private driver that can take you around the city.  We learn how this service works. Mike’s First Phish Concert – Last week Mike attended his first Phish concert.  He brought along his audio recorder and talked to some of the Phish phaithful before the show.   The Phish crowd at Alpine Valley   Sam Marts– Bucktown Tree & Garden Walk co-chair This fun event is happening July 14-15.  We get a preview this week. OTL #299 local music provided by Taught Abroad…  

OTL: Episode #297- Mick Dumke on new pot law, Near North Side, The Second Rate City?

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 “smoke ’em if ya’ got ’em” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks new Chicago pot laws, learns about the Near North Unity Program, and explores whether or not Chicago is in decline.   Mick Dumke— Senior writer at the Chicago Reader Recently, Mayor Emanuel announced his support for a plan that would lessen the consequences of getting caught with small amounts of marijuana.  We get the latest on this from Mick. Photo courtesy of ChicagoReader.com Abu Ansari – Content manager of connectnearnorth.org Randall Blakey- Facilitator of the Near North Unity Program The Near North neighborhood has gone through many changes over the years.  We learn about efforts to bring that community closer together through local social programs and technology.     Aaron Renn– Urban analyst and publisher of The Urbanophile Aaron wrote an article called “The Second Rate City?” where he argues that our city could be in decline.  He discusses his thoughts on this topic this week. OTL #297 local music provided by Soft Jolts…  

OTL: Episode #294- Where was OTL last week?, Streets for Cycling 2020 Plan, Ukrainian Village Historic Church Walk

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 “back from Vegas” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen explains where OTL was last week, learns about the Streets for Cycling 2020 plan, and previews the 1st Architectural Walk of Historic Churches in the Ukrainian Village.   Where was OTL last week?— Vegas, baby!  And now that Mike got his voice back, let’s get on with the show! John Greenfield – Co-founder of GridChicago.com We learn about the Streets for Cycling 2020 program, which aims to improve cycling conditions in the city.  Check out John’s post about the program HERE.     George Matwyshyn– Unofficial historian of the Ukrainian Village The Ukrainian Village is home to some gorgeous and historic churches.  On June 16 you can tour some of these churches on the Architectural Walk of Historic Churches.  We get a preview of the event this week. OTL #294 local music provided by Republic Steel…  

OTL: Episode #288- Radio across the pond, Mike v. Adam Richman, Save the Portage Theater

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 “tea and crumpets” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to Jon Moonie, a fan of WLUW, about his podcast in England, gets compared once again to Adam Richman, and looks at the future of the Portage Theater in Portage Park.   Jon Moonie– Co-founder of the From the Rookery End podcast and elementary school teacher in Watford, England We hear about this British podcast from its founder.  He’s a fan of WLUW ever since he visited the station 11 years ago. From the Rookery End Podcast   Mike v. Adam Richman – One of Jon Moonie’s students thinks Mike looks like Adam Richman of the TV show Man v. Food.   Mike Stephen or Adam Richman?   Mike Edwards– Founder of the Save the Portage Theater Facebook page The future of the Portage Theater in Portage Park is uncertain.  We hear from a concerned resident of the neighborhood who is trying to save the theater. The Portage Theater   OTL #288 local music provided by Jennifer Hall…