Mike Stephen shows off his children's car seats.

Mike Stephen discusses the history of federal agents coming into Chicago with ProPublica Illinois’ Mick Dumke, talks to Ebonée Green of the Obama CBA about organizing to prevent housing displacement, and explores the difficulties of recycling children’s items with Kelli Smith of the Chicago Tribune.  And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin offer some takeaways from the big show. The pandemic jamz this week come from Boogie Board. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen discusses gentrification in Logan Square.

Mike Stephen learns about an upcoming book about gentrification in Logan Square with sociologist and photographer David Schalliol, discusses a City Bureau analysis of local government transparency, and plays back the sounds of the Girls on the Run Chicago 5k.  The local music this week is brought to us by Batteries Not Included. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen learns how the government shutdown canceled an EPA pollution hearing in East Chicago, previews the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival with artistic director Blair Thomas, and discusses a study analyzing increasing housing prices in Chicago neighborhoods and the impact of those price increases.  The local music this week is brought to you by Noiseferatu.  ALSO: Let us know about your favorite cozy winter neighborhood bars/taverns here! To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen chews up mad hawt topix with: Miguel Jimenez community organizer for the Metropolitan Tenants Organization about rent control in Illinois; Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about Chicago blues artist Mary Lane for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music, and Meg Ormiston, teacher and author of NOW Classrooms. This week’s local music is provided by The Ions. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.