OTL: Episode #562- Analyzing CPD data, International Sketchers Symposium, The Secret History of Philip Cohran

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Justice Project executive director Tracy Siska about his recent Freedom of Information Act filings with the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, the Chicago Police Department, and Mayor Emanuel’s office;   Urban Sketchers Chicago co-administrator Wes Douglas to get a preview of the 8th International Urban Sketchers Symposium being held here in town; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about visionary musician, inventor, composer, and educator Phil Cohran for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we play a voicemail from #1 OTL fan Mrs. Stephen… who’s concerned about the news that producer Andy Hermann is moving.   This week’s local music is provided by The Rubs.   OTL host Mike Stephen and producer Andy Hermann celebrate five years of friendship in 2006.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #541- Possible CPD reforms, Navigating Lake Street, The Platoon of Power Squadron series concludes

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Justice Project executive director Tracy Siska about changes that need to be made within the Chicago Police Department;   Fulton Market Association executive director Roger Romanelli about fixing the treacherous stretch of Lake Street between Halsted and Ashland; and   The Platoon of Power Squadron creator/writer/director Jake Jarvi about about his long-running locally-produced web series that’s coming to an end.   Meanwhile, we discuss street musicians dodging a proposed ban on performing on Michigan Avenue, and we play a voicemail from #1 OTL fan Mrs. Stephen, who feels like she’s been double-crossed by Mr. Fix-It himself… Lou Manfredini.   This week’s local music is provided by The Red Plastic Buddha.   OTL host Mike Stephen poses with his mom’s prized Lou Manfredini poster. [not pictured: Mrs. Stephen]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #516- Is Riot Fest a good thing?, More government transparency hurdles, The Secret History of Hamid Drake

Mike Stephen talks with:   Concerned Citizens of Riot Fest in Douglas Park co-founder Sharaya Tindal about her organization’s concerns about the annual music festival in their neighborhood;   Chicago Justice Project executive director Tracy Siska about filing suit against the Chicago Emergency Management and Communications office for more government transparency; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about world-renowned drummer Hamid Drake for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we discuss real estate prices around CTA stops.   This week’s local music is provided by Law of Keanu.   OTL host Mike Stephen wraps up his pre-show vocal exercises in a seventh floor radio studio in the Tribune Tower.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #468- Chicago Police Board Info, Running every block in Chicago, The Secret History of a local 80s jazz trio

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Justice Project executive director Tracy Siska about the new Chicago Police Board Information Center website;   Run Chicago creator Darcy Phillips about running each and every block of the city and his 25-mile bike commute; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about a 1980s far-out jazz trio consisting of Rich Corpolongo, Doug Lofstrom, and Paul Wertico for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we celebrate OTL’s first anniversary on WGN Radio!   This week’s local music is provided by Royal Outsiders.   Delicious cupcakes mark OTL’s first anniversary on WGN Radio!   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.   OTL producer Andy Hermann and host Mike Stephen celebrate one year of shows at WGN Radio!