This week we explore Black organizing in Illinois pre-Civil War. (Used with permission from Northwestern University. All photos in the public domain.)

Mike Stephen discusses a new online exhibit that examines the role of the Black community in pre-Civil War Illinois with Northwestern University history professor and project director Kate Masur. Check out her book called Until Justice Be Done: America’s First Civil Rights Movement, from the Revolution to Reconstruction. Then, we hear from local tai chi teacher Arlene Faulk to learn her remarkable story of how she fought back against multiple sclerosis. She recounts her journey in the book Walking on Pins and Needles: A Memoir of Chronic Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 5 years ago Tagged

2020’s line of Bourbon County beers. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen talks to Josh Noel of the Chicago Tribune about some access issues with Bourbon County beers this year, discusses the need for more public restrooms in Chicago with Courtney Cobbs of Streetsblog Chicago, and learns about the great work of West Town Feeds from board member Lauren Young. And Mike reminds us that if we really want this year’s lineup of Bourbon County beers, it’s ok to wait a little bit. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 5 years ago Tagged

Mike Stephen talks to Chicago’s Chief Equity Officer, Candace Moore.

Mike Stephen talks to Chicago’s Chief Equity Officer, Candace Moore, about a new citywide initiative to help racial dialogue called Together We Heal, learns about the uptick in anxiety in youth with Dr. Orson Morrison of DePaul Family and Community Services, and gets the lowdown on the great work of Teamwork Englewood with program associate Lashawn Evans. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on the show and plan to drink Malort hot toddies together. The local pandemic tunez come from Eggnog Queen. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

Takeout 25 Oak Park offers some food inspiration.

Mike Stephen learns about Takeout 25 Oak Park, an initiative to keep Oak Park area restaurants in business, from creator Ravi Parakkat, learns why State Representative-Elect Margaret Croke got into politics, and discusses the city’s plans for responding to mental health emergencies with Arturo Carillo of the Collaborative for Community Wellness and the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on the show and endorse getting local takeout, especially when you walk to pick it up. The local pandemic tunez come from Snooze. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged