Mike Stephen visits the set of an upcoming local indie film called Twain: Cancelled, learns about new music from Asher George and his project known as Walcot, and discovers the Secret History of country-rocker from Illinois Paul Cotton.
Schools and then discusses the impact of the lack of crime data reported to the FBI with Weihua Li of The Marshall Project.
Mike Stephen learns about Perception Theatre’s work to include more diverse voices in the local theater community from founder and artistic director Myesha Tiara and then discovers the Secret History of 1970s & 80s postpunk rockers Stations.
Mike Stephen discusses the preliminary results of Chicago student test data with Mila Koumpilova of Chalkbeat Chicago, gets the lowdown on the expansion of the Chicago Tool Library from co-founder Tessa Vierk, and learns about a new locally-produced film featuring Chicago street artists called Tagged from writer and executive producer Grant Troyer.
Mike Stephen discusses Chicago’s affordable housing issues with ProPublica reporter Mick Dumke, talks to local musician Al Rose about his new album, and discovers the mysterious Secret History of R&B singer Barbara Livsey.
Mike Stephen gets an update on organizing for a more fair Chicago, especially with regard to TIF districts, with civic educator and co-founder of The CivicLab Tom Tresser and discusses the important educational work of The Legacy Project with its founder and executive director Victor Salvo.
Mike Stephen talks to local musician and music teacher Bill Brickey about why the Old Town School of Folk Music teachers have unionized and discovers the Secret History of cosmic jazz prodigy Denny Zeitlin.
Rejuvenation Project, discusses recommendations for local police reform with Tracy Siska of the Chicago Justice Project, and talks with local musician Mark Lofgren about his new music.
Mike Stephen discusses a plan to address inhumane living conditions in Illinois correctional facilities with Jennifer Vollen-Katz, the executive director of the John Howard Association of Illinois, and learns the story of the Chicago avant-garde band The Devil Bell Hippies.
Mike Stephen learns about the first company to produce canned water in Chicago called Open Water from CEO and co-founder Nicole Doucet and then discusses the rise in local bird migration this week and the dangers for those birds with Annette Prince, the director of the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors. Also, check out Mike on the latest edition of the Album Rebrews podcast!