OTL: Episode #479- The importance of CTU’s vote to strike, Jefferson Park Forward, The Secret History of local folker Bob Gibson

Mike Stephen talks with:   In These Times associate editor and Strike for America: Chicago Teachers Against Austerity author Micah Utrecht about the importance of the Chicago Teachers Union strike;   Jefferson Park Forward founder Ryan Richter about the future of Chicago’s northwest side; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about folk hero Bob Gibson for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we discuss Chicago the band entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame via a controversial fan vote.   This week’s local music is provided by Vamplifier.   OTL host Mike Stephen always dresses a little nicer around the holidays. Nice shirt!   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #474- Building connections in the classroom, The Secret History of McLuhan, A local Sci-Fi novella and cookbook in one

Mike Stephen talks with:   Taft High School history teacher Mayra Almaraz-De Santiago about her Gapers Block op-ed “Give Me a Mirror: Why Students Need to Connect to their Teachers” on building connections in the classroom;   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about mysterious jazz-proggers McLuhan for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music; and   author and cultural critic Anne Elizabeth Moore about her latest project — Afterparty: A Community Guide for the Future, a science fiction novella slash cookbook collaboration with Sonnenzimmer.   Meanwhile, Mike admits to his addiction to LaCroix in wake of learning of Chicagoans being overtaxed on sparkling water!   This week’s local music is provided by Chris Bolint.   OTL host Mike Stephen offers his services as a spokesperson for LaCroix Sparkling Water.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #472- End Result’s secret punk history, The future of affordable housing in Chicago, Justin Roberts rocks kids music in studio

Mike Stephen talks with:   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about early-1980s avant-garde punks End Result for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music;   Communities United board president Diane Limas about what her organization is doing to keep rents affordable despite the upcoming Chicago property tax hike; and   Grammy-nominated local children’s music artist Justin Roberts… who hung out and played live for the hour!   Grammy-nominated musician Justin Roberts poses with Mike Stephen after rocking the soundtrack for OTL #472.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #470- Chicago’s DIY Musician’s Conference, Secret History of a local 80s synth band, The new emperor of Portage Park

Mike Stephen talks with:   CD Baby CEO Tracy Maddux about the DIY Musician Conference coming to Chicago next weekend;   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about 1980s new wave band the The Arms of Someone New for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music; and   Thrift & Thrive co-owner Joe Basilone about not buying anything for a year and now dominating Irving Park Road with two more businesses — Perkolator coffee and Sputnik Books & Records.   Meanwhile, we discuss how Wrigleyville has changed over recent years and the strict new neighborhood rules during the Cubs’ home playoff games.   This week’s local music is provided by The Forest of Love.   OTL host Mike Stephen sports his Cubbie blue eyes at Wrigley Field. [circa Summer 2008]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.