OTL: Episode #420- Hollaback Chicago, Loving science with the IL Science Council, The Secret History of Chicago Music

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “science rulez” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen learns about local efforts to combat street harassment, discusses the cool work of the Illinois Science Council, and gets the details on a local band that never quite made it to the big time.   Katie Davis– Site Director, Hollaback Chicago Street harassment has a lasting impact on victims.  We learn about this organization that aims to combat street harassment in Chicago.     Monica Metzler– Founder and Executive Director of the Illinois Science Council This local non-profit seeks to keep alive our fascination with science.  We get the scoop on this cool organization and preview their Science of a Cocktail Party event on November 15th.     The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles the now-defunct band Men in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on the band’s musical contribution to Chicago.     OTL #420 local music provided by Gerald Dowd…

OTL: Episode #418- Chicago Loot Drop charity, Chicago Writers Conference preview, The Secret History of Chicago Music

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “write this down” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen learns about a local charity event that benefits kids at Comer Children’s Hospital, gets a preview of this year’s Chicago Writers Conference, and learns about an under-the-radar contributor to the Chicago Music Scene.   Mike Chuck– Chairman of The Chicago Loot Drop This local charity brings together “gamers and nerds” to help the children at University of Chicago Medicine’s Comer Children’s Hospital.  We learn about the Shamblers’ Ball taking place on October 27th.   Mare Swallow– Founder of The Chicago Writers Conference Patricia Ann McNair– Author and Associate Professor in the Department of Creative Writing of Columbia College Chicago We get a preview of the upcoming conference and discuss Chicagoland’s literary community.  Mare Swallow and Patricia Ann McNair talking to Mike Stephen in the WGN Allstate Showcase Studio.   The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles Steve Eddington in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on Steve’s life, times, and musical contribution to Chicago. The Secret History’s feature on Steve Eddington.   OTL #418 local music provided by Old Grand Dad…

OTL: Episode #416- South Side teaching reflections, Local politics with Mick Dumke, Beardsgaard Barbers, Chicago Kickboxing Club

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “never-late-to-the-news” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen talks to a South Side teacher about why he does what he does, chats local politics with reporter Mick Dumke, drops by Beardsgaard Barbers in Batavia, and visits the Chicago Kickboxing Club in Lincoln Park.   Dave Stieber– History teacher at Chicago Vocational Career Academy Dave reflects on his years of teaching on the South Side of Chicago.  You can also read his recent post on this topic here. Dave Stieber and his son.   Mick Dumke– Senior writer at the Chicago Reader Mick discusses how the Mayor’s low poll numbers might affect the aldermanic races and the lack of enthusiasm for the IL gubernatorial candidates. Mick Dumke and Mike Stephen talk Chicago politics.   Tyler and Natalie Anderson– Co-owners of Beardsgaard Barbers We drop by this new barber shop at 117 S. Batavia Ave. in Batavia, IL to learn about this young couple’s dream shop come true. Natalie Anderson gets ready to cut some hair at Beardsgaard.   Jim Glasgow– Owner of the Chicago Kickboxing Club This Lincoln Park gym specializes in Muay Thai Kickboxing.  We find out what that is and get the story behind this increasingly-popular workout spot. Jim Glasgow trains students at the Chicago Kickboxing Club   OTL #416 local music provided by Mooner…

OTL: Episode #371- The Chicago Cultural Plan, GloVentra, New City’s Best of Chicago 2013

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 of Chicago” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the Chicago Cultural Plan, learns about a new use for the Ventra card, and talks about the Best of Chicago 2013 with the editor of New City Magazine.   Deanna Isaacs– Staff writer and columnist for the Chicago Reader Deanna has been covering the developing story of the Chicago Cultural Plan and gives us the latest.         Sam Isenstein– Local copywriter and creator of GloVentra Sam came up with a way to make your public transportation commute a whole lot easier: you can wear your Ventra card.  He tells us about his creation.         Brian Hieggelke– Editor and publisher of New City New City came out with its Best of Chicago 2013 list recently.  Brian talks about the list and the future of print publishing.       OTL #371 local music provided by Swim Ignorant Fire…