Kids, this is called a videocassette. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen talks to Sara Chapman and learns about Media Burn’s work to archive cultural history, discusses the best new local tacos with Chicago Tribune food & dining reporter Nick Kindelsperger, and discovers the Secret History of folk and rock musician Michael DeLisle. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show, offer some takeaways, and praise the cultural force that is the local taco. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Mike Stephen discusses the importance of racial equity work in Chicago with Niketa Brar of Chicago United for Equity and then learns how we can use open data to discover more information about local development projects through Cityscape Chicago with founder and CEO Steven Vance.  ALSO: Let us know about your favorite cozy winter neighborhood bars/taverns here!  The local music this week is powered by Plastic Crimewave Syndicate. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen talks about the role Chicago Alderman play in affordable housing development with Chicago Area Fair Housing Executive Director Patricia Fron, discusses the sustainable benefit of closed loop economies with Jonathan Pereira of Plant Chicago, and geeks out over tacos and the upcoming Tacos Y Tamales Fest  with the fest co-producer Nick Pobutsky. Local music this week courtesy of local synth-pop GOSH! To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #570- Chicagoland Youth Football, The Secret History of Master Plan, Local restaurants closing in 2017

Mike Stephen talks with:   Geoff Meyer, President of The Chicagoland Youth Football League, about the state of youth football in the wake of head injury studies and player safety concerns;   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about ’80s house pioneers Master Plan for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music; and   Anthony Todd, Food Editor for Chicagoist, about what’s behind the wave of restaurant closures in Chicago.    Don’t forget our Outside the Loop Listener Survey. We really appreciate your time and consideration!   This week’s local music is provided by Fletcher Rockwell. Mike Stephen is serious about eating his tacos at a local taqueria. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.