Outside the Loop RADIO

Mike Stephen discusses the pandemic’s affect on housing instability with Michelle Layser of the University of Illinois, talks to the John Howard Association of Illinois' Jennifer Vollen-Katz about how prisons are beginning to open up to more oversight, and finds out how Burning Bush Brewery has survived the pandemic so far from owner Brent Raska. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show, offer some takeaways, and offer words of encouragement for one another's March Madness brackets.

Mike Stephen discusses the issue of increasing property taxes in Wicker Park with Hannah Alani of Block Club Chicago, talks to Executive Pastor Reshorna Fitzpatrick of Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church about how residents of North Lawndale are improving life in that community, and discovers the Secret History of Andrew “Big Voice” Odom. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on the good work of the North Lawndale community and wonder how their NCAA brackets will turn out.

Mike Stephen discusses Illinois’ grade for electric transportation with Bryan Howard of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, learns about the importance of local architectural journalism with architectural historian Elizabeth Blasius, and talks to Colleen Smith, deputy director of the Illinois Environmental Council, about a proposed ordinance aimed at curbing air pollution in Chicago. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin stress the need for immediate environmental protections, wonder if Mars will be a vacation destination in the future, and say some prayers for The Tamale Guy. The local music this week comes from Motel Breakfast.

Mike Stephen talks to Vashon Jordan Jr., the photographer behind the book Chicago Protests: A Joyful Revolution, checks in with Craig Morrall of the Nisei Lounge to see how that bar has survived the pandemic, and learns the Secret History of blues pianist Willie Mabon. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin emphasize the importance of Vashon's work, spicy hot wings, and exploring your community.

Mike Stephen learns about the mystery of the 1963 murder of Ald. Ben Lewis with Mick Dumke of ProPublica Illinois, discusses how The Green Lady bar continues to build community with bar owner Melani Hoffman, and talks to artist Josh Moulton about how local art is supporting struggling business in Chicago. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on the importance of journalism and taverns.

Mike Stephen discusses the future of local media with Brian Hieggelke, editor & publisher of Newcity, checks in with Pete Crowley, co-owner & co-founder of the Haymarket Pub, and learns the Secret History of local bluesman “Big Daddy” Kinsey. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin revisit the discussion of the importance of local media. The local pandemic tunez come from Go Time.

Mike Stephen welcomes three local podcasters to the show to discuss their shows, the state of local storytelling, and the future of the podcast medium. Corey Leber, co-executive producer of Chicago's Bravest Stories, Jacoby Cochran, host of City Cast, and Colleen Pellissier, host and creator of Psychonaut, share their thoughts. The local pandemic tunez come from Saint Lou.

Mike Stephen discusses the future of bars and taverns in Chicago with @ChicagoBars, talks to local journalist Alison Flowers about the new Chicago Police Torture Archive, and discovers the Secret History of 20th century bluesman Johnny Shines. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show and remember that Valentine's Day is this weekend. The local pandemic tunez come from Beach Bunny.

Mike Stephen discusses a new study examining the digital divide in Chicago with University of Chicago professors Drs. Nick Feamster and Nicole Marwell, learns why the online news site One Illinois is shutting down from editor and local journalist Ted Cox, and explores another year of population loss in Illinois with Erin Aleman, executive director of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on the state of the business of journalism. The local pandemic tunez come from Black Bolts.

Mike Stephen discusses the impact of food delivery apps on local restaurants with Phillip Foss, co-owner of EL Ideas and Boxcar Barbecue, previews the FOIAFest with Chicago Headline Club president Madhu Krishnamurthy, and learns the Secret History of local blues shufflers The Aces. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on the impact of food delivery apps. The local pandemic tunez come from Harry James Brenner.