OTL: Episode #41

(podcasting “from” the Grosse Point Lighthouse) (broadcasting on the 100-watt ray of light WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Andy Hermann surprises Mike Stephen with a little gift, they discuss low power FM radio, they learn more about Google taking over the world, and then they talk about a hilarious local sports paper. Andy’s gift for Mike; classic cheese rock in print Hannah Sassaman – organizer, Prometheus Radio Project; on the Local Community Radio Act of 2007 Aliza Appelbaum – summer campus editor, The Daily Northwestern; on Google’s quest for world domination Brad Zibung – editor in chief, The Heckler; on sports in Chicago, and not taking them too seriously (segue music this week from Hawk)

OTL: Episode #39

(podcasting “from” the corner of Belmont and Halsted) (broadcasting on the 100-watt shower contest WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann honor Weinerfest ’07, they learn about ticket “convenience” fees, they lament the loss of an indie magazine and reflect upon their time with a star, and then they discuss the best Pride Parade marchers ever. Weinerfest ’07; Mike was there… but it’s not what you’re thinking Jim DeRogatis – Sun-Times pop music critic, Sound Opinions co-host; on “convenience” fees on tickets, and how it’s gotten out of control RIP Punk Planet; an indie culture institution folds George Takei’s transporter; Mike and Andy’s time spent with Captain Sulu Rhett Lindsay – director, Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps (ROTC); on bringing down the house during the Pride Parade (segue music this week from Cornmeal)

OTL: Episode #35

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND !! (podcasting “from” just outside of Olive Park) (broadcasting on the giant 100-watt transmitter WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss the new Chicago recycling program, they share a story about a race car on Chicago Avenue, and then they get the scoop on why the biggest downtown record store is closing. Betsy Vandercook – President, Chicago Recycling Coalition; on Chicago’s new “blue cart” recycling program Formula Racing on Chicago Avenue; Mike’s claims to have seen a race car while waiting for the #66 bus Greg Kot – Chicago Tribune rock critic, Sound Opinions co-host; on the Virgin Megastore closing, and the state of the music industry (segue music this week by Plastic Crimewave Sound)

OTL: Episode #28

(podcasting “from” Michigan Avenue, next to an R2-D2 mailbox) (broadcasting on the 100-watt flamethrower WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann take a virtual trip through Uptown, they review some recent news, and then they discuss small claims court lawsuits. Martha Bayne – senior editor, Chicago Reader; about their “Uptown” issue, and Chicago neighborhoods OTL News Roundup; American Gladiators and REO Speedwagon Derek Monroe – the King of Small Claims; on consumer activism through lawsuits (segue music this week by The Emerald Lizards)