OTL: Episode #248- Chicago Rot, OTL News Desk Update, Obbityfest Preview

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 “fresh, not rotten” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to part of the production team of a new locally-based film called Chicago Rot, updates us on past stories covered on the show, and learns about a DIY indie music fest happening next weekend. Brant McCrea, Dorian Weinzimmer, and Jeremy Vranich— Writer, Director, and Producer/Actor (respectively) of Chicago Rot This film, currently in pre-production, has been described as a “dark love letter” to Chicago.  We find out more about this movie and why it features the not-so-glamorous parts of the city.   The OTL News Desk– Host Mike Stephen updates us on some stories covered on past editions of OTL. The OTL News Desk Chris Kee— Member of the local band The Earth Program We learn about Obbityfest, a DIY music fest put on by The Earth Program, that happens 4th of July weekend.   OTL #248 local music provided by The Earth Program…

OTL: Episode #246- Albany-Whipple Park Opening, a Nelson Algren Documentary, Chicago Food Policy

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 “parks and recreation” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen visits the grand opening of the Albany-Whipple Park, talks to the director of a new documentary about Nelson Algren, and discusses Chicago’s food policy. Ben Helphand— Board President of The Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail We go on-location to the grand opening of the Albany-Whipple Park, a future access point for The Bloomingdale Trail.  Ben gives us an update on the BT project. The New Albany-Whipple Park Michael Caplan– Director and Writer of Algren The life & work of the great 20th Century writer Nelson Algren is the focus of this documentary due out in spring of 2012.  We hear about the process of making this film. Nelson Algren   Erika Allen— Board Member of the Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council We hear about efforts of this organization to improve access to nutritionally sound and affordable food and discuss Chicago’s food policy.   OTL #246 local music provided by Rebecca Rego…

OTL: Episode #245- Dose Market, The Bar Aid Project, Man UP Chicago

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 “manned-up” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen previews the debut of Dose Market, learns about the Bar Aid Project from a local bartender, and chats with the editor of ManUpChicago.com. Jessica Herman— Co-founder of Dose Market and Associate Style & Shopping Editor for Time Out Chicago This Sunday, June 5th, is the debut of Dose Market at the River East Arts Center (435 E. Illinois).  Jessica gives us the lowdown on this cool new monthly market that focuses on local food and fashion. Logan Lavacheck– Mixologist at Sepia and Duchamp, Creator of The Bar Aid Project What can we learn from a mid-20th century bar guide that has 80 drink recipes printed on it?  We explore this question and find out why Logan is re-creating these archaic cocktails. The Bar Aid from circa 1950   Mark Rumble— Editor of ManUpChicago.com This new web-based magazine is geared toward Chicago men (but women might like it too!).  Mark tells us why he started up the site and what you can expect to read there.   OTL #245 local music provided by The Diemakers…

OTL: Episode #244- The Roundtable Show: Discussing the Chicago Comedy Scene

  TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from WLUW’s Convergence Studio) (broadcasting on the “roundtable” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen hosts another in a series of occasional discussions, taking place in the community and covering different local topics/themes.  The topic of this roundtable is the Chicago Comedy Scene.   Mike welcomes local comedians: Sean Flannery— Check out his website at worldsdumbestman.com Tiffany and Danielle Puterbaugh— Hosts of a great night of comedy at the Town Hall Pub (3340 N. Halsted) every Sunday at 8 p.m. Chad Briggs— Follow him on Twitter- @mrchadbriggs or on Tumblr: chadbriggs.tumblr.com L to R: Danielle Puterbaugh, Sean Flannery, Tiffany Puterbaugh, and “Chad Briggs”   The Roundtable is portable!  If you have an idea where we should record the next one or what we should talk about, let the OTL Staff know! OTL #244 local music provided by Northern Magnolia…