This week we get a preview of the Chicago Science Festival. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen gets a preview of the upcoming Chicago Science Festival from Illinois Science Council founder & executive director Monica Metzler, learns about the music of the local group Surabhi Ensemble from guitarist Carlo Basile, and discovers the Secret History of local multi-instrumentalist Derf Reklaw. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Mike Stephen hosts the eerie 666th show of Outside the Loop.

Mike Stephen celebrates the creepy 666th episode by learning about the benefits of eating insects, gets the lowdown on the increase in dark lagers brewed locally, and discovers the Secret History of soul singer Barbara Acklin.  This week’s local music is brought to you by Opacia. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen discusses rehabilitating ex-gang members with Fr. Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, learns about the progress of the state’s environmental protection policies with the executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, and explores the transportation platform of the new mayor-elect of Chicago with John Greenfield of Streetsblog Chicago. AND Mike and Collin debut a new segment: The OTL Wrap Party. Yay!  The local music on this week’s show comes from Pyramid Scheme. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen welcomes local Hip-Hop artist and DJ Epik1 into the studio to perform live, discusses why Illinois has a good track record of electing African-American politicians with Edward McCelland of Chicago Magazine, and gets an update on our efforts to learn more about Mars from Mark Benson, our local solar system ambassador.  AND producer emeritus Andy Hermann makes a surprise visit to the show! To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.