Outside the Loop RADIO

Mike Stephen talks to My Block, My Hood, My City founder Jahmal Cole about his continued work to unite Chicago and welcomes The Black Oil Brothers back into the studio for some live jamz and to talk about frontman Timmy Ryan's almost near-fatal accident.  The boys from the band join Mike and Collin for an extended OTL Wrap Party and discuss the possible impact of the Lincoln Yards development on the local music scene.  The local music on this week's show comes from The Black Oil Brothers, duh!

Mike Stephen learns about the new Chicago Tool Library, previews the upcoming Chicago International Pen Show, and dives into the Secret History of Des Plaines garage-rockers The Infinitives.  This week's local music is brought to you by The Unswept.

Mike Stephen discusses why some black millennials are staying in the city, gets an update about the impact of TIF districts on neighborhoods, and learns about the issues surrounding the proposed landmark district in Pilsen.  Mike and Producer Collin talk about dive bars and landmarks as part of the OTL Wrap Party.  The local music on this week's show comes from Caroline Campbell.  

Mike Stephen learns about a new Chicago history podcast called Windy City Historians, recaps what Katie Sieracki learned after her aldermanic campaign in the 33rd Ward, and discovers the Secret History of late local blues talent Louis Myers. This week's local music is brought to you by OIO.

Mike Stephen discusses rehabilitating ex-gang members with Fr. Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, learns about the progress of the state’s environmental protection policies with the executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, and explores the transportation platform of the new mayor-elect of Chicago with John Greenfield of Streetsblog Chicago.  The local music on this week's show comes from Pyramid Scheme.

Mike Stephen learns about a new independently-produced web series covering local politics called Chicago's New Boss, gets the lowdown on variety of local Korean food options with Nick Kindelsperger of the Chicago Tribune, and discovers the Secret History of bassist Calvin “Fuzz” Jones.  This week's local music is brought to you by Mindswimmer.

Mike Stephen talks to outgoing Ald. John Arena (45th) about local political issues, discusses the proposed state progressive income tax and budget with David Merriman of the Fiscal Futures Project, and learns about the work of Sunrise Movement Chicago.  The local music this week is powered by The Tentatives.

Mike Stephen discusses Goose Island's decision to stop distributing Honkers Ale with Chicago Tribune reporter Josh Noel, drops by the J&M Tap in the Ukrainian Village for the final stop on the OTL Winter Tavern Tour, and learns the Secret History of prewar Blues pianist and vocalist Georgia White.  This week's local music is brought to you by Flatfoot 56.

Mike Stephen slides by The Corner Bar in Bucktown as part of the OTL Winter Tavern Tour and then welcomes Pro Publica Illinois' Mick Dumke and IL Election Data's Scott Kennedy to the bar to give their analysis of local politics after the municipal election.  All this in a bar.  Because, why not?  The local music this week is powered by Decoy Prayer Meeting.

Mike Stephen discusses some of the issues with the implementation of the state's automatic voter registration law, learns the Secret History of local Blues lap steel guitar player Freddie Roulette, and drops by The Lantern in Lake Forest for another stop on the OTL Winter Tavern Tour.  This week's local music is brought to you by Boyo Talk.