OTL: Episode #563- A local movement to end ride sharing apps, Mick Dumke on the state of investigative journalism

Mike Stephen talks with:   artist/playwright/actor Mr. Bohemian about his Rethink the Pink campaign against ride-sharing services; and   reporter Mick Dumke about his new gig at ProPublica Illinois, why journalism is now more necessary than ever, and on what stories he’s currently working.   Meanwhile, in reaction to the Trump administration’s latest moves against the LGBT community, we play an excerpt from OTL #548 featuring a member of Oak Park and River Forest High School‘s gay-straight alliance student group.   This week’s local music is provided by Cheer-Accident.   The conversation between OTL host Mike Stephen and Chicago Reader senior writer Mick Dumke continues after the show!   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #553- CPD’s Strategic Subject List, The Chicago Picasso, Urban Nerd Herd

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Sun-Times staff reporter Mick Dumke about why the Chicago Police Department has created a secret “Strategic Subject List” of possible violent criminals;   art historian Patricia Balton Stratton about her new book The Chicago Picasso: A Point of Departure; and   Urban Nerd Herd founder Amanda McCarthy about hiking for pleasure and mental health.   Meanwhile, we discuss how Mike jammed on some indie rock at the Navy Pier McDonald’s!   This week’s local music is provided by Post Animal.   Chicago Sun-Times staff reporter Mick Dumke and OTL host Mike Stephen rep the city and solve the world’s problems during their post-show breakfast meeting.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #533- A look back on 2016 Chicago entertainment, food, and politics

Mike Stephen takes a look back at 2016 and peeks into 2017 with:   Chicago Reader associate editor Brianna Wellen about women in the local comedy scene;   Chicagoist food editor Anthony Todd about some recent restaurant openings and closings; and   Chicago Sun-Times staff reporter Mick Dumke about the local political landscape.   Meanwhile, the OTL crew wishes you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!   This week’s local music is provided by The Flat Five.   OTL host Mike Stephen and his better half Jenny are ready to hit the town on New Year’s Eve 2012! 2016’s festivities include sweatpants, wine, and television.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #514- The Secret History of Charley Organaire, Mick Dumke on the Chicago violence epidemic

Mike Stephen talks with:   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about reggae and ska harmonica innovator Charley Organaire for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music; and   Chicago Sun-Times staff reporter Mick Dumke about his special report on Chicago’s murder victims in first half of 2016 and addressing the crime problem at a community level.   Meanwhile, we discuss how Cook County is going after small venues for back amusement taxes.   This week’s local music is provided by Yell?jaket.   Chicago Sun-Times staff reporter Mick Dumke and OTL host Mike Stephen rep the city and solve the world’s problems during their post-show breakfast meeting.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.