OTL: Episode #566- Rust Belt Chicago, The importance of high school libraries, The Secret History of Ritz

Mike Stephen talks with:   Belt Magazine senior editor Martha Bayne about collecting stories for the new book Rust Belt Chicago: An Anthology;   Hinsdale South High School librarian Ellen Lawrence about the importance of libraries in high schools; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about arena-ready rockers Ritz for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we present the Outside the Loop Listener Survey. We’d love your feedback!   This week’s local music is provided by Kerosene Stars.   OTL host Mike Stephen reviews the Outside the Loop Listener Survey.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #550- Capitalism and misogyny, Chicago Pen Show preview, The Secret History of Poor Richard

Mike Stephen talks with:   writer and cultural critic Anne Elizabeth Moore about the effects of capitalism and misogyny on women as detailed in her latest book Body Horror: Capitalism, Fear, Misogyny, Jokes;   Chicago Pen Show owner Paul Conterato for a preview of the oldest writing utensil exhibition in the country; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about jingle-writing prog rockers Poor Richard for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we discuss how to support Independent Bookstore Day today and why there aren’t more gender-neutral restrooms in Chicago.   This week’s local music is provided by Minor Moon.   OTL host Mike Stephen holds a copy of Anne Elizabeth Moore’s latest book Body Horror: Capitalism, Fear, Misogyny, Jokes.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #523- Chicago’s Equality Index score, Local parking and transit roundup, A new fun kids book inspired by the CTA

Mike Stephen talks with:   Human Rights Campaign legislative counsel Xavier Persad about how Chicago ranks in the fifth annual Municipal Equality Index, a nationwide rating system of LGBTQ inclusion in municipal law and policy;   The Expired Meter blogger The Parking Ticket Geek about Wrigleyville parking restrictions, raising parking meter rates around Wrigley Field, and the closing of all the Chicago vehicle emissions test facilities; and   local author Patrick McBriarty about City Railways Go Above and Below, his latest children’s book about riding public transportation.   Meanwhile, we learn how long you should #FlyTheW flag after a Cubs win!   This week’s local music is provided by riverhorse.   Local author Patrick McBriarty stops by the WGN Radio studios to talk with OTL host Mike Stephen about his new children’s book City Railways Go Above and Below.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #501- Sister Donna Quinn on her life of activism, Run Domestic Violence Out of Town, Dina Bach performs live

Mike Stephen talks with:   activist nun Donna Quinn about fighting for gender equality as detailed in her new book Chicago Catholic Women: Its Role in Founding the Catholic Women’s Movement;   Run Domestic Violence Out of Town marathon campaign coordinator Bethany Gomillion Thompson about how running the Chicago Marathon can benefit the fight against domestic violence; and   local singer-songwriter Dina Bach, who provided the soundtrack for the show! Check out her new EP Kiss Me Like That.   Meanwhile, we discuss Melissa’s Pal Crépes… the city’s first officially licensed food cart!   Local musician Dina Bach previewed her new EP Kiss Me Like That all throughout OTL #501. Fortunately, OTL host Mike Stephen is only posing here.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.