Electric transportation. (Photo courtesy of Collin Seaman/WGN Radio).

Mike Stephen discusses Illinois’ grade for electric transportation with Bryan Howard of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, learns about the importance of local architectural journalism with architectural historian Elizabeth Blasius, and talks to Colleen Smith, deputy director of the Illinois Environmental Council, about a proposed ordinance aimed at curbing air pollution in Chicago. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin stress the need for immediate environmental protections, wonder if Mars will be a vacation destination in the future, and say some prayers for The Tamale Guy. The local music this week comes from Motel Breakfast. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 2 years ago Tagged

The Clean Energy Jobs Act would position Illinois as an environmental leader.

Mike Stephen gets an update on the Clean Energy Jobs Act from State Rep. Ann Williams, discusses the plight of renters during the pandemic with Philip DeVon of the Metropolitan Tenants Organization, and explores the Secret History of 70s rockers The Kind. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin remind everyone to fill out their census forms and remind everyone of the greatness of The Tamale Guy. The local pandemic jamz this week come from Andrew Bird. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

Posted 3 years ago Tagged

Mike Stephen kayaking on the Chicago River in 2008.

Mike Stephen discusses the rise of democratic socialism in the Chicago City Council with author Edward McClelland, learns that it’s safe to fish in the Chicago River (kind of), and discovers the Secret History of radio DJ Jerry-O.  This week’s local music is brought to you by Lester Ray. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 4 years ago Tagged

Mike Stephen interviews Chicago Mobile Makers founder Maya Bird-Murphy outside of the future Mobile Maker Van.

Mike Stephen drops by an old post office van in Humboldt Park to chat with the founder of Chicago Mobile Makers, learns about an event at The Plant raising awareness about food consumption, and previews the Kite Fest happening at the Chicago Botanic Garden.  And we have a special guest in the OTL Wrap Party: Sister-In-Sound Ashelyanne Krigbaum, producer of Rightnowish, on KQED 88.5 FM in San Francisco!  This week’s local music is brought to us by Fuzzy Poser. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 4 years ago Tagged