This week we take a look at housing instability in the wake of the pandemic. (Photo Credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the pandemic’s affect on housing instability with Michelle Layser of the University of Illinois, talks to the John Howard Association of Illinois‘ Jennifer Vollen-Katz about how prisons are beginning to open up to more oversight, and finds out how Burning Bush Brewery has survived the pandemic so far from owner Brent Raska. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show, offer some takeaways, and offer words of encouragement for one another’s March Madness brackets. The local music this week comes from Cranes & Mirrors. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Outside the loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [ 41:22 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (9)

Posted 1 week ago Tagged

Remember 2017? Good times.

Mike Stephen gets the lowdown about this year’s Bourbon County Stout lineup from the Chicago Tribune’s Josh Noel, talks to ProPublica Illinois reporter Melissa Sanchez about immigrant teens working dangerous factory jobs in the suburbs, and chats about the empowering work of Girls on the Run Chicago with executive director Jill Eid. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on the show, including describing recent barrel-aged beer experiences. The local pandemic tunez come from Treesleeper. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

Outside the Loop RADIO: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [ 46:00 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (26)

Posted 4 months ago Tagged

Mike Stephen celebrates pride during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mike Stephen discusses the Pride Month celebrations this year and the significance of the recent LGBTQ civil rights Supreme Court decision with Tracy Baim, learns about the comeback of Chicago breweries and bars with Chicago Tribune reporter Josh Noel, and discovers the Secret History of 70s horn-rockers Chase. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin remind all of us to keep wearing masks during the pandemic and reflect on the recent street closure initiative in Chicago. The local quarantine music this week comes from Paddle Fish. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Outside the Loop Radio: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [ 51:54 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (75)

Posted 10 months ago Tagged

Mike Stephen broadcasts from his home studio.

Mike Stephen chats about the resulting pollution from the demolition of a smokestack in Little Village with the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, discusses the struggles of Reggie’s, a venerable music venue in the South Loop during this time, and learns about what it’s like opening a brewery during a pandemic. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike welcomes an old friend back to the show: Producer Emeritus Andy “The Count” Hermann!  The local quarantine music this week comes from Tom Carey. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

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Posted 12 months ago Tagged