Mike Stephen learns about Illinois’ efforts to combat climate change with the executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, gets the lowdown on a story about Chicago with the creator of a new podcast called The City, and discovers the Secret History of legendary Chicago Bluesman Otis Rush with local music historian Steve Krakow (aka: Plastic Crimewave).  The local music this week is brought to you by Scamlines. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen sits down with WGN Radio’s Dometi Pongo to talk about his new podcast on African-Americans and voting called Dear Black Voter, learns about the significance of Banned Books Week from Jamie LaRue of the American Library Association, and discovers the Secret History of 60s rockers The Spoils of War with local music historian Steve Krakow (aka: Plastic Crimewave).  The local music this week is brought to you by Daydream Review. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen kicks off a local music-themed show by giving some love to the new show Instagram page, learns the Secret History of folk-rocker Megon McDonough with the great Steve Krakow (aka: Plastic Crimewave), discusses the important work of Girls Rock Chicago, and welcomes the local band Photo-Curio into the studio to rock out on the air. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen walks part of Chicago’s 33rd Ward with first time aldermanic candidate Katie Sieracki to get a behind-the-scenes view of running for office, connects with WFOV-LP in Flint, MI, to chat about the important work that radio station does for the community, and learns the Secret History of Chicagoland musician and producer Larry Sturm.  The local music on this week’s show is brought to you by Dance Bullies. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.