OTL: Episode #555- The future of landlines in IL, Chicago is not broke, Politics and science in our state

Mike Stephen talks with:   AARP Illinois associate state director Julie Vahling about the future of landline telephones in Illinois;   civic educator Tom Tresser about our city’s financial future as detailed in Chicago Is Not Broke: Funding the City We Deserve; and   Illinois Science Council executive director Monica Metzler about how the current political climate impacts the science community in our state.   Meanwhile, we discuss what Chicagoans are drinking!   This week’s local music is provided by The Hacky Turtles.   OTL host Mike Stephen enjoys making points.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #513- Guided Meditation VR, Another way to fund CPS, A local Syrian-American sings his heart out

Mike Stephen talks with:   Cubicle Ninjas CEO Josh Farkas transporting yourself to exotic locations without leaving your home via the brand new Guided Meditation VR app;   Center for Tax and Budget Accountability executive director Ralph Martire about funding Chicago Public Schools via taxes on services; and   local musician Bassel Almadani about his smooth funky tunes and his experiences as a Syrian-American artist.   Meanwhile, we discuss what it’s like running into a genuine “Chi-lebrity.”   This week’s local music is provided by the aforementioned Bassel & The Supernaturals.   OTL host Mike Stephen and Mr. Fix-It host Lou Manfredini, fellow “Chi-lebrities,” pose for the paparazzi at a remote at The Hidden Shamrock in Lincoln Park. [photo circa December 13, 2014]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #426- Reuse everything at The WasteShed, Tripnary travel app, The best Chicago coffee map

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “coffee is for closers” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen visits The WasteShed in Humboldt Park and learns about reusing every day items, gets the lowdown on a new personalized travel app designed in Chicago, and discusses the most comprehensive Chicago coffee map.   Eleanor Ray– Director of The WasteShed Tucked away in Humboldt Park, The WasteShed is a place where you can find every day items for reuse.  We go inside this unique shop. The WasteShed at 914 N. California in Chicago   Varun Goel and Abhishek Ghuwalewala– Creators of the Tripnary app This iPhone app, developed in Chicago, creates a personalized world-wide travel bucket list for you.  We get the lowdown.   The Tripnary app   Tanveer Ali–  Data reporter for DNA Info Chicago We learn about the most comprehensive online Chicago coffee map and why it was created.  This map is a useful resource for all Chicagoans…as is the most comprehensive Chicago late-night bar map!  The most comprehensive online Chicago coffee map   OTL #426 local music provided by Exit Ghost…

OTL: Episode #414- Revisiting The Salsa Truck, Chicago School of Data, Reeling 32: Chicago LGBT Film Fest

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 “tacos to the masses” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen pays a visit to the owner of The Salsa Truck, learns about the Chicago School of Data, and previews Reeling 32: The Chicago LGBT International Film Festival.   Dan Salls– Owner of The Salsa Truck We pay a visit to The Salsa Truck HQ (the West Loop restaurant known as The Garage) to hear what Dan has learned during his time as a Chicago food truck owner.       Dan O’Neil– Executive Director of Smart Chicago Collaborative The SCC is working on a new project: the Chicago School of Data.  This effort seeks to use data to help our everyday lives.  We learn about how it all works.     Alexandra Ensign– Programming Director of Reeling 32: The Chicago LGBT International Film Festival We get a preview of this incredible film festival now in its 32nd year in Chicago.           OTL #414 local music provided by House Sounds…