Exploring the impact of mass incarceration on our communities. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the impact of mass incarceration in Illinois with Meredith Nnoka of IL Humanities, learns about community participation in redrawing ward maps from Chaundra Van Dyk of CHANGE Illinois, and gets the lowdown on some new rock and roll from the local band The Footlight District with vocalist and songwriter Sarah Scarbrough. And Mike waxes poetic about local dive bars, even if they might not be the cleanest places…or the most structurally sound. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 2 months ago Tagged

We learn about the BGA report entitled “The Failures Behind the Fires.” (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio).

Mike Stephen discusses a new report about how the city could have prevented residential fires with Madison Hopkins of the Better Government Association, learns about a local nonprofit called Your Passion 1st that focuses on mentoring youth, and revisits a 2015 conversation with high school students about their experiences in Chicago neighborhoods. And the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show and reflect the importance of government oversight and local area codes. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 4 months ago Tagged

Mike Stephen chats with Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st) about COIVD relief money, learns about the inclusive work of the Brave Space Alliance with director of programs Brittney Thomas, and discusses local history though the lens of the dance community in Chicago with Jenai Cutcher, executive & artistic director of the Chicago Dance History Project. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show while Collin enjoys a staycation at a downtown Chicago hotel. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 5 months ago Tagged

OTL host Mike Stephen.

Mike Stephen discusses the significance of Juneteenth with Black Remembrance Project co-founder LaCreshia Birts, learns about one City Council committee’s inaction from Tracy Siska of the Chicago Justice Project, and discovers the Secret History of the local Reggae group Skanking Lizard. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show, reflect on Juneteenth, and get ready for Father’s Day. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 6 months ago Tagged