Outside the Loop RADIO

Mike Stephen drops by The Levee in Hermosa as part of the OTL Winter Tavern Tour, discusses the future of The Old Town School of Folk Music with CEO Jim Newcomb, and learns about the struggle of life outside the Cook County Jail with author and sociologist Nicole Gonzalez Van Cleve.  The local music this week is powered by Jan James.

Mike Stephen stops by Richmond’s Sports Bar in Humboldt Park to learn about that establishment’s history, checks in with 33rd ward aldermanic candidate Katie Sieracki, and learns the Secret History of local Bluesman Willie “Big Eyes” Smith.  This week's local music is brought to you by Obeko.

Mike Stephen stops by Cody's bar in Lakeview to kick off the Winter Tavern Tour with @ChicagoBars, learns about Little Village's fight for environmental justice, and discusses the statistics that show Chicago's declining population with local demographer Rob Paral.  The local music this week is powered by Minor Moon.

Mike Stephen discusses the potential impact of Lincoln Yards on the local music scene with journalist Mark Guarino, learns the results of the Chicago Justice Project's Justice 13 mayoral survey, and discovers the Secret History of the late local Blues guitar rocker Lefty Dizz.  This week's local music is brought to you by Derek Clegg.

Mike Stephen discusses the importance of racial equity work in Chicago with Niketa Brar of Chicago United for Equity and then learns how we can use open data to discover more information about local development projects through Cityscape Chicago. ALSO: Let us know about your favorite cozy winter neighborhood bars/taverns here!  The local music this week is powered by Plastic Crimewave Syndicate.

Mike Stephen beams over to Logan Square to geek out about Trek Talk, discusses the readiness of Black Chicago to organize for the upcoming mayoral election with Tiffany Walden of The Triibe, and learns the Secret History of Chicago Bluesman Lil' Ed Williams.  This week's local music is brought to you by Twin Talk.

Mike Stephen hosts the annual Outside the Loop Chicago Podcasting Summit to talk about all things new and exciting in the world of local audio storytelling. Joining him for this summit are podcasters Robin Amer of The City, Laura Austin of Always Andersonville, and Shannon Cason of Homemade Stories and The Trouble. Special thanks to Flora for powering this week's local music.

Mike Stephen learns how the government shutdown canceled an EPA pollution hearing in East Chicago, previews the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival with artistic director Blair Thomas, and discusses a study analyzing increasing housing prices in Chicago neighborhoods and the impact of those price increases.  The local music this week is brought to you by Noiseferatu.  ALSO: Let us know about your favorite cozy winter neighborhood bars/taverns here!

Mike Stephen chats with Austin Coming Together's Darnell Shields about a new plan to improve the Austin community, learns about the flaws in the state's Freedom of Information Act with ProPublica Illinois' Mick Dumke, and explores how lines help define and impact Chicago with the co-president of the Chicago Architectural Club Carlo Parente.  The local music this week is brought to you by Hearts and Minds.

Mike Stephen talks to the owner of the Heartland Cafe about the imminent closing of that Rogers Park institution, discusses equity when it comes to supporting all Chicago parks, and discovers the Secret History of a unique folk rock band called Dysfunctionells with local music historian Steve Krakow (aka: Plastic Crimewave).  The local music this week is brought to you by Jumpsuit.