Outside the Loop RADIO:
Chicago’s Award-Winning Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine

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

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

Dmitry Samarov– Chicago cabbie, artist, and author of Hack: Stories from a Chicago Cab

This local cabbie wrote about some of his great experiences while on duty.  He’s ready for a sequel and he tells us all about it this week.

Dmitry Samarov in his cab.

T.J. and Collin of TNG -

Have you ever seen a Star Trek hardcore music video?  You’re about to when you click below.  We find out why these local visionaries decided to embark on this trek of awesomeness.

Click above to “make it so.”

Miss Mia Park– Creator and producer of My Asian Mom

Since this is the Mother’s Day season, we get the lowdown on a stage play that’s all about the mom-child relationship.  You can catch the show every Friday and Saturday in May at Stage 773.

OTL #292 local music provided by The Future Laureates…

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

(broadcasting on the “may the Force be with you” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Adham Fisher– Transportation enthusiast

Last week Adham set out to reclaim the record for riding the entire L system the fastest.  We hear from him about his quest and find out if he achieved his goal.  Check out his Twitter page.

Mike and Adham Fisher in Logan Square

Gabe Calderon and Ross Greenberg - The founder and #2 guy, respectively, at the Chicago Jedi

You can become a Jedi Knight!  We learn about this non-profit group’s devotion to Jedi realism as a way of life.

Members of the Chicago Jedi

Emily Miller– Policy and government affairs coordinator for the Better Government Association

Last week the Chicago City Council passed the infrastructure trust championed by Mayor Emanuel.  Emily gives us an analysis of this new funding approach.

OTL #291 local music provided by Ornery Little Darlings…

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

(broadcasting on the “count every vote” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Will Guzzardi– Candidate for the Democratic nominee in the IL State Rep (39th) contest

Even though the IL primary election was last month, Will Guzzardi continues his fight against incumbent Toni Berrios.  He’s down 125 votes and he tells us why he’s asking for some votes to be recounted and re-examined.

Will Guzzardi

Joe Kwaczala - Host of The Late Live Show

This late-night live talk show is back starting April 21st at Stage 773.  We find out why the show disappeared in the first place and what’s on deck for the new run.

Mare Swallow– Founder of the Chicago Writers Conference

This conference is coming up September 14-16 at the Tribune Tower and will bring together local writers for a unique networking and education experience.

OTL #290 local music provided by Chicago Stone Lightning Band…

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

(broadcasting on the “community” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Ben Helphand– Board President of The Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail

We get an update on one of the coolest park projects in the city.  This 3-mile long linear park is on its way to becoming a reality.

A rendering of the Bloomingdale Trail

Steve Gibons - Local violinist

Steve put together the One-Day Silk Road Festival that will happen on April 12th at the Mayne Stage in Rogers Park.  We learn about this upcoming night of fantastic world music.

Steve Gibons

Lucia Palmarini– Coordinator at the Community Television Network

This local non-profit empowers local youth through teaching digital video production.  Lucia gives us the lowdown on this organization’s important work.

OTL #289 local music provided by Steve Gibons…

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

(broadcasting on the “tea and crumpets” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Jon Moonie– Co-founder of the From the Rookery End podcast and elementary school teacher in Watford, England

We hear about this British podcast from its founder.  He’s a fan of WLUW ever since he visited the station 11 years ago.

From the Rookery End Podcast

Mike v. Adam Richman -

One of Jon Moonie’s students thinks Mike looks like Adam Richman of the TV show Man v. Food.

Mike Stephen or Adam Richman?

Mike Edwards– Founder of the Save the Portage Theater Facebook page

The future of the Portage Theater in Portage Park is uncertain.  We hear from a concerned resident of the neighborhood who is trying to save the theater.

The Portage Theater

OTL #288 local music provided by Jennifer Hall…

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

(broadcasting on the “get out the vote” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mick Dumke– Senor Writer at the Chicago Reader

We get an insightful recap an analysis of this week’s local primary elections from one of the best reporters in the biz.

Mick Dumke

Oops, wrong number -

Sometimes Mike gets a wrong-number phone call on the OTL Hotline.  We hear one of those calls this week.

Chirag Patel– Co-Founder of TabsonRahm.org

This site displays Mayor Emanuel’s campaign promises and allows you to vote on how good of a job you think he’s doing in keeping those promises.

OTL #287 local music provided by Jonas Friddle and the Majority…

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

(broadcasting on the “kiss me I’m Irish” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

Kathy O’Neill– Public Relations Manager at the Irish American Heritage Center

We learn about all the great programs the center offers year-round as well as its rich history in Chicago.

The Irish American Heritage Center at 4626 N. Knox

OTL Rewind– Mike Butler, Head of the Green Chicago River Crew

With this being St. Patrick’s Day week, we thought it’d be cool to dig into the OTL audio archives to hear a clip from OTL #25 that includes learning about the history of turning the Chicago River green.

Chris Cieslak– Patron of Gold Star Bar on Division St.

Gold Star bartender, co-owner, and local favorite Susan Stursberg was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Chris and his fellow bar patrons are raising money to help Susan pay her medical bills.  Check out this website for all the details.

Susan Stursberg of Gold Star (pictured on the left)

OTL #286 local music provided by James Conway…

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

(broadcasting on the “story fest” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Megan Stielstra– Local author and faculty member of the fiction writing department at Columbia College

The 16th annual Story Week Festival of Writers is coming up March 18-23.  We get a preview of this popular local literary event.  Megan is also the literary director of 2nd Story, a local storytelling series.

The Parking Ticket Geek– Official OTL parking correspondent and blogger at TheExpiredMeter.com

The Geek discusses local red light and speed camera topics and answers a common ticket question.

Steve Zaransky– Co-Owner of LTHForum.com

The 2012 Great Neighborhood Restaurant and Resources nominations are now open.  We talk about this award program that has gained popularity over the years.

OTL #285 local music provided by Color Card..

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

(broadcasting on the “Chicagoside” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Patrick Schaffner– Director of Communications and Outreach for 826CHI

We go inside this non-profit that supports students with their creative writing skills.

Neil Brideau– Co-organizer of the Chicago Zine Fest

We get a preview of this festival of DIY publishing in Chicago and beyond taking place March 9th and 10th.

Sol Lieberman– Creative director and co-founder of ChicagosideSports.com

This new website claims to have the best sports journalism in town.  We find out what makes this site tick and the cool features you’ll find once you log on.

OTL #284 local music provided by Switchback…