Mike Stephen discusses a study and interactive map with co-author Michael Cailas that examines pollution and its proximity to Chicago schools, gets an update on the successes of Funkytown Brewing, and discusses how Illinois spends its COVID relief money with UIC’s Amanda Kass. 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.

Mike Stephen gets on update on the local craft beer scene from Chicago Tribune reporter Josh Noel, chats with local musician David Stowell about his new music, and learns the Secret History of the 1960s group The Opals. And Mike hopes we can take a step back from looking at everything through a political lens and do what’s right when it comes to the challenges we face in the world. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Funkytown Brewery gets funky in Chicago. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about a new local Black-owned brewery called Funkytown from co-owners Richard Bloomfield, Zachary Day, and Gregory Williams, discusses the loss of affordable housing in Chicago with executive director of the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University Geoff Smith, and discovers the Secret History of the local country rock band Ouray. And Mike recounts his standoff with a Chicago rat, since the city has once again been named the “rattiest” in America. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.