This week we explore Chicago’s community map. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about the significance of Chicago’s community map and explores the possibility of updating it with Emily Talen, professor of urbanism and director of the Urbanism Lab at the University of Chicago, discusses the importance of literacy on the West Side of the city with founder of The Queen Within, Bridgett McGill, and discovers the Secret History of 1990s psychedelic rockers Plastics Hi-Fi. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 2 years ago Tagged

We explore the issue of unsafe water in Illinois prisons. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about the deteriorating conditions inside Illinois prisons from Alan Mills, executive director of the Uptown People’s Law Center, and then discovers the Secret History of Chicago tenor sax player E. Parker McDougal. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 2 years ago Tagged

What are the implications of vacant land near local transit stations? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about the significance of vacant land near local transit hubs from Geoff Smith, executive director of the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University, discusses the historical significance of Stateville Correctional Center with Leila Wills, executive director of the Historical Preservation Society of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party, and discovers the Secret History of local blues guitar powerhouse Hip Linkchain. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 2 years ago Tagged

Robert’s Westside in Forest Park. (Photo credit: Donnie Biggins)

Mike Stephen explores Robert’s Westside, a new music venue in Forest Park, and talks to venue founder Donnie Biggins, learns about local musician Dolph Chaney’s new music, and discovers the Secret History of local sitar player Shanta Nurullah. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 2 years ago Tagged