(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 (198)

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

(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…

 

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IT’S THE LOCAL LITERARY-THEMED SHOW…

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

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

Mike Stephen gets poetic on his wedding weekend, chats with an organizer of a local literary party, checks in with a Time Out Chicago writer to see what she’s writing about these days, and learns about a website that is a local literary hub.

The OTL Poetry Corner -

Mike gets sentimental on his wedding weekend and reads a poem he wrote when he was 12.  It was published in Creation Spirituality magazine in 1993.

Fred Sasaki - Associate editor of POETRY

Friday, July 31 the Fifth Annual Printers’ Ball takes place in Chicago and it’s quite the literary throw down!  Fred gives us the details about the party and talks about the local literary scene.

Jessica Herman - Writer for Time Out Chicago’s “The Get”

We catch up with Jessica to see what she’s writing about these days, including taking a peek into some Chicagoans homes.

Gretchen Kalwinski - Co-founder of Literago.org

If you want to be in the know when it comes to the literary scene in Chicago you need to check out Literago!  We learn more about the site on this week’s show.

OTL #149 local music provided by The Blissters…

 

 Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [30:58m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (239)

(podcasting from the brand new studio in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the 100-watt don’t-expect-your-street-to-get-snow-plowed radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago)

Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss this week’s snowstorm, they catch up on some Chicago political stories, they send out an APB for holiday music, and then they get an update a past OTL story subject.

Chicago’s first big snow of this winter;
and Mayor Daley is cutting back on the snow plowing

Mick Dumke – writer/editor, Chicago Reader;
on non-Blagojevich local news, including… Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan is named Education Secretary under President Obama, the city is buying Michael Reese Hospital to turn into the Olympic Village, and the never-ending Wrigley Field deal

OTL Holiday Show next week;
SEND US LOCAL HOLIDAY MUSIC, WOULD YA ?!

Nell Taylor – co-founder, Chicago Underground Library;
a follow-up on a segment from OTL #24, and the library’s new digs

(segue music this week from Dave Specter)

 

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WE’RE PLAYING DJ SOON – SEND US YOUR LOCAL HOLIDAY MUSIC !!

(podcasting “from” out in back of the Museum of Science and Industry)

(broadcasting on the 100-watt inter-stellar radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago)

Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann geek out, they learn about a controversial parking meter deal in Chicago, Mike gets back at Andy for making fun of him last week, and then they talk with a local writer about Battlestar Galactica.

OTL Geeks Out;
Mike loves all-things sci-fi

The Parking Ticket Geek – founder, TheExpiredMeter.com;
on selling the city’s parking meters, and the latest boot issues

Mike Strikes Back;
regarding Andy’s sketchy math from OTL #115

Joe Steiff – Associate Chair, Film and Video Department @ Columbia College;
co-editor, Battlestar Galactica and Philosophy: Mission Accomplished or Mission Frakked Up?

(segue music this week from Veterans)

 

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(podcasting “from” out in back of Holy Name Cathedral)

(broadcasting on the 100-watt marathon-walking-tour-of-Chicago radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago)

Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss religion and politics, they chat with someone running the Chicago Marathon this weekend, and then they go out on location for a walking tour of the city.

Robert Gillian – executive director, Catholic Conference of Illinois;
on religion and politics, and a panel discussion next week at DePaul University

Kathleen Weber – Evanston Township High School coach/teacher;
on running the Chicago Marathon this weekend

Ryan Ver Berkmoes – author and travel expert;
on his book Walking Chicago: 31 Tours of the Windy City’s Classic Bars, Scandalous Sites, Historic Architecture, Dynamic Neighborhoods, and Famous Lakeshore

(segue music this week from The Lawrence Arms)

 

 Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [:29:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (312)

(podcasting “from” in the alley behind Harry Caray’s in Wrigleyville)

(broadcasting on the 100-watt friendly confines radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago)

Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss an old cheesy bar in Wrigleyville, they take a look at sex trafficking in the city, they run through some gay bars around town, and then they talk about a book highlighting Cubs fans.

OTL Bar Report (part 1);
Mike’s experiences at the now-closed Hi-Tops in Wrigleyville

Rachel Durchslag – director, The Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE);
on sex trafficking in Chicago

OTL Bar Report (part 2);
Chicago makes Logo’s list of The 50 Best Gay Bars in America?

Will Byington – photographer;
on his book We Are Cubs Fans

(segue music this week from Rock Star Club)

 

 Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [:30:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (297)

(podcasting “from” right outside of Carol’s Pub, on Clark and Leland)

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

Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann learn about the diversity of neighborhoods in Chicago, and then they talk with a prominent local poet.

Lauren Fischer – research associate, Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development at DePaul University;
on “A Keleidoscope of Culture: Measuring the Diversity of Chicago’s Neighborhoods” (PDF)

Kevin Coval – poet;
on poetry in Chicago, his new book Everyday People, and his release party next week

(segue music this week from Bound Stems)

 

 Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [:30:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (242)

(podcasting “from” right outside of the Leo Burnett Building)

(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)

 

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