How should we go about protecting wetlands in Illinois? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about efforts to preserve Illinois wetlands from Jennifer Bamberg, investigative reporter at Investigate Midwest, gets into Red Spot Rhythm Section’s new music with band founder Josh Siegal, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago blues drummer William Warren. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

What are the implications of vacant land near local transit stations? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about the significance of vacant land near local transit hubs from Geoff Smith, executive director of the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University, discusses the historical significance of Stateville Correctional Center with Leila Wills, executive director of the Historical Preservation Society of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party, and discovers the Secret History of local blues guitar powerhouse Hip Linkchain. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

We are in a crisis in journalism and democracy. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the local journalism crisis with Illinois Local Journalism Task Force member Mark Jacob, learns about the lack of electric vehicle infrastructure in certain areas of Chicago with Little Village Environmental Justice Organization Transportation Justice Program Manager Jose Miguel Acosta Cordova, and discovers the Secret History of local blues bass virtuoso Bernard Reed. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Some City Council committees haven’t been meeting regularly. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the lack of Chicago City Council committee meetings with Block Club Chicago editor and reporter Mick Dumke, learns about connecting local artists to one another through Paint the City from co-founders Barrett Keithley and Missy Perkins, and gets the lowdown on local bluesman Nigel Mack’s new album. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed