OTL: Episode #411- OTL is moving to WGN, Reclaiming local old wood, Chicago Rarities Orchard Project

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 “Chicago rarity” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen announces the show’s move to WGN Radio, visits a local carpenter who reclaims old wood, and learns about the plan to create unique fruit orchards in Chicago.   Andy Hermann– The new producer of OTL…again BIG NEWS: This show is moving to the airwaves of WGN-AM (720) starting October 4th!! We get the details on what to expect.       Rob Christopher– Founder & Owner of Emotive Reclaim We visit Rob’s Humboldt Park workshop where he turns found materials around town into beautiful furniture.     Rob Christopher at work in the Emotive Reclaim shop.     Dave Synder– Founder and Board Member, Chicago Rarities Orchard Project It’s the goal of this organization to build neighborhood orchards around the city.  We learn how this project could bring the community together.     The plan for the first orchard.     OTL #411 local music provided by Maks the Fox…  

OTL: Episode #410- A look at IL unions, Riding the perimeter of Metra, Innovation at Fulton 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 “are you on the clock?” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the economic impact of government unions in Illinois, talks to the guy who biked the entire perimeter of the Metra rail lines, and previews Fulton Fest.   Paul Kersey– Director of Labor Policy at the Illinois Policy Institute How much are Illinois government unions costing taxpayers?  We explore the impact of these unions on our state’s economic future.       John Greenfield– Editor of Streetsblog Chicago Recently John biked the entire perimeter of Metra’s rail lines in order to better understand our region.  He also wrote an article about it.  We find out what he learned from his 4-day trek.     John’s bike route around the Metra lines.     Liz Valentine– Co-organizer of Fulton Fest We get a preview of this festival that showcases the Nearwest Side’s innovation.  It takes place Friday, August 22, from 2-7pm on Fulton between Damen and Hoyne.           OTL #410 local music provided by The Lemons…  

OTL: Episode #409- Chicago’s food journalism, A local YouTube star, We’ll Sing a Song with Ella Jenkins

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 “you sing a song, I sing a song” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the state of Chicago’s food journalism, talks to a local YouTube star, and learns about a documentary about Ella Jenkins that is in pre-production.   Mike Gebert– Local food writer and creator of “Sky Full of Bacon“ Chicago has a wonderful food scene, but how do we fair when it comes to food journalism?  We hear Mike’s opinion.       Blake Grigsby– DePaul University junior, local actor, comedian, and YouTube star We hear how this college student has gained millions viewers through his work on YouTube.     Blake in his Kiss Me, I’m Desperate video.     Tim Ferrin– Director & Producer of Ella Jenkins: We’ll Sing a Song Together Ella Jenkins is the first lady of children’s music and she turned 90 last week.  This week we learn about efforts underway to make a documentary about her incredible life.           OTL #409 local music provided by Tea Tsunami…  

OTL: Episode #408- Are Chicago beaches clean?, STORY comes to Chicago, Citizens to Abolish Red Light Cameras

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 “smile, you’re on the red light camera” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the pollution level of Chicago beaches, previews the STORY festival, and talks to a rep from Citizens to Abolish Red Light Cameras about that group’s work.   Josh Mogerman– Deputy Director of National Media for the Natural Resources Defense Council The NRDC makes it easy for us to see the pollution level of Chicago beaches through their website.  We find out how it works.       Katie Strandlund– Director of Operations for STORY On October 2-3, the STORY conference takes place in Chicago.  It’s an event where all creative types get together to network and learn from one another.  We get a preview.         Don Bransford– Committee member of Citizens to Abolish Red Light Cameras Are the red light cameras making us safer?  Not everyone thinks so.  We learn about the actions this organization is taking to get the cameras taken down.     A recent red light camera protest.   OTL #408 local music provided by Noah Harris…