This week we discuss the future of the North Lawndale neighborhood. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns how North Lawndale residents are improving their community with Reshorna Fitzpatrick of the Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church, talks to local singer-songwriter Dina Bach about her new music, and discovers the Secret History of the late, great Joe Cassidy. And the OTL Wrap Party segment is on vacation this week. Rest up, Wrap Party! To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

The Three Patriots Statue. (Photo public domain)

Mike Stephen learns the historical significance of the Three Patriots statue with Chicago Jewish Historical Society co-president Dr. Rachelle Gold, discusses vaccine equity in Chicago with The Triibe’s Matt Harvey, and chats about a new recycling contract for the city with Madison Hopkins of the Better Government Association. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show, discuss local recycling, and seek a special connection with Aldi. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Property taxes in Wicker Park are high! (Photo: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the issue of increasing property taxes in Wicker Park with Hannah Alani of Block Club Chicago, talks to Executive Pastor Reshorna Fitzpatrick of Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church about how residents of North Lawndale are improving life in that community, and discovers the Secret History of Andrew “Big Voice” Odom. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on the good work of the North Lawndale community and wonder how their NCAA brackets will turn out. The local music this week comes from Syl. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

The border of Chicago and Oak Park.

Mike Stephen discusses why the geography of Chicago stopped growing with Chicago Magazine contributor Ted McClelland, learns about efforts to save local performance venues with CIVL board member and venue owner Billy Helmkamp, and uncovers the history of 1930s bluesman Kokomo Arnold. The local pandemic tunez come from Alpha Colors. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.