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 #491- Jogging around Lake Michigan’s perimeter, BallotReady.org, Hideout Harmonica Hoedown preview

Mike Stephen talks with:   adventurist/author Steve Cannon about his run around the perimeter of Lake Michigan as detailed in his new book 40 DAYS: Life, Love, Loss and A Historic Run Around One of the World’s Largest Lakes;   BallotReady co-founders Aviva Rosman and Alex Neimczewski about how they’re helping to make voting easier; and   Hideout Harmonica Hoedown curator Bob Kessler and brother-in-harp Graham Nelson about the 5th annual festival at the Hideout Inn.   Meanwhile, we celebrate Mike’s 36th birthday with a special gift and an extra special fan message!   This week’s local music is provided music provided by the aforementioned harmonica virtuoso Bob Kessler.   OTL host Mike Stephen III celebrates his birthday with his son Mike Stephen IV and a very special jar of pickles.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #489- Ald. Waguespack on good government, Drones and civil liberties, The Doorman app

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago’s 32nd Ward alderman Scott Waguespack about the quest for better government within the Chicago City Council;   Scrappers Film Group cinematographer Ben Kolak and Robo Aerial founder Christopher Morrison about Where Can I Fly My Drone?, the second episode of the “Rights Lab” web series that’s screening at Experimental Station; and   Doorman CEO/co-founder Zander Adell about eliminating package theft via a new app.   Meanwhile, we discuss Mike’s experience with the City of Chicago’s Graffiti Blasters program after his garage was tagged.   This week’s local music is provided by Forgotten Tropics.   OTL host Mike Stephen thanks the Graffiti Blasters for a job well done.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #485- The future of Chicago Public Schools, Racism in the Chicago Police Department, What’s up with those blank billboards in Logan Square?

Mike Stephen talks with:   retired art teacher, union guy, and blogger Fred Klonsky about Governor Rauner and Mayor Emanuel teaming up to bust the Chicago Teachers Union and more;   journalist Evan F. Moore about his Chicago Reader interview with three African-American cops caught between black and blue; and   Logan Square Preservation president Andrew Schneider about an ongoing fight to remove eyesore billboards from the neighborhood.   Meanwhile, we pay tribute to Dan Turner, a personal friend and social justice activist; and we wish Mike’s mom a happy birthday!   This week’s local music is provided by Jodee Lewis.   OTL host Mike Stephen takes a selfie under a blacked-out billboard in Logan Square.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.