Best Loops Radio Podcasts (2024)

1
OTL #932: The Neighborhood Bridge, New music from Max McGathey, The legacy of the Uptown People’s Law Center 37:57

3h ago37:57

37:57

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.…

1
Great Loop Radio: Story of our Loop - Gary & Lisa, 41' Carver 36:00

4h ago36:00

36:00

Gary & Lisa aboard PerfectSeas (a 42' Carver Aft Cabin Motor Yacht) are our guests this week. They share details about their 6,000 mile nautical adventure on America's Great Loop, including how they got started, what they found the most challenging, and what they learned along the way. The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile route through interconnected wat…

1
OTL #931: The Tenant Trap, The Secret History of Fred Holstein 35:51

2h ago35:51

35:51

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.By Mike Stephen

1
OTL #930: No Games Chicago, Inequities in mental health services for justice-involved youth 38:38

3d ago38:38

38:38

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 y…

1
Great Loop Radio: Cruising Door County 39:00

11d ago39:00

39:00

Door County, Wisconsin, is one of the Great Loop's gems. Find out what there is to see and do in this area as local Gold Loopers, Pete & Cheryl Glassen (Varlabania), share the details about cruising Door County as part of your Great Loop adventure. America's Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime! Loopers cruise the 6,000-mile Great Loop…

1
OTL #929: Preserving Illinois wetlands, Red Spot Rhythm Section’s new music, The Secret History of William Warren 40:07

10d ago40:07

40:07

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.By Mike Stephen

1
Great Loop Radio: Selling Your Boat 30:00

11d ago30:00

30:00

All of us will, at some point, sell our boats. This week, Michael Martin of Great Loop Yacht Sales joins us to talk about the boat selling process. He'll provide tips on how to get the boat ready for sale, what photos to include in the listing, the popular sites where you'll want your listing included, and pitfalls to avoid. Whether you plan to sel…

1
OTL #928: The future of additional dwelling units in Chicago, Money in the Chicago school board election, Hope for Homes Day 40:10

26d ago40:10

40:10

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…

1
Great Loop Radio: Story of My Loop-Michael, 22' C-Dory 42:00

20d ago42:00

42:00

Our "Story of our Loop" series is back with Michael MacLeod sharing the stories of his two Great Loop trips. After a career in music that included travel around the globe, Michael began the Great Loop and completed it the first time aboard a 22' C-Dory and a second time aboard a 25' C-Dory. Join us to hear what drew Michael to the Great Loop, why h…

1
OTL #927: Injustice Watch’s judicial election guide, Revisiting Chicago Rents, The Secret History of Avondale Electric 42:28

24d ago42:28

42:28

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.By Mike Stephen

1
What's New at AGLCA 32:00

25d ago32:00

32:00

Join the Home Port Crew as we provide details on the many virtual and in-person events coming up this summer and into fall. We'll cover our Virtual Docktails free events where AGLCA members can join Zoom breakout rooms to discuss specific topics, our "Must Have Apps for the Great Loop" webinar series that is free for members, our upcoming "Looper L…

1
OTL #926: Remembering the Chicago Race Riot of 1919, Police settlement transparency ordinance, Removing lead pipes in Chicago 44:03

1M ago44:03

44:03

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 Chica…

1
Visiting Mackinac Island 32:00

1M ago32:00

32:00

Mackinac Island has long been a Looper favorite stop. Get all the details of what you'll find on this unique, historic, and quaint island when stopping there as part of your Great Loop adventure. Tad & Libbie Sheldon talk about the Island and the waterways surrounding it on this episode. America's Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime! …

1
OTL #925: Local metalpoint art, New music from Joe Di Zillo, The Secret History of Jackie DeShannon 37:53

1M ago37:53

37:53

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.By Mike Stephen

1
Great Loop Radio: Cruising Georgian Bay 38:00

2M ago38:00

38:00

Some of the finest cruising on the Great Loop is found on Georgian Bay! Join us as Dale Anderson shares the details of cruising these waters that he calls home. Our disussion includes likely stops for Loopers, favorite anchorages, things to see and do, and calming the anxiety of navigating the 30,000 Islands. The Great Loop is the boating adventure…

1
OTL #924: The impact of Hope Chicago 38:10

2M ago38:10

38:10

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 manag…

1
Great Loop Radio: Story of Our Loop-Chris & Beth, 31' Camano 38:00

2M ago38:00

38:00

Join us as Chris & Beth share the story of their Great Loop adventure aboard their 31' Camano. Our conversation includes details about their boat, their planning, and what they gained from taking on this challenge. Want to learn more about the Great Loop? How about building camaraderie with others who have done the whole route so you can find out w…

1
OTL #923: Tutoring and tech’s impact in schools, The Secret History of Motorhome 39:01

2M ago39:01

39:01

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.By Mike Stephen

1
Great Loop Radio: All About Vessel Safety Exams 35:00

2M ago35:00

35:00

Ever wondered if you should get a vessel safety check on your boat before starting the Great Loop? Rob Rice joins us on this episode to talk about vessel safety exams. We'll cover what they are, why you should get one, and how to schedule it. Resources mentioned in the episode: List of required safety equipment can be found in this document: https:…

1
OTL #922: Illinois’ hands-off approach to homeschooling, The legacy of Gwendolyn Brooks 37:22

2M ago37:22

37:22

Mike Stephen explores the impacts of the lack of homeschooling regulation in Illinois with Capitol News investigative reporters Beth Hundsdorfer and Molly Parker and then discusses the legacy of Gwendolyn Brooks with her daughter and president of Brooks Permissions: Nora Brooks Blakely.By Mike Stephen

1
Great Loop Radio: Cleaning up the Inland Rivers 22:00

2M ago22:00

22:00

Do you know Chad Pregracke? If not, you should! For 25 years he's been helping remove trash from America's inland rivers. Chad founded Living Lands and Waters in 1998 at the age of 25 when he realized nothing was being done to clean up the waterways. He is the winner of many awards and accolades, most notably, Chad was the recipient of the Jefferso…

1
OTL #921: How do Chicagoans consume their news?, Plant-based school lunch options, The Secret History of The Pearl Handle Band 47:52

2M ago47:52

47:52

Mike Stephen dives into a new report about how Chicagoans consume and perceive their local news with Tim Franklin, director of the Medill Local News Initiative at Northwestern University, learns about the option for plant-based school lunches in Illinois with Balanced founder Audrey Lawson-Sanchez, and discovers the Secret History of The Pearl Hand…

1
Great Loop Radio: Distress & Safety Equipment 38:00

2M ago38:00

38:00

From fire extinguishers to life rafts to personal locator beacons, distress and safety equipment is important for your Great Loop cruise. After presenting an enlightening seminar at our Spring Rendezvous, Jeremy McConnell of Northwest Creek Marina is our guest this week to talk about this important topic. Northwest Creek Marina is an AGLCA sponsor,…

1
OTL #920: Why did Bring Chicago Home fail?, Jerry Smith on The Flock reunion 46:46

2M ago46:46

46:46

Mike Stephen talks to Roberta Garner, professor emerita of sociology at DePaul University, about why the Bring Chicago Home initiative failed and then chats with Jerry Smith of The Flock about that band’s upcoming reunion show. Jerry shares some great stories about his time in the music business.By Mike Stephen

1
OTL #919: A local education update, The Secret History of the Drew-Vels 37:12

3M ago37:12

37:12

Mike Stephen welcomes Chalkbeat reporter Reema Amin to discuss the latest on Chicago Public Schools’ position on police officers in schools and how schools are funded and then discovers the Secret History of the 1960s soul group from Evanston: The Drew-Vels.By Mike Stephen

1
Great Loop Radio: Paying it Forward - Volunteering While on the Loop 37:00

3M ago37:00

37:00

Diane & Tim Vandersall earned their Gold Burgee and then decided to give back to the boating community and the waters they frequented while on the Loop. They've spent two months volunteering in some of Florida's beautiful state parks. While the work is sometimes strenuous, they've found it rewarding, and they earned free dockage during the period o…

1
OTL #918: A failure of local government, Simon’s Tavern turns 90, New local music from Brett Ratner 37:32

3M ago37:32

37:32

Mike Stephen learns how the Chicago Housing Authority allows for nefarious deeds on some of its vacant properties from Block Club Chicago investigative editor and reporter Mick Dumke, celebrates 90 years of Andersonville’s Simon’s Tavern, and chats with local musician Brett Ratner about his new instrumental rock.…

1
Great Loop Radio: NOAA Forecasts for Boaters 32:00

3M ago32:00

32:00

Weather forecasts may be the most important piece of information you can gather before heading out for a day on the water. This week, Kennard "Chip" Kasper, Meteorologist-in-Charge at NOAA/Florida Keys National Weather Service, joins us to talk about NOAA's mission and the important work they do in marine weather forecasting. With hurricane season …

1
OTL #917: The Takeout 25 Effect, Chicago Truck Data Portal, The Secret History of Charlie Schmidt 48:07

3M ago48:07

48:07

Mike Stephen learns about a new book about the impact of the local nonprofit Takeout 25 called The Takeout 25 Effect: Mobilizing for Positive Change with author Ravi Parakkat, explores a project mapping high concentration of truck traffic in Chicago called the Chicago Truck Data Portal with Jose Acosta Cordova of the Little Village Environmental Ju…

1
OTL #916: Should Chicago lower its speed limit?, Is Mayor Johnson incompetent or inexperienced?, Revisiting Chicago as a cycling city 39:10

4M ago39:10

39:10

Mike Stephen discusses the possibility of Chicago lowering its speed limit with Active Transportation Alliance managing director of advocacy Jim Merrell, explores the debate around Mayor Johnson’s possible incompetence or inexperience with Chicago Magazine contributing editor Ted McClelland, and revisits the topic of Chicago’s bikeability.…

1
Great Loop Radio: Story of our Loop - Kip & Insel, 44' Endeavor Catamaran 33:00

4M ago33:00

33:00

Kip & Insel have completed the Great Loop three times! They share the stories of their Great Loop adventures aboard two different boats including how they've grown as boaters via the many miles they've cruised, tips on how they deal with having a 60 pound dog aboard, advice for those new to Looping, and more. America's Great Loop is the boating adv…

1
OTL #915: Unpacking Chicago’s community map, The West Side Spring Book Fair, The Secret History of Plastics Hi-Fi 42:23

4M ago42:23

42:23

Mike Stephen learns about the significance of Chicago’s community map from and explores the possibility of updating it with Emily Talen, professor of urbanism and director of the Urbanism Lab at the University of Chicago, discusses the importance of literacy on the West Side of the city with founder of The Queen Within, Bridgett McGill, and discove…

1
Great Loop Radio: Entering Canada 31:00

4M ago31:00

31:00

***This episode references the needed DTOPS sticker but we left out one detail. Only boats 30 feet and over must have a DTOPS sticker. The AGLCA Home Port Crew walks you through what U.S. citizens must do to legally enter Canada as part of their Great Loop. We cover what to do before you go, the things you can and cannot bring with you, the procedu…

1
OTL #914: Women Employed fighting for workplace equity, Arionne Nettles’ new book on Black culture in Chicago 39:03

4M ago39:03

39:03

Mike Stephen discusses the gender pay gap and efforts to combat it with Ibie Hart, director of business development at Women Employed, and then chats with local journalist Arionne Nettles about her new book entitled We Are the Culture: Black Chicago's Influence on Everything.By Mike Stephen

1
Great Loop Radio: Advocacy Update 29:00

4M ago29:00

29:00

Join us as America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association's Home Port Crew updates you on our Advocacy efforts including what we do on behalf of members and the boating community as a whole, what we're working on including a long-term issue in Florida, and how you can help. America's Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime! Loopers cruise the…

1
OTL #913: Unsafe water in Illinois prisons, The work of the Uptown People's Law Center, The Secret History of E. Parker McDougal 37:46

4M ago37:46

37:46

Mike Stephen learns about the deteriorating conditions inside Illinois prisons from Alan Mills, executive director of the Uptown People's Law Center, and then discovers the Secret History of Chicago tenor sax player E. Parker McDougal.By Mike Stephen

1
Great Loop Radio: Why Fitness Matters on the Loop 26:00

4M ago26:00

26:00

Several things on the Great Loop are easier if you maintain a good fitness level. Our guest this week is Doreen Sharpe. She is a Gold Looper and a Physiotherapist, and she shares the reasons why maintaining fitness is important on the Great Loop and offers some tips on when and where to fit in fitness while Looping. The Great Loop is the boating ad…

1
OTL #912: Paid Chicago school board members?, HelloBaby’s great work, Mark Lofgren’s new music 42:10

4M ago42:10

42:10

Mike Stephen discusses the possibility of paying Chicago school board members with Becky Vevea, bureau chief of Chalkbeat Chicago, learns about the important work of HelloBaby on the South Side from founder and executive director Debbie Frisch, and chats with local musician Mark Lofgren about his new album.…

1
OTL #911: Vacant land near local transit, Preserving local history, The Secret History of Hip Linkchain 43:06

5M ago43:06

43:06

Mike Stephen learns about the significance of vacant land near local transit hubs from Geoff Smith, executive director of the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University, discusses the historical significance of Stateville Correctional Center with Leila Wills, executive director of the Historical Preservation Society of the Illinois Chapter …

1
Great Loop Radio: AGLCA Harbor Hosts 32:00

5M ago32:00

32:00

This week's episode focuses on our friendly and helpful Harbor Hosts! The Home Port Crew shares more about the Harbor Host program and the True North Harbor Host of the Year award. Then, the 2022 and 2023 Harbor Hosts of the Year (Tsali & Jacque Bentley and Eric & Lynda Baumer) share why they love this program and what they did that earned them the…

1
OTL #910: The future of journalism, Share Our Spare helping families in Chicago and beyond 36:45

5M ago36:45

36:45

Mike Stephen discusses the future of journalism at the Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association conference with Jason Block, multimedia communications teacher at Prospect High School, and learns about the important work of the Chicago-based organization called Share Our Spare. This organization helps families in need and executive director Al…

1
Great Loop Radio: Skills to Know Before You Loop 46:00

5M ago46:00

46:00

With a focus on locking and anchoring, this week's episode includes some of the skills you should practice before starting your own Great Loop adventure. Our guest is Boris Hodak, a recent Gold Looper and U.S. Coast Guard 100 Ton Master. Boris shares tips on locking and docking and why you should learn the ins and outs of your boat before setting o…

1
OTL #909: A new music venue in Forest Park, Dolph Chaney’s new music, The Secret History of Shanta Nurullah 42:45

5M ago42:45

42:45

Mike Stephen explores Robert's Westside, a new music venue in Forest Park, and talks to venue founder Donnie Biggins, learns about local musician Dolph Chaney’s new music, and discovers the Secret History of local sitar player Shanta Nurullah.By Mike Stephen

1
Great Loop Radio: Looping on a Fast Boat 33:00

5M ago33:00

33:00

Considering Looping on a fast boat? In this episode, Gold Looper Tom Gutowski joins us to share details on how and why he and Jan chose to cruise the Great Loop on a faster boat. Our discussion focuses primarily on how to be sure you operate safely and courteously while cruising at higher speeds, but also includes details about how often you can tr…

1
OTL #908: From prison to Ph.D, The challenges of keeping community media afloat 42:47

6M ago42:47

42:47

Mike Stephen learns about the incredible story of Dr. Stanley Andrisse, endocrinologist and assistant professor at the Howard University College of Medicine, who was formerly incarcerated and is now a scientist and executive director of From Prison Cells to Ph.D and then discusses the challenges of local community media with Justin Kerr, publisher …

1
Great Loop Radio: Sharing the Journey 44:00

5M ago44:00

44:00

Gold Looper Kim Fleer joins us this week to talk about some of the options for sharing your Great Loop with those you leave behind. We'll discuss the pros and cons of sharing via Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, blogs, and other apps. We'll also share some things you should consider before selecting a platform and list some of the more popular Looper …

1
Great Loop Radio: Watching Your Wake 41:00

6M ago41:00

41:00

This week we talk about watching your wake. It's important for all Great Loopers to practice safe and courteous boating! The biggest error we see in this area is boats not slowing enough in no wake zones, minimum wake zones, and when passing other boats, docks, marinas, and other shoreside infrastructure. We break it all down for you this week with…

1
Great Loop Radio: Story of Our Loop - Kim & Michael, 41' Silverton 33:00

6M ago33:00

33:00

Kim Russo (AGLCA's Director) and Michael Martin share the story of their own Great Loop adventure aboard The Perch, a Silverton 410 cockpit motor yacht. They'll talk about why they did the Loop, their cruising preferences, and details about their boat. The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile route through interconnected waterways that allow boaters to circu…

1
Great Loop Radio: 2024 Marine Insurance Update 30:00

6M ago30:00

30:00

This week we wrap up our 2024 update series by talking about marine insurance. Jon Horton with Jack Martin and Associates joins us to discuss what to expect when seeking insurance for your Great Loop boat in the coming year. The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime. Loopers follow the 6,000-mile route in their own boats, cruising up th…

1
Great Loop Radio: 2023 Loop Completion Stats 44:00

6M ago44:00

44:00

The results are in! Listen to find out how many boats completed the Great Loop in 2023 and which boat makes were most popular. Brent Bowlin and Michael Martin of Great Loop Yacht Sales join us to share some of the features of the top boats for the Great Loop in 2023 and what makes them so popular. We'll also share details of the smallest and larges…

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