OTL: Episode #94

(podcasting “from” on the top floor of the Harold Washington Library) (broadcasting on the 100-watt high five radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss high-fives and kayaking on the Chicago River, they learn about a dating for self-proclaimed nerds, they play a round of hipster bingo, and then they chat about the indie boutique scene in the city. OTL Odds & Ends; Mike’s fascination with the “high five”, a video OTL Web Exclusive, seeking OTL show contributors (Mike’s stunning Chicago River kayaking video) Nerds at Heart; hanging with Julia and Bathsheba at a dating nerdfest Hipster Bingo; Andy and Mike warm up their skills for the summer music festival season Brian Hieggelke – editor & publisher, Boutiqueville; on the independent boutique scene in Chicago (segue music this week from Fernando Jones)

OTL: Episode #78

(podcasting “from” in the parking lot of the Jewel on Broadway and Berwyn) (broadcasting on the 100-watt well-taxed radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen compliments Andy Hermann’s beard, they discuss how higher sales taxes might affect local retailers, they learn about the controversy behind a public/private partnership, and then they hear about hearing stories on the CTA. New OTL Features; the big OTL video push, Mike enjoys Andy’s beard David Vite – President and CEO, Illinois Retail Merchants Association; on Cook County’s hiked sales tax, and how local businesses will suffer John Riley – Community Issues Reporter, Medill News Service; on Lincoln Park and the Latin School’s soccer field agreement Marcy Rae Henry – Professor of Humanites, Harold Washington College; on her book The CTA Chronicles, about public transportation stories (segue music this week from WeCan&WeMust)

OTL: Episode #74

(podcasting “from” Fishhook Pier near Montrose Beach) (broadcasting on the 100-watt clear water radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss last week’s Wilco shows at the Riviera and Wincentennial at the Old Town School, they learn about the Great Lakes Compact, and then it’s an OTL first — a segment on the state of shopping in Chicago. OTL’s Week in Music; Andy and every music geek in Chicago saw Wilco this week, Mike celebrated the Wincentennial at the Old Town School of Folk Music Joel Brammeier – Vice President for Policy, Alliance for the Great Lakes; on the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact Heather Kenny – freelance fashion/shopping writer and stylist; on the state of shopping and independent boutiques in Chicago (segue music this week from Wilco)