OTL: Episode #401- Parking Ticket Geek Update, Waiting all night for Star Wars, Local photography with Out of Chicago

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 “take my picture” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets an update on potholes and red light cameras from The Parking Ticket Geek, plays audio from waiting in line overnight to see Star Wars Episode II in 2002, and learns about an upcoming local photography convention.   The Parking Ticket Geek– Blogger at The Expired Meter The Geek gives us an update on Chicago pothole repair, the new Park Chicago app, and red light cameras.     Waiting for Star Wars– Dipping into the Mike Stephen audio vault On May 16, 2002 Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones was released.  OTL host Mike Stephen and two friends waited outside the McClurg Court Theater downtown all night to be first in line for the 8:30am showing.  Mike brought a microphone with him.  We hear the highlights.     Mike waited 8 hours outside the theater to see this movie. Chris Smith– Local photographer and creator of Out of Chicago Photography is lots of fun.  If you’re into local photography, check out the Out of Chicago site and attend the local photography conference at the end of June!         OTL #401 local music provided by Ryan Joseph Anderson…  

OTL: Episode #400- Mick Dumke on Chicago crime, Mike Loves Tacos series, Lake Claremont Press celebrates 20 years

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 “when 400 shows you reach, look as good you will not!” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks about Chicago’s crime rate with The Chicago Reader’s Mick Dumke, gives us the deets on his new video project: Mike Loves Tacos, and talks to the publisher of Lake Claremont Press about local lit.   Mick Dumke– Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Mick discusses his latest columns dealing with the high crime numbers in Chicago.  He also shares his love of OTL with us over a beer.   Friend of OTL and journalist Mick Dumke   Mike Loves Tacos– A video journey to Chicago’s taquerias It’s no secret that OTL host Mike Stephen loves tacos.  In fact he loves tacos so much, he’s taking us on a taco-eating experience across Chicago in a new video series called Mike Loves Tacos.  Former OTL producer Andy Hermann interviews Mike about this delicious project.     Mike Loves Tacos Sharon Woodhouse– Publisher of Lake Claremont Press Celebrating 20 years telling wonderful Chicago stories, Lake Claremont Press marches on.  We catch up with Sharon at this year’s Printer’s Row Lit Fest.     The Lake Claremont Press tent at the Printer’s Row Lit Fest     OTL #400 local music provided by Jolly Korea…  

OTL: Episode #395- Old-school local biz with The Distance, Mike’s Mom leaves another voicemail, Self-Loved Actor Workshop

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 “love yourself” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about a new online magazine profiling well-established businesses, listens to another awesome voicemail from his mom, and previews the Self-Loved Actor Workshop.   Wailin Wong– Editor and writer of The Distance We learn about this new online publication that profiles local businesses that have been around for at least 25 years.     Mrs. Stephen– Mike’s Mom Since Mother’s Day is this weekend, Mike plays a voicemail him mom left him recently.  Note: it’s tough to pull a fast one on your mom.     Mom wouldn’t call you if she didn’t love you.   Ryan David Heywood– Local actor and creator of The Self-Loved Actor Workshop Rejection is part of being an actor, but that rejection can build up over time and be a source of pain.  We learn about this local workshop that helps actors learn to appreciate themselves.         OTL #395 local music provided by Videotape…  

OTL: Episode #379- Begyle Brewing, Toons Wing Fling, Free Range Office

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 “fling the wing” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen visits Begyle Brewing, previews the Toons Wing Fling, and tours the Free Range Office space in Wicker Park.   Kevin Cary, Brendan Blume, and Matt Ritchy– Co-owners of Begyle Brewing We drop in this Chicago brewery and learn about their community supported brewing approach. Kevin, Matt, and Brendan at Begyle Brewing at 1800 W. Cuyler       Danny Beck – Owner of Toons Bar & Grill at 3857 N. Southport We get a preview of the Third Annual Wing Fling happening on Saturday, January 25th at 3pm!         Liane Jackson– Owner of the Free Range Office in Wicker Park If you’re an entrepreneur, startup, or small business and in need of a workspace, check out Free Range Office at 2141 W. North Ave.  We drop by to take a tour. A look inside Free Range Office     OTL #379 local music provided by Brontosaurus…