OTL: Episode #274- The 2011 Christmas Spectacular!

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 “Santa Claus is comin’ to town” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gives thanks, has an exclusive interview with Santa Claus and grooves to the sweet sounds of local Holiday music. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!     Santa Claus– A very special OTL guest The man himself joins us from the North Pole to preview his annual world-wide ride this Christmas Eve.  He also unveils his “naughty and nice list.”   What we think Santa looks like… OTL Host Mike Stephen’s Christmas tree.  He’s a glutton for punishment. OTL #274 local music provided by The YMTE Podcast…

OTL: Episode #272- Crime data in districts slated to close, Evil Squirrel Comics fundraises, A home brewers paradise at Brew Camp

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 “always-brewing” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses crime data in the wake of scheduled police station closings, previews Evil Squirrel Comics fundraisers, and visits the local apothecary for home beer brewing, Brew Camp.   Tracy Siska— Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project The CJP recently published the crime data from the three police districts slated to close in 2012.  Tracy discusses the data. The 13th District station that’s closing next year, one of three stations.  Photo courtesy of the Chicago Justice Project.     Shawn King– Owner of Evil Squirrel Comics This Rogers Park comic shop planned on shutting its doors soon, but the community said “no!”  We learn about the series of “Save the Squirrel” fundraisers happening next week.     Whit Nelson— Co-owner of Brew Camp Brew Camp is a home brewer’s dream.  We pay a visit to this local brewer’s apothecary near Damen and Lincoln.   Brew Camp.  Photo courtesy of thrillist.com. OTL #272 local music provided by Save the Clocktower…

OTL: Episode #271- Music that educates kids, Chicago without IL?, Best and worst intersections in Chicago

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 “best intersection” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a local teacher who uses music to educate his students, re-examines the question, “Would Chicago Be Better Off Without IL?,” and discusses the best and worst intersections in the city.   Matt Baron— Local musician, teacher, and founder of Coach House Sounds We learn about Matt’s approach to teaching children English- music.  He’s planning on making an album full of educational music for kids.  Check out his Kickstarter page too! Matt Baron     Chicago Without IL?– Revisiting a question we looked at on OTL #185 A listener weighed in on the above question, so we re-examine this topic.     Steven Vance— Co-founder of GridChicago.com In a recent post, Steven looked at some of the best and worst intersections in the city.  We chat about what he wrote.   Photo courtesy of GridChicago.com OTL #271 local music provided by Baron von Something…

OTL: Episode #270- Trubadeaux: a Restaurant Movie, Cheap beer blind taste test, the Responsible Budget Ordinance

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… Happy Thanksgiving! (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “cheap beer” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the guys behind a new locally-produced movie, Trubadeaux, learns about the cheap beer taste test, and discusses the Responsible Budget Ordinance that was introduced in the city council.   Jay Sukow, John Berka, and Todd Wojcik— Writers of Trubadeaux (also, they’re in the film!) On OTL #216 we went on the set of Trubadeaux: A Restaurant Movie.  A year later that movie is complete.  We hear about the production process and why the guys chose to produce every aspect of the film in Chicago.   Todd Wojcik and John Berka on the set.     Tom Carter– Mike’s bro-in-law Need a way to spice up the family holiday party this year?  Try a cheap beer taste test!  Tom attended this event and he gives us a recap.   The cheap beer taste test.   Amisha Patel— Executive Director of The Grassroots Collaborative The Responsible Budget Ordinance was introduced in the Chicago City Council last month.  We learn about this legislation and how it has impacted the discourse of the city’s financial future.     OTL #270 local music provided by the Henhouse Prowlers…