Podcast appearances and mentions of mike stephen

Mike Stephen discusses the future of Chicago's lakefront with Emily Reusswig, VP of Conservation at Openlands, talks about the importance of inclusion in media with Anthony Williams, the founder of Second Glance Productions, and gets the lowdown on new music from Chicago-based bluesman Rob Moore.

Mike Stephen sits down with Kevin M. Schultz, chair of the history department at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the author of a new book called Why Everyone Hates White Liberals (Including White Liberals), and then discovers the Secret History of 1970s and 80s rockers Hot Mama Silver.

Mike Stephen discusses the origins of gun violence in Chicago with Jens Ludwig, author of the new book called Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence, and then sits down with local musician Andy Madden about his new music and upcoming record release performance.

Mike Stephen talks to Illinois Answers Project investigative reporter Alex Nitkin about how Chicago City Council staffers are getting more and more bonuses, learns about the impact of Chicago's Greenlight Family Services with CEO Dr. Maria Nanos, and discovers the Secret History of the Chicago-based soul band The Notations.

Mike Stephen discusses the potential impact of federal funding cuts for Illinois Humanities with executive director Gabrielle Lyon and Macomb-based singer-songwriter Chris Vallillo and then chats about the future of journalism with Prospect High School multimedia teacher Jason Block and seniors Claire Wynkoop and Kenny Munao while attending this year's Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association conference.

Mike Stephen talks to Injustice Watch reporter Kelly Garcia about how Chicago's immigration court works, learns about I Am Flytism, an organization on the South Side of Chicago that helps those impacted by autism, from founder Stephanie Butts, and discovers the Secret History of 20th century local bluesman Jim Brewer.

Mike Stephen talks to Conspire Creative founder Sharon Woodhouse about her new book The Profitable Author: 1,001 Ways to Build a Business You Love Around Your Books, previews the Surabhi Ensemble's live performance with guitarist Carlo Basile, and gets the lowdown on the upcoming West Side Book Fair from Bridgett McGill.

Mike Stephen talks to Sandra Diaz, co-founder of the Center for Immigrant Progress, about the efforts to help Chicagoland immigrants in the wake of a hostile federal government, learns about the new album from local jazz guitarist Steve Knight, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago soul singer Bobby McClure.

Mike Stephen talks to Pulitzer Prize-winning local journalists Sarah Conway of City Bureau and Trina Reynolds-Tyler of the Invisible Institute about the importance of the Freedom of Information Act and then gets an update on a proposed bill to regulate homeschooling in Illinois from Capitol News reporters Beth Hundsdorfer and Molly Parker.

Mike Stephen, and Ariel are back to wrap up another franchise with 2023's Exorcist: Believer. This one isn't divisive as audiences and critics alike hated this one seemingly from the moment David Gordon Green announced it would be his next project after Halloween Ends. What was planed to be a legacy sequel that would launch a trilogy wound up scrapped after the first film failed to recoup anything close to the $400 million (ouch) Universal shelled out for the rights alone. Between lazy callbacks, and an insulting use of the returning Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil, it certainly gave the haters plenty of cannon fodder. If you like what you're listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum. 

Mike Stephen discusses the controversial push to increase nuclear power production in Illinois with David Kraft, director of the Nuclear Energy Information Service, previews the return of the Flamenco Quartet Project with Wendy Clinard, founder of Clinard Dance, and discovers the Secret History of local avant-garde bassist Donald Rafael Garrett.

Mike Stephen learns about efforts to bridge the wealth gap and to provide worker dignity at the local level from Julian Posada, President & CEO of LiftUp Chicago, and then discusses supporting the important work of local nonprofits with Jessica Nepomiachi, Director of Special Projects for the Real Estate Solutions Team at IFF.

Mike Stephen discusses ongoing efforts to fight homelessness in Chicago despite the chaos in the federal government with Carolyn Ross, president and CEO of All Chicago: Making Homelessness History, learns the Secret History of 1980s rockers called Ruffian, and then chats about a new local festival highlighting marginalized voices with festival founder Jaqueline Wade.

Mike Stephen sits down with Jess King and Will Duncan, the owners of Fitzgerald's in Berwyn, to learn about the venue's history and impact on Chicago and then gets the lowdown on new music from the local band Falling Stars with guitarist and vocalist Mark Sheehy.

Mike Stephen talks to Amber Nettles the publisher of the Chicago Reader and Salem Collo-Julin, the paper's editor in chief, about the dire financial situation of the publication and its future and then discovers the Secret History of the local 1960s garage rock band The Monteras.

Mike Stephen explores the potential impact of the Trump administration's position on environmental funding with Brian Urbaszewski, director of environmental health programs at the Respiratory Health Association, and learns about the impact of restorative justice practices in the North Lawndale neighborhood from Cliff Nellis, president and CEO of the Lawndale Christian Legal Center.

Mike Stephen learns about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative renewal in Congress from Don Jodrey, director of federal relations at the Alliance for the Great Lakes, and then discovers the Secret History of the 1970s counterculture band Yama & The Karma Dusters.

Mike Stephen talks to Aadam Jacobs, a Chicagoan who has recorded thousands of local live music performances, about why he's making his collection public and then discusses the ongoing civil rights work of The Surge Institute with executive director Ulric Shannon.

Mike Stephen explores the impending "TIF Cliff" and its ramifications for Chicago with civic educator Tom Tresser, discusses the state of local civic life, and gets the lowdown on the expansion of HelloBaby on the South Side of the city with founder Debbie Frisch and Leva Family Foundation president Craig Leva.

This episode is a recap of episodes 6 through 11 with special guest, Lauren van Roon, a corporate recruiter. Together, they discuss the core transferable skills shared by past guests Mike Stephen, Amanda DiFederici, Mike Shuman, Brenda Snyder, and Paul Chanan. Themes such as storytelling, curiosity, effective communication, performance under pressure, empathy, and self-awareness are explored. Lauren provides practical advice on how these skills can be applied in career development and job interviews. Don't miss key takeaways, strategies for skill development, and insights into how these transferable skills can enhance your professional journey. Lauren van Roon: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenvr1/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemedia⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/⁠ 00:00 Introduction and Episode Recap Format 00:25 Introducing Lauren van Roon 01:21 Theme 1: Defining Transferable Skills 01:25 Episode 6: Mike Stephen - Storytelling and Curiosity 08:59 Episode 7: Amanda DiFederici - Clarity in Communication 11:38 Episode 8: Mike Shuman - Performance Under Pressure 17:03 Episode 9: Brenda Snyder - Problem Solving Through Empathy 19:49 Episode 11: Paul Chanan - Self Awareness and Decision Making 24:32 Theme 2: Strategies for Skill Development 25:00 Theme 3: Common Themes and Unique Perspectives 25:10 Theme 4: Key Takeaways for Listeners 28:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mike Stephen gets an update on important education issues in the new year from Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Reema Amin, discusses the positive impacts of a few Illinois Department of Corrections programs with Jennifer Vollen-Katz, executive director of the John Howard Association, and previews an upcoming show by the local band Poi Dog Pondering with band founder Frank Orrall.

Mike Stephen highlights a few local conversations from the show in 2024.  See you in 2025!

Mike Stephen talks to Neighbors for Environmental Justice board president Anthony Moser about how local politics and a lack of enforcement are impacting Chicago's environmental policies and then discovers the Secret History of 1970s Chicago country rockers JD, Foster, and Eastman.

Mike Stephen gets an update on the effort to re-map Chicago community areas from Emily Talen, director of The Urbanism Lab at the University of Chicago, discusses the state of local food journalism Mike Gebert, editor of Fooditor, and reflects on the good work of the soon-to-be-sold Quimby's bookstore in Wicker Park.

Mike Stephen discusses proposed housing measures for Chicago in the new year from Alejandra Cancino, investigative reporter at Injustice Watch, learns about a new documentary that focuses on gun violence victims' families and loved ones called What's Left Behind from director Dr. Janice Collins, and discovers the Secret History of 1960s soul and doo wop singer Dee Clark.

Mike Stephen discusses the potential impact of the proposed Chicago liquor tax increase with Mr. Chicago Bars and then talks to Ericka Watson, principal and CEO of Data Strategy Advisors, about privacy issues stemming from private companies mapping our DNA.

Mike Stephen talks to Provy Taylor, a local Uber driver, about his new book of stories while on the job called Uber Me to Providence, gets the lowdown on local saxophonist Shawn Maxwell's new music, and discovers the Secret History of 90s alt-rockers: Viewfinder.

Mike Stephen explores a new report on the state of local journalism with Tim Franklin, director of the Medill Local News Initiative, and discusses the impact of predatory lending in Illinois with Jane Doyle, senior regulatory policy associate at the Woodstock Institute. 

Mike Stephen eases us back into post-election life with a couple fun segments from 2015 and then discovers the Secret History of Chicago-born vocalist Paulette McWilliams.

Mike Stephen discusses the impact of the departure of the Chicago Housing Authority CEO with Block Club Chicago investigative editor Mick Dumke, learns about a crisis in Illinois' Early Intervention Program from Start Early director of legislative affairs Jonathan Doster and speech pathologist Sarah Ziemba, and gives an update on the efforts to preserve the history of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party.

Mike Stephen discusses the crisis of Illinois state prison staff levels and working conditions with John Howard Association executive director Jennifer Vollen-Katz, learns about a new report about the educational attainment of CPS students from Alexandra Usher, the director of data and research at the To&Through Project, and discovers the Secret History of local blues rocker Nick Gravenites.

Mike Stephen learns about a new CTA surveillance pilot program from Justin Agrelo, community engagement reporter at The Trace, discusses the impact of ending cash bail in Illinois with State Senator Robert Peters (13th), and gets the lowdown on local prog rock band McLuhan from vocalist & bassist Neal Rosner.

Mike Stephen learns about Injustice Watch's judicial election guide with managing editor Jonah Newman, previews the Sideshow Villains' upcoming deviant cabaret with band leader Dante Ingram, and discovers the Secret History of local folk singer Jo Mapes.

Mike Stephen discusses the history of Black entrepreneurship in Chicago with Wichita State history professor Robert Weems Jr. and then gets an update on local education issues from Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Reema Amin.

Mike Stephen sits down with Lake Forest High School history teacher Michael Soffer to discuss his new book Our Nazi: An American Suburb's Encounter with Evil, which tells the story of how a WWII Nazi ended up as a high school custodian in suburban Chicago.

Long-time radio host turned educator, Mike Stephen shares how his passion for storytelling and community engagement bridges his two careers. Mike also discusses the importance of preparation, work ethic, and the ability to connect with people on a human level in both his professions. This episode offers insights into the valuable skills that can be transferred across different domains of work and life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 00:42 Mike Steven's Early Career in Radio 01:52 Transition to Teaching and Radio Hosting 02:38 Influence of Family and Community 03:44 The Role of Teaching and Storytelling 05:16 Balancing Teaching and Radio 07:55 Transferable Skills in Teaching and Radio 15:01 Engaging Diverse Audiences 18:53 Understanding Human Connection 19:55 Entitlement vs. Privilege 21:23 Advice for Aspiring Broadcasters 24:43 The Importance of Content Quality 26:52 The Value of Live Radio 32:27 Life Lessons and Reflections 34:55 Conclusion and Acknowledgements • Mike Stephen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-stephen-36ab3724/ • Outside the Loop Radio Show: https://wgnradio.com/outside-the-loop-radio/ • Mike Soffer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-soffer-9b50231ba/ • Our Nazi: An American Suburb's Encounter with Evil by Michael Soffer: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/O/bo232473436.html Sponsor: Handily Video chat with Pros on-demand to conquer your home DIY and get your toughest questions answered by vetted experts. https://www.gethandily.com/ Use code MADSKILLS at checkout to get your first 15-minute session free.

Mike Stephen talks to Dr. Jamila Taylor, president and CEO of the Institute for Women's Policy Research, about their upcoming Chicago conference, learns about the new Transferable Skills Podcast from its creator and host Noah Mishkin, and previews the Surabhi Ensemble's gig at Navy Pier with guitarist Carlo Basile.

Mike Stephen learns about the Smartphones On Hold initiative with co-founders Kelly Kribs and Gideon Bob, discusses the latest issues in local journalism with McKinley Park News publisher Justin Kerr, and discovers the Secret History of experimental jazz trombone player George E. Lewis.

Mike Stephen learns about the disappearance of downtown newspaper racks from Brian Hieggelke, editor and publisher of Newcity and the chair of the Chicago Newsracks Task Force, and then talks to Illinois Humanities executive director Gabrielle Lyon and author Ayana Contreras to get a preview of an event that celebrates local fashion history called Chicago Style.

Mike Stephen discusses a new report about Illinois' air pollution with Julian Reif, professor at the University of Illinois, discovers saxman Billy Harper's story, and learns about the good work of the Chicago Recovering Communities Coalition with executive director Dora Dantzler-Wright.

Mike Stephen visits with Prentice Butler, executive director of a local organization that provides a bridge to success for Chicago families called The Neighborhood Bridge, gets the lowdown on local musician Maxx McGathey's new music, and discusses the legacy of the Uptown People's Law Center with retiring executive director Alan Mills.

Mike Stephen talks to Injustice Watch senior reporter Alejandra Cancino about how some Chicago renters are trapped in unsafe buildings while forced to pay rising rents and then dives into the Secret History of local folk legend Fred Holstein.

Mike Stephen talks to community organizer Tom Tresser about his new book on the history of No Games Chicago and then talks to Maria Jose Luna, doctoral candidate in the clinical psychology program at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, about a new study that examines the inequities in mental health services for justice-involved youth.

Mike Stephen learns about efforts to preserve Illinois wetlands from Jennifer Bamberg, investigative reporter at Investigate Midwest, gets into Red Spot Rhythm Section's new music with band founder Josh Siegal, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago blues drummer William Warren.

Mike Stephen learns about Chicago City Council action regarding additional dwelling units from Cityscape Chicago founder and CEO Steven Vance, discusses the money flowing through the upcoming Chicago School Board election with Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea, and chats with La Case Norte executive director Jose Munoz about Hope for Homes Day: a day of giving to help end homelessness.

Mike Stephen learns about the upcoming judicial election guide from Injustice Watch with senior reporter Carlos Ballesteros, revisits an initiative that provides housing opportunities for Chicagoans, and discovers the Secret History of North Side rockers Avondale Electric.

Mike Stephen discusses the significance of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 with Peter Cole, founder and co-director of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project, learns about a proposed ordinance aimed at improving police settlement transparency from Tracy Siska, executive director of the Chicago Justice Project, and gets an update on Chicago's effort to remove lead water service lines from local writer Miles MacClure.

Mike Stephen chats with local metalpoint artist D. Lammie-Hanson, gets the lowdown on new tunes from Chicago musician Joe Di Zillo, and discovers the Secret History of local singer Jackie DeShannon.

Mike Stephen visits the Hope Chicago Goal Getters 2024 Conference at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Hope Chicago is a scholarship-focused non-profit designed to provide students and their parents/guardians with the support they need to graduate from college debt-free.  We learn about the amazing work of this local nonprofit from program manager Joeysha Dobbins, scholar Diana Solano, and parent of a scholar April Kern.

Mike Stephen learns about the latest education research showing the benefits of tutoring combined with educational technology in schools from John Wolf and Monica Bhatt of the University of Chicago Education Lab and then discovers the Secret History of 1990s Chicago fuzzy pop-rockers Motorhome.