Outside the Loop RADIO

Mike Stephen talks to freelance reporter Michael Murney about his piece that covers the Chicago Police Department's Private Sector Camera Initiative, gets an update on Illinois' environmental policy from Jen Walling of the Illinois Environmental Council, and learns about public participation in drawing Chicago ward maps from Adam Alonso, CEO of BUILD. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show and remind us to call our legislators about issues we care about.

Mike Stephen gets an update about the local hospitality industry's rebound with the scribe behind the Chicago Bars Twitter feed, learns the story of biking to a Waffle House in Indiana from Chicago Reader columnist and Streetsblog Chicago editor John Greenfield, and discovers the Secret History of local rocker Ron Haydock. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show and discuss how more of us should be sitting at the bar.

Mike Stephen chats about diversity in local journalism with Brandon Pope, the new president of the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, learns about a new bill that strengthens civics education for incarcerated youth from Ami Gandhi, senior counsel at the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, and gets the lowdown on Tautologic's new album from singer & keyboardist Ethan Sellers. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show and discuss the importance of mentorship and rickshaws.

Mike Stephen learns about the expansion of Takeout 25 Oak Park from its creator and Oak Park trustee Ravi Parakkat, talks to Shawn Maxwell about his new jazz album, and discovers the Secret History of local soul singer Jackie Ross. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show and Mike shares his story of taking harmonica lessons from the great Howard Levy.

Mike Stephen gets the story behind the increase of carjackings in Chicago with University of Chicago sociologist Dr. Robert Vargas, discusses the impact of the pandemic on working mothers with Frank Manzo of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, and chats with Keya Trammell about her new music. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show and offer some takeaways.

Mike Stephen discusses the future of the Thompson Center with New City writer Philip Barash, talks to local musician Jared Rabin about his new album, and learns the Secret History of The Fabulous Turks. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show, discuss the role of local government in administering the Thompson Center, and give praise to chicken wings (and chicken wing substitutes).

Mike Stephen sits down with local musician Rich Robbins to learn about his new album and inspiration, discusses the importance of labor history with Larry Spivack of the Illinois Labor History Society, and gets the lowdown on the health of local commercial real estate during the pandemic with AJ LaTrace, editor of RE Journals. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show and wonder if the possible renaming of Lake Shore Drive will impact classic rock jamz.

Mike Stephen discusses the impact of Goose Island Brewery’s sale 10 years ago with Chicago Tribune reporter Josh Noel, learns the Secret History of saxman Gene Barge, and plays a clip from 2013 that features one lucky “phan’s” experience on stage with Phish. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show and share their thoughts about Goose Island products.

Mike Stephen learns the historical significance of the Three Patriots statue with Chicago Jewish Historical Society co-president Rachelle Gold, discusses vaccine equity in Chicago with The Triibe's Matt Harvey, and chats about a new recycling contract for the city with Madison Hopkins of the Better Government Association. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show, discuss local recycling, and seek a special connection with Aldi.

Mike Stephen talks to Sara Chapman and learns about Media Burn’s work to archive cultural history, discusses the best new local tacos with Chicago Tribune food & dining reporter Nick Kindelsperger, and discovers the Secret History of folk and rock musician Michael DeLisle. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show, offer some takeaways, and praise the cultural force that is the local taco.