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.

OTL: Episode #468- Chicago Police Board Info, Running every block in Chicago, The Secret History of a local 80s jazz trio

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Justice Project executive director Tracy Siska about the new Chicago Police Board Information Center website;   Run Chicago creator Darcy Phillips about running each and every block of the city and his 25-mile bike commute; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about a 1980s far-out jazz trio consisting of Rich Corpolongo, Doug Lofstrom, and Paul Wertico for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we celebrate OTL’s first anniversary on WGN Radio!   This week’s local music is provided by Royal Outsiders.   Delicious cupcakes mark OTL’s first anniversary on WGN Radio!   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.   OTL producer Andy Hermann and host Mike Stephen celebrate one year of shows at WGN Radio!