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 #256- Just back from vacation show

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 “keepin’ it real on a canoe” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen, having just returned from a canoe trip on the Wisconsin River, plays some great conversations from past shows. Tune in to hear a conversation about rethinking the El, a visit to the first Bloomingdale Trail access park, and Anne Elizabeth Moore talking about her latest art project.       The breakfast of champions while camping on the Wisconsin River. Tune in next week for a brand new edition of the show! OTL #256 local music provided by Architecture…

OTL: Episode #236- Rethinking the “L”, Goose Island Buyout Details, Chicago Journalism with Geoff Dougherty

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 “keep it local” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the Reader’s Ed Zotti about rethinking the L, gets the details on the Goose Island Beer buyout, and discusses Chicago journalism with journalist Geoff Dougherty. Ed Zotti— Author of “How to Fix the El” in the Chicago Reader The CTA is planning the Red and Purple Line Modernization Project.  Ed thinks that in the wake of this, it’s a good time to rethink how the El runs in Chicago. Photo By Michael Boyd Josh Noel— The Beer Writer for the Chicago Tribune Goose Island Beer Co. has been sold to Anheuser-Busch.  What will this mean for our beloved local brew?  Josh joins us to answer that question and many more.  Check out his Trib article HERE. Geoff Dougherty— Founder of the Chicago Current He’s bounced around different local media outlets over the past 10 years.  Geoff joins us to talk about his latest project and some of his views on Chicago journalism. OTL #236 local music provided by Soft Speaker…

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..