Mike Stephen discusses the process of reforming Illinois’ juvenile justice system with Jennifer Vollen-Katz of the John Howard Association of Illinois, learns about the RTA’s strategic plan for local transportation from Streetsblog Chicago's Sharon Hoyer, and discovers the Secret History of piano virtuoso Dorothy Donegan.

Mike Stephen talks to Ted Williams, the creator of the musical 1619: The Journey of a People, about the impact of the show's story, learns about the lack of an official onboarding process for newly-elected alderpeople from Dave Glowacz, staff reporter at Inside Chicago Government, and gets the lowdown on new walking tours highlighting local LGBTQ+ history from Mike McMains, founder of Tours With Mike.

Mike Stephen gets a preview of the upcoming Chicago Science Festival from Illinois Science Council founder & executive director Monica Metzler, learns about the music of the local group Surabhi Ensemble from guitarist Carlo Basile, and discovers the Secret History of local multi-instrumentalist Derf Reklaw.

Mike Stephen learns about the possibility of repealing the nuclear construction moratorium in Illinois from David Kraft of the Illinois Nuclear Energy Information Service, discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on local journalism with Justin Kerr, publisher of McKinley Park News, and dives into the unique history of blues music in Chicago with John Anderson, co-director of the film Born in Chicago.

Mike Stephen discusses the power of poetry with Poetry Out Loud Illinois champion, Yohanna Endashaw, as well as Susan Dickson of the Illinois Arts Council Agency and Sheila Walk of the Springfield Area Arts Council, gets the lowdown on new music from The Artist Formerly Known As Vince, and discovers the Secret History of the talented bass player Cleveland Eaton.

Mike Stephen discusses the possibility of bringing wind power to Illinois with State Sen. Robert Peters (13th), previews the Chicago Alternative Comic Expo with organizers Chris Lopez and Sage Coffey, and replays part of a conversation about immigration and human rights.

Mike Stephen talks with Mark Guarino, the author of a new book called Country and Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival on the history of country music in Chicago and then reconnects with former Outside the Loop producer, Andy Hermann, about his new gig as a public radio producer and host at Nebraska Public Media.

Mike Stephen chats with Rebecca Ginsburg, director of the Education Justice Project, about the impact of providing higher education opportunities for those who are incarcerated in Illinois and then talks with Frank Orrall, founder of Poi Dog Pondering, about nearly 40 years of making music and the band’s new album.

Mike Stephen learns about the struggle of workers at the Midtown Athletic Club from one if its employees, Lisseth Cervantes, and Jose Uribe of Arise Chicago, gets the lowdown on local power pop band Go Time’s new album from guitarist & vocalist Scott Niekelski, and discovers the Secret History of 1970s Chicago soul singers The Independents.

Mike Stephen gets an update on the impact of the latest election on the future of education in Chicago from Becky Vevea of Chalkbeat Chicago, celebrates the return of the International Pop Overthrow music fest to Chicago, and learns about Logical Fleadh’s new album from band leader Ethan Sellers.