OTL: Episode #216- The Latest on the Heartland Cafe’s Financial Struggles, Vote for OTL!, On the Set of Trubadeaux

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 “vote for OTL” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen visits the Heartland Cafe to get the latest on its financial future, reminds all of us to vote for OTL for best podcast in Chicago, and reports from the set of the new locally-produced movie, Trubadeaux. Michael James and Katy Hogan— Co-Founders and Co-Owners of the Heartland Cafe This Rogers Park community institution recently went through some difficult financial times.  We get an update on the state of the Heartland and learn about the public’s outpouring of support. Mike Stephen, Katy Hogan, and Michael James at the Heartland Cafe Vote for Outside the Loop!—  NewCity magazine is running their Best of Chicago 2010 poll right now.  You’d be oh-so-awesome if you wrote in Outside the Loop for “Best Local Podcast!”  REMEMBER: you must vote for at least TEN categories for your ballot to count!  Thanks for your support! Jay Sukow and John Berka— Co-Writers and Producers of Trubadeaux This week Jay and John were part of the cast and crew shooting this movie all about life and craziness in a high-end Chicago restaurant.  We get a behind the scenes peek into the making of the film.  Oh, and OTL host Mike Stephen plays a sleezy Chicago alderman! From L to R: Cynthia Kolb as the Alderman’s Wife, Mike as Ald. Ed Meritos, […]

OTL: Episode #215- Straight Dope Chicago With Ed Zotti, Film Fest Previews: Pizza Film Fest & Reeling 29th Gay and Lesbian

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 “straight dope” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen chats with Straight Dope researcher/writer Ed Zotti, previews the Pizza Film Fest and talks to the director of the 29th Reeling Gay & Lesbian Film Festival here in Chicago. A Man’s Gotta Eat—  When you hold big office, you have a big appetite.  President Obama was in town last week and he visited Topolobampo for dinner.  Chef Rick Bayless Tweeted away while preparing the Prez’s food in the kitchen. Pres. Obama’s Dinner.  Photo Courtesy of Rick Bayless’ Twitter Feed Ed Zotti— Confidant, Editor, and Personal Trainer to Cecil Adams, Author of The Straight Dope Column Does Chicago clean its streets more than the average city?  What’s up with dead roosters in the streets?  Is Rahm too much of a lightweight to be mayor?  We answer these questions this week. Tia Ayers— Creator and Producer of the Pizza Film Festival A film festival revolving around pizza?  Yep. Brenda Webb – Director of Reeling 2010: The 29th Annual Chicago Lesbian and Gay Film Festival This week marks the beginning of Reeling 2010- it’s 29th year!  We get a preview on this year’s festival and Brenda discusses why it’s important to our community. OTL #215 local music provided by Reds and Blue..

OTL: Episode #214- Inside the Gaztro Wagon, OTL News Desk Update, Covering Chicago Politics with Early and Often

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 “gaztro” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen pays a visit to the Gaztro-Wagon, jumps behind the OTL News Desk to give us an update on some local stories, and discusses a new website dedicated to in-depth coverage of Chicago politics. Matt Maroni— Chef and Owner of the Gaztro-Wagon We go inside the popular Chicago food truck to find out how it got started, why people dig it, and the future of the local food truck movement. The Gaztro-Wagon Parked at Division and Ashland The OTL News Desk Update—  Mike Stephen dons his anchorman blazer and mustache to bring us updates on some past OTL stories and other local happenings. Mike Fourcher— Business Manager for Early and Often This new site provides in-depth coverage of Chicago politics.  We find out how it came to be and why it’s all the buzz right now. OTL #214 local music provided by Lionlimb..