Mike Stephen explores why diner coffee can be so bad with Chicago Tribune food reporter Nick Kindelsperger, learns how Deborah’s Place assists homeless women in Chicago, and gets the lowdown on how open data can make Chicago a better place with Eric Sherman, creator of the Logan Square Chi Hack Night.  The local music this week brought to you by Swatches. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen talks about the role Chicago Alderman play in affordable housing development with Chicago Area Fair Housing Executive Director Patricia Fron, discusses the sustainable benefit of closed loop economies with Jonathan Pereira of Plant Chicago, and geeks out over tacos and the upcoming Tacos Y Tamales Fest  with the fest co-producer Nick Pobutsky. Local music this week courtesy of local synth-pop GOSH! To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen talks with transportation enthusiast The Parking Ticket Geek about the latest local parking and transportation stories, gets the delicious details of all the great food along 26th Street with Mike Gebert, editor of Fooditor.com, and hangs with Steve Krakow (aka Plastic Crimewave) to learn about the Secret History of Elgin’s 70s Blues-rockers Iron Lung. The local music this week comes from V.V. Lightbody. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #531- Women in politics, The new IL energy bill, Reviving soggy fries

Mike Stephen talks with:   Rodham Consulting founder Anne Szkatulski about how her brand new start-up is focusing on getting women to run for public office;   Midwest Energy News staff writer Kari Lydersen about Illinois’ just-passed sweeping energy bill and what it means for energy and the environment; and   The A.V. Club “Food Science” columnist (and University of Chicago physics instructor!) Dave McCowan about how to successfully revive soggy french fries at home.   Meanwhile, we play a voicemail from #1 OTL fan Mrs. Stephen… who continues to look out for her son’s safety in dangerous winter weather.   This week’s local music is provided by Teds Dancin.   OTL host Mike Stephen shows off one of his many radio show work suits before the snowstorm hits.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.