Podcast Directory

Episodes

Mike Stephen checks in with the Parking Ticket Geek to get an update on the Parking Meter Lease Deal, mentions an official petition to save the Portage Theater, and previews Chicago Craft Beer Week.

Mike Stephen talks to a local cabbie about his new literary project, gets the lowdown on a locally produced hardcore Star Trek music video, and learns about the new stage play, My Asian Mom.

Mike Stephen talks to a Brit who set out to reclaim the fastest L-riding record, learns about the Chicago Jedi, and discusses Mayor Emanuel's infrastructure trust.

Mike Stephen talks to Will Guzzardi about his state rep campaign's decision to request a vote recount in the 39th district, learns about the return of the Late Live Show at Stage 773, and gets a preview of the Chicago Writers Conference.

Mike Stephen gets the latest on the Bloomingdale Trail, previews the One-Day Silk Road Festival, and discusses empowering youth through teaching digital video production.

Mike Stephen talks to a Brit who loves Chicago and WLUW, gets compared (once again) to Adam Richman of Man v. Food, and discusses the future of the Portage Theater in Portage Park.

Mike Stephen recaps the local primary election with the Reader's Mick Dumke, gets a wrong number phone call, and keeps tabs on Mayor Emanuel through a special website.

Mike Stephen checks in with the Irish American Heritage Center, interviews the guy responsible for dying the Chicago River green, and talks to a Chicagoan who's helping out his favorite bartender.

Mike Stephen previews the 16th annual Story Week Festival of Writers, talks to the Parking Ticket Geek about local transportation issues, and discusses LTHForum.com's Great Neighborhood Restaurant nominations.

Mike Stephen visits a great after school program called 826CHI, previews the Chicago Zine Fest, and learns about a new local sports journalism website: ChicagosideSports.com.

Mike Stephen learns about the bike messenger community in Chicago, gets a preview on Baconfest Chicago, and talks to the local guy who set a new record for riding the entire "L" system the fastest.

Mike Stephen talks about ways to clean up Chicago's TIF system and then previews Sunday's Hideout Harmonica Hoedown with two great harp players: Jim Conway and Bob Kessler.

Mike Stephen learns about an online series that documents local buildings in danger of demolition, highlights a local musician's new record, and discusses a new "A Prairie Home Companion" podcast based in Chicago.

Mike Stephen learns about research of Twitter data to determine the feelings of CTA riders, checks in with the Parking Ticket Geek about the Chicago Speeding Camera Bill, and talks to the creator of the The Chicago Stand-Up Project TV show.

Mike Stephen learns how some corporations don't pay much in taxes, plays a 2003 clip of Fr. Michael Pfleger talking about race, and discusses beekeeping with the co-founder of the Chicago Honey Co-Op.

Mike Stephen discusses a local study that looks at the link between bike seats and erectile dysfunction, grows a 'stache, and previews Toons' Wing Fling on January 28th.

Mike Stephen talks to Andy Hermann about discovering a new local watering hole, learns how many IL lawmakers are also lobbyists, and discusses community journalism with the founder of The Red Line Project.

Mike Stephen talks to the creators of ChicagoLobbyists.org, learns about a Chicago comedy blog, and chats with the editor of the Chicago Pipeline, an e-newsletter about Wicker Park and Bucktown.

Mike Stephen hosts the OTL 2011 Year In Review Show and takes a look at some highlights on the program from the past year!

Mike Stephen has an exclusive interview with Santa Claus.  Also, we hear some local Holiday music on the OTL Christmas Spectacular!

Mike Stephen talks to one of the actors from the new TV show BOSS, discusses NewCity's Best of Chicago 2011 list, and climbs aboard the Duck 'N Roll food truck.

Mike Stephen discusses crime data in the wake of scheduled police station closings, previews Evil Squirrel Comics fundraisers, and visits the local apothecary for home beer brewing, Brew Camp.

Mike Stephen talks to a local teacher who uses music to educate his students, re-examines the question, "Would Chicago Be Better Off Without IL?," and discusses the best and worst intersections in the city.

Mike Stephen talks to the guys behind a new locally-produced movie, Trubadeaux, learns about the cheap beer taste test, and discusses the Responsible Budget Ordinance that was introduced in the city council.

Mike Stephen re-airs his conversation with a local cabbie/author, previews the YMTE podcast holiday recording party, and learns about the Chicago Loot Drop charity event.

Mike Stephen chats with Ald. Joe Moreno (1st) about what's been keeping him busy lately, previews the 2nd Pizza Film Fest in Roscoe Village, and talks to the editor of the Chicago Architecture Blog.

Mike Stephen discusses speeding cameras in Chicago, plays some audio from outside Wrigley Field during the 2003 Bartman Game, and chats with the co-owner of LTHForum.com about their Great Neighborhood Restaurant list. 

Mike Stephen learns about a new way to reserve parking in Chicago, previews the Beer Hoptacular, and talks to the director of the Reeling Film Fest about it's 30th anniversary in the city.

Mike Stephen talks to a resident about the possible closing of the Wood St. police station, chats about sustainable transportation with the co-founder of GridChicago.com, and travels to a new unique art gallery in Wicker Park. 

Mike Stephen talks to a local food truck freak, checks in with the founder of CitySwarm Chicago, and discusses domestic abuse in Chicagoland.

Mike Stephen talks with a Chicago cabbie about his new book, gets a surprise call from an old friend, and discusses gentrification in Logan Square.

Mike Stephen looks at the link between local crime and neighborhood b-ball hoops with The Reader's Mick Dumke and then discusses the results of a study that examined if city police cameras reduce crime.

Mike Stephen gets the latest on Chicago parking and driving from the Parking Ticket Geek, talks to the producer of the Miss Wicker Park contest, and learns about Inspiration Corporation's fight against homelessness.

Mike Stephen learns about Chicago's Bike Winter group, recaps last weekend's Iron Man race with a local runner, and hears the story of a non-artist who markets art on the Internet.

Mike Stephen talks to a Brit who holds the record for riding the entire El system the fastest, checks in with a Chicagoan who's competing in Madison's Iron Man, and re-airs the great Vegan Stephen experiment.

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.

Mike Stephen learns an easier way to get a parking spot in Chicago, chats with the owner of Logan Square Kitchen about city inspections, and explores how a new group brings the Internet to low-income citizens.

Mike Stephen returns from vacation to play clips from past shows that cover rethinking the El, visiting a new Chicago park, and talking to Anne Elizabeth Moore about her latest art project.

Mike Stephen learns about the new site tabsonrahm.org, explores Chicago as a top food city, and discusses coal-fired power plant pollution in Pilsen.

Mike Stephen visits a film fest producer who's staying up for 72 hours watching movies in a local coffee shop, learns about local food policy and chats with the founder of VerySmallBeer.com

Mike Stephen talks to artist and author Anne Elizabeth Moore about her new project at the MCA, learns about ohlno.com, and visits a local Jazz vocalist jam session.

Mike Stephen previews the return of the Sunday Salon Chicago, gets an old friend's Pitchfork review, and discusses the future of high-speed rail in the Midwest.

Mike Stephen talks to the host of a weekly salon in a saloon, does some TIF Talk, and discusses Chicago theatre with a New Yorker.

Mike Stephen talks to the author of the new play The Homosexuals, previews a Chicago Mixtape music event this weekend, and learns about a new documentary about local efforts to create a more sustainable society.

Mike Stephen talks to Ald. James Cappleman (46th) about issues in Uptown, checks in with the Chicago Underground Library on their 5th anniversary, and discusses local sustainable transportation with the co-founder of GridChicago.com.

Mike Stephen talks to part of the production team of a new locally-based film called Chicago Rot, updates us on past stories covered on the show, and learns about a DIY indie music fest happening next weekend.

Mike Stephen talks to journalist Mick Dumke about his lawsuit against the City of Chicago, chats with DJ James VanOsdol about leaving radio and his new book, and hears why local developer Dan O'Neil went to the White House last week.

Mike Stephen visits the grand opening of the Albany-Whipple Park, talks to the director of a new documentary about Nelson Algren, and discusses Chicago's food policy.

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.

Mike Stephen welcomes three acclaimed local comedians to discuss the Chicago comedy scene.

Mike Stephen chats with the Reader's Mick Dumke about local politics, previews Chicago Craft Beer Week 2011, and talks to local actor Danny Goldring about his new movie that was shot in Chicago.

Mike Stephen talks to IL state rep Chris Nybo about his work in Springfield, plays a clip from his tour of Intelligentsia Coffee, and learns how the local Hip Hop scene is reconnecting with its members.

Mike Stephen talks to the organizers of a march against intolerance called SlutWalk Chicago, learns about the Neo-Futurists call for local art, and discusses creativity with the co-organizer of Creator Camp Chicago.

Mike Stephen discusses the upcoming ward re-mapping, talks to a Chicagoan who measured his family's yearly garbage output, and learns about a new local literary magazine.

Mike Stephen discusses the inefficiencies of some IL townships, previews a fun panel he'll be a part of tonight, and learns about the possibility of Wal-Mart moving into the Lakeview East neighborhood.

Mike Stephen learns about a different kind of city history tour with Chicago Detours, plays an unreleased acoustic version of a Material Issue song, and gets a local transportation update with the Parking Ticket Geek.

Mike Stephen hosts another roundtable show, broadcasting from Tom Tresser's Creativity and Business class at IIT.  The discussion focuses on how to make Chicago a creative hub for the world.

Mike Stephen talks to the Reader's Ed Zotti about rethinking the L, gets the details on the Goose Island Beer buyout, and discusses Chicago journalism with journalist Geoff Dougherty.

Mike Stephen learns about the Organic School Project, gets the lowdown on the Lakeview Area Master Plan, and talks to the director of a new local Improv show featuring real stories from Chicagoans.

Mike Stephen learns about the movement to change the IL beer distribution laws, plays a clip from his chat with the crew leader of Green Chicago River, and gets an update from the year-old CenterSquareJournal.com.

Mike Stephen learns about where the TIF money in Chicago has been going, recaps his week as Vegan Stephen, and discusses a local festival celebrating the written word.

Mike Stephen talks to the new alderman of the 47th Ward, discusses the Vegan Stephen experiment with his wife, and gets the lowdown about ChicagoMixtape.com.

Since Mike Stephen has been busy sunning himself in Puerto Vallarta this past week, he plays an assortment of great conversations from previous shows.

Mike Stephen goes to the theater to learn about the new local vaudeville variety show Shenanigans, revisits the “dibs” parking issue, and discusses the future of Chicago’s sustainability with the creator of ChicagoREgen.com.

Mike Stephen gets a push poll call on the air, discusses pollution in NW Indiana, learns about the anti-dibs Chair-Free Chicago, and gets the lowdown on the iBrewMaster app.

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.

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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.

Mike Stephen looks at how a smaller city council could save Chicago money, discusses the South Loop's decade of transformation, and learns about City Swarm, Chicago's newest group-buying option.

Mike Stephen discusses the role of nonprofits in the upcoming local elections, explores the effects of parking meter increase on local biz, and learns about a new push for journos in low-income Chicago. 

Mike Stephen kicks off the new year by talking with a Chicagoan who's experimenting with being vegan for the month of January, learns about a website that analyzes aldermanic candidates sites, and discusses Project Onward, a local program for artists with mental disabilities.

Mike Stephen takes a look back on some stories OTL covered in 2010.  Happy New Year!

Mike Stephen hosts the fourth annual OTL Holiday Special, featuring local musicians performing seasonal tunes and much more!

Mike Stephen discusses bringing more malls into Chicago, plays some audio from his Bears tailgating experience, and reviews NewCity's Best of Chicago 2010 list with the magazine's publisher.

Mike Stephen learns about the Chicago Poetry Tour Podcast, listens to a Chicagoan tell his story of meeting Rahmbo, and gets the scoop on the Chicago Reader's Real Deal Project.

Mike Stephen follows up with State Rep candidate Jeremy Karpen, learns about the AREA Chicago unique upcoming auction, and discusses the Roscoe Village economy.

Mike Stephen learns about the Chicago Driver Survival Seminar, previews a Klingon Christmas Carol, and goes behind the scenes of BeerDownload.com.

Mike Stephen learns about new funding for enhancement of IL's active transportation projects, talks to a member of a burger-review blog run by local lawyers, and explores the underground Chicago food scene.

Mike Stephen visits the Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park to get the lowdown on its recent financial problems.  Then we hear a piece recorded on set of the new movie, Trubadeaux, featuring Mike Stephen as a Chicago alderman!

Write in Outside the Loop for best podcast in NewCity Magazine's Best of Chicago 2010 poll!  Go to http://best.newcity.com to cast your vote today.  Thanks!

Mike Stephenchats with Straight Dope researcher/writer Ed Zotti, previews the Pizza Film Fest and talks to the director of the 29th Reeling Gay & Lesbian Film Festival here in Chicago.

Mike Stephen pays a visit to the Gaztro Wagon, jumps behind the OTL News Desk to update some local stories, and discusses a new website dedicated to coverage of Chicago politics.

Mike Stephen sits down with Ald. Scott Waguespack to chat about why he didn't run for mayor, the city's financial problems and the state of local politics.  The Parking Ticket Geek also gives us a local transportation update.

Mike Stephen gets the pros and cons of the proposed IL recall amendment, gets some Chicago Marathon reflections from Erik Nybo, and goes inside the Flat Iron Project for artists in Wicker Park.

Mike Stephen chats with a Chicago Marathoner, discusses local recycling, learns about the push for an ad network for local bloggers, and visits the site of the upcoming Bucktown Apple Pie Contest.

Mike Stephen talks to Jeremy Karpen, Green Party IL State Rep. candidate for the 39th District, gets to the bottom of the Mike Stephen Celebrity Sausage Mystery, and discusses the future of Chicago's water supply.

Mike Stephen goes on-location to the Polish Triangle to get the latest on its development, revisits the Felony Franks Hot Dog controversey with Ald. Fioretti, and learns about the Chicago Weekly paper out of the U of C.

Mike Stephen discusses community organizing in Chicago, gets another awesome voicemail from his Mom, and chats with Ken Davis, host of Chicago's newest issue-oriented TV show.

Mike Stephen hangs out on Chicago Ave. to discuss the stretch of the street between Damen and Ashland.  Then he moves slightly north to visit the Near North Farmessori, a student-run urban farm in the East Village neighborhood.

Mike Stephen crashes a rehearsal for a one-act play at this weekend's Chicago Fringe Fest, revisits an interview with one of the Chicago Gluttons, and discusses why you should pay attention to the sales tax on your reastaurant bill.

Mike Stephen broadcasts from Toons and hosts a round table about Chicago BBQ.  Joining him are Chef Danny Beck, BBQ Blogger Titus Ruscetti, and the Godfather of BBQ, Gary Wiviott.

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

Mike Stephen does TV, talks to a local musician who's putting on a great benefit show, learns about a new way to avoid street cleaning tickets, and chats with the editor of a local online newspaper.

Mike Stephen talks to Chicago mayoral candidate Jay Stone, checks in with The Parking Ticket Geek, and discusses the relationship between low-power FM radio and social justice.

Mike Stephen gets an update on the story of local artist and free speech advocate Chris Drew, previews the 2010 Printers' Ball, and goes inside Felony Franks Hotdogs in West Town.

Mike Stephen talks to Mick Dumke of the Chicago Reader about leaving that publication, welcomes Andy Hermann back to the show, and takes a look at some of the most memorable moments during the show's run.

Mike Stephen learns about Andersonville's Green Week, jumps behind the OTL News Desk for a report, and talks to the founder of Chicago's Book Bike.

Mike Stephen plays an awesome voicemail from his Mom, talks to Cook Co. Assessor Candidate Forrest Claypool, gets the Cubs Fan Report, and talks media with the founder of Chicagoland Radio and Media.

Mike Stephen talks to an aldermanic candidate in the 46th Ward, learns about some Forgotten Chicago historical tours, and discovers what it really takes to get a liquor license in Chicago.

Mike Stephen goes inside Rogers Park's new Mayne Stage venue, learns about NowSpots.com, and visits a new Victory Garden on the North Side.

Mike Stephen learns about a new report detailing the negative impacts of federal funds diverted to build new nuclear reactors, finds out about UIC's Neighborhood Initiative, and discusses NewCity's Lit 50 list.

Mike Stephen hosts the first OTL Roundtable Show covering DIY art in Chicago.  He welcomes three members of the local arts community to Toons Bar and Grill, the sponsor of this roundtable. 

Mike Stephen talks to the founder of the Center Square Journal, chats with the folks behind the Everything Is Terrible Video Blog, and hears from the Parking Ticket Geek on Chicago parking issues.

Mike Stephen talks to the Reader's Mick Dumke about where TIF money is spent in Chicago, admits to being a "Lostie," and learns about the vegan way of life.

Mike Stephen sits down with the founders of the Late Live Show at Second City, talks to a local freelance journalist about leaving Facebook, and discusses a new biz model with the founer of Chicago Art Mag.

Mike Stephen sits down with the newest member of Chicago's City Council, Joe Moreno, gets the latest on Craft Beer Week, and talks to the host of the Radio Girl podcast.

Mike Stephen discusses Chicago's water supply, has beers with the author of a book on historic bars in Chicago, and learns about the brightly-dressed Fashion Man downtown.

Mike Stephen talks to the co-founder of EveryBlock.com, previews the Widow's Peak Music Fest, and finds out how to avoid street cleaning parking tickets.

Mike Stephen talks about the possbililty of Chicago privatizing its water system, chats with a fellow local podcaster about his work, and learns about Chicago nudists.

Mike Stephen learns about local urban forestry, rehashes the idea of forming a new State of Chicago, and chats with a co-founder of the acclaimed local foodie blog, Chicago Gluttons.

Mike Stephen discusses if IL would be better off without Chicago, talks to a resident who measured his household garbage output, and hits the streets for a local public art discussion.

Mike Stephen discusses another shadow City Council budget, talks civility with the Etiquette Bitch, and gets the lowdown about a new indie film produced in Chicago.

Mike Stephen talks modifications of IL's FOIA laws, gets excited over a list of Chicago's blogs, podcasts, and iPhone apps, and previews a unique play coming to Chicago that involves Kingons.

Mike Stephen dives into Chicago history with the Chicagologist, remembers the life of a friend, and discusses the local open mic scene.

Mike Stephen learns about Music Thanatology in end of life care from two unique musicians and profiles two local not-so-average Chicago artists in a Humboldt Park garage.

Mike Stephen talks to local blogger Mike Doyle about why he stopped writing for the Trib's ChicagoNow site, discusses comic books in academics with a Ph.D. student, and gets the latest Chicago political dirt from Mick Dumke.

Mike Stephen travels to Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood and talks to various community members about this unique area of the city.

Mike Stephen talks to the guys behind plotting CTA travel times after the service cuts, chats local music with the founder of loudlooppress.com, and talks to the Parking Ticket Geek out local parking issues.

Mike Stephen discusses a new study that shows hunger on the rise in Cook County, learns about voting for the 2010 Chicago Seed, and visits the Near North Farmessori in the East Village neighborhood.

Mike Stephen gets an update on the Wal-Mart saga in Chicago, discusses news regarding the CTA Mobile Garden project, and learns about a unique arts event that will benefit victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Mike Stephen gets a preview of the 28th Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Fest, checks in with the OTL News Desk, and learns about birds colliding with local buildings.

Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss the upcoming OTL celebration and canoeing with dudes, they learn about the stretch of road called Grand Avenue, they chat about Mike's fame, and then they get revenge -- on the Chicago Reader.

Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann talk dodgeball and foursquare, and then they conduct a roundtable discussion about the current state of Chicago.

Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann call out for show contributors, they learn about a new community arts space in Evanston, they discuss a couple new video links on the OTL website, and then they talk with the host of The Interview Show.

Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann learn about establishing a viable third political party in Illinois, Mike's mom weighs in on the "Pants-Off Dance-Off" campaign, and then it's exclusive audio from Andy's recent party.