Mike Stephen discusses some of the problems with Chicago's recycling program with Madison Hopkins of the Better Government Association, talks to the new editor in chief of the Chicago Reader Anne Elizabeth Moore about what's in store for the future of the paper, and discovers the Secret History of the local 1970s Bluegrass band Wildwood Pickers with local music historian Steve Krakow (aka: Plastic Crimewave).  The local music this week is brought to you by The Bombats.

Mike Stephen visits the Oak Park River Forest Museum to learn about the legacy of the Fair Housing Ordinance in Oak Park, discusses the impact of shifting wealth in Chicago households with Geoff Smith of the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University, and gets a peek into the Halloween-themed theater show called The Walls of Harrow House.  The local music this week comes from the Alpine Subs.

Mike Stephen learns about Illinois' efforts to combat climate change with the executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, gets the lowdown on a story about Chicago with the creator of a new podcast called The City, and discovers the Secret History of legendary Chicago Bluesman Otis Rush with local music historian Steve Krakow (aka: Plastic Crimewave).  The local music this week is brought to you by Scamlines.

Mike Stephen learns about the incredible story of violence interrupter Angalia Bianca and her new book called In Deep: How I Survived Gangs, Heroin, and Prison to Become a Chicago Violence Interrupter, previews the upcoming Chicago Home Movie Day 2018, and discusses a 2019 mayoral transportation platform with local transportation guru Steven Vance.

Mike Stephen sits down with WGN Radio's Dometi Pongo to talk about his new podcast on African-Americans and voting called Dear Black Voter, learns about the significance of Banned Books Week from Jamie LaRue of the American Library Association, and discovers the Secret History of 60s rockers The Spoils of War with local music historian Steve Krakow (aka: Plastic Crimewave).  The local music this week is brought to you by Daydream Review.

Mike Stephen explores why diner coffee can be so bad with Chicago Tribune food reporter Nick Kindelsperger, learns how Deborah's Place assists homeless women in Chicago, and gets the lowdown on how open data can make Chicago a better place with Eric Sherman, creator of the Logan Square Chi Hack Night.  The local music this week brought to you by Swatches.

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.