Outside the Loop RADIO

Mike Stephen kicks off the Winter Tavern Tour at The Matchbox in West Town, learns about a program that turns young writers into published novelists called Open Books Publishing Academy, and discusses the efforts to recruit more bilingual teachers in the state.  And this week we enjoy local music from Way to Go Radio.

Mike Stephen visits the show FORTS! at the Filament Theatre in Portage Park, drops by a new vinyl record store in Ravenswood, and learns the Secret History of slide guitarist John Littlejohn.  This week the local music comes from The Weekend Run Club.

Mike Stephen chats about all things related to podcasting!  Matt Young of Hello From the Magic Tavern, Ryan Ingwersen of ABV Chicago, and Kelly Opalko from the Chicago Podcast Festival stop by the studio to discuss podcasting in Chicago and beyond.  This week's local tunes provided by Sports Boyfriend.

Mike Stephen discusses the Black Chicago perspective of Mayor Lightfoot with Tiffany Walden of The Triibe, listens to a journalist’s experience visiting a dispensary, and learns the Secret History of Chicago Blues harpist George “Wild Child” Butler.  This week the local music comes from Lou Schmidt.

Also: let us know where we should go for the upcoming OTL Winter Tavern Tour!

Mike Stephen learns how we can’t impeach a Chicago mayor, welcomes local jazz musician Joe Policastro to preview his trio’s show, and discovers the Secret History of blues singer Lucille Spann.  Plus: Joe visits the OTL Wrap Party segment to discuss playing music in Chicago and the awesomeness of the late Neil Peart of Rush.  This week we enjoy local music from The Joe Policastro Trio, of course!

Mike Stephen talks to a former local trolley driver who did the job for over 20 years and has a new book about his experiences called Twenty Years Without a Weekend, gets an update on Chicago’s recycling efforts from the Chicago Recycling Coalition, and learns about a new TV show that helps novice female politicians run for office called RUN.  The local music this week is brought to us by Blood Red Boots.

Mike Stephen discusses whether 2019 was a good year for local beer with Josh Noel of the Chicago Tribune, learns about the fight against corruption with Susan Garrett of the Center for Illinois Politics, and airs some show clips from the past decade of OTL. The local music this week is brought to us by Ryan Yueill.  Happy New Year from your friends at OTL!

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.