This week we explore the history of country music in Chicago. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen talks with Mark Guarino, the author of a new book called Country and Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival about the history of country music in Chicago and then reconnects with former Outside the Loop producer, Andy Hermann, about his new gig as a public radio producer and host at Nebraska Public Media. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

The Education Justice Project educates those who are incarcerated. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen chats with Rebecca Ginsburg, director of the Education Justice Project, about the impact of providing higher education opportunities for those who are incarcerated in Illinois and then talks with Frank Orrall, founder of Poi Dog Pondering, about nearly 40 years of making music and the band’s new album.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

This week we discuss workers rights in Chicago. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about the struggle of workers at the Midtown Athletic Club from one if its employees, Lisseth Cervantes, and Jose Uribe of Arise Chicago, gets the lowdown on local power pop band Go Time’s new album from guitarist & vocalist Scott Niekelski, and discovers the Secret History of 1970s Chicago soul singers The Independents. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.