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.

Why not celebrate 800 shows with the limited edition OTL cupcakes? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the state education legislation moving through Springfield with Chalkbeat reporter Samantha Smylie, learns the Secret History of local blues guitarist J.B. Ritchie, and celebrates 800 episodes of this podcast and radio show with co-founder and former producer Andy Hermann. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Mike Stephen welcomes local Hip-Hop artist and DJ Epik1 into the studio to perform live, discusses why Illinois has a good track record of electing African-American politicians with Edward McCelland of Chicago Magazine, and gets an update on our efforts to learn more about Mars from Mark Benson, our local solar system ambassador.  AND producer emeritus Andy Hermann makes a surprise visit to the show! 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.