Mike Stephen kicks off a local music-themed show by giving some love to the new show Instagram page, learns the Secret History of folk-rocker Megon McDonough with the great Steve Krakow (aka: Plastic Crimewave), discusses the important work of Girls Rock Chicago, and welcomes the local band Photo-Curio into the studio to rock out on the air.  

Mike Stephen discusses the parallels between the sociopolitical climate of 1968 and 2018 with journalist Mick Dumke, learns about finding the roots of the Black Chicago experience with The Triibe's editor in chief Tiffany Walden, and welcomes artist Derek Erdman back to Chicago to get the skinny on his new show.  The local music this week brought to us by Brian Sangmeister.

Mike Stephen walks part of Chicago's 33rd Ward with first time aldermanic candidate Katie Sieracki to get a behind-the-scenes view of running for office, connects with WFOV-LP in Flint, MI, to chat about the important work that radio station does for the community, and learns the Secret History of Chicagoland musician and producer Larry Sturm.  The local music on this week's show is brought to you by Dance Bullies.

On a special edition of the program, Mike Stephen explores the history of tied houses/bars in Chicago.  Joining him at Toons Bar and Grill and at the Happy Village bar is local historian Liz Garibay. The two chat about the history of tied houses over a pint. Then Mike heads to Lakeview to talk to Mike Schuba, operator of Schuba's Tavern, about the special history of that building.  And to round out the show, Mike and Producer Collin try to figure out how to tie OTL to a Chicago bar with some help from Hampshire High School industrial technology teacher Mike Jakubowski.

Mike Stephen discusses the possibility of enacting a moratorium on the expansion of expressways in Chicagoland with Ron Burke of the Active Transportation Alliance, previews a community-building event called the CivicLab Harambee with Tom Tresser, and learns the Secret History of Evanston activist folk singer Kristin Lems. The local music this week flows from J P J.

Mike Stephen drops by the new Saucy Porka restaurant in Hyde Park and chats with owner and chef Amy Le about what it's like as a restaurant owner in the city, learns about some tips and tricks to navigating the Chicago Park District's signup process, and rocks out to live music from Tim Gleason and Kathleen Riordan in the studio.

Mike Stephen discusses the inequities of a Chicago Police bike ticketing policy with Streetsblog Chicago editor John Greenfield, meets 33rd ward aldermanic candidate Katie Sieracki to learn more about what it really takes to enter the political thicket, and visits the lair of Plastic Crimewave (AKA Steve Krakow) to discover the Secret History of Marvin Smith. Local music this week powered by Stardusk Encounter.

Mike Stephen chews through the CPS funding data with Jessica Kursman of UIC's Voorhees Center, explores the impact of discipline policies in Illinois public schools with Kalin Belsha of the Chicago Reporter, and tips his hat to the late local music legend Val Camilletti of Val's Halla Records in Oak Park.  The local music this week is powered by Rum Velvet.

Mike Stephen talks with Chicago Alderman Scott Waguespack about his views on the city's leadership, learns about the Illinois Railway Museum, and visits the lair of Steve Krakow (aka Plastic Crimewave) to discover the Secret History of 60s garage-rockers The Riptides. Local music this week courtesy of Sun Cop.

Mike Stephen talks about the role Chicago Alderman play in affordable housing development with Chicago Area Fair Housing Executive Director Patricia Fron, discusses the sustainable benefit of closed loop economies with Jonathan Pereira of Plant Chicago, and geeks out over tacos and the upcoming Tacos Y Tamales Fest  with the fest co-producer Nick Pobutsky. Local music this week courtesy of local synth-pop GOSH!