Local journalism is key to a healthy democracy. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen talks with University of Illinois professor emeritus Robert McChesney about a proposal to save local journalism and democracy and then chats with local singer-songwriter Peter Joly about his new album. And Mike gives an update on some segments that aired on the show recently. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

The state’s Student Online Personal Protection Act. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen talks with a Chicago Public School teacher Jeff Solin about the district’s interpretation of the Student Online Personal Protection Act, discusses Chicago’s Black exodus with Anthony Simpkins of the Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, and learns the Secret History of the late folkie Michael P. Smith. And Mike is excited that he was mentioned in the 8-Bit Christmas review in the Chicago Sun-Times. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

2020’s line of Bourbon County beers. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen talks to Josh Noel of the Chicago Tribune about some access issues with Bourbon County beers this year, discusses the need for more public restrooms in Chicago with Courtney Cobbs of Streetsblog Chicago, and learns about the great work of West Town Feeds from board member Lauren Young. And Mike reminds us that if we really want this year’s lineup of Bourbon County beers, it’s ok to wait a little bit. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio

Mike Stephen learns about a people’s history of Uptown through the Dis/Placements project from its co-founders Gayatri Reddy & Anna Guevarra and discovers the Secret History of 1980s alt-rockers Stark. And Mike thinks we should open up the fast food drive-thru lanes to bicycles. What could go wrong? To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.