In the wake of difficult times abroad and at home, we discuss our shared humanity this week. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses shared humanity with Rabbi Ari Hart of the Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob Synagogue, learns about a new study that debunks myths about Illinois’ population from Frank Manzo of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, and discovers the Secret History of the 1960s local garage-rockers The Rooks. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Mike Stephen stops by Cody’s bar in Lakeview to kick off the Winter Tavern Tour with @ChicagoBars, learns about Little Village’s fight for environmental justice, and discusses the statistics that show Chicago’s declining population with local demographer Rob Paral.  The local music this week is powered by Minor Moon. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.