Outside the Loop RADIO

Mike Stephen discusses increase in crime on the CTA with Chicago Reader columnist and Streetsblog Chicago co-editor John Greenfield, learns about the Anixter Center’s After 22 program that helps youth with developmental disabilities from that group's vice president of growth and organization, Dina Donahue-Chase, and has a conversation about the connection between the war in Ukraine and preserving democracy at home with Benedictine University political science professor Dr. Joel Ostrow.

Mike Stephen learns about BUILD Chicago's new Mobile Mental Health Bus with therapist David Rodriguez, discusses changes at the Acorn Theater and airs an interview he did there in 2013, and discovers the Secret History of blues singer Little Al Thomas.

Mike Stephen discusses a new online exhibit that examines the role of the Black community in pre-Civil War Illinois with Northwestern University history professor and project director Kate Masur. Check out her book called Until Justice Be Done: America's First Civil Rights Movement, from the Revolution to Reconstruction. Then, we hear from local tai chi teacher Arlene Faulk to learn her remarkable story of how she fought back against multiple sclerosis. She recounts her journey in the book Walking on Pins and Needles: A Memoir of Chronic Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis.

Mike Stephen gets an update on how the hospitality industry is doing during this stage of the pandemic and discusses Chicago Tavern Week with Mr. Chicago Bars, discusses teacher demoralization with Kenwood Academy teacher Dave Stieber, and learns the Secret History of nonagenarian blues bassist Bob Stroger.

Mike Stephen learns about a guide to more public involvement in community benefits agreements with City Bureau senior reporter and special projects manager Sarah Conway, goes curling with the Windy City Curling Club, and discusses the significance of the Illinois Freedom Project with Milton McDaniel, co-founder of the African-American Museum of Southern Illinois, and Matt Meacham of Illinois Humanities.

Mike Stephen discusses the state education legislation moving through Springfield with Chalkbeat reporter Samantha Smylie, learns the Secret History of local blues guitarist J.B. Ritchie, and celebrates 800 episodes of this podcast and radio show with co-founder and former producer Andy Hermann.

Mike Stephen discusses a study and interactive map with co-author Michael Cailas that examines pollution and its proximity to Chicago schools, gets an update on the successes of Funkytown Brewing, and discusses how Illinois spends its COVID relief money with UIC's Amanda Kass.

Mike Stephen talks to local journalist Vee Harrison about her new book called Hood Healing: Interviews with Some of Chicago's Most Prolific Voices in Media and Black Culture, gives an update on beautifying the North Lawndale Neighborhood, and explores the Secret History of the late blues guitarist Sammy Lawhorn.

Mike Stephen learns about the impact of Chicago traffic cameras on minority communities with Pro Publica reporter Emily Hopkins, explores the fight against anti-Semitism in society with Michael Siegel, senior rabbi at Anshe Emet Synagogue in Lakeview, and chats with Mark Vickery about new music for his Cosmic Bull project.

Mike Stephen learns about the power of the art of spoken word poetry with the Oak Park & River Forest High School spoken word team. We hear from teacher and coach Peter Kahn as well as some students and alumni. Their upcoming anthology of writing is called Respect the Mic: Celebrating 20 Years of Poetry from a Chicagoland High School. Then, Mike discovers the Secret History of blues pianist and guitarist Lazy Bill Lucas.