What is the quality of life in Illinois state prisons? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen explores the quality of life in Illinois prisons with Jennifer Vollen-Katz, the executive director of the John Howard Association, talks with Illinois Humanities executive director Gabrielle Lyon about the new initiative called The Big Read, and chats with local musician Jared Rabin about his new music. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Where is that darn train? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about the CTA “ghost run” phenomenon from Streetsblog Chicago editor John Greenfield, discusses how many of us are choosing to go home early with Chicago Tribune reporter Josh Noel, and chats with local musician Jared Rabin about his new album.  subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

A view of the atrium in the Thompson Center. (Photo credit: Collin Seaman/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the future of the Thompson Center with New City writer Philip Barash, talks to local musician Jared Rabin about his new album, and learns the Secret History of The Fabulous Turks. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show, discuss the role of local government in administering the Thompson Center, and give praise to chicken wings (and chicken wing substitutes). To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.