Mike Stephen at a New Year's party in 2010 and Mike Stephen on the air at WGN Radio in 2019.

Mike Stephen discusses whether 2019 was a good year for local beer with Josh Noel of the Chicago Tribune, learns about the fight against corruption with Susan Garrett of the Center for Illinois Politics, and airs some show clips from the past decade of OTL. The local music this week is brought to us by Ryan Yueill. Happy New Year from your friends at OTL! To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Laura Austin of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and Mike Stephen hanging out at Simon's Tavern on Clark St. in Andersonville.

Mike Stephen heads up to the Andersonville neighborhood and takes the show to Simon’s Tavern on Clark Street.  We hear conversations from members of the community about what makes the neighborhood tick.  Mike and OTL producer Collin Seaman welcome Laura Austin of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce to talk about the strength of the community.  Simon’s Tavern owner Scott Martin sits down to discuss the importance of that bar in the neighborhood.  Next, we enjoy an architecture conversation with Thom Greene of Greene & Proppe Design.  And we explore what it’s like to own a local business with Milk Handmade owner Hallie Borden.  The local music this week is brought to us by Andersonville favorites Hodie Snitch.  We love you, Andersonville! To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen hosts the eerie 666th show of Outside the Loop.

Mike Stephen celebrates the creepy 666th episode by learning about the benefits of eating insects, gets the lowdown on the increase in dark lagers brewed locally, and discovers the Secret History of soul singer Barbara Acklin.  This week’s local music is brought to you by Opacia. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen discusses Goose Island’s decision to stop distributing Honkers Ale with Chicago Tribune reporter Josh Noel, drops by the J&M Tap in the Ukrainian Village for the final stop on the OTL Winter Tavern Tour, and learns the Secret History of prewar Blues pianist and vocalist Georgia White.  This week’s local music is brought to you by Flatfoot 56. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.