OTL: Episode #453- A son in Logan Square reissues his dad’s 60s rock album, Mick Dumke on the latest in Chicago politics

Mike Stephen talks with:   Maplewood Records founder Ian Capilouto about reissuing The Glass Family’s 1968 album Electric Band (featuring his dad David Capilouto!) along with other musical rarities; and   Chicago Reader senior writer Mick Dumke about the latest on local (State’s Attorney Alvarez vs. Cook County Board President Preckwinkle) and state (Governor Rauner’s redacted calendar) politics.   Plus the OTL crew discusses Knight Rider, David Hasselhoff, and our efforts to track down the Chicago Knights!   This week’s local music is provided by Ian’s new band Holiday Party.   Mike Stephen with his dad and his son. That’s three Mike Stephens in one picture!   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL #443: Chicago Police citizen surveillance, The man behind Chuy’s stache, #DateMe: An OkCupid Experiment

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “stache-friendly” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen discusses the extent of Chicago Police surveillance on citizens, talks to the man behind Chuy Garcia’s mustache, and gets a preview of #DateMe: An OKCupid Experiment.   Joel Handley–  Contributing Editor at In These Times How much police surveillance on Chicagoans is appropriate?  We explore this question and the issue of how provide safety without tramping our 1st Amendment rights.       Steve Bogira– Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader We hear how Steve opened the door for the beginnings of Chuy Garcia’s mustache. Photo courtesy of ChicagoReader.com   Robin Lynn Norris– Creator of #DateMe: An OkCupid Experiment The world of online dating can be hilarious.  This show running at the UP Comedy Club (230 W. North Ave.) is based off of actual OkCupid conversation and gives us a glimpse into that world       OTL #443 local music provided by Richard Album…

OTL: Episode #441- Chicago Police citizen surveillance, TIF Reform, Bucktown residents unite

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “walk-of-fame” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen talks to the Chicago Reader’s Mick Dumke about police surveillance on Chicagoans, gets the latest on TIF reform, and learns how Bucktown residents are making the neighborhood a better place.   Steve Jensen–  President of the Bucktown Community Organization Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood is working to unite in order to combat problems, such as crime in the community.  We get the scoop on the efforts of the residents.       Mick Dumke– Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Mick stops by to chat about The Chicago Police’s surveillance on citizens and how TIF districts in the city are largely benefiting the downtown area. Mike Stephen and Mick Dumke continue their political conversation at a post-show breakfast.   OTL #441 local music provided by Mirror Coat…

OTL: Episode #438- Another look at unions and IL politics, Story Week Festival of Writers, The Secret History of Chicago Music: Baby Doo Caston

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “baby-doo” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen takes another look at unions and their influence on IL politics, previews Story Week Festival of Writers, and gets the lowdown on Chicago musician Baby Doo Caston.   Frank Manzo–  Policy Director, Illinois Economic Policy Institute We heard a lot of listener feedback on the topic of influence of unions on IL politics.  This week we get another perspective on this issue.       Eric May– Author and artistic director of Story Week Festival of Writers Columbia College presents this annual festival that celebrates the written word and the art of storytelling.  We get a preview of this event that runs from March 15-21.  Eric May discusses the upcoming Story Week Festival of Writers with Mike Stephen     The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles 20th century Blues musician Baby Doo Caston in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on his musical contribution to Chicago.       OTL #438 local music provided by Molehill…