Mike Stephen discusses the impact of the return of the 157 bus to the North Lawndale Community with Rochelle Jackson of the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council, learns how Black business owners on the West Side are looking to the community for support instead of elected leaders with Vee Harrison of The Triibe, and explores the possibility of meaningful police reform in Chicago with Tracy Siska of the Chicago Justice Project.  And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin give their takeaways from the show and ponder the glory of a salad bar. The local phase four music this week comes from Flake Michigan. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 5 years ago Tagged

Mike Stephen at the Austin Blue Line stop.

Mike Stephen learns about the CTA Fails multimedia empire, discusses the pandemic’s impact on the local food scene with Mike Gebert, editor of Fooditor, and explores the Secret History of local 60s garage-rockers The Jokers. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show.   The local quarantine music this week comes from the Chicago Underground Quartet. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 5 years ago Tagged

Mike Stephen discusses the significance of the 50th anniversary of the murder of Fred Hampton and Mark Clark.

Mike Stephen discusses the significance of the murder of Fred Hampton and Mark Clark with Chicago Tribune reporter William Lee, learns about recommendations for providing better transportation access for the disabled, and discovers the Secret History of 80s prog-rockers Eardance.  This week’s local music is brought to you by Violet Mice. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 5 years ago Tagged

OPRF history teachers Mike Soffer and Mike Stephen pose for a picture after discussing the new course on the Holocaust that the school will offer students next year.

Mike Stephen learns about a new high school class on the Holocaust and genocide at Oak Park & River Forest High School, discusses the community importance of the Green Line, and discovers the Secret History of local funk band Pieces of Peace.  This week’s local music is brought to you by Catho. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 5 years ago Tagged