We learn about a new way to explore the state’s finances. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about a new way to explore Illinois finances through the Fiscal Futures Data Hub with UIC professor David Merriman, gets an update on the 100K Project, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago avant-garde jazz musician Henry Threadgill. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

We learn about the importance of preserving the history of public housing. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the importance of preserving public housing history with Dr. Lisa Yun Lee, the executive director of the National Public Housing Museum, learns about new music from the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra with band co-director Fareed Haque, and discovers the Secret History of local stadium organist Nancy Faust. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

We go inside the Joy Tea mobile trailer outside of Keystone Park in River Forest. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen talks the art of tea with Max Blessen, owner of Chicagoland’s Joy Tea, gets an update on civil rights history in Illinois, and discovers the Secret History of the versatile musician from Chicago Billy Hinton. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

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.