We explore the history of the No Games Chicago movement. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen talks to community organizer Tom Tresser about his new book on the history of No Games Chicago and then talks to Maria Jose Luna, doctoral candidate in the clinical psychology program at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, about a new study that examines the inequities in mental health services for justice-involved youth. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

The Love Fridge lends a helping hand in Chicago neighborhoods.

Mike Stephen learns how The Love Fridge works to combat hunger during a pandemic with co-lead organizer Lisa Armstrong, discusses Ballot Z’s mission of getting young people involved civically with founder Gretchen Coleman, and learns the Secret History of local 1960s funk and soul band The Artistics. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on the good advocacy highlighted in this week’s show as well as Mike’s admission of standing in line overnight to see Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones back in 2002. The local pandemic tunez come from OHMME. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen travels to The Matchbox in West Town to kick off the 2020 OTL Winter Tavern Tour.

Mike Stephen kicks off the Winter Tavern Tour at The Matchbox in West Town, learns about a program that turns young writers into published novelists called Open Books Publishing Academy, and discusses the efforts to recruit more bilingual teachers in the state.  And this week we enjoy local music from Way to Go Radio. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen decides on a carrot-only diet after returning from an eating-intensive Wisconsin vacation.

Mike Stephen returns from a food-focused vacation, visits a youth development organization called BUILD in the Austin neighborhood, discusses the long road to justice reform in Chicago, and discovers the Secret History of prolific percussionist Kahil El’Zabar.  This week’s local music is brought to you by Fay Ray. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.