OTL: Episode #565- Improving public schools, Affordable housing near The 606, Fritz Kaegi runs for Assessor

Mike Stephen talks with:   Generation All associate program officer Misuzu Schexnider about their plan for improving neighborhood high schools and the new Chicago Public Schools app;   Logan Square Neighborhood Association former president Lissette Castañeda about the fight for affordable housing in areas by The 606 park system; and   Cook County Assessor candidate Fritz Kaegi about his vision for transparent and competent assessments for everybody.   Meanwhile, we discuss how the Chicago Triathlon is introducing a one-mile Underwear Run along the lakefront this year!   This week’s local music is provided by Ratboys.   OTL host Mike Stephen III, son Mike Stephen IV, and wife Jenny Stephen I enjoy The 606 park system. [circa summer 2015]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #564- Frank Lloyd Wright at 150, Slow Roll Chicago, The Secret History of Julian Leal

Mike Stephen talks with:   Frank Lloyd Wright Trust curator David Bagnall about FLW’s architectural legacy in the 150th anniversary year of his birth;   Slow Roll Chicago co-founder/vice president Jamal Julien about promoting social change in Chicago via riding bicycles; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about 1980s power-pop wizard Julian Leal for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we read Mike’s t-shirt, discuss how Walgreens is wrongly applying the Cook County soda tax to LaCroix Sparkling Water, and talk about the new boozy Taco Bell just off the Magnificent Mile.   This week’s local music is provided by Sunjacket.   OTL host Mike Stephen is passionate about LaCroix Sparkling Water.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #563- A local movement to end ride sharing apps, Mick Dumke on the state of investigative journalism

Mike Stephen talks with:   artist/playwright/actor Mr. Bohemian about his Rethink the Pink campaign against ride-sharing services; and   reporter Mick Dumke about his new gig at ProPublica Illinois, why journalism is now more necessary than ever, and on what stories he’s currently working.   Meanwhile, in reaction to the Trump administration’s latest moves against the LGBT community, we play an excerpt from OTL #548 featuring a member of Oak Park and River Forest High School‘s gay-straight alliance student group.   This week’s local music is provided by Cheer-Accident.   The conversation between OTL host Mike Stephen and Chicago Reader senior writer Mick Dumke continues after the show!   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

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.