Open data allows us to track public transit. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about tracking local public transit with cyberanalyst Brandon McFadden, discusses the impact of gun violence in Chicago communities with Cliff Nellis of the Lawndale Christian Legal Center, and discovers the Secret History of blues guitarist Linsey Alexander. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Open Books is expanding. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about the new expansion of Chicago literacy nonprofit Open Books from executive director Eric Johnson, learns how ChicagoJazz.com is back in full swing and delivering new local music coverage from founder Mike Jeffers, and discovers new local tunes from musician Daniel Gunderson. And Mike pays tribute to the late great radio host Lin Brehmer of WXRT-FM. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Is “We Will Chicago” the people’s plan? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the “We Will Chicago” plan and its criticisms with City Bureau reporters Jerrel Floyd and India Daniels, talks to local photographer Marty Perez about his 40 years of music photography and his new book called Kill a Punk For Rock & Roll: 1976-2019 Photographs, and chats with Peter Moore, artistic director at Steep Theatre, about that theater company’s new grant from the City of Chicago. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

A view of Kaskaskia, IL. (Photo credit: Illinois Humanities. Used with permission.)

Mike Stephen learns about the fascinating history of Kaskaskia, IL, from Illinois Humanities’ Matt Meacham and then dives into the story of the 1980s-era metal band Witchslayer. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.