What are the implications of vacant land near local transit stations? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about the significance of vacant land near local transit hubs from Geoff Smith, executive director of the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University, discusses the historical significance of Stateville Correctional Center with Leila Wills, executive director of the Historical Preservation Society of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party, and discovers the Secret History of local blues guitar powerhouse Hip Linkchain. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 2 years ago Tagged

Robert’s Westside in Forest Park. (Photo credit: Donnie Biggins)

Mike Stephen explores Robert’s Westside, a new music venue in Forest Park, and talks to venue founder Donnie Biggins, learns about local musician Dolph Chaney’s new music, and discovers the Secret History of local sitar player Shanta Nurullah. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 2 years ago Tagged

Why should we use public money to build local sports stadiums? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the civic issues around local sports teams using public money to build stadiums with civic educator Tom Tresser, chats with Mark Vickery, the frontman of Cosmic Bull, about that project’s new music, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago Blues harmonica player Dusty Brown. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 2 years ago Tagged

Chicago has a rich sign history. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the importance of signs in Chicago history with Kelsey McClellan, co-owner of Heart & Bone Signs and co-founder of the Chicago Sign Museum, learns about the Illinois child tax credit proposal from State Senator Mike Simmons (7th), and discovers the Secret History of local country musician Kent Rose. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 2 years ago Tagged