OTL: Episode #483- Ald. Arena talks Chicago finances, Diversity in the teacher workforce, Getting crafty with Handmade Market

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago’s 45th Ward alderman John Arena about the city’s finances and why the Progressive Caucus is urging the Emanuel administration to reconsider its plans to pay interest rate swap termination penalties;   Jenner Academy of the Arts principal Robert Croston about school diversity and what it takes to produce more black teachers; and   Handmade Market organizer Heather Flett about what you can find at one of the longest-running craft markets in town.   Meanwhile, we defend our neighbors against RoadSnacks and their “10 Worst Chicago Suburbs” list.   This week’s local music is provided by the Ben Marshall Band.   OTL host Mike Stephen reps his beautiful yet economical hometown of Elmwood Park, Illinois.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #469- U of C’s impact on the neighborhood, Chicago International Map Fest preview, An education at Hot Dog University

Mike Stephen talks with:   South Side Weekly contributor/photographer Juliet Eldred about her “Outside That System and Hence Unspeakable” project that looks at the relationship between the University of Chicago and the Hyde Park neighborhood;   Chicago International Map Fair founder Sammy Berk about the upcoming (Oct 23-25) festivities at the Loyola University Museum of Art; and   Hot Dog University PHD (Professor of Hot Dogs!) Mark Reitman about how you can learn to run your own hot dog cart or stand.   Meanwhile, we congratulate the Chicago Transit Authority for winning a national award for its courtesy campaign!   This week’s local music is provided by Cannonball.   OTL host Mike Stephen is excited to bite into his post-show hot dog. This week’s comes from Mickey’s in Oak Park.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #454- The Wabash Lights project, Renters rights in Chicago, Singer-songwriter Dina Bach plays live

Mike Stephen talks with:   Jack Newell and Seth Unger, creators of The Wabash Lights, a new public interactive art project;   Mark Swartz, legal director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing, about Chicago renters rights; and   Dina Bach, an amazing local singer-songwriter who stopped by the studio to play live for the hour!   Meanwhile, we re-file a report from the 2006 Chicago Pride Parade. #LoveWins   Mike Stephen poses with musician Dina Bach after she provided the soundtrack for OTL #454.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #452- A visit to Rebecca Zemans Jewelry Studio, Previewing the Chicago Scots’ Highland Games, and the Secret History of Chicago’s 90s rockers Green

Mike Stephen talks with:   Rebecca Zemans, owner/designer at Rebecca Zemans: Sculptural Designs in Jewelry studio, in Ravenswood;   Gus Noble, president of Chicago Scots, about the 29th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games in Itasca; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about alt-poppy almost-buzz band Green for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   This week’s local music is provided by Antony + the Tramps.   Outside the Loop host Mike Stephen III and his son Mike Stephen IV are suited up in their Blackhawks gear ready for Game 5!   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.