OTL: Episode #362- Chi Raq documentary on city violence, A parking warning, A family doesn’t buy anything for a year

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “watch where you idle your car” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the director of a film about the culture of violence in Chicago, shares his downtown parking woes, and checks in with a family that isn’t purchasing anything in 2013.   Will Robson-Scott– Director of Chi Raq We discuss this documentary on the culture of violence in some of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods.         A bogus parking ticket–  Mike tells the story of how his dad received a parking ticket while Mike was idling the car, waiting to pick him up.  Friend of OTL, The Parking Ticket Geek, recently featured Mike’s story in a column.   OTL Host Mike Stephen with a bogus ticket.  Photo courtesy of dnainfo.com.     Joe Basilone– Co-owner of Thrift & Thrive resale shop Could you go a whole year without buying anything?  That’s what Joe and his family are attempting in 2013.  We check in with him once again to see how it’s going.       OTL #362 local music provided by Speck Mountain…  

OTL: Episode #359- 35 Best Tacos in America, Windy City BBQ Classic, Open Tables movie

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “tacos and BBQ” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks about the best tacos in America, previews the Windy City BBQ Classic, and learns about a new independent film shot in Chicago called Open Tables.   35 Best Tacos in America–  The Daily Meal came out with a list of the 35 best tacos in America.  Chicago makes a few delicious appearances on the list.         Gary Wiviott– Pit Master, Co-founder of the Windy  City BBQ Classic, Author of Low & Slow: Master the Art of Barbecue in 5 Easy Lessons We preview the Windy City BBQ Classic that’s happening this Sunday at noon in the South Parking Lot at Soldier Field.  There will be live Blues, great BBQ, and cooking demonstrations!     Jack Newell– Writer, Director, and Producer of Open Tables This independent film is slated for release early next year and was shot mostly in Chicago restaurants. Behind the scenes of Open Tables     OTL #359 local music provided by The Sweeps…  

OTL: Episode #356- Sky Full of Bacon, In For a Trim, Rooftop Sessions Chicago

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “water hero” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the creator of the “Sky Full of Bacon” blog and podcast, chats with the DP of a locally-produced video short, and learns about Rooftop Sessions Chicago.   Michael Gebert– Creator of “Sky Full of Bacon“ Chicago has a great food scene and the Sky Full of Bacon blog and podcast give us some unique perspective on all the local culinary action.         Jason “Doug” Beaumont– Director of Photography for Group Mind Films Recently, Mike caught up with Doug on set of the short In For a Trim.  Click on the pic below to watch the short and check out Doug’s site HERE. Mike Stephen as Bruce Cardiff in the short In For a Trim.     Joel Hoover– Audio engineer for Rooftop Sessions Chicago Music venues don’t have to be in traditional settings.  They can be anywhere, even on a roof.  Joel gives us the details.     OTL #356 local music provided by Yellow Jacket…  

OTL: Episode #343- Scrappers documentary, Hank Frisco in cat form, Domestic violence portrayal in local media

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “scrapper” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about the Chicago-based documentary called “Scrappers” and previews a moderated discussion on how violence against women is portrayed in the Chicago media.   Brian Ashby and Ben Kolak– Co-directors and co-producers of the documentary Scrappers We learn about this locally-produced film that follows two Chicago metal scavengers. A scene from Scrappers   Hank Frisco: Galaxy Defender and Cat– On OTL #334 we heard from Hank Frisco: Galaxy Defender‘s producer and writer Matt Kelley.  We check in with Matt regarding some fans in Philly wanting to name a cat after the lead role in the Chicago sci-fi comedy web series.         Tracy Siska– Executive director of the Chicago Justice Project On May 28th at the Union League Club of Chicago, the CJP will be presenting a public discussion called Documenting Violence Against Women: Justice Begins with Truth.  We preview this event.   OTL #343 local music provided by Go Time…