OTL: Episode #139- Chicago Swordplay, Project Squirrel, and Cooking Crawfish at Toons

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “cooking crawfish that are speared by a long sword while squirrels look on” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen goes on-location to play with swords, checks out the Chicago wildlife with Project Squirrel, and learns about the art of cooking crawfish here in the city. Greg Mele – Co-founder of the Chicago Swordplay Guild Greg tells us about preserving the art of European swordplay and shows Mike a few moves. Steve Sullivan – Principal Investigator for Project Squirrel. Steve tells us what we can learn from our local squirrel population and how we can be citizen scientists. Danny Beck – Owner of Toons Bar and Grill in Lakeview The 10th Annual Toons Crawfish Boil is happening this weekend.  We get a preview of the Boil and learn about the art of cooking crawfish. OTL #139 local music provided by Charlie Love…

OTL: Episode #134- Alderman Manny Flores, Spotd on Twitter, and The Cubscast

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “welcome back basebeball” radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen wants to hear from YOU, discusses a wide array of local issues with Ald. Manny Flores, learns about the new Chicago “Spotd” page on Twitter, and talks to the hosts of a Cubs fan podcast called The Cubscast. OTL Official Biz: We want to hear from you!  E-mail us, friend us online, or post a comment if you have feedback, story ideas, love letters, etc. Manny Flores– alderman of the 1st Ward in Chicago: Discusses the Green Exchange, TIF Districts, the 2016 Olympics, and what’s up with the old Pizza Hut on Division and Ashland. Above:  Alderman Flores Above: The Dead Pizza Hut in Wicker Park Clint McMahon – Founder of Twitter’s Tamale Guy Tracker: Tells us about his newest Twitter creation, Spotd.  **BONUS**: to hear the OTL interview about the Tamale Guy Tracker click here! “Lou” and “Shepps” – co-hosts of The Cubscast They give us the lowdown on their Cubs fan-themed podcast. OTL #134 local music provided by Brown Line Fiasco…

OTL: Episode #131

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the goodbye-Andy-Hermann radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen says goodbye to Andy Hermann, they talk about some proposed cuts at the University of Chicago Medical Center, they catch up on a couple past show topics, and then they follow up on a controversy in Grant Park. OTL show update; executive producer Andy Hermann makes his last regular appearance on the program Armand Ryden – medical resident in the medicine training program, University of Chicago Medical Center; on a signed letter about “Chicago Hospital Doctors Protest Planned Bed Cuts“ OTL updates : Sheena Spikes (check out OTL #127) is unjustly now out of the running for the Sexiest Vegetarian Next Door 2009 … …and OTL supporter Shawno (of Hyper Nonsense) weighs in on Andy leaving the show Peggy Figiel – co-founder, Save Grant Park; on the ongoing saga of the Children’s Museum possibly relocating to Grant Park (also hear Peggy in OTL #80) . OTL #130 segue music provided by Braintree …

OTL: Episode #126

(podcasting from the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the I-think-I’ll-throw-my-hat-into-the-Fifth-Congressional-District-race-ring radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann talk about pedestrian deaths in Chicago, they discuss the Fifth Congressional District race, they learn how to track a local bar hero, and then they hear about the Chicago Olympic debate. OTL Public Service Announcement; pedestrian deaths in Chicago are up despite safety measures Ben Joravsky – staff writer, Chicago Reader; on the “The Race to Replace Rahm” — this week’s cover story on the Fifth Congressional District race in Illinois Clint McMahon – founder, Tamale Guy Tracker; using technology to celebrate a local Chicago bar hero Steve Frayne – A Balanced Discussion, hosted at Chicago2016.com; on discussion about the pros and cons of the Olympic Games potentially in Chicago (segue music this week from Leslie Hunt)