OTL: Episode #419- Chicago storyteller Jack Zimmerman, Local Star Trek hardcore music, Mike Loves Tacos

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “Chicago stories” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen talks tacos, visits with acclaimed local storyteller and author Jack Zimmerman, and debuts a new hardcore metal song about Star Trek: The Next Generation.   Jack Zimmerman– Chicago author and storyteller One of the most unique storytellers in Chicago drops by the studio to chat about his life, his work, and his new book: Cooked. Jack Zimmerman and Mike Stephen in the WGN Allstate Showcase Studio    Collin Seaman & T.J. Martin– Band members of TNG Take Star Trek: The Next Generation and add hardcore metal.  The result is TNG.  We go on-location to Backhouse Productions in Glendale Heights, IL and get a behind the scenes look at the latest song: “Up the Long Ladder.”  Check out the behind-the-scenes making of the song HERE.  T.J. Martin, Mike Stephen, and Collin Seaman lay down sweet vocals on TNG’s “Up the Long Ladder.”   Mike Loves Tacos– He really does. The latest edition of this Chicago-centric taco series is online HERE.  Mike wakes up his guest John Berka to reflect on his time eating tacos on camera at El Asadero in Lincoln Square (2213 W. Montrose). John Berka and Mike Stephen eat tacos at El Asadero in Lincoln Square.     OTL #419 local music provided by The Artist Formerly Known As Vince…

OTL: Episode #418- Chicago Loot Drop charity, Chicago Writers Conference preview, The Secret History of Chicago Music

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “write this down” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen learns about a local charity event that benefits kids at Comer Children’s Hospital, gets a preview of this year’s Chicago Writers Conference, and learns about an under-the-radar contributor to the Chicago Music Scene.   Mike Chuck– Chairman of The Chicago Loot Drop This local charity brings together “gamers and nerds” to help the children at University of Chicago Medicine’s Comer Children’s Hospital.  We learn about the Shamblers’ Ball taking place on October 27th.   Mare Swallow– Founder of The Chicago Writers Conference Patricia Ann McNair– Author and Associate Professor in the Department of Creative Writing of Columbia College Chicago We get a preview of the upcoming conference and discuss Chicagoland’s literary community.  Mare Swallow and Patricia Ann McNair talking to Mike Stephen in the WGN Allstate Showcase Studio.   The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles Steve Eddington in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on Steve’s life, times, and musical contribution to Chicago. The Secret History’s feature on Steve Eddington.   OTL #418 local music provided by Old Grand Dad…

OTL: Episode #409- Chicago’s food journalism, A local YouTube star, We’ll Sing a Song with Ella Jenkins

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 “you sing a song, I sing a song” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the state of Chicago’s food journalism, talks to a local YouTube star, and learns about a documentary about Ella Jenkins that is in pre-production.   Mike Gebert– Local food writer and creator of “Sky Full of Bacon“ Chicago has a wonderful food scene, but how do we fair when it comes to food journalism?  We hear Mike’s opinion.       Blake Grigsby– DePaul University junior, local actor, comedian, and YouTube star We hear how this college student has gained millions viewers through his work on YouTube.     Blake in his Kiss Me, I’m Desperate video.     Tim Ferrin– Director & Producer of Ella Jenkins: We’ll Sing a Song Together Ella Jenkins is the first lady of children’s music and she turned 90 last week.  This week we learn about efforts underway to make a documentary about her incredible life.           OTL #409 local music provided by Tea Tsunami…  

OTL: Episode #407- Romancing The Slinger, Crowdsourcing every meal in August, Chicago Ave. Moon app

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 “feed me” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen has an in-depth discussion about the Diner Grill’s Slinger, talks to someone who is crowdsourcing every one of his meals for a month, and learns about the Chicago Ave. Moon app.   John Pacini– Former Chicagoan and someone who conquered The Diner Grill’s “Slinger” You haven’t lived until you’ve attempted The Slinger at The Diner Grill (1635 W. Irving Park Rd).  We discuss this intense food challenge and why it’s so delicious.   The Slinger at The Diner Grill.  Photo courtesy of electricalaudio.com.     Kurt Vanderah– Resident of NW Indiana who is crowdsourcing his meals for August Kurt hasn’t been eating well for a few decades.  He decided enough is enough and he’s turning to us to help him eat healthier in August.         Joshua Dumas– Composer and creator of the Chicago Avenue Moon app We learn about this new app that responds to your speed, location, and the phase of the moon in order to produce a constantly changing and unique music composition.         OTL #407 local music provided by Tangleweed…