OTL: Episode #192- Mick Dumke on TIF Money, LOST Fever, The Vegan Way of Life

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “DHARMA Initiative” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses allocation of Chicago’s TIF money, admits that he’s in the DHARMA Initiative, and learns about being vegan at a vegan restaurant in Edgewater. Mick Dumke — Writer and Editor at the Chicago Reader Mick (along with co-author Ben Joravsky) has come out with another must-read article dealing with TIF money in Chicago.  Mick joins us to discuss how the city spends this money. Mike Stephen is a “Lostie”— OTL Host Mike Stephen said that he wouldn’t get sucked into the Lost craze.  Turns out he’s in his own DHARMA Initiative film that he showed at a Lost finale viewing party. Duc Vu and Kiseung Lee — Partners at Loving Hut, an organic vegan restaurant in Edgewater We learn about what being a vegan is all about and how it can benefit our global community. OTL #192 local music provided by The Bears of Blue River…

OTL: Episode #168- Inclusive Local T-Shirts, Crazy Bike Guy, How the CTA Might Save Some $$

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “t-shirt friendly” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about a local T-shirt company that encourages community participation, recalls his experience with a crazy cyclist on Milwaukee Ave., and talks to a local writer who has some cost-saving ideas for the CTA. Reminder to Submit Your Local Holiday Music —  We’re looking for Chicago musicians to submit versions of classic Christmas songs or original Holiday tunes.  Those songs will be featured on the Christmas show on December 24th! Clint McMahon — Founder of Scared Panda T-shirts The creator of the infamous Tamale Tracker is back with a new venture: T-shirts that encourage community participation. Mike Rolls Tape on a Crazy Cyclist – Check out this guy who performed his “stunt” on Milwaukee Ave. WARNING: The audio on this video is LOUD! Andrew Reilly – Local Writer Andrew has an idea that would save the CTA some money next year.  He recently wrote about this for the AV Club Chicago. Andrew Reilly OTL #168 local music provided by The Year After…

OTL: Episode #152- Rise of the Chicago Dem Machine, Bar Breakdancing, and What the Heck is Happening in Uptown?

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “viral audio” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the rise of the Chicago Democratic Machine, tells us about his experience with random bar breakdancing, and talks to an Uptown resident about what the hell is happening in that neighborhood. Rich Lindberg – Local writer and author of The Gambler King of Clark Street We’ve all heard of the political Chicago Democratic Machine.  But where exactly did it come from?  Rich shines a new light on this topic. Rando Bar Breakdancing – You never know when you’re going to see it. Recently Mike was hanging out with friends at Mac’s bar on Division.  Before they knew it they had front row seats to an impromptu dance-off!  Mike rolled video on his cell phone camera… James Cappleman – Resident of Uptown and Board President of the Uptown Chicago Commission There has been some craziness in Uptown lately.  From riots in the streets to angry residents chasing the Alderman out of a press conference, some might say, “What’s going on, Uptown?”  We hear from a resident about the mood of the neighborhood and what he thinks needs to be done to unify the area. OTL #152 local music provided by Anni Rossi…

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…