Inside Batavia’s Beardsgaard Barbers.

Mike Stephen talks to a variety of local business owners about how they are surviving the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hear from Joe Basilone, co-owner of Perkolator in Portage Park, Tyler & Natalie Anderson, co-owners of Beardsgaard Barbers in Batavia, and Jim & Kisha Williams, co-owners of Power Fitness Chicago in Roseland.  And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on this week’s show and reflect on helping out local businesses during the pandemic. The local pandemic tunez come from Chef Mike.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

An image from the new interactive Find My Landlord site.

Mike Stephen talks to Lucien Liz-Lepiorz of the Chicago DSA about a new interactive map that shows which landlords own what properties in Chicago, discusses lessons learned from the March primaries with City Bureau reporter Alex Arriaga, and discovers the Secret History of The Resurrection Band.  And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on this week’s show and discuss the power of using data to change society. The local pandemic tunez come from The Strangelets. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

Mike Stephen and the pamphlet that explains the proposed progressive income tax.

Mike Stephen talks to Fr. Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, about winning a humanitarian award and human connection during the pandemic, discusses Lake Michigan environmental concerns with Scott Blankman of Clean Wisconsin, and learns the pros and cons of the proposed state progressive income tax with David Merriman of the Fiscal Futures Project. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Producer Collin reflect on this week’s show theme of human connection. The local pandemic tunez come from Star Creature. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

Mail in your ballots!

Mike Stephen helps dispel myths of voting by mail with Katrina Phidd of Chicago Votes, chats with the Design Museum of Chicago’s Tanner Woodford about the pandemic’s impact on local art, and learns the Secret History of funky and folky Peter Berkow. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Producer Collin professes his love of Korean Pop music and creates a plan for a new local business. The local pandemic tunez come from Zapruder Point. ubscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged