A map showing how much money is spent on incarcerating people.

Mike Stephen learns about the money spent to incarcerate residents in certain neighborhoods with Dan Cooper, co-author of the book The War on Neighborhoods: Policing, Prison, and Punishment in a Divided City, discusses how the pandemic impacts recycling with Michelle Thoma, president of the Chicago Recycling Coalition, and examines the impact of TIF districts on minority communities in Chicago with Tom Tresser, co-founder of CivicLab. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin chat about the notion of defunding the police. The local quarantine music this week comes from Midnight Dice. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

The conversation around systemic racism continues.

Mike Stephen discusses the need to address systemic racism in our society with Sharlyn Grace, executive director of the Chicago Community Bond Fund, and Aislinn Pulley, co-executive director of the Chicago Torture Justice Center and founder of the Chicago chapter of Black Lives Matter. After that we learn the Secret History of successful video game composer Michael Salvatori.  And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin explore ways to work towards racial equity in our society. The local quarantine music this week comes from DJ Taz Rashid. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

While in Italy, Mike Stephen is amazed at the 13 course appetizer in front of him.

Mike Stephen learns about the Culinary Historians of Chicago, gets an update on how The Lantern Haus in Forest Park is surviving the pandemic, and discusses sustainable living during this unique time in our history with the executive director of Plant Chicago. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin decide that local political candidates can’t put ketchup on their hot dogs. The local quarantine music this week comes from Jonas Weir. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

Mike Stephen showcases his tamale lunch.

Mike Stephen learns how Chicago’s beloved Tamale Guy is in jeopardy with Ashok Selvam of Eater Chicago, chats about a documentary that showcases Chicago’s drawbridges with local author Patrick McBriarty, and discovers the Secret History of local singer-songwriter Thom Bishop. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin emphasize the need for salsa verde with tamales. The local quarantine music this week comes from Ocas. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged