(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the “rock/duck ‘n roll” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Doug James– Chicago-based actor who portrays “The Gray-Haired Man” in BOSS

We catch up with Doug as he talks about his role as a “cleaner” in BOSS, a show starring Kelsey Grammer as the Mayor of Chicago.

Doug James.  Photo courtesy of imdb.com.

Brian Hieggelke- Editor and publisher of NewCity

NewCity is out with its “Best of Chicago 2011″ list.  Brian joins us to talk about how they put it all together.  OTL made the list last year!

Amy Le– Co-owner of The Duck ‘Roll Food Truck

We climb aboard one of the newest food trucks in Chicago and talk to Amy about what it’s like to operate a food truck in the city.

Amy Le next to her food truck.  Photo courtesy of ducknrolltruck.com.

OTL #273 local music provided by Juniper Mays…

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 “re-mapped” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen discusses the upcoming ward re-mapping, talks to a Chicagoan who measured his family’s yearly garbage output, and learns about a new local literary magazine.

Matthew Blake– Contributing Writer for the Chicago Journal

The ward map in Chicago is slated to change this year.  Matthew talks about his article covering the upcoming ward re-map and how that process works in the City Council.

OTL Rewind–

In honor of the recent Earth Day we hear this interview with Scott Rappe, architect and member of the East Village Association, that originally aired on OTL #185 last year.  Scott measured his family’s garbage output for 2009.  He discusses the results and how easy it is to compost in your urban backyard.

Photo by Phil Velasquez

Daniel Duffy– Editor and Publisher of The Handshake Magazine

There is a new magazine in the Chicago literary scene that focuses on long-form journalism.  We get the scoop about this project that launched from its Kickstarter site.

OTL #240 local music provided by Barehand Jugband…

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 “Snowbama” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen recalls his recent push poll experience, talks to IL Secretary of State Jesse White about the new Cubs license plates, gets the scoop on the local recording of a song about Mayor Daley, and discusses the rise of online funding platforms in the arts community.

Jesse White– IL Secretary of State

Recently Secretary White and the Chicago Cubs unveiled a brand new Cubs license plate.  He gives us the lowdown on how the proceeds benefit IL public schools.  You can purchase the new plates at cyberdriveillinios.com.

Abraham Levitan– Member of the local band, Baby Teeth

Baby Teeth recently completed a new EP called BOSS.  Last week, Mike spun a track off the record that’s all about Mayor Daley.  This week we find out how the song evolved.

Jessica Herman — Associate Editor of Shopping and Style for Time Out Chicago

Jessica joins us to talk about an article she wrote about how online funding platforms are helping fuel the local creative scene.  Check it out here.

OTL #228 local music provided by Otter Petter…

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the “OTL is #1” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen celebrates the show being selected best podcast in Chicago, discusses the “malling” of the city with Jonathan Fine, plays some audio from a recent Bears tailgate, and reviews NewCity’s Best of Chicago 2010 list with the magazine’s publisher.

Outside the Loop and #1 in Chicago!–

NewCity selected OTL as the “best local podcast” in Chicago for 2010!  We’re all pretty excited!  Thanks for checking out Chicago’s almost above-ground audio magazine!

Jonathan Fine– Executive Director of Preservation Chicago

Recently, Jonathan was part of a debate over the “malling” of Chicago.  He explains his view of why bringing large malls into Chicago isn’t a good idea.

The Proposed Wrigleyville Development

Inside a Bears Tailgate – 

Host Mike Stephen was at a Chicago Bears tailgate before the game last week…with an audio recorder.  We get a brief recap from the sounds of Bears fanatics Kevin, Joe, and Matt.

A View of Last Week’s Bears Tailgate

Brian Hieggelke– Editor and Publisher of NewCity

Brian returns to discuss the annual best of Chicago edition of NewCity.  NOTE: Since Brian is an occasional guest on OTL, he recused himself from the “best local podcast” category and gave that assignment to another writer.  We’re legit, baby!

OTL #221 local music provided by The Rails…

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the “looking to record your Holiday song” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen wants to record your Holiday music, talks to the Green Party candidate for State Rep in the 39th district about his recent campaign, learns about the upcoming AREA Chicago auction, and discusses the Roscoe Village econmy with a local business owner.

Attention Local Musicians: OTL Wants to Record Your Holiday Songs!–

Once again, OTL will feature local Holiday tunes on the December 23 show!  This year, however, host Mike Stephen will record YOUR music for airplay! E-mail Mike at mike@outsidetheloopradio.com to set up a time and day to record your songs!  NOTE: These must be ACOUSTIC tunes and must be able to be recorded with four microphones or less.

Record with OTL!

Jeremy Karpen– Former Green Party Candidate for IL State Rep (39th District)

Jeremy ended up losing the election, but he reflects on the future of the Green Party in IL and what kind of representation his community of Logan Square needs in the future.

Rachel Wallis – Finance Coordinator for AREA Chicago

AREA Chicago is a bi-annual magazine and a series of local community events.  They are holding a very unique benefit auction this Saturday, December 4th, called “Wants and Needs.”  We find out more about AREA Chicago and the auction this week.

Jenna Zaffino– Owner/Director of Helios Center For Movement in Roscoe Village

As a small business owner in Roscoe Village, Jenna offers her reflections on the economic climate in that neighborhood.

Photo courtesy of Rachelleb.com

OTL #219 local music provided by Alexander Webb…

(broadcasting on the “gee, the 90s were a rocking time in Chicago ” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen talks to a former radio personality about the importance of the 90s local music scene, checks up on prominent Chicagoans’ ridiculous Tweets, and learns about Another Chicago Magazine.

James Van Osdol- Former radio personality, local writer, author of Chicago Rocked

The 1990s were an incredible time for the Chicago music scene.  James is working on telling the story of the local contribution to Rock & Roll over these 10 years in a book called Chicago Rocked.   He’s releasing the book himself and is looking for the people’s support!

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Kroll (jeffkrollphotos.com)

Steve Rhodes - Founder of BeachwoodReporter.com

Some Chicagoans shouldn’t be allowed to Tweet.  Steve and I discuss why.  You can also check out the “20 Tweets” series on the Beachwood Reporter.

Jacob Knabb – Editor of Another Chicago Magazine

ACM is one of the many very cool facets of the Chicago literary scene.  Jacob explains what the magazine is all about and its role in the local writers’ community.

OTL #154 local music provided by Moonshine Willy…

(broadcasting on the 100-watt aldermanic prerogative radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago)

Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann run through some news updates, they learn about an independent caucus in Chicago’s City Council, they attempt to stuff a “Best of Chicago” ballot box, and then they learn about the 60th anniversary of Israel.

OTL Newsroom Updates;
bidding farewell to Melissa from WLUW’s own Full on Friday,
Mike’s towed-car saga continues and his letter is posted at TheExpiredMeter,
another end of an era — the Spindle in Berwyn came down

Adam Doster - In These Times senior editor, Progress Illinois reporter/blogger;
on “Chicago’s Independent Caucus: A Year Later“

OTL: The Best of Chicago;
vote early and vote often (by May 19!)…
Outside the Loop RADIO for Chicago’s best podcast

Debby Oshri-Pintel – executive director, Hadassah Chicago Chapter;
on celebrating the 60th anniversary of Israel

(segue music this week from Balkans)

(broadcasting on the 100-watt DIY radio facility WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago)

Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss Daylight Saving Time, they learn about a movement to recall Governor Blagojevich, they get the scoop on the ever-gentrifying Wicker Park, and then they talk about marketing and the DIY movement.

Daylight Saving Time;
confusion over which way we turn the clocks, and drinking

Jack Smith – Loyola U. prof and former D.C. CBS News Bureau Chief;
on the possibility of recalling Governor Blagojevich

Tim Inklebarger – editor, Chicago Journal;
following up on gentrification in the Wicker Park neighborhood

Anne Elizabeth Moore – author, Unmarketable;
on marketing and the co-opting of DIY punk culture

(segue music this week from Twilight Revival)

(broadcasting on the 100-watt hammer toe WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago)

Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann get the scoop on a local newspaper’s new format and ownership, they chat about one of their favorite magazines and websites, and then they talk with the guy behind an online journalism startup.

racing bandits;
Mike “knows a guy” who runs races as a bandit

Alison True – editor, Chicago Reader;
on the venerable newspaper’s new format and owners

Davy Rothbart – point guard, FOUND Magazine;
on valuable trash, and a whirlwind yearly tour

Steve Rhodes – founder, The Beachwood Reporter;
on providing ground-level journalism in Chicago

(segue music this week from The New Pornographers)

(broadcasting on the 100-watt shower contest WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago)

Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann honor Weinerfest ’07, they learn about ticket “convenience” fees, they lament the loss of an indie magazine and reflect upon their time with a star, and then they discuss the best Pride Parade marchers ever.

Weinerfest ’07;
Mike was there… but it’s not what you’re thinking

Jim DeRogatis – Sun-Times pop music critic, Sound Opinions co-host;
on “convenience” fees on tickets, and how it’s gotten out of control

RIP Punk Planet;
an indie culture institution folds

George Takei’s transporter;
Mike and Andy’s time spent with Captain Sulu

Rhett Lindsay – director, Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps (ROTC);
on bringing down the house during the Pride Parade

(segue music this week from Cornmeal)