OTL: Episode #555- The future of landlines in IL, Chicago is not broke, Politics and science in our state

Mike Stephen talks with:   AARP Illinois associate state director Julie Vahling about the future of landline telephones in Illinois;   civic educator Tom Tresser about our city’s financial future as detailed in Chicago Is Not Broke: Funding the City We Deserve; and   Illinois Science Council executive director Monica Metzler about how the current political climate impacts the science community in our state.   Meanwhile, we discuss what Chicagoans are drinking!   This week’s local music is provided by The Hacky Turtles.   OTL host Mike Stephen enjoys making points.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #554- The psychology of Chicago violence, The Secret History of Paris Smith, IL Fair Economy

Mike Stephen talks with:   Loyola University professor of Criminal Justice and Psychology Arthur Lurigio about the psychology of violence in Chicago;   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about unheralded vibe man Paris Smith for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music; and   Fair Economy Illinois leader Erica Nanton about the March to Springfield movement for a state budget.   Meanwhile, we discuss how Mayor Emanuel is excited that Chicago is a U-Haul destination city!   This week’s local music is provided by Iverson 2.0.   OTL host Mike Stephen wraps up his pre-show vocal exercises in a seventh floor radio studio in the Tribune Tower.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #552- The Secret History of Boyce Brown, Migratory birds in Chicago, Local saxophonist Chris Greene

Mike Stephen talks with:   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about hot jazz saxophonist Boyce Brown for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music;   U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Chicago field supervisor Louise Clemency about celebrating International Migratory Bird Day Celebration at LaBagh Woods next Saturday; and   local musician Chris Greene to the studio to play a selection from the Chris Greene Quartet‘s new album Boundary Issues.   Meanwhile, we wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day by playing a classic voicemail from #1 OTL fan Mrs. Stephen!   Local musician Chris Greene stopped by OTL #552 to play a live a capella saxophone selection from the Chris Greene Quartet‘s new record Boundary Issues.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #548- The Secret History of Eddie Hoh, Local teens raising awareness for LGBTQ issues

Mike Stephen talks with:   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about in-demand session drummer Eddie Hoh for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music; and   Ev, Ben, Will, and Connor, members of Oak Park and River Forest High School‘s gay-straight alliance student group A Place for All, about working for LGBTQ equality and their upcoming “Loud & Proud” fundraiser for the ACLU.   Meanwhile, we discuss whether frozen pizzas are best prepared in the microwave, the oven, or the Pizza Pizzazz.   This week’s local music is provided by Split Single.   Outside the Loop meets A Place for All [l-r] Connor, Ev, Ben, OTL host Mike Stephen, Will   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.