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

(broadcasting on the “down with Pizza Hut” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen gets a Chicago Justice Project research update, discusses the future of the old Pizza Hut site on Division and Ashland, and talks Chicago apps that benefit residents.

Tracy Siska– Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project

The CJP has some new analysis of the Chicago Police Board and the City Council’s Committee on Police and Fire Departments.  We discuss what this new research means.

Eleanor Mayer- Program Manager of Special Service Area #33 in Wicker Park

We’ve all seen the abandoned Pizza Hut on the corner of Division and Ashland in Wicker Park.  It’s finally gone and now the question of what to put in its place remains.  We discuss the future of this property.

The old Pizza Hut Site on Division and Ashland.

Katie Auerbach– Project Manager of the Apps For Metro Chicago contest

There is an ongoing competition happening in the city where participants create apps using data provided by local governments and agencies.  We get the lowdown on how these apps benefit Chicagoans.

OTL #258 local music provided by About the Mess…

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

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

Mike Stephen discusses Chicago Police resource allocation, spins a local song about Mayor Daley, and checks in with the Parking Ticket Geek at a police station.

Tracy Siska– Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project

The CJP takes a look at the allocation of resources for the Chicago Police Department.  Tracy talks about this issue as well has his difficulty obtaining research data from the department.  You can find out more about his experience here.

Daley: The “Good Old Boss”–

The local band Baby Teeth recently completed a new EP called BOSS.  Mike spins a track off the record that’s all about Mayor Daley.

The Parking Ticket Geek – Blogger at The Expired Meter and OTL Official Parking Correspondent

We check in with Mr. Geek to talk about Chicago’s high gas prices, congested traffic, and see how the Geek’s Driver Survival Seminars are going.

OTL #227 local music provided by Baby Teeth…

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

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

Mike Stephen discusses the local media portrayal of violence in Chicago, previews the Chicago Underground Library’s benefit, and goes inside the future home of the Haymarket Pub in the West Loop.

What’s in a name?– 

Recently, Independent candidate for Cook Co. Assessor, Forrest Claypool, purchased JoeBerrios.com.  Berrios is Claypool’s opponent in the race.  Have you purchased your name’s site?  Looks like MichaelStephen.com is up and running already.  Apparently they have good eats!

Tracy Siska– Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project

In this blog post, Tracy analyzes local media portrayal of Chicago violence.  He discusses the conclusions of his analysis this week.

Nell Taylor– Co-Founder of the Chicago Underground Library

This non-profit organization collects all independent and small press media in Chicago.  They’re having a benefit coming up on August 27th.  We get the details.

John Neurauter, Pete Crowley, and Chris Buccheri– The Triumvirate Behind the Haymarket Pub & Brewery

We go inside the space that will soon house Chicago’s newest brewpub with an interactive and working class feel.

The Future Home of the Haymarket Pub and Brewery

OTL #204 local music provided by Joel Paterson/The Modern Sounds…

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

Mike Stephen talks local justice-related issues, plugs a comprehensive list of Chicago digital media, and learns about a unique production of a holiday classic that is making it’s way to the Windy City.

Tracy Siska – Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project

The OTL Justice Correspondent returns to discuss some of the issues the CJP is working on, including rollbacks of the IL Freedom of Information Act.

Surfing Digital Local Digital Media–

Our friends over at the Windy Citizen started a conversation about local blogs, podcasts and iPhone apps.  In the process a great resource of local digital media was created.  Check it out!

Christopher Kidder – Artistic Director of the Commedia Beauregard Theatre Company

This Minnesota-based theater company is working on bringing A Klingon Christmas Carol to Chicago.  Yeah, you read that right!  Chris gives us the details.  Check out CB’s Kickstarter site for info on how YOU can help bring this show to the Windy City!

A Scene from A Klingon Christmas Carol

OTL #183 local music provided by the Northside Southpaws..

(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…

(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…