OTL: Episode #41

(podcasting “from” the Grosse Point Lighthouse) (broadcasting on the 100-watt ray of light WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Andy Hermann surprises Mike Stephen with a little gift, they discuss low power FM radio, they learn more about Google taking over the world, and then they talk about a hilarious local sports paper. Andy’s gift for Mike; classic cheese rock in print Hannah Sassaman – organizer, Prometheus Radio Project; on the Local Community Radio Act of 2007 Aliza Appelbaum – summer campus editor, The Daily Northwestern; on Google’s quest for world domination Brad Zibung – editor in chief, The Heckler; on sports in Chicago, and not taking them too seriously (segue music this week from Hawk)

OTL: Episode #40

(podcasting “from” the Taste of Chicago) (broadcasting on the 100-watt slab of barbecue ribs WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann address an OTL controversy, they learn about hybrid buses for the CTA, they discuss bad hip-hip in rural Wisconsin, and then they learn about why more girls should rock. Andy’s coup; a special bond made with Chicago Alderman Manny Flores Sanjaka Wirasingha – doctoral research assistant at thee Grainger Power Electronics and Motor Drives Laboratory within the Electric Power and Power Electronics Center at the Illinois Institute of Technology; on hybrid electronic conversion kits for the CTA Mike in Wisconsin; our friends up north at Bob’s Riverside love Fergie Emily Easton – co-founder, Girls Rock! Chicago; on why girls rock, and should rock even more (segue music this week from Neko Case)

OTL: Episode #39

(podcasting “from” the corner of Belmont and Halsted) (broadcasting on the 100-watt shower contest WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann honor Weinerfest ’07, they learn about ticket “convenience” fees, they lament the loss of an indie magazine and reflect upon their time with a star, and then they discuss the best Pride Parade marchers ever. Weinerfest ’07; Mike was there… but it’s not what you’re thinking Jim DeRogatis – Sun-Times pop music critic, Sound Opinions co-host; on “convenience” fees on tickets, and how it’s gotten out of control RIP Punk Planet; an indie culture institution folds George Takei’s transporter; Mike and Andy’s time spent with Captain Sulu Rhett Lindsay – director, Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps (ROTC); on bringing down the house during the Pride Parade (segue music this week from Cornmeal)

OTL: Episode #38

(podcasting “from” the Forest Park Blue Line station) (broadcasting on the 100-watt diesel engine WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann talk transportation and the current state of the CTA, and then they go on location and visit with a coffee champion. driving on Ashland Avenue; the nightmare of a major street in Chicago Kevin O’Neil – founder, CTA Tattler; on happenings at the Chicago Transit Authority Matt Riddle – designer, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea; on roasting and brewing, and the competitive barista circuit (segue music this week from Soft Targets)