OTL: Episode #59

(podcasting “from” right out in front of a Comcast building on North Avenue) (broadcasting on the 100-watt cable TV box WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann talk about their appearance on Vocalo.org, they discuss Net Neutrality, they learn about burritos in the city, and then they hear about the Illinois Students Against Required Silence. OTL updates; email from Inside Publications publisher Ron Roenigk on the Commercial Handbill Distribution Law, Outside the Loop RADIO‘s triumphant appearance on Vocalo.org, and Mrs. Stephen checks in… Amina Fazlullah – staff attorney, Illinois PIRG; on Comcast and Net Neutrality Nate Silver – creator, The Burrito Bracket; on the best Mexican food in Wicker Park Josh [last name withheld] – official media representative, Illinois Students Against Required Silence (at Facebook); on the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act in Illinois (segue music this week from Istvan & His Imaginary Band)

OTL: Episode #55

(podcasting “from” right outside of the Morton Salt factory) (broadcasting on the 100-watt salty popcorn kernel WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Andy Hermann calls out Byrd to Mike Stephen, they learn about Google’s “Street View” in Chicago, they discuss Popcorn Poppin’ Month, and then they get the scoop on the future of housing rentals in the city. Getting the Led Out; Byrd at The Loop really really upset Andy recently Michael Overing – practicing lawyer and adjunct professor, Annenberg School of Communication (USC); on Google’s “Street View” maps now in Chicago Wendy Boersema Rappel – spokesperson, Popcorn Board; on October being… Popcorn Poppin’ Month (aka POPtober!) Mary Vasys – board member, Urban Land Institute; on The Preservation Compact and the future of renting in Chicago (segue music this week from BrownLine Fiasco)

OTL: Episode #54

(podcasting “from” the finish line of this year’s Chicago Marathon) (broadcasting on the 100-watt hammer toe WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann get the scoop on a local newspaper’s new format and ownership, they chat about one of their favorite magazines and websites, and then they talk with the guy behind an online journalism startup. racing bandits; Mike “knows a guy” who runs races as a bandit Alison True – editor, Chicago Reader; on the venerable newspaper’s new format and owners Davy Rothbart – point guard, FOUND Magazine; on valuable trash, and a whirlwind yearly tour Steve Rhodes – founder, The Beachwood Reporter; on providing ground-level journalism in Chicago (segue music this week from The New Pornographers)

OTL: Episode #53

(podcasting “from” right out in front of the Newberry Library) (broadcasting on the 100-watt card catalog WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen tells Andy Hermann his FCC fantasy, they learn about Banned Books Week, they get the scoop on the film industry in Chicago, and then they revisit the Best of Chicago — for 2007. Mike’s FCC fantasy; a hypothetical scenario involving FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein Judith Krug – director of the American Library Association‘s Office for Intellectual Freedom; on the 26th anniversary of Banned Books Week (Sep 29 – Oct 6) Adam Fendelman (publisher) and Dustin Levell (senior staff writer) – HollywoodChicago.com; on covering the film industry in the city and beyond Brian Hieggelke – editor and publisher, Newcity Chicago; on the “Best of Chicago 2007” (segue music this week from The Polkaholics)