Mike Stephen’s son, Joey, is fascinated with the CTA’s “Ride the Rails” videos.

Mike Stephen discusses the racial disparity of COVID-19 with Duaa Eldeib of ProPublica Illinois, learns about the impact of the pandemic on the state’s environmental policy with Jen Walling of the Illinois Environmental Council, and chats about the pandemic’s effects on small business and self-employed workers with Dan Cooper of the Metropolitan Planning Council. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Producer Collin gives us his review of Alinea’s take out experience. The local quarantine music this week comes from Sugar Still. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Outside the Loop Radio: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [ 51:00 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (13)

Posted 1 week ago Tagged

Mike Stephen discusses the possible impact of Mayor Lightfoot on Chicago.

Mike Stephen discusses the Black Chicago perspective of Mayor Lightfoot with Tiffany Walden of The Triibe, listens to a journalist’s experience visiting a dispensary, and learns the Secret History of Chicago Blues harpist George “Wild Child” Butler.  This week the local music comes from Lou Schmidt. Also: let us know where we should go for the upcoming OTL Winter Tavern Tour! To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Outside the Loop Radio: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [ 44:09 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (17)

Posted 4 months ago Tagged

Mike Stephen welcomes local jazz musician Joe Policastro into the studio while holding the official OTL tumbler.

Mike Stephen learns how we can’t impeach a Chicago mayor, welcomes local jazz musician Joe Policastro to preview his trio’s show, and discovers the Secret History of blues singer Lucille Spann.  Plus: Joe visits the OTL Wrap Party segment to discuss playing music in Chicago and the awesomeness of the late Neil Peart of Rush.  This week we enjoy local music from The Joe Policastro Trio, of course! Also: let us know where we should go for the upcoming OTL Winter Tavern Tour!   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Outside the Loop Radio: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [ 50:18 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (23)

Posted 5 months ago Tagged

Mike Stephen ponders recycling in Chicago while standing in a blue recycling bin. That's dedication.

Mike Stephen talks to a former local trolley driver who did the job for over 20 years and has a new book about his experiences called Twenty Years Without a Weekend, gets an update on Chicago’s recycling efforts from the Chicago Recycling Coalition, and learns about a new TV show that helps novice female politicians run for office called RUN.  The local music this week is brought to us by Blood Red Boots. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Outside the Loop Radio: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine [ 40:16 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (70)

Posted 5 months ago Tagged