Mike Stephen beams over to Logan Square to geek out about Trek Talk, discusses the readiness of Black Chicago to organize for the upcoming mayoral election with Tiffany Walden of The Triibe, and learns the Secret History of Chicago Bluesman Lil’ Ed Williams.  This week’s local music is brought to you by Twin Talk. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen talks to the owner of the Heartland Cafe about the imminent closing of that Rogers Park institution, discusses equity when it comes to supporting all Chicago parks, and discovers the Secret History of a unique folk rock band called Dysfunctionells with local music historian Steve Krakow (aka: Plastic Crimewave).  The local music this week is brought to you by Jumpsuit. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen looks back at local beer in 2018 with author and Chicago Tribune reporter Josh Noel, discusses the data gathered from the midterms and previews the mayor’s race with Scott Kennedy of IL Election Data, and learns how we can help out Tim Ryan, front man of The Black Oil Brothers, after his near fatal accident.  The delightful local music this week is brought to you by City Mouth. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen learns about the new newsy side gig of WGN Radio’s very own Dometi Pongo, previews a local holiday ugly sweater dance party, and discovers the Secret History of the late Chicago folk artist Dwain Story with local music historian Steve Krakow (aka: Plastic Crimewave).  The local music this week is brought to you by Stutter. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.