What is the future of local media?

Mike Stephen discusses the future of local media with Brian Hieggelke, editor & publisher of Newcity, checks in with Pete Crowley, co-owner & co-founder of the Haymarket Pub, and learns the Secret History of local bluesman “Big Daddy” Kinsey. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin revisit the discussion of the importance of local media. The local pandemic tunez come from Go Time. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Mike Stephen celebrates pride during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mike Stephen discusses the Pride Month celebrations this year and the significance of the recent LGBTQ civil rights Supreme Court decision with Tracy Baim, learns about the comeback of Chicago breweries and bars with Chicago Tribune reporter Josh Noel, and discovers the Secret History of 70s horn-rockers Chase. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin remind all of us to keep wearing masks during the pandemic and reflect on the recent street closure initiative in Chicago. The local quarantine music this week comes from Paddle Fish. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Extreme times call for extreme closeups. Mike Stephen broadcasting from his home studio.

Mike Stephen discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local bars and taverns, chats with the Metropolitan Tenants Organization about the recent halting of evictions in Cook County in the wake of the pandemic, and learns how community radio helps towns during times of uncertainty with WHIW-LP in Harvard, IL.  The local music this week comes from Matt Piet. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen closes out the Winter Tavern Tour with a stop at The Lantern Haus in Forest Park.

Mike Stephen closes out the Winter Tavern Tour at The Lantern Haus in Forest Park, learns about an online throwback to Chicago of yesteryear called Vanished Chicagoland, and discovers the Secret History of blues pianist Big Maceo Merriweather. This week the local music comes from The Babin Brothers. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.