OTL: Episode #234- IL Beer Distribution, Green Chicago River, Center Square Journal Turns 1

Happy St. Paddy’s Day! 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 “beer-distributed” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about the movement to change the IL beer distribution laws, plays a clip from his chat with the crew leader of Green Chicago River, and gets an update from the year-old CenterSquareJournal.com. Ryan Hermes— Co-Founder of GuysDrinkingBeer.com We explore how beer distribution in IL works and why some craft brewers are advocating for a change. OTL Rewind— Mike Butler, Head of the Green Chicago River Crew With this being St. Patrick’s Day we thought it’d be cool to dig into the OTL audio archives to hear a clip from OTL #25 that includes learning about the history of turning the Chicago River green. Mike Fourcher— Founder/Publisher of CenterSquareJournal.com This great local news site that serves the neighborhoods of Northcenter, Lincoln Square, and Ravenswood Manor turns 1 this week.  We hear what Mike has learned over the past year and where the site is headed in the future. OTL #234 local music provided by The Shams…

OTL: Episode #231- The Just-Back-From-Vacation Show

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 “beautifully tanned” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen, having just returned from a trip to Mexico, plays some great conversations from past shows. Everyone needs a vacation, right?  Right!  OTL host Mike Stephen just got back into town from a lovely trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  So, on this week’s show we hear some interesting discussions from previous editions of the program. Tune in to hear about how shrinking the size of the City Council would save the city money, how the “malling” of Chicago threatens the character of the city, and the local underground food scene that’s catching fire! OTL Host Mike Stephen Takes Off in Mexico! Tune in next week for a brand new edition of the show! OTL #231 local music provided by the Velcro Lewis Group…

OTL: Episode #229- Toxic Tour of NW Indiana, No “Dibs” with Chair-Free Chicago, iBrewmaster App

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 “chair-free” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets a push poll call on the air, discusses pollution in NW Indiana with journalist Kari Lyderson, learns why Chair-Free Chicago is against saving parking spots with furniture, and gets the lowdown on a new iPhone app that will help out local home brewers. Kari Lyderson— Freelance Journalist In last week’s Chicago Reader Kari wrote an article about how industry (and consequently, pollution) is intertwined in northwest Indiana’s economy.  She joins us this week to discuss her piece. Photo By Lloyd DeGrane Kevin Lynch— Founder of Chair-Free Chicago Saving the parking spot you dug out from the snow with a piece of furniture is a time-honored tradition in Chicago.  Not everyone agrees with this “dibs” approach, however.  We get the lowdown on this group. Joe Cannici — Creator of the iBrewmaster iPhone and iPad App Home brewing just got a whole lot easier with the iBrewmaster app.  We hear all about it from the app’s creator this week. OTL #229 local music provided by Radar Eyes…

OTL: Episode #228- Sec. Jesse White on Cubs Plates, Richie Daley’s Swan Song, Online Funding in 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 “Snowbama” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen recalls his recent push poll experience, talks to IL Secretary of State Jesse White about the new Cubs license plates, gets the scoop on the local recording of a song about Mayor Daley, and discusses the rise of online funding platforms in the arts community. Jesse White— IL Secretary of State Recently Secretary White and the Chicago Cubs unveiled a brand new Cubs license plate.  He gives us the lowdown on how the proceeds benefit IL public schools.  You can purchase the new plates at cyberdriveillinios.com. Abraham Levitan— Member of the local band, Baby Teeth Baby Teeth recently completed a new EP called BOSS.  Last week, Mike spun a track off the record that’s all about Mayor Daley.  This week we find out how the song evolved. Jessica Herman — Associate Editor of Shopping and Style for Time Out Chicago Jessica joins us to talk about an article she wrote about how online funding platforms are helping fuel the local creative scene.  Check it out here. OTL #228 local music provided by Otter Petter…