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Outside the Loop RADIO

Outside the Loop RADIO

Written by: Albert James PROductions
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About this listen

 Outside the Loop RADIO is Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine. Founded as a podcast in September 2006 and picked up for broadcast by Chicago Sound Alliance WLUW 88.7-FM in March 2007, "OTL" now airs on Chicago's Very Own 50,000-watt heritage powerhouse station WGN Radio 720-AM. Storyteller and urbanologist Mike Stephen hosts this weekly program featuring fun segments and interviews with local newsmakers, artists, musicians, and others doing cool stuff around the greater Chicago area. The show covers topics stories that don't always get mainstream media attention... and it's all presented with a strong and independent Chicago slant.Albert James PROductions Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • OTL #1,004: Wage theft in Illinois, A look at the state's fiscal health

    OTL #1,004: Wage theft in Illinois, A look at the state's fiscal health
    Jan 10 2026

    Mike Stephen talks to Injustice Watch senior investigative reporter Alejandra Cancino to learn how wage theft of workers continues in Illinois and then gets the lowdown on a new report that examines the fiscal health of the state from Civic Federation senior policy advisor Paula Worthington.
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    40 mins
  • OTL #1,003: A look back at 2025

    OTL #1,003: A look back at 2025
    Jan 3 2026

    Mike Stephen takes a look back at some highlights of the show from 2025. Happy New Year from your friends at Outside the Loop!
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    42 mins
  • OTL #1,002: A college in degree in Illinois can go a long way, The Secret History of Kitty Haywood

    OTL #1,002: A college in degree in Illinois can go a long way, The Secret History of Kitty Haywood
    Dec 27 2025

    Mike Stephen discusses a new report that shows a college degree is the most promising path to a good job in Illinois with Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea and then discovers the Secret History of 20th century soul vocalist Kitty Haywood.
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    38 mins
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