OTL: Episode #396- The CPS funding saga, Mac and Cheese Fest, Staying “on-track” in high school

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 “I’m gonna learn ya’ stuff” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses CPS funding, previews the Mac and Cheese Festival, and learns about high school “on-track” research.   Dave Stieber– History teacher at Team Englewood Community Academy Recently Dave wrote an opinion piece on Chicago Public School funding.  He discusses the future of how CPS will stay afloat.     Melinda Joseph– Co-owner of Raymi Productions We get an exclusive preview of this delicious festival happening at the UIC Forum in October.       Thomas Kelley-Kemple– Research Analyst at the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research The CCSR released a study that looks at the importance of the “on-track” rate of high school students.  We get the details.         OTL #396 local music provided by Yellow Candy…  

OTL: Episode #395- Old-school local biz with The Distance, Mike’s Mom leaves another voicemail, Self-Loved Actor Workshop

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 “love yourself” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about a new online magazine profiling well-established businesses, listens to another awesome voicemail from his mom, and previews the Self-Loved Actor Workshop.   Wailin Wong– Editor and writer of The Distance We learn about this new online publication that profiles local businesses that have been around for at least 25 years.     Mrs. Stephen– Mike’s Mom Since Mother’s Day is this weekend, Mike plays a voicemail him mom left him recently.  Note: it’s tough to pull a fast one on your mom.     Mom wouldn’t call you if she didn’t love you.   Ryan David Heywood– Local actor and creator of The Self-Loved Actor Workshop Rejection is part of being an actor, but that rejection can build up over time and be a source of pain.  We learn about this local workshop that helps actors learn to appreciate themselves.         OTL #395 local music provided by Videotape…  

OTL: Episode #394- Chicago’s questionable crime stats, Journalism in high schools, CouchSurferz web series

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 “RadioSurferz” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a researcher about Chicago’s crime stats, discusses journalism education in high schools, and chats with the creator of the CouchSurferz comedy web series.   Brian Keegan– Post doctoral student at Northeastern University Recently Brian wrote a blog post called Crime, Time, and Weather in Chicago looking at the current trends of local crime stats.     Jason Block– Teacher at Prospect H.S. and board member of the Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association (NISPA) Last week OTL host Mike Stephen spoke at the NISPA Conference.  This week we learn about the great things the organization does to teach journalism in schools.     OTL host Mike Stephen’s talk at the NISPA Conference last week.   Jack Farrell– Writer & Creator of the CouchSurferz web series We get the skinny on this weekly comedy web series that is released every Thursday at Second City’s DeMaat Theater.         OTL #394 local music provided by Sexy Fights…  

OTL: Episode #393- Attack of the Killer Asparagus, Analyzing Transit Future, 826CHI’s sci-fi prom

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 “Radio-9 From Outer Space” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to environmental radio host Mike Nowak, gets an analysis of the Transit Future proposal, and previews the 826CHI sci-fi prom this weekend.   Mike Nowak – Host of The Mike Nowak Show on WCPT-AM (820) and author of the forthcoming book, Attack of the Killer Asparagus and Other Lessons Not Learned in the Garden We talk to Mike about Chicago environmental issues and preview his live broadcast from the Irish American Heritage Center this Sunday morning.     John Greenfield– Editor of Streetsblog Chicago Recently, John analyzed the Transit Future proposal to revamp Chicagoland’s transit system.  We get his opinions on the plan.       Hayley Miller– Events & Outreach Coordinator at 826CHI This local non-profit writing & tutoring center is holding its annual fundraiser this weekend.  We get a preview and learn more about this organization.         OTL #393 local music provided by Secret Science…