OTL: Episode #416- South Side teaching reflections, Local politics with Mick Dumke, Beardsgaard Barbers, Chicago Kickboxing Club

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “never-late-to-the-news” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen talks to a South Side teacher about why he does what he does, chats local politics with reporter Mick Dumke, drops by Beardsgaard Barbers in Batavia, and visits the Chicago Kickboxing Club in Lincoln Park.   Dave Stieber– History teacher at Chicago Vocational Career Academy Dave reflects on his years of teaching on the South Side of Chicago.  You can also read his recent post on this topic here. Dave Stieber and his son.   Mick Dumke– Senior writer at the Chicago Reader Mick discusses how the Mayor’s low poll numbers might affect the aldermanic races and the lack of enthusiasm for the IL gubernatorial candidates. Mick Dumke and Mike Stephen talk Chicago politics.   Tyler and Natalie Anderson– Co-owners of Beardsgaard Barbers We drop by this new barber shop at 117 S. Batavia Ave. in Batavia, IL to learn about this young couple’s dream shop come true. Natalie Anderson gets ready to cut some hair at Beardsgaard.   Jim Glasgow– Owner of the Chicago Kickboxing Club This Lincoln Park gym specializes in Muay Thai Kickboxing.  We find out what that is and get the story behind this increasingly-popular workout spot. Jim Glasgow trains students at the Chicago Kickboxing Club   OTL #416 local music provided by Mooner…

OTL: Episode #380- Local booze & baseball, Biggest pothole contest, The City Life Supplement returns

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 “knowledge pothole” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks local booze and baseball, learns about the Bridgeport Citizens Group’s pothole contest, and previews The City Life Supplement podcast’s third season.   Josh Noel– Reporter for the Chicago Tribune Recently Josh worked on a project that documents the oral history of Wrigley Field.  We learn about that and hear about Josh’s latest reporting on the state of Malort. Mike Stephen hanging out outside of Wrigley Field before sipping Malort.       Dan Pugh – Director of the Bridgeport Citizens Group This time of year we see some pretty nasty potholes on our streets.  The Bridgeport Citizens Group is holding a contest to see who can find the biggest pothole.  We get the details.         Matt Lyle– Head writer and host of The City Life Supplement podcast This live show that’s also distributed as a podcast is described as a metropolitan “A Prairie Home Companion” and it’s all about life in Chicago.  You can attend the next performance at The Holiday Club on January 25th.     OTL #380 local music provided by Brother George…  

OTL: Episode #369- Chicago’s proposed 2014 budget, Tacofancy, A Chicagoan visits the White House

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 “Tacofancy” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen looks at the mayor’s proposed 2014 budget, discusses a community-driven online taco repository, and talks to a Chicagoan who attended the Blackhawks’ championship celebration at the White House.   Ellyn Fortino– Reporter & blogger for Progress Illinois Recently Mayor Emanuel proposed his version of Chicago’s budget for 2014.  We analyze the budget and how it would impact the city’s finances.     Photo courtesy of Progress Illinois   Tacofancy– A community-driven taco hub Mike discovers Dan Sinker‘s online taco repository.  And it’s delicious.   A delicious taco.     Brandon Wetherbee– Host of the You, Me, Them, Everybody podcast and Managing Editor of Bright Young Things Brandon, a Chicagoan, attended the Blackhawks Stanley Cup ceremony at the White House and gives us a behind-the-scenes account. Photo courtesy of Brandon Wetherbee/Bright Young Things.     OTL #369 local music provided by Brice Woodall…  

OTL: Episode #363- IL politician term limits, A marathon pre-game, The Bike Index could save your bicycle

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 “marathon” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the possibility of term limits for IL politicians, checks in with an upcoming marathoner, and learns about a massive bicycle registry called the Bike Index.   Brian Costin– Director of Government Reform, IL Policy Institute We learn about the push to enact term limits for IL politicians.         Erik Nybo– Marathoner who’s going the distance Mike chats with Erik as he is about to embark on yet another marathon…and it’s not the marathon you might think.   Erik Nybo in action.   Seth Herr– Founder of the Bike Index Registering your bike is very important.  Seth wants to create a massive bike registry that’s easy to use and will help cyclists in the long run.  We get the lowdown this week.  Also, check out their Kickstarter page.       OTL #363 local music provided by The VanGoghs…   This week marks the 7th anniversary of Outside the Loop!  Thank you so much for your continued support!