Outside the Loop RADIO

Mike Stephen checks in with DNAinfo Chicago City Hall reporter Heather Cherone about the CTA's upcoming new buses and improved service and why Chicago aldermen were upset about not getting World Series tickets, talks with BallotReady co-founder Alex Niemczewski about educating ourselves about political candidates and how she's helping to make voting easier, and chats with Active Transportation Alliance advocacy director Jim Merrell about proposing a riverfront bike trail for Chicago... with some of it possibly floating! Meanwhile, we realize that the city is still standing after the Cubs won the World Series, and we warn our listeners that businesses rewarding voters on election day is an illegal act. This week's local music is provided by Pool Holograph.

Mike Stephen checks in with independent journalist Lee V. Gaines for an update on Cook County's ruling on what is "fine art" and their pursuit of back taxes from small music venues; talks with Chicago Loot Drop chairman Mike Chuck about "Press START To Drink," their 7th annual holiday fundraiser for University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital; and chats with Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about early '80s ska band Rude Guest for this week's "The Fall of Punk" edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music. Meanwhile, we play a voicemail from #1 OTL fan Mrs. Stephen... who's always looking out for her son's safety! This week's local music is provided by Gramps The Vamp.

Mike Stephen talks with Human Rights Campaign legislative counsel Xavier Persad about how Chicago ranks in the fifth annual Municipal Equality Index, a nationwide rating system of LGBTQ inclusion in municipal law and policy; chats with The Expired Meter blogger The Parking Ticket Geek about Wrigleyville parking restrictions, raising parking meter rates around Wrigley Field, and the closing of all the Chicago vehicle emissions test facilities; and welcomes local author Patrick McBriarty to the studio to discuss City Railways Go Above and Below, his latest children's book about riding public transportation. Meanwhile, we learn how long you should #FlyTheW flag after a Cubs win! This week's local music is provided by riverhorse.

Mike Stephen talks with Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce president Brian Nadig about the Vacancy Fraud Investigative Unit Act and how some Chicago landlords are exploiting a tax reduction for vacant buildings, checks in with It's Filmed There website creator Chas Demster about researching and meticulously documenting television and movie filming locations around Chicago, and chats with Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about early local hardcore band Savage Beliefs for this week's "The Fall of Punk" edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music. Meanwhile, we share the feel-good story of Toons Bar & Grill recovering its beloved smoker Black Pearl! This week's local music is provided by i.e. kokoro.

Mike Stephen talks with U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom chair Fr. Thomas J. Reese, SJ about his upcoming "Religion & Politics 2016" Albertus Magnus Lecture at Dominican University, chats with Concordia Place teen program manager Gwyndolyn Siebert Moss and teen program instructor Rene Pineda about teaching kids to run a business via the Ruckus Entrepreneurs program, and checks in with Illinois Food Truck Association head Gabe Wiesen about the struggles to run a food truck business (like his very own Beavers Donuts) in the city of Chicago. Meanwhile, we celebrate the CTA testing non-fabric plastic seats on its buses and trains! This week's local music is provided by The Gold Web.

Mike Stephen talks with Marc Ayers, Illinois State Director of The Humane Society of the United States about why Illinois' first bobcat hunting season in decades is a bad idea; checks in with former Homeroom program director Seth Vanek about his new venture hosting "Therapy Sessions" at the Hungry Brain; and chats with Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about Chicago's very own '70s protopunk band The Crucified for this week's "The Fall of Punk" edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music. Meanwhile, we tell the tale of eating, drinking, and being merry with our friend Lou Manfredini last night at the Hofbräuhaus Chicago; and Mike recaps breakfast with his parents after OTL's 10th anniversary show! This week's local music is provided by Dos Santos: Anti-Beat Orquestra.

It's the Outside the Loop 10th Anniversary Show... live from the United Center in Chicago! [photos]

In this very special episode, Mike Stephen talks with Inner-City Education (ICE) Program founder and executive director Brad Erickson about providing educational and hockey opportunities for low-income kids in Chicago, catches up with ALSO (Alliance of Local Service Organizations) executive director Lori Crowder about working to end violence in the city and beyond, and chats with Potts & Pans Steelband members and executives Matt Potts and Anthony Jay Houston about the magic of the steel drums and vibraphone. Meanwhile, we reflect on Outside the Loop RADIO's 10th year of pod/broadcasting and how we got to where we are today. This week's live local music is provided by the aforementioned Potts & Pans Steelband.

It's the Outside the Loop 10th Anniversary Show... live from the United Center in Chicago!

In this very special episode, Mike Stephen talks with Inner-City Education (ICE) Program founder and executive director Brad Erickson about providing educational and hockey opportunities for low-income kids in Chicago, catches up with ALSO (Alliance of Local Service Organizations) executive director Lori Crowder about working to end violence in the city and beyond, and chats with Potts & Pans Steelband members and executives Matt Potts and Anthony Jay Houston about the magic of the steel drums and vibraphone. Meanwhile, we reflect on Outside the Loop RADIO's 10th year of pod/broadcasting and how we got to where we are today. This week's live local music is provided by the aforementioned Potts & Pans Steelband.

Mike Stephen talks with The Catholic University of America associate professor Maryann Cusimano Love about her Albertus Magnus Lecture at Dominican University about Building a Better Peace, catches up with Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep math and science teacher Alex Kmicikewycz about receiving a Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching grant to Singapore, and chats with Choose Chicago manager of greeter services Katie Law about the Chicago Greeter program and how she's celebrating International Greeter Day this year. Meanwhile, we reveal the hottest new band to play the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival! This week's local music is provided by Pearls Mahone.

Mike Stephen talks with Concerned Citizens of Riot Fest in Douglas Park co-founder Sharaya Tindal about her organization's concerns about the annual music festival in their neighborhood, checks in with Chicago Justice Project executive director Tracy Siska about filing suit against the Chicago Emergency Management and Communications office for more government transparency, and chats with Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about world-renowned drummer Hamid Drake for this week's edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music. Meanwhile, we discuss real estate prices around CTA stops. This week's local music is provided by Law of Keanu.