Mike Stephen

Mike Stephen talks with Chicago Reader staff writer Leor Galil about the resurgence of the compact disc, then delves into the history of Chicago before the Great Fire of 1871 with Northwestern Univ…

Mike Stephen learns about a new way to explore Illinois finances through the Fiscal Futures Data Hub with UIC professor David Merriman, gets an update on the 100K Project, and discovers the Secret …

Mike Stephen hosts his 1,000th episode of Outside the Loop at Fitzgerald’s Nightclub! Guests include: -Will Duncan and Jess King, owners of Fitzgerald’s -Dominic Pacyga, professor emeritus of…

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 Hi…

Mike Stephen revisits a segment from 2018 about Chicago Voyagers, learns about local trumpeter Sam Robinson’s new music, and discovers the Secret History of folk singer Anne Hills.

Mike Stephen discusses the potential impact of food assistance cuts on Illinois grocery stores with Capitol News Illinois reporting intern Jenna Schweikert, learns how the local organization Timele…

Mike Stephen talks with local food journalist Nick Kindelsperger about his quest to eat at every restaurant in the Loop, learns about the challenges Chicago street vendors face from Maria Orozco, d…

Mike Stephen learns how Three Level Basketball is improving the game for area youth with co-founder and coach Matt Maloney and discusses a new report offering recommendations to improve math outcom…