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

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

Mike Stephen previews the debut of Dose Market, learns about the Bar Aid Project from a local bartender, and chats with the editor of ManUpChicago.com.

Jessica Herman– Co-founder of Dose Market and Associate Style & Shopping Editor for Time Out Chicago

This Sunday, June 5th, is the debut of Dose Market at the River East Arts Center (435 E. Illinois).  Jessica gives us the lowdown on this cool new monthly market that focuses on local food and fashion.

Logan Lavacheck- Mixologist at Sepia and Duchamp, Creator of The Bar Aid Project

What can we learn from a mid-20th century bar guide that has 80 drink recipes printed on it?  We explore this question and find out why Logan is re-creating these archaic cocktails.

The Bar Aid from circa 1950

Mark Rumble– Editor of ManUpChicago.com

This new web-based magazine is geared toward Chicago men (but women might like it too!).  Mark tells us why he started up the site and what you can expect to read there.

OTL #245 local music provided by The Diemakers…

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST…

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

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

Mike Stephen recalls his recent push poll experience, talks to IL Secretary of State Jesse White about the new Cubs license plates, gets the scoop on the local recording of a song about Mayor Daley, and discusses the rise of online funding platforms in the arts community.

Jesse White– IL Secretary of State

Recently Secretary White and the Chicago Cubs unveiled a brand new Cubs license plate.  He gives us the lowdown on how the proceeds benefit IL public schools.  You can purchase the new plates at cyberdriveillinios.com.

Abraham Levitan– Member of the local band, Baby Teeth

Baby Teeth recently completed a new EP called BOSS.  Last week, Mike spun a track off the record that’s all about Mayor Daley.  This week we find out how the song evolved.

Jessica Herman — Associate Editor of Shopping and Style for Time Out Chicago

Jessica joins us to talk about an article she wrote about how online funding platforms are helping fuel the local creative scene.  Check it out here.

OTL #228 local music provided by Otter Petter…

(podcasting live-to-tape from Toons Bar and Grill)

(broadcasting on the “3 is the new 5” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen takes OTL on the road to Toons for a celebration of three years of local community broadcasting!

Featuring:

Danny Beck – owner of Toons, BBQ stud

Mike with Danny Beck

Mick Dumke – writer and editor at the Chicago Reader

Mike talks local politics with Mick Dumke

Parking Ticket Geek – THE expert on all things parking related in Chicago

Mike and the Parking Ticket Geek chat about Chicago parking issues

Fausto Fernos – host of the Feast of Fun podcast

Mike with Fausto Fernos, host of the #1 GLBT podcast, Feast of Fun

Jessica Herman – “The Get” writer for Time Out Chicago, OTL contributor

Andrea Newberry – local blogger at forkableblog.com

Mike, Jessica, and Andrea chat about the blog and how to cook sensibly and on the cheap.

Mike, Jessica, and Andrea chat about slow food in fast-paced lives

OTL #166 Anniversary Party credits:
host – Mike Stephen
producer – Jenny Stephen
engineer – Dave “DJ Goldie G” Goldman
t-shirts – Propaganda

OTL #166 Anniversary Show local music provided by DJ Goldie G…

(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…

(broadcasting on the “home care solution” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen talks to a former Chicagoland resident who’s making it as a screenwriter in L.A., reviews various local stories behind the OTL News Desk, and chats about local home decor with Jessica Herman.

Kevin Jakubowski – Co-Screenwriter of Assassination of a High School President

Kevin and Mike went to high school together.  Now, Kevin (originally from Batavia) lives in L.A. and has helped to pen a new movie starring Bruce Willis and Mischa Barton while Mike huddles for warmth in the OTL Radio Bunker.

OTL News Desk –

From the crappiest post office in Chicago to proving once again that Thax Douglas (pictured below) is alive and well, intrepid anchor Mike Stephen jumps behind the big desk to bring us the latest.

Thax at the Double Door Last Weekend

Jessica Herman – “The Get” Writer at Time Out Chicago and OTL Correspondent

We take a peek at new trends in local home decor as Mike wonders where exactly the dining room is in a typical Chicago apartment.

OTL #158 local music provided by Marbin…

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

Mike Stephen introduces the new OTL correspondent, talks about privatization in Chicago and beyond, gets an important Baconfest Chicago update, and learns about the Share Your Soles local charity.

Jessica Herman – “The Get” Writer at Time Out Chicago and new OTL Correspondent

Everyone meet Jessica.  Jessica meet Everyone.  Our new correspondent drops by the OTL Bunker to say hi.  Look for her stories on the show in the coming weeks!

In case you were wondering Jessica isn’t related to Andrew “The Count” Hermann, former OTL Executive Producer.  However, their glasses might be related.

Mick Dumke – Writer and Editor at the Chicago Reader

Privatization of local public assets is all the rage these days.  Mick joins us to explain why this is.  He also discusses how other cities are looking into privatization and how they’re doing it a bit differently than Chicago.  You can read his blog post on this topic here.

Seth Zurer – Co-organizer and co-founder of Baconfest Chicago

There is an important update about the launch of Baconfest.  Seth gives us the fatty details.

Mona Purdy – Founder of Share Your Soles

This locally-based charity provides shoes around the globe for those who don’t have any.  We get the story of the organization from its founder.

OTL #155 local music provided by Soft Targets…