Mike Stephen enjoys a Zoom call with improv performer Jay Sukow.

Mike Stephen learns how improviser Jay Sukow is helping us to laugh through online improv, discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the local homeless population, and gets insight into how real estate is handling the pandemic with writer AJ LaTrace. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin discuss “Zoom Fatigue.”   The local quarantine music this week comes from The Waco Brothers. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL #436: Little-discussed issues in the mayor’s race, Chicago Noise Complaint app, The Secret History of Chicago Music: Washboard Sam

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “washboard abs” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen discusses little-discussed issues in this year’s mayoral race, learns about the Chicago Noise Complaint app, and gets the story of Chicago Bluesman Washboard Sam.   Mick Dumke–  Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Mick discusses what the candidates for mayor aren’t talking about this election year.    Mick Dumke and Mike Stephen talk Chicago politics     Darrin Thomas– Creator of the Chicago Noise Complaint website After getting fed up with the noise pollution from O’Hare Airport, Darrin created this app to create a log of noise complaints that will be given to the city.     The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles 20th century Blues musician Washboard Sam in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on his musical contribution to Chicago.     OTL #436 local music provided by Love In the Dark…

OTL: Episode #323- “Dibs” in Chicago’s winter, The Andersonville Rahm snowball story, SpotHero.com’s growth

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 “dibby-dibs” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about a book that chronicles “dibs” in the winter, replays the Rahm Emanuel Andersonville snowball story, and catches up with the CEO of SpotHero.com. Mike Brown– Creator of the book Dibs Chicago- The Winter Phenomenon of Parking Spot Saving We learn about this book that chronicles the art of using a variety of objects to save shoveled-out parking spaces in Chicago.       Jay Sukow – Local Improv performer We hear this clip from OTL #220 where Jay recalls his on-the-street meeting with Rahmfest and how Mr. E. almost got pegged with a snowball. Jay and Rahm in Andersonville     Mark Lawrence– Co-Founder of SpotHero.com This site allows you to reserve a parking space in Chicago before you even leave your house!  We hear about how this company has grown over the past year and discuss the recent $2.5 million in venture capital money the company received.   OTL #323 local music provided by the Lowdown Brass Band…  

OTL: Episode #274- The 2011 Christmas Spectacular!

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 “Santa Claus is comin’ to town” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gives thanks, has an exclusive interview with Santa Claus and grooves to the sweet sounds of local Holiday music. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!     Santa Claus– A very special OTL guest The man himself joins us from the North Pole to preview his annual world-wide ride this Christmas Eve.  He also unveils his “naughty and nice list.”   What we think Santa looks like… OTL Host Mike Stephen’s Christmas tree.  He’s a glutton for punishment. OTL #274 local music provided by The YMTE Podcast…