OTL: Episode #386- Backbones’ great work, Double Feature returns, LoganSquarist socializes the neighborhood

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 “double feature” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the co-founder of a local organization that helps spinal cord injury victims, previews the return of Double Feature, and talks Logan Square with the founder of LoganSquarist.com.   Reveca Torres– Co-founder of Backbones Backbones is an organization based in Chicagoland that provides support for people with spinal cord injury and their families.  We get the details.   Melody Kamali – Co-founder of Double Feature This monthly show combines stand-up comedy and a short film fest.  After a three-month hiatus, Double Feature is back at Subterranean (2011 W. North Ave.) on March 26th.         Kate Hamilton– Founder and Publisher of LoganSquarist This hyper-local website that covers Logan Square just celebrated its three year anniversary.  We find out how this site works to “socialize the neighborhood.”     OTL #386 local music provided by Absolutely Not…  

OTL: Episode #381- Smart Chicago Collaborative’s open data project, Fleet Feet running events, The Steamroller comedy blog

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 “smart Chicago” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about a big data project in Cook County, previews a few running events with the owner of Fleet Feet Sports, and talks Chicago comedy with the editor of The Steamroller blog.   Dan O’Neil– Executive Director of Smart Chicago Collaborative The SCC is partnering with Cook County to expand access to data that can have a positive impact in our daily lives.   Dave Zimmer – Owner and CEO of Fleet Feet Sports Chicago There are some fun local running events happening soon.  Dave gives us a preview and talks about Chicago’s running community.         Matt Byrne– Creator and Editor of The Steamroller We learn about this blog that covers the Chicago comedy scene.     OTL #381 local music provided by Carbon Tigers…  

OTL: Episode #375- Not buying anything in 2013 finale, Participate in Project Squirrel’s app, 8-Bit Christmas

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 “8-Bit Christmas” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen checks in one last time with a Portage Park store owner whose family hasn’t bought anything in 2013, gives a Chicago squirrel tracking update, and chats with the local author of the new book, 8-Bit Christmas.   Joe Basilone– Co-owner of Thrift & Thrive resale shop Could you go a whole year without buying anything?  That’s what Joe and his family are attempting in 2013.  We check in with him one last time to hear about the experience.         Be a citizen scientist – You can download the new Project Squirrel app from and help identify different species of squirrels in Chicago.  Listen to OTL #308 for all the details on the project.         Kevin Jakubowski– Author of 8-Bit Christmas This Chicagoland native’s new book has been called “A Christmas Story for the Nintendo generation.”  We learn about how this very funny book came about.     OTL #375 local music provided by Ghastly Menace…  

OTL: Episode #374- Competitive reading with “Write Club,” the L-Ert app wakes you up, Visiting The Beer Temple

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 “l-ert” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about a competitive reading performance series, chats with the creator of the L-Ert app, and visits The Beer Temple on Elston.   Ian Belknap– Overlord of Write Club We get the lowdown about this fun local competitive reading series at The Hideout and at SPACE in Evanston.           Alex Zielonko – Creator of the L-Ert app If you’ve ever fallen asleep on the El and missed your stop, you should know about this app that wakes you up in the nick of time.         Chris Quinn– Owner, of The Beer Temple We go inside this craft beer boutique in the Avondale neighborhood (3185 N. Elston).  Be sure to check out Chris’ great video podcast too!     OTL #374 local music provided by Ace Reporter…