Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine
Mike Stephen explores the impact of food influencers on the Chicago culinary scene with freelance reporter Leigh Giangreco, chats with Rattleback Records owner Paul Ruffino about what it’s like to run an independent record store, and takes a deep dive into Injustice Watch’s 2026 guide to judicial elections with senior reporter Dan Hinkel. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.
Mike Stephen talks to Injustice Watch senior reporter Aura Bogado about her new report on how Illinois prosecutors are assisting federal immigration efforts, then chats with Antonia Turner, owner of the new Heritage Press and Blow Dry salon, about building community in Chicago. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.
Mike Stephen discusses the legacy of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 with Peter Cole of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project, explores how entrepreneurship is creating opportunities for people returning from incarceration with Judy Dawson and Rudy Gonzalez of the William H. Hall Center for Entrepreneurship, and celebrates the legacy of the Mayfair Academy of Fine Arts with owner and president Peggy Sutton. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.
Mike Stephen learns about a new report highlighting the risks of removing fluoride from drinking water from Dr. Helen Lee of the University of Illinois Chicago, gets an update on the new Southwest Chamber of Commerce from McKinley Park News publisher Justin Kerr, and chats with Naked Brunch vocalist Michael Hanna about the band’s new music. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.