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 learns about the important work of Chicago’s Urban Growers Collective from herbalism conductor Rev. Kim Crutcher, gets a preview of the Edgewater Music Fest from Garrett Karp, executive director of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago blues guitarist Jimmy Rogers. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

We explore the potential impact of the federal education funding freeze in Illinois. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about the potential impact of the federal government’s education funding freeze on Illinois with Chalkbeat Chicago’s Samantha Smylie, chats with Kate Fagan about her new music and upcoming Chicago shows, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago guitarist Byron Gregory. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Mike Stephen learns about Teflon Softball’s search for a practice facility from coach and founder India Steward, re-explores a local tour that highlights LGBTQ history, and discovers the Secret History of the late 90s/early 2000s rockers The Puta-Pons. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.