Mike Stephen chats with Emily Dupree, founder of Clean Air Club, about the push to purify air in local venues, talks to Ron Haynes, the trombone player from Liquid Soul, about a wonderful upcoming performance, and discovers the Secret History of 1970s Illinois punk-rockers Max Load.

Mike Stephen talks to Kalyn Belsha, senior national education reporter at Chalkbeat, about a new influx of money for local school desegregation, goes deep into a controversy around Chicagoland burritos with Chicago Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger, and gets an update on the City of Chicago leasing land to the Chicago Fire soccer team from Block Club Chicago investigative editor Mick Dumke.

Mike Stephen learns about the push for media literacy education in Illinois with Michael Spikes, co-founder of the Illinois Media Literacy Coalition, discusses the future of the University of Chicago’s radio station, WHPK-FM, with program director Alex Tao, and discovers the Secret History of local soul and gospel singer Mitty Collier.

Mike Stephen talks to Crista Noel of the Women's All Points Bulletin and learns about a new film that brings attention to the issue of law enforcement abuse of women called Poetiq Justiz, chats about making music with local singer-songwriter Pierce Crask and revisits the joys of the Italian beef sandwich.

Mike Stephen discusses shared humanity with Rabbi Ari Hart of the Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob Synagogue, learns about a new study that debunks myths about Illinois’ population from Frank Manzo of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, and discovers the Secret History of the 1960s local garage-rockers The Rooks.

Mike Stephen learns about the great work of building a sustainable community with Gary Cuneen, founder & executive director of Seven Generations Ahead, discusses the effectiveness of restorative practices in schools with Anjali Adukia of the University of Chicago and Ben Feigenberg of the University of Illinois at Chicago, the authors of a new report on this topic, and gets the lowdown on the Sideshow Villains new music and previews their upcoming live show with band leader Dante Ingram.

Mike Stephen talks to director Haley Breese about her new documentary called Failure to Fail that focuses on teachers leaving their profession, discusses a critique of Chicago's One Fair Wage law with food writer Michael Nagrant, and discovers the Secret History of the 1960s girl group The Same.

Mike Stephen gets an update on the state of Chicago bars and taverns with Mr. Chicago Bars, learns about the incredible work of the Common Pantry from executive director Maureen O'Conor, and chats with local musician Ron Lazzeretti about his new music and upcoming record release show.

Mike Stephen gets a profile of Chicago’s most conservative wards with Ted McClelland, contributing editor of Chicago Magazine, discusses new initiatives for youth mental health in Illinois with State Senator Mike Simmons, and discovers the Secret History of 1970s R&B group The Brighter Side of Darkness.

Mike Stephen discusses a new report that explores the Latino experience in the Chicago suburbs with Sylvia Puente of the Latino Policy Forum, chats with Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Samantha Smylie about the controversy around the Invest In Kids program, and talks to local musician Matt Ziegler about his new music.