OTL: Episode #572- Fighting domestic violence, Beardsgaard Barbers grows, Local urban farming with The Gardeneers

Mike Stephen talks with:   Bethany Gomillion, Marathon Campaign Coordinator of Run Domestic Violence Out of Town and Elizabeth Gray, marathoner and domestic abuse survivor, about combating domestic abuse;   Natalie Anderson, co-owner and barber educator at Beardsgaard Barbers, about the success of this unique Batavia-based shop; and   May Tsupros, Executive Director and Co-founder of The Gardeneers, about educating CPS students on local urban farming and healthy eating   This week’s local music is provided by Fire Garden. Mike Stephen out in the field to explore the Gardeneers’ rail garden in Homan Square.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #569- DACA’s impact in Chicago, Chicago State University’s revamp, Inside Compound Yellow arts space

Mike Stephen talks with:   Ere Rendon, Director of National Partnerships for the Resurrection Project, about the recent news concerning the changes to US immigration policy and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals);   Dr. Rachel Lindsey, Interim President of Chicago State University, about how CSU has rebounded after some rough recent history; and   Lora Lode, Co-Founder of Compound Yellow, about an art gallery space in Oak Park that is located in the backyard of a house.   Don’t forget our Outside the Loop Listener Survey. We really appreciate your time and consideration!   This week’s local music is provided by Tinkerbelles.   OTL host Mike Stephen gets educated about Compound Yellow in Oak Park. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

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 #565- Improving public schools, Affordable housing near The 606, Fritz Kaegi runs for Assessor

Mike Stephen talks with:   Generation All associate program officer Misuzu Schexnider about their plan for improving neighborhood high schools and the new Chicago Public Schools app;   Logan Square Neighborhood Association former president Lissette Castañeda about the fight for affordable housing in areas by The 606 park system; and   Cook County Assessor candidate Fritz Kaegi about his vision for transparent and competent assessments for everybody.   Meanwhile, we discuss how the Chicago Triathlon is introducing a one-mile Underwear Run along the lakefront this year!   This week’s local music is provided by Ratboys.   OTL host Mike Stephen III, son Mike Stephen IV, and wife Jenny Stephen I enjoy The 606 park system. [circa summer 2015]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.