Mike Stephen welcomes local raconteur Jack Zimmerman into the studio to preview a great local storytelling event, checks in with 33rd Ward aldermanic candidate Katie Sieracki on how her campaign is shaping up, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago 80s pop-rockers The Service with local music historian Steve Krakow (aka: Plastic Crimewave).  The local music this week is brought to you by Dramaglider. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen talks with Chicago Alderman Scott Waguespack about his views on the city’s leadership, learns about the Illinois Railway Museum, and visits the lair of Steve Krakow (aka Plastic Crimewave) to discover the Secret History of 60s garage-rockers The Riptides. Local music this week courtesy of Sun Cop. 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 #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.