OTL: Episode #180- Mike Doyle Checks Out of ChicagoNow, Comic Books in Academics, Mick Dumke Talks Chicago Politics

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “all politics is local” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to local blogger Mike Doyle about leaving the Trib’s ChicagoNow blog, learns how comic books reflect American history, and chats about the latest local political issues with Mick Dumke. Mike Doye — Scribe at ChicagoCarless.com This week Mike resigned his post as the scribe of ChicagoNow’s Chicagosphere blog.  He tells us the story of why he left and the problems he sees with the ChicagoNow approach to blogging. Cord Scott— Ph.D. Student in American History at Loyola University Chicago Comic books can tell a great deal about our history.  Cord will be exploring the link between comics, academics, and history at an event on Monday, March 22 at Challenger’s Comics at 1845 N. Western Ave. from 6-9 p.m.  He joins us on the show this week. Mick Dumke — Writer and Editor at the Chicago Reader From the politics of Chicago garbage to the city’s economic woes, Mick Dumke is covering the story.  He brings us up to speed on the latest Chicago political issues. Mike Stephen and Mick Dumke Talk Chicago Politics at Toon’s in Lakeview in November of ’09 OTL #180 local music provided by The Streets on Fire…

OTL: Episode #162- CTA Tattler on Apple and Possible Fare Hikes, Elia From Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Mourning the Loss of Johnny

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “RIP Johnnie” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the CTA Tattler about Apple Inc’s latest move in Chicago and about the threat of a fare hike, checks in on the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir after their horrific tour van accident, and mourns the loss of Johnnie, owner of Johnnie’s Lounge. Kevin O’Neil — The CTA Tattler Apple will cough up some cash to rehab the crappy North/Clybourn El stop.  With the bad economy can we expect CTA fare hikes in the future?  The CTA Tattler discusses these issues! Elia — Songwriter, Guitarist, and Vocalist for the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir This past September the local band Scotland Yard Gospel Choir was nearly killed when their tour van flipped over in I-65 in Indiana.  Elia recalls the story and gives us a recovery update. Elia Jason Mathews – Former Regular at Johnnie’s Lounge Ivan “Johnnie” Vrbetic passed away on October 23, 2009 at the age of 87.  He was the owner of Johnnie’s Lounge on Lincoln, one of the greatest bars in Chicago.  Jason and Mike fondly remember Johnnie and the bar. Johnnie’s Lounge Johnnie OTL #162 local music provided by Scotland Yard Gospel Choir…

OTL: Episode #148- Local Biz Roadblocks, Is It OK to Like DMB Now?, Godless In Chicago

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “it’s OK to like Dave Matthews” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the city’s interference of small business startups and entrepreneurs, chats with a local writer about whether or not it’s ok to enjoy Dave Matthews, and learns what an Illinois atheist activist is blogging about these days. Beth Milnikel – Director of the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School Beth recently wrote an op-ed for the Chicago Tribune arguing that the city stands in the way of small business startups more often than not.  We discuss her views on this issue. Steve Heisler – Assistant City Editor for Decider Chicago and Contributor to The AV Club Recently Steve wrote this blog post that raises the question, “Should we still hate Dave Matthews?” Rob Sherman – Blogger at Godless In Chicago at ChicagoNow.com For an atheist’s POV of local politics and other issues, Rob Sherman’s blog is a popular read.  He chats with us this week about atheism and the local separation of church and state. OTL #148 local music provided by The Smoking Popes…