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

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

Mike Stephen loves pens, gets the latest about the Wal-Mart saga in Chicago, discusses the news regarding the CTA Mobile Garden Project, and learns about an arts event that will benefit the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

Angela Caputo – Reporter and Blogger for ProgressIllinois.com

There is a new development in the plans to bring another Wal-Mart to Chicago.  Angela gives us the story.  Check out the article she wrote on this topic here.

Joe Baldwin– Local Artist and Creator of The Mobile Garden

We check in with Joe since he has some good news about the status of The Mobile Garden.  I originally interviewed him about this project in October of last year.  You can check out that interview here.

Peter Exley – Architect, Co-host of the Pecha Kucha Night Chicago

I know, I know.  Pecha what?  Peter explains what this unique show is all about and how it will benefit the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

OTL #176 local music provided by Kristin Ronne…

 

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

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

Mike Stephen learns about an upcoming local arts project involving the City Council, chats with a former OTL employee about some show press, and brings us the story of the East Village neighborhood’s arrival on the National Register of Historic Places.

Jeremy Scheuch – Co-organizer of the Chicago Aldermen Project

In an effort to teach Chicago about its elected officials, local artists will create portraits of their aldermen.  We get the info on this interesting project.

Andrew J. Hermann– Former Executive Producer of Outside the Loop Radio

Recently this little radio show got some press in the January edition of the Illinois Entertainer.  They didn’t get the picture and the caption correct, though.  Is this an evil plot by Andy to take over?  We find out!

Hey, that’s not Andy Hermann!

Scott Rappe – Architect, member of the East Village Association

The East Village neighborhood in Chicago was recently named to the National Register of Historic Places.  We get some history of this small area of the city and find out why it made the list.

OTL #175 local music provided by The Cathy Santonies…

 

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

(broadcasting on the “business up front and a party in the back” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen has some advice for the upcoming singles profile in Chicago Magazine, learns about a community discussion series that takes place in a local barber shop, talks about the CTA warning against excessive photography, and chats with the editor of The Lake Street Lookout.

Alice Kim – Director of The Public Square

“Shop Talk” is an event put on by The Public Square that intends to foster discussion about a wide range of issues.  It takes place at Ron’s Barber Shop at 6058 W. North Ave every last Friday of the month.  We discuss the importance of these kinds of programs.

Carlos Miller– Photojournalist, writer, activist

Carlos recently came across the picture below and was outraged to see that the CTA is apparently equating photographing on public transit to terrorist activity.  He joins us this week to discuss the issue.

Kathy Kozan – Editor of The Lake Street Lookout

The West Loop area has seen an influx of people and businesses, which is a good thing.  Sometimes, however, there are unintended consequences of more people in the area- especially in the wee hours of the morning.  We get the details.

OTL #174 local music provided by The Great Crusades…

 

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

(broadcasting on the “I love me some Maurice Lenell cookies” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen talks to the Sun-Times business reporter who has the story on Maurice Lenell cookies making a comback, jumps behind the OTL News Desk, and chats with one of the transit geeks who rode the entire L system in one day.

Outside the Loop is all about Twitter – 

Mike embraces modern technology.

Sandra Guy – Business reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times

There’s some local sweet treat news: Maurice Lenell cookies are being distributed in Chicagoland again.  Ferrara Pan will be producing high-end chocolate.  Sandra gives us all of the sugar-y details.

OTL News Desk – 

From Chicago not getting the chance to host the next World Cup to the cast of the Jersey Shore coming to town, your intrepid anchor, Mike Stephen, has the stories.

C.J. Bright – Local transit geek

C.J. and his friends rode the ENTIRE CTA “L” system in one day!  He joins us this week to talk to us about their experience and why they decided to to this.  Check out this Google Map for the details on their adventure.

OTL #173 local music provided by Save the Clocktower…

 

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

(broadcasting on the “I’m craving a skillet” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen confirms that Standee’s in Edgewater is closed, talks to journalist Steve Rhodes about his resignation from NBCChicago.com, and learns about local artist Chris Drew’s upcoming legal battle.

Standee’s Is Gone – 

It’s official.  Standee’s Diner in Edgewater is closed.  Check out this great article by Lorraine Swanson of Lake Effect News about “Standee’s Last Stand.”

Steve Rhodes – Journalist and Founder of BeachwoodReporter.com

Recently Steve resigned his position as a contributor to NBCChicago.com.  Mike caught up with Steve at the Beachwood Inn this week to get the dirty details of what the heck happened.

Chris Drew – Local Artist and Executive Director of the Uptown Multicultural Arts Center

While Chris was protesting the Peddler’s License Law he was arrested and charged with eavesdropping on police.  He now faces a court battle and he gives us the story this week.

OTL #172 local music provided by Jane Thatcher…

 

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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

(broadcasting on the “let’s kiss at midnight” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen chats with Chicago Tribune writer and author Rick Kogan about his new book Sidewalks II and later in the show Mike calls one of his local greasy spoon haunts on the eve of its closing.

Rick Kogan – Senior Writer and Columnist for the Chicago Tribune, author of Sidewalks II

Legendary journalist Rick Kogan stops by for a conversation about Chicago, his efforts to tell the stories of the everyday Chicagoan, and his view on the future of our city.

Betty – Waitress at Standee’s Diner in Edgewater

Sadly, this wonderful greasy spoon will be closing its doors for good.  Mike calls over to the restaurant to get the skinny from Betty the Waitress.

OTL #171 local music provided by JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound…

 

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

(broadcasting on the “Santa Claus is the real deal” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen plays DJ and spins some Holiday tunes performed by local bands!

Remember kids, you can track Santa using mommy and daddy’s tax $$! – 

NORAD is on high alert…for Santa Claus.  You can track Jolly ‘Ol Saint Nick’s movements on Christmas Eve Night.  Just click here.

Santa Claus’ Magic Explained–

Science takes a crack at uncovering how Santa Claus gets his job done with such consistency.  Here’s the full report.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC!

Go Time- “God Rest Ye Merry Peace Frog”

The Astronomer -”Arrival Departure”

Trakan- “Santa’s Boots”

A Sample Life- “Rockin’ Your Christmas Home”

Merry Christmas From Outside the Loop Radio!

OTL Host Mike Stephen On His Way to Buy a Christmas Tree

 

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

(broadcasting on the “sharing is caring” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen wants YOUR local Holiday tunes, discusses a review of the Chicago Police Board, learns about local pinups that help women, and profiles a Humboldt Park charity.

Reminder to Submit Your Local Holiday Music – 

We’re looking for Chicago musicians to submit versions of classic Christmas songs or original Holiday tunes.  Those songs will be featured on the Christmas show on December 24th!

Tracy Siska – Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project

The CJP recently completed a review of the Chicago Police Board.  Tracy joins us to give us the results of this is study.

Alexis Finch – Founder of TyK- Thought You Knew Us

The folks at TyK have come up with a great way to fight stereotypes of women while helping a good cause:  Pinup calendars!  We get the lowdown on this story.

Dawn Hancock – Executive Director of the Firebelly Foundation

This week we learn about a great charity that’s part of the Firebelly Foundation called Reason to Give.

OTL #169 local music provided by Picture Books…

 

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

(broadcasting on the “t-shirt friendly” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen learns about a local T-shirt company that encourages community participation, recalls his experience with a crazy cyclist on Milwaukee Ave., and talks to a local writer who has some cost-saving ideas for the CTA.

Reminder to Submit Your Local Holiday Music – 

We’re looking for Chicago musicians to submit versions of classic Christmas songs or original Holiday tunes.  Those songs will be featured on the Christmas show on December 24th!

Clint McMahon – Founder of Scared Panda T-shirts

The creator of the infamous Tamale Tracker is back with a new venture: T-shirts that encourage community participation.

Mike Rolls Tape on a Crazy Cyclist -

Check out this guy who performed his “stunt” on Milwaukee Ave.

WARNING: The audio on this video is LOUD!

Andrew Reilly – Local Writer

Andrew has an idea that would save the CTA some money next year.  He recently wrote about this for the AV Club Chicago.

Andrew Reilly

OTL #168 local music provided by The Year After…

 

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