Mike Stephen gets an update on the Clean Energy Jobs Act, checks in with a garage-based community radio station, WIDE-LP, in Madison, WI, and learns the Secret History of 70s local country-rockers The Moondogs.  This week's local Holiday music is brought to you by El Gato Roboto.

Mike Stephen heads up to the Andersonville neighborhood and takes the show to Simon’s Tavern on Clark Street.  We hear conversations from members of the community about what makes the neighborhood tick.  Mike and OTL producer Collin Seaman welcome Laura Austin of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce to talk about the strength of the community.  Simon's Tavern owner Scott Martin sits down to discuss the importance of that bar in the neighborhood.  Next, we enjoy an architecture conversation with Thom Green of Green & Proppe Design.  And we explore what it's like to own a local business with Milk Handmade owner Hallie Borden.  The local music this week is brought to us by Andersonville favorites Hodie Snitch.  We love you, Andersonville!

Mike Stephen discusses the significance of the murder of Fred Hampton and Mark Clark with Chicago Tribune reporter William Lee, learns about recommendations for providing better transportation access for the disabled, and discovers the Secret History of 80s prog-rockers Eardance.  This week's local music is brought to you by Violet Mice.

Mike Stephen learns about an upcoming book about gentrification in Logan Square with sociologist and photographer David Schalliol, discusses a City Bureau analysis of local government transparency, and plays back the sounds of the Girls on the Run Chicago 5k.  The local music this week is brought to us by Batteries Not Included.

Mike Stephen learns about a new high school class on the Holocaust and genocide at Oak Park & River Forest High School, discusses the community importance of the Green Line, and discovers the Secret History of local funk band Pieces of Peace.  This week's local music is brought to you by Catho.

Mike Stephen previews the new edition of local food guide Fooditor 99, learns about the history of Sundown Towns with ProPublica Illinois' Logan Jaffe, and discusses a new tool that maps media coverage of local development.  The local music this week is brought to us by Hood Smoke.

Mike Stephen previews the Young Feminist Conference with Cause the Effect Chicago's founder Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, learns about another conference aimed at connecting journalists and their communities called the People-Powered Publishing Conference, and discovers the Secret History of 60s frat-rockers 4 Taus.  This week's local music is brought to you by Jason Valley.

Mike Stephen talks to longtime activist Sister Helen Prejean about her life of activism, new book, and her upcoming talk at Dominican University.  Cox’s Army, a tremendous local Bluegrass Band, stops by the studio to perform live and preview their upcoming record release show at The Hideout!

Mike Stephen learns about a project to give new life to shuttered Chicago schools called Creative Grounds, discusses the impact of local community organizing, and gets the Secret History of the late jazz drummer Alvin Fielder.  This week's local music is brought to you by The Artist Formerly Known as Vince.

Mike Stephen talks to Pia Justesen, author of a new book called From the Periphery: Real-Life Stories of Disability that is an oral history of those living with disabilities and then discusses mobility justice with Anton Seals, the lead steward of Grow Greater Englewood.  This week's local music is brought to us by LagPass.