We explore a new book about the local nonprofit Takeout 25. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about a new book about the impact of the local nonprofit Takeout 25 called The Takeout 25 Effect: Mobilizing for Positive Change with author Ravi Parakkat, explores a project mapping high concentration of truck traffic in Chicago called the Chicago Truck Data Portal with Jose Acosta Cordova of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, and discovers the Secret History of local fingerpicking guitar master Charlie Schmidt. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 2 days ago Tagged

Should Chicago lower its speed limit? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the possibility of Chicago lowering its speed limit with Active Transportation Alliance managing director of advocacy Jim Merrell, explores the debate around Mayor Johnson’s possible incompetence or inexperience with Chicago Magazine contributing editor Ted McClelland, and revisits the topic of Chicago’s bikeability. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 1 week ago Tagged

This week we explore Chicago’s community map. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about the significance of Chicago’s community map and explores the possibility of updating it with Emily Talen, professor of urbanism and director of the Urbanism Lab at the University of Chicago, discusses the importance of literacy on the West Side of the city with founder of The Queen Within, Bridgett McGill, and discovers the Secret History of 1990s psychedelic rockers Plastics Hi-Fi. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 2 weeks ago Tagged

We discuss the fight for workplace equity in Chicago and beyond. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the gender pay gap and efforts to combat it with Ibie Hart, director of business development at Women Employed, and then chats with local journalist Arionne Nettles about her new book entitled We Are the Culture: Black Chicago’s Influence on Everything. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 3 weeks ago Tagged