Mike Stephen welcomes local jazz musician Joe Policastro into the studio while holding the official OTL tumbler.

Mike Stephen learns how we can’t impeach a Chicago mayor, welcomes local jazz musician Joe Policastro to preview his trio’s show, and discovers the Secret History of blues singer Lucille Spann.  Plus: Joe visits the OTL Wrap Party segment to discuss playing music in Chicago and the awesomeness of the late Neil Peart of Rush.  This week we enjoy local music from The Joe Policastro Trio, of course! Also: let us know where we should go for the upcoming OTL Winter Tavern Tour!   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen discusses gentrification in Logan Square.

Mike Stephen learns about an upcoming book about gentrification in Logan Square with sociologist and photographer David Schalliol, discusses a City Bureau analysis of local government transparency, and plays back the sounds of the Girls on the Run Chicago 5k.  The local music this week is brought to us by Batteries Not Included. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen discusses the Young Feminist Conference with Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer as well as other local topics on Outside the Loop.

Mike Stephen previews the Young Feminist Conference with Cause the Effect Chicago’s founder Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, learns about another conference aimed at connecting journalists and their communities called the People-Powered Publishing Conference, and discovers the Secret History of 60s frat-rockers 4 Taus.  This week’s local music is brought to you by Jason Valley. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen discusses the possibility of eliminating townships in Illinois.

Mike Stephen talks with ProPublica Illinois reporter Mick Dumke about  City Council committee patronage and politics, explores the idea of the state doing away with townships, and discusses the possibility of an increase in taxes on electric vehicles.  The local music on this week’s show comes from Warped Wonder.  To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.