Chicago is set to receive less education funding this year. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses this year’s education funding for Chicago Public Schools with Becky Vevea, bureau chief of Chalkbeat Chicago, gets a preview of the 2022 Bourbon County Stout line with Chicago Tribune reporter Josh Noel, and discovers the Secret History of funky jazz dudes Young-Holt Unlimited. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

A view of Lake Michigan from Jasmin, one of the boats participating in this year’s Race to Mackinac. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns what it’s like sailing the Race to Mackinac with Pam Jacknow, who was a sailor on one of the winning boats this year, dives into the Joe Policastro Trio’s new album, and discusses the importance of Black art in Chicago and beyond with Patricia Andrews-Keenan, founder of Pigment International. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

What is the future of local journalism? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the future of local journalism with Tim Franklin, director of the Medill Local News Initiative, and then discovers the Secret History of the 1980s metal band Paradoxx. Let’s also not forget to give some love to the Thompson Center Food Court. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

On set at the Holiday Club in Chicago. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen visits the set of an upcoming local indie film called Twain: Cancelled, learns about new music from Asher George and his project known as Walcot, and discovers the Secret History of a country-rocker from Illinois: Paul Cotton. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.