Outside the Loop RADIO

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.

Mike Stephen learns about the first Green Dining Hub in Illinois with Takeout 25 founder Ravi Parakkat, previews the Inspired By You Fest with the owner of Muse Coffee Studio, George Davis, Jr., and uncovers the Secret History of local pianist Marshall Vente.

Mike Stephen sits down with Dr. Tyrone Williams, the Gilder Lehrman Illinois History Teacher of the Year and history teacher at Oak Park and River Forest High School, learns about supplying musicians with cool merch from Deb Sonzo and Jamie Riani, co-owners of Music Graphics Chicago, and gets an update on TIF districts in Chicago from Tom Tresser of the TIF Illumination Project.

Mike Stephen gets an update on the backroom deal that sold off public housing land in Chicago with Block Club Chicago's Mick Dumke and then discovers the Secret History of 1960s local soul singer Garland Green.

Mike Stephen learns about the empowering work of Women in Vinyl with founder Jenn D'Eugenio, discusses the work of the Chicago Rents initiative with program manager Erik Czaja, and, in an OTL Rewind, reminds us of the importance of bees in our ecosystem.

Mike Stephen explores whether or not Illinois is prepared for the impacts of climate change with Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, chats with solutions reporter at the Illinois Answers Project, Alex Nitkin, about the problems with the state’s cannabis industry, and discovers the Secret History of 1960s local garage band Society’s Children.

Mike Stephen talks to Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Samantha Smylie about Chicago Public Schools' compliance with a state law dealing with punishment in schools, learns about the next chapter of the historic Pickwick Theater in Park Ridge from Mike Jeffers, founder of Chicago Jazz Magazine and venue & programming consultant, and gets the lowdown on a local organization that empowers youth with media and storytelling skills called True Star Media from production team member Christopher Lockridge.