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

(broadcasting on the “music is good for the soul” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen plugs the new OTL Facebook Fan Page, learns about music thanatology, and profiles two Chicago artists doing some great work with local youth.

Margaret Pasquesi and Tony Pederson – Certified Music Thanatologists

Recently I traveled to Skokie to chat with Margaret and Tony about music thanatology.  We discuss this approach to end-of-life care and hear what a thanatologic music vigil sounds like.

A Harp Used in a Music Vigil

Mike Bancroft and Evan Plummer– Local Artists and the Guys behind Co-Op Image and Garage Spaces

Earlier this week I recorded an interview with these guys in Mike’s garage, which is actually a gallery space.  They discuss their efforts to bring art to local area youth and their Garage Spaces project.

A Billboard on Division St. Plugging Mike and Evan’s Work

Check out the New OTL Facebook Fan Page! – We’re so 21st Century

Yup, we’re staying on top of the technology wave and the OTL Facebook page is up and running.  Become an official “fan” of the show and stay in touch with the OTL community!

Click Above to Head On Over to the OTL Facebook Fan Page!

OTL #181 local music provided by Mike Golden and Friends…

 

 Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [29:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (15)

THE THIRD IN THE OTL NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES…

ALSO, CHECK OUT THE LOGAN SQUARE AND BUCKTOWN SHOWS!

(podcasting from the streets of Pilsen in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the “come on over to Pilsen” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen goes on-location in the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago for a profile of this unique community.

Stephanie Manriquez – Executive Assistant at Casa Aztlan

This incredible organization has been assisting the Pilsen community for 40 years with cultural activities, community organizing, and adult education.  We get a look inside the great work that goes on there.

Casa Aztlan in Pilsen

Fr. Chuck Dahm, O.P.– Associate Pastor at St. Pius V Catholic Church

Father Chuck is well-known in the Pilsen community for his work helping victims of domestic violence.  I drop into St. Pius to discuss his experiences in Pilsen.

St. Pius V Catholic Church

Willie Wagner – Owner and Chef at Honky Tonk BBQ

There’s a great BBQ joint in the heart of Pilsen…OF COURSE I’m going to check it out!  Willie sits down to chat about his award-winning BBQ and owning a business in the community.

Honky Tonk BBQ

Vanessa Sanchez – Youth Programs Project Manager for Yollocalli Arts Reach

Art is an important part of the Pilsen community.  Yollocalli encourages area youth and young adults to participate in arts.  Vanessa describes how the programs impact Pilsen residents and her outlook on the future of the neighborhood.

A Mural on the Side of the Building that Houses Yollocalli

OTL #179 local music provided by The Embraceables…

 

 Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [57:39m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (46)

(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…

 

 Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [30:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (89)

(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…

 

 Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [30:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (99)

(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…

 

 Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [30:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (135)

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

(broadcasting on the “if you invented podcasting then we invented the Internet” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen learns about a company that has patented podcasting, discovers Chicago Movieoke and discusses the new management of the Maxwell Street Market.

Cindy Cohn – Legal director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation and an attorney on the “Patent-Busting Project”

Get this- a company has actually patented podcasting.  Cindy gives us the details, what this could mean for podcasters, and how the EFF is fighting this patent.

Katy Collins – Creator and host of Chicago Movieoke

Sure, you’ve done karaoke in your lifetime but have you ever done movieoke?

Micah Maidenberg – Editor at the Chicago Journal

The legendary Maxwell Street Market has new management.  Micah brings us the story.

OTL #167 local music provided by Judson Claiborne…

 

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

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

Mike Stephen gets a preview of the 28th Annual Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival, jumps behind the OTL News Desk for a local news update, and learns about the problem of birds colliding with local buildings.

Reminder About the OTL Third Anniversary Party/Show Taping – At Toons Bar and Grill!

Come by Toons on Friday, November 20 to catch a live taping of OTL!  The guest lineup is coming soon!  Stay tuned!

Toons Bar and Grill at 3857 N. Southport

Brenda Webb – Director of Reeling 2009: The 28th Annual Chicago Lesbian and Gay Film Festival

This week marks the beginning of Reeling 2009- it’s 28th year!  We get a preview on this year’s festival and Brenda discusses why it’s important to our community.

OTL News Desk Update -

From the future of Kiddieland to the disappearance of Blue Cart recycling in Chicago, Mike Stephen has the latest.  We’re also treated to a blast from the past when a former OTL employee checks in.

The OTL News Room

Former Producer Andy Hermann as He Grows a Robust Beard

Annette Prince – Director of the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors

During this migratory season, birds can easily collide into tall buildings in Chicago.  We learn more about this and how it can be avoided.

OTL #163 local music provided by An Aesthetic Anaesthetic…

 

 Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (193)

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

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

Mike Stephen talks to the 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack about new oversight measures for future lease deals, learns about a local literary event at the Heartland Cafe, and gets the skinny on Chef Rick Tramanto from Time Out Chicago’s food editor David Tamarkin.

Scott Waguespack – Alderman of the 32nd Ward

Ald Waguespack is the chief sponsor of a new ordinance that would increase the public transparent and government oversight of future local lease deals (such as the parking meter deal that went down earlier in the year).  He talks to us about this ordinance and the dire financial situation of the city.

Cristina Henriquez – Local Author

Tonight at the Heartland Cafe Cristina and three other authors take part in the An October Sort of City: Chicago Authors Talk Chicago.  She previews the event and discusses Chicago’s influence on her work.

David Tamarkin – Food Editor for Time Out Chicago

The latest edition of TOC features David’s profile of local chef Rick Tramonto.  David joins us this week to give us some highlights of getting to know the Chef.

Chef Rick Tramonto

OTL #161 local music provided by Tijuana Hercules…

 

 Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [30:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (200)

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

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

Mike Stephen announces the OTL Third Anniversary Bash, discusses local youth violence, gets yarny while he learns about YarnCon, and talks to his sis about science cafes.

IT’S A PARTY! – OTL Turns 3!

We’re headed back to Toons Bar and Grill in Lakeview on Friday, November 20th to record an hour-long edition of the show!  Come on out to be a part of the live audience!  Stay tuned for more updates on the guest lineup and giveaways!

Mike and Some OTL Fans at Toons

Tracy Siska – Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project

Youth violence is a problem in our city.  Tracy joins us to discuss his views on how sometimes the city makes this problem worse.

Sara Ware – Co-organizer of YarnCon

Coming up this weekend you can get your yarny arts fix at this yarn-centric exhibition at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse.

Mia Stephen – Second Year Grad Student in Biological Sciences at Notre Dame and Co-organizer of the South Bend, IN Science Cafe

Mia, Mike’s sister, knows a thing or two about science.  She’s helped to organize a Science Cafe- an informal get-together that teaches us how science applies to our daily lives.  She gives us the lowdown and where we can go in Chicago for our own Science Cafe.

Mikey and Mia a Few Years Back

OTL #160 local music provided by Speck Mountain…

 

 Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (182)

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

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

Mike Stephen talks to local activist and writer Anne Elizabeth Moore about her efforts to help Cambodian girls self-publish, learns about the Mobile Garden project on the El, and Jessica Herman talks to a Chicagoan involved in mentoring youth to run the Chicago Marathon.

Anne Elizabeth Moore – Writer and Activist

Anne traveled to Cambodia to help young women in that country create self-published works.  She tells us this amazing story and lets us know if she plans to go back in the future.  Anne blogs about her work in Cambodia at Camb(l)o(g)dia.

Joe Baldwin – Local Artist and Creator of the Mobile Garden

Would you ever think of seeing a garden on the El?  You might see just that very thing come this April!  Joe gives us the latest in his effort to bring more greenery to our public transporation.

Vesna Stelcer – Executive Director of the MGR Foundation

OTL Correspondent Jessica Herman talks to Vesna about the M3 program that connects mentors with Chicago area youth in order to help train them for the Chicago Marathon.

OTL #159 local music provided by Go Time…

 

 Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [30:52m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (214)