Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine
Mike Stephen discusses new findings about inhumane conditions in Illinois jails with Jennifer Vollen-Katz, executive director of the John Howard Association, then chats with Jennifer Vianello, co-owner of MachMachines Musical Instruments, about the company’s new podcast, Play For Keeps. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.
Mike Stephen explores the impact of food influencers on the Chicago culinary scene with freelance reporter Leigh Giangreco, chats with Rattleback Records owner Paul Ruffino about what it’s like to run an independent record store, and takes a deep dive into Injustice Watch’s 2026 guide to judicial elections with senior reporter Dan Hinkel. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.
Mike Stephen talks to Injustice Watch senior reporter Aura Bogado about her new report on how Illinois prosecutors are assisting federal immigration efforts, then chats with Antonia Turner, owner of the new Heritage Press and Blow Dry salon, about building community in Chicago. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.
Mike Stephen discusses the impact of cannabis on the teen brain with Dr. Patricia Jones Blessman, gets the lowdown on new local music from Paige Kizer, and explores the positive impact of restorative justice practices with Dr. Shaniqua Jones, founder of Purple Path. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.