The compact disc is still a thing! (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen talks with Chicago Reader staff writer Leor Galil about the resurgence of the compact disc, then delves into the history of Chicago before the Great Fire of 1871 with Northwestern University economics professor Louis P. Cain, author of the new book Chicago Before the Fire: An Economic History. Plus, a special appearance by Mike’s wife, Jenny Stephen! To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Mike Stephen discusses the importance of a healthy local nonprofit arts community with Vickie Lakes-Battle of IFF and Vanessa Sanchez of Villapalooza and then chats with Danita Patterson, founder of Destiny Outreach, about a new program aimed at guiding Chicago’s youth towards careers in the entertainment industry. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Mike Stephen discusses the future of Chicago’s lakefront with Emily Reusswig, VP of Conservation at Openlands, talks about the importance of inclusion in media with Anthony Williams, the founder of Second Glance Productions, and gets the lowdown on new music from Chicago-based bluesman Rob Moore. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.