We discuss the state of Chicago bars this week. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen gets an update on the state of Chicago bars and taverns with Mr. Chicago Bars, learns about the incredible work of the Common Pantry from executive director Maureen O’Conor, and chats with local musician Ron Lazzeretti about his new music and upcoming record release show. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our 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 stops by Rose's on the OTL Winter Tavern Tour.

Mike Stephen stops by Rose’s bar in Lincoln Park while on the Winter Tavern Tour, discusses the importance of the Equitable Restrooms Act, and learns the Secret History of Frank “Little Sonny” Scott Jr.  This week the local music comes from Bloom. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen chatty chats with: Tracy Siska, Executive Director, Chicago Justice Project; OTL Winter Tavern Tour #6: Tuman’s Tap w/ @ChicagoBars, and; Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about Chicago blues bassist Benny Turner for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music Local music this week is powered by The Curls.  To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.