Exploring disinvestment on Madison Street in East Garfield Park.

Mike Stephen discusses the legacy of local disinvestment in East Garfield Park with Mick Dumke of ProPublica Illinois, talks with Ai-jen Poo, co-founder of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, about domestic workers rights, and learns the Secret History of local drummer Dave Tough. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on the show and remember the humble origins of Nate Silver when he was a guest on OTL thirteen years ago. The local pandemic tunez come from The Cheap Soap. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

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 and Mick Dumke talk politics in the shadow of The Hideout, the location of the First Tuesdays event.

Mike Stephen learns about a monthly live political talk show at The Hideout called First Tuesdays, discusses the success of LGBTQ legislation in Illinois with the policy director of Equality Illinois, and discovers the Secret History of funky bluesman Zach Prather.  This week’s local music is brought to you by Hold the Universe. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen discusses the possibility of eliminating townships in Illinois.

Mike Stephen talks with ProPublica Illinois reporter Mick Dumke about  City Council committee patronage and politics, explores the idea of the state doing away with townships, and discusses the possibility of an increase in taxes on electric vehicles.  The local music on this week’s show comes from Warped Wonder.  To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.