OTL: Episode #221- OTL is #1!, The “Malling” of Chicago, Inside a Bears Tailgate, NewCity’s Best of Chicago 2010

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 “OTL is #1” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen celebrates the show being selected best podcast in Chicago, discusses the “malling” of the city with Jonathan Fine, plays some audio from a recent Bears tailgate, and reviews NewCity’s Best of Chicago 2010 list with the magazine’s publisher. Outside the Loop and #1 in Chicago!— NewCity selected OTL as the “best local podcast” in Chicago for 2010!  We’re all pretty excited!  Thanks for checking out Chicago’s almost above-ground audio magazine! Jonathan Fine— Executive Director of Preservation Chicago Recently, Jonathan was part of a debate over the “malling” of Chicago.  He explains his view of why bringing large malls into Chicago isn’t a good idea. The Proposed Wrigleyville Development Inside a Bears Tailgate —  Host Mike Stephen was at a Chicago Bears tailgate before the game last week…with an audio recorder.  We get a brief recap from the sounds of Bears fanatics Kevin, Joe, and Matt. A View of Last Week’s Bears Tailgate Brian Hieggelke— Editor and Publisher of NewCity Brian returns to discuss the annual best of Chicago edition of NewCity.  NOTE: Since Brian is an occasional guest on OTL, he recused himself from the “best local podcast” category and gave that assignment to another writer.  We’re legit, baby! OTL #221 local music provided by The Rails…

OTL: Episode #211- Chicago’s Recycling Program, Ad Network For Local Bloggers, Bucktown Apple Pie Contest Preview

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 talks to a Chicago Marathoner, discusses the future of Chicago’s recycling program, learns about the push for an ad network for local bloggers, and previews the Bucktown Apple Pie Contest. Erik Nybo— Participant in the 2010 Chicago Marathon What better way to spend your Sunday than to run 26.2 miles?  We find out why Erik is competing in his third Chicago Marathon. Nybo Going For the Gold Mike Nowak— President of the Chicago Recycling Coalition, Host of The Mike Nowak Show on WCPT-AM (820) Every “green” city needs a quality recycling program.  How does Chicago’s stack up to the competition?  We discuss this and other recycling issues. Mike Doyle— Scribe at Chicago Carless Patrick Boylan— Editor and Publisher of the Welles Park Bulldog Both Mike and Patrick are working on an idea to create an ad network for local bloggers.  We learn about their efforts this week. Shaunagh O’Connor and Martha Ring— Co-Founders of the Bucktown Apple Pie Contest We get a preview of the sixth annual contest happening in Holstein Park this weekend. OTL #211 local music provided by Sirs…

OTL: Episode #198- Assessor Candidate Forrest Claypool, Cubs Fan Report, Larz of Chicagoland Radio & Media

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 “properly assessed” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen plays another awesome voicemail from his Mom, chats with Independent candidate for Cook County Assessor, Forrest Claypool, learns about the Cubs Fan Report, and talks to the founder of Chicagoland Radio and Media. Forrest Claypool— Independent Candidate for Cook County Assessor Cook County Commissioner Claypool recently joined the race for assessor as an Independent candidate.  He joins us to tell us why he’s running and how he plans to curb corruption in our government. Andrew Hilsberg— Founder of the Cubs Fan Report If you’re looking for the latest buzz on the Cubs that’s consolidated into one daily e-mail, you’ve found the right place.  We find out how the CFR works and how it got started. Larz — Founder of Chicagoland Radio and Media CRM recently celebrated 5 years of providing up-to-the-minute info about the Chicago media scene.  Larz tells us why he started the site, where it’s going, and chats about Chicago media in general. OTL #198 local music provided by the Katie Todd Band…

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…