Mike Stephen learns about the Smartphones On Hold initiative with co-founders Kelly Kribs and Gideon Bob, discusses the latest issues in local journalism with McKinley Park News publisher Justin Kerr, and discovers the Secret History of experimental jazz trombone player George E. Lewis. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Mike Stephen discusses a new report about Illinois’ air pollution with Julian Reif, professor at the University of Illinois, discovers saxman Billy Harper’s story, and learns about the good work of the Chicago Recovering Communities Coalition with executive director Dora Dantzler-Wright. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

There is a “tenant trap” for some low-income renters in Chicago. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen talks to Injustice Watch senior reporter Alejandra Cancino about how some Chicago renters are trapped in unsafe buildings while forced to pay rising rents and then dives into the Secret History of local folk legend Fred Holstein. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

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.