Mike Stephen’s son, Joey, is fascinated with the CTA’s “Ride the Rails” videos.

Mike Stephen discusses the racial disparity of COVID-19 with Duaa Eldeib of ProPublica Illinois, learns about the impact of the pandemic on the state’s environmental policy with Jen Walling of the Illinois Environmental Council, and chats about the pandemic’s effects on small business and self-employed workers with Dan Cooper of the Metropolitan Planning Council. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Producer Collin gives us his review of Alinea’s take out experience. The local quarantine music this week comes from Sugar Still. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Outside the Loop Radio: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [ 51:00 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (13)

Posted 2 weeks ago Tagged

Mike Stephen broadcasts from his home studio.

Mike Stephen chats about the resulting pollution from the demolition of a smokestack in Little Village with the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, discusses the struggles of Reggie’s, a venerable music venue in the South Loop during this time, and learns about what it’s like opening a brewery during a pandemic. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike welcomes an old friend back to the show: Producer Emeritus Andy “The Count” Hermann!  The local quarantine music this week comes from Tom Carey. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Outside the Loop Radio: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [ 49:57 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (21)

Posted 1 month ago Tagged

Mike Stephen takes us inside Wrigleyville's Nisei Lounge as part of the OTL Winter Tavern Tour.

Mike Stephen keeps the Winter Tavern Tour going and visits the Nisei Lounge in Wrigleyville, learns about Illinois’ pathway to renewable energy, and discusses the state’s finances in the wake of the state budget address this week.  The Golden Horse Ranch Band brings us the local tunes! To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Outside the Loop Radio: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [ 36:34 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (28)

Posted 3 months ago Tagged

Mike Stephen ponders recycling in Chicago while standing in a blue recycling bin. That's dedication.

Mike Stephen talks to a former local trolley driver who did the job for over 20 years and has a new book about his experiences called Twenty Years Without a Weekend, gets an update on Chicago’s recycling efforts from the Chicago Recycling Coalition, and learns about a new TV show that helps novice female politicians run for office called RUN.  The local music this week is brought to us by Blood Red Boots. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Outside the Loop Radio: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [ 40:16 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (70)

Posted 5 months ago Tagged