Mike Stephen sits down with WGN Radio’s Dometi Pongo to talk about his new podcast on African-Americans and voting called Dear Black Voter, learns about the significance of Banned Books Week from Jamie LaRue of the American Library Association, and discovers the Secret History of 60s rockers The Spoils of War with local music historian Steve Krakow (aka: Plastic Crimewave).  The local music this week is brought to you by Daydream Review. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

It’s a historic day for Mike Stephen as he chats with Craig Pfannkuche of the Chicago and North Western Historical Society about the ambitions of Chicago’s first mayor, author Daniel Kay Hertz about his book The Battle of Lincoln Park, and pays a visit to Steve Krakow (aka Plastic Crimewave) to learn about the Secret History of prog-rockers Mugicians. Local music this week is powered by Aurora L’Orealis. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #574- WRFU serves Urbana, Chicago Books to Women in Prison, The Secret History of Stumpwater

Mike Stephen talks with:   BJ Clark, Station Manager at WRFU-LP in Urbana-Champaign, to talk community radio for another installment of Low Power to the People;   Vicki White, President of Chicago Books to Women in Prison, about their mission to increase opportunities for literacy for Women in prison; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about 70’s folk rockers Stumpwater for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   This week’s local music is provided by Pool Holograph. Mike Stephen connects with WRFU-LP in Urbana, IL for another installment of Low Power to the People.  To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #571- The future of journalism, Digital maps and local art, Chicago Book Expo preview

Mike Stephen talks with:   OTL’s very first guest Bob McChesney, Professor of Communication at the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana, about the erosion of journalism;   Local artist Carla Fisher-Schwartz, whose installation True North is featured at the SUB-MISSION exhibition space in Chicago through October 21st; and   John Wilson, local author and co-organizer of the 2017 Chicago Book EXPO.   Meanwhile, Mike celebrates 11 years of Outside the Loop!   This week’s local music is provided by Ethereal Groove, Inc.. Mike Stephen receives his 11 year anniversary gift wrapped in diaper coupons. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.