The Black Fives Era influenced basketball as we know it today. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about the Black Fives Era of basketball from journalist Ade Adeniji, discusses the passage of new climate legislation in Illinois with Colleen Smith of the Illinois Environmental Council, and discovers the Secret History of gospel musician Rev. Marvin Yancy. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Producer Collin says farewell and turns in his OTL ID before riding off into the sunset. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

OTL: #585- Rock climbing at First Ascent Chicago, Truman’s Ridge plays live Bluegrass

Mike Stephen chats, climbs, and rocks out with:   Justin Forrest Parks, community outreach advisor at First Ascent Avondale and   Local Bluegrass favorites Truman’s Ridge in studio!   Let us know about your favorite cozy winter neighborhood bars/taverns here! Mike talks route strategy with Justin Forrest Parks at First Ascent Avondale.  To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #570- Chicagoland Youth Football, The Secret History of Master Plan, Local restaurants closing in 2017

Mike Stephen talks with:   Geoff Meyer, President of The Chicagoland Youth Football League, about the state of youth football in the wake of head injury studies and player safety concerns;   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about ’80s house pioneers Master Plan for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music; and   Anthony Todd, Food Editor for Chicagoist, about what’s behind the wave of restaurant closures in Chicago.    Don’t forget our Outside the Loop Listener Survey. We really appreciate your time and consideration!   This week’s local music is provided by Fletcher Rockwell. Mike Stephen is serious about eating his tacos at a local taqueria. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #486- Chicago Gay Hockey, Coding While Black, The Secret History of local Bluesman Luther Allison

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Gay Hockey Association board members Andrew Sobotka and Brian Hull before a game at Johnny’s IceHouse West;   Coding While Black founder and president Dominic M. Liddell about the need for diversity in the tech community; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about unclassifiable guitar hero Luther Allison for this week’s “Winter Blues” edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we wonder if Chicago’s plastic bag ban is working.   This week’s local music is provided by Glamour Hotline.   OTL host Mike Stephen checks out the scene before strapping on his skates with the Chicago Gay Hockey Association.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.