Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine
Mike Stephen explores the latest report on the state of local news with Medill School of Journalism professor and chair in local news Tim Franklin, gets the lowdown on new local music from saxophonist Harold Dawson, and learns about EveryVoice, an AI platform designed to fill gaps in mental health care for kids, from founder and CEO Malcolm Brown. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.
Mike Stephen chats with Matt Greenwell, owner of Oak Park’s Trade, about a recent break-in, gets the lowdown on new local music from Canoe Speed with guitarist Jay Shearer, and explores the impact of a new state law designed to give people a second chance with Live Free Illinois executive director Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.
Mike Stephen discusses new findings about inhumane conditions in Illinois jails with Jennifer Vollen-Katz, executive director of the John Howard Association, then chats with Jennifer Vianello, co-owner of MachMachines Musical Instruments, about the company’s new podcast, Play For Keeps. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.
Mike Stephen explores the impact of food influencers on the Chicago culinary scene with freelance reporter Leigh Giangreco, chats with Rattleback Records owner Paul Ruffino about what it’s like to run an independent record store, and takes a deep dive into Injustice Watch’s 2026 guide to judicial elections with senior reporter Dan Hinkel. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.