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 #129

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S WEEKEND !! (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the radio station with so much journalistic integrity, WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann respond to an email about last week’s food show, and then they look at local journalism — including the sale of a couple community newspapers, and the challenges blogs bring to traditional print outlets. OTL #128 Food Show followup; looking for The Slinger on This is why you’re fat. Ron Roenigk – publisher, Inside Publications; on buying the Booster and News-Star, and community journalism at YourNews Media daily newspaper news; the Chicago Sun-Times made TIME‘s list of “The 10 Most Endangered Newspapers in America” Craig Gernhardt – publisher, The ‘Broken Heart’ of Rogers Park blog on community journalism and its impact on free weekly newspapers . OTL #129 segue music provided by The Tossers …

OTL: Episode #125

HAPPY VALENTINE’S EVE !! (podcasting from the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on your favorite 100-watt community radio station in the third-most miserable city, according to Forbes magazine, WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann agree that the people at Forbes are drunk, they check in with the official OTL parking correspondent, they discuss corporate jargon, and then they learn about some subpoenas in the Wilson Yard lawsuit. Chicago makes Forbes magazine’s “America’s Most Miserable Cities” list; but we’re pretty happy here, and are totally not buying this The Parking Ticket Geek – local celebrity, and TheExpiredMeter.com founder; on Phil Ponce, ticket amnesty, the boot, and Mike’s parking woes Happy Valentine’s Day, and corporate jargon sucks; the Tribune Company uses fancy words for cutting jobs and freezing pay Matt Zimmerman – senior staff attorney, Electronic Frontier Foundation; on anonymous blogs named in subpoenas filed regarding the Wilson Yard case (segue music this week from Mad Bread)

OTL: Episode #124

(podcasting from the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the 100-watt in vino veritas radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann talk marriage, they learn about the politics of wine, they discuss an online resource featuring info on elected representatives in Chicago, and then they chat about the state of local community journalism. Mike realizes that he’s really getting married; he’s registered and is even taking religious classes to make it all official Gretchen Neuman – spokesperson, Illinois Wine Consumers Coalition; on the passage of HB 429 into law, and what it means for wine enthusiasts in Illinois Brad Flora – founder, The Windy Citizen; on learning more about your elected officials at RepSheet Helen Karakoudas – managing editor, Wednesday Journal and Chicago Journal; on National Buy a Newspaper Day, and the current state of local community journalism (segue music this week from Sars Flannery)