Best Radio AURA Podcasts (2025)

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OTL #994: The state of local news, The Secret History of Aura 41:00

5d ago41:00

41:00

Mike Stephen discusses the state of local news in 2025 with Medill professor Tim Franklin and then dives into the Secret History of the 1970s Chicago horn rock band Aura. AND...come out to Fitzgerald's at 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn on Saturday, November 22, at 3:00 p.m. for the Outside the Loop 1,000th episode taping! It's a FREE event, but yo…

1
Dr. Yafi Yair – Conversations with Hathor 56:32

2d ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 05 November 2025 If a collective spirit of the feminine divine manifested in the name of the Egyptian Goddess Hathor, what message would they share with today’s world? My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, Dr. Yafi Yair’s relationship with Hathor began with the first time they came forward for her to channel, along with the proces…

1
Patricia Muehsam, MD – Beyond Medicine 56:32

8d ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 29 October 2025 What do health and healing — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual — really mean? After decades of researching this question, Patricia Muehsam, MD, offers a revolutionary new way to think about health. “Dr. Trish,” my guest this week on Destination Unlimited, is a pioneer in the synthesis of science, holistic health,…

1
OTL #993: Curbside compassion with Yo Soy Ella, Takeout 25's new cookbook, New local music from Terry White 41:27

12d ago41:27

41:27

Mike Stephen visits Yo Soy Ella's Curbside Compassion van to learn about their therapy services from founder and executive director Sarah Taylor, explores the new Takeout 25 Community Cookbook with founder Ravi Parakkat, and gets the lowdown on new music from local musician Terry White.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #992: Revisiting Media Burn and the Center For Immigrant Progress, The Secret History of Panicsville 39:19

18d ago39:19

39:19

Mike Stephen rewinds to get the story of Chicago's Media Burn archive and the Center for Immigrant Progress and then discovers the Secret History of Panicsville. AND we have a special announcement!By Mike Stephen

1
Janis King: Tarot – The Life Code 56:32

24d ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 15 October 2025 What had begun as an idea for a new deck has emerged as a way of seeing Tarot through a different lens. This new system redefines the relationship between the Major and the Minor Arcana of the Tarot deck, casting them in quite a new light. Is there a hidden code in Tarot that shows you how to create a rich, loving, and ab…

1
OTL #991: Ending political maps in Illinois?, Fewer wrongful convictions overturned, Share Our Spare helps families 39:40

27d ago39:40

39:40

Mike Stephen learns about the effort to end politically drawn voting maps in Illinois from Chicago Magazine writer Ted McClelland, discusses the slowdown in overturning wrongful convictions in Cook County with Injustice Watch reporter Dan Hinkel, and highlights the important work of Share Our Spare in supporting young children and families with int…

1
OTL #990: Accessory dwelling units are legal (mostly), Federal government funding cuts for CPS, TaskForce celebrates inclusion in the West Side and beyond 40:44

1M ago40:44

40:44

Mike Stephen learns about Chicago's new ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units in certain areas from Illinois Answers Project reporter Alex Nitkin, discusses the federal funding cuts to Chicago Public Schools with Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea, and gets the lowdown on how TaskForce works to promote inclusion on the city's West Sid…

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OTL #989: A Chicago TIF update, New local music with a worldwide influence, Previewing the Black Fine Art Faire 43:07

1M ago43:07

43:07

Mike Stephen gets an update on the latest Chicago TIF numbers from Tom Tresser of the TIF Illumination Project, chats with local musician Carlo Basile about his local music with a worldwide influence, and previews the Back Fine Art Faire with Patricia Andrews-Keenan, founder of Pigment International.…

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OTL #988: How the Chicago area gets its news, Exploring the brain science locally, The Secret History of Lani Hall 43:03

2M ago43:03

43:03

Mike Stephen discusses the results of a new report on how Chicago gets its news with Medill professors Tim Franklin and Stephanie Edgerly, gets a preview of some upcoming local events about the brain from Illinois Science Council founder Monica Metzler, and discovers the Secret History of Lani Hall.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #987: Trying to avoid an Illinois transit fiscal cliff, New "emergency" rules for prison communication 42:30

2M ago42:30

42:30

Mike Stephen discusses the work being done to avoid a transit fiscal cliff in Illinois with state representative Kam Buckner (26th) and John Greenfield, editor of Streetsblog Chicago. Then, John Howard Association executive director Jennifer Vollen-Katz discusses new "emergency" rules put in place to regulate communication with those who are incarc…

1
David Baron – The Martians 56:32

2M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 10 September 2025 For as long as we’ve had telescopes, we’ve been obsessed with Mars. More so than our other planetary neighbors, Mars captures our fascination with its seeming potential to nurture something we’ve yet to discover anywhere else: extraterrestrial life. This possibility—scientifically founded or not—has catapulted a pop-cul…

1
OTL #986: A look into Illinois' finances, The 100K Project wants you to run for office, The Secret History of Henry Threadgill 36:08

2M ago36:08

36:08

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 History of Chicago avant-garde jazz musician Henry Threadgill.By Mike Stephen

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Keith Lowenstein – Kriya Yoga For Self-Discovery 56:32

2M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 03 September 2025 Kriya yoga is an ancient meditation technique that focuses on breathing and the spine to unlock deep states of awareness, self-realization, and spiritual growth. Kriya can provide a fast path to awakening, yet its practice has been shrouded in secrecy, passed only from master to initiate for millennia. How may we learn …

1
Helen Ye Plehn – The Aura Color Wheel 56:32

2M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 27 August 2025 Chakras are considered important in yoga and meditation because they represent energy centers within the body that influence physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. What does your soul’s aura reveal about you? My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, Helen Ye Plehn, says there are yoga poses, based…

1
OTL #985: Chicago's new public housing museum, The Chicago Immigrant Orchestra's new music, The Secret History of Nancy Faust 42:43

2M ago42:43

42:43

Mike Stephen discusses the importance of preserving public housing history with Dr. Lisa Yun Lee, the executive director of the National Public Housing Museum, learns about new music from the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra with band co-director Fareed Haque, and discovers the Secret History of local stadium organist Nancy Faust.…

1
OTL #984: Faulty DUI science, The push to pay student teachers in Illinois 36:40

3M ago36:40

36:40

Mike Stephen chats with Injustice Watch senior investigative reporter Maya Dukmasova about a local lab practicing faulty science that resulted in wrongful DUI convictions and then discusses the push to pay student teachers in Illinois with Percy Julian Middle School teacher Ashley Kannan.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #983: The future of rent stabilization in Illinois, XL Fest brings Chicago creatives together 35:13

3M ago35:13

35:13

Mike Stephen discusses the push for rent stabilization in Illinois with the Lift the Ban campaign coordinator Diego Morales and then learns about XL Fest, a local festival that brings Chicago creatives together, from Creative Cypher founder Troy Pryor.By Mike Stephen

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Laura Aversano - The Divine Nature of Plants 56:32

3M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 06 August 2025 Is it possible for humans to communicate with plants? What would plants share with us, and how might this contribute to personal healing? Joining me again on Destination Unlimited this week, Laura Aversano shares her story of awakening to the divine powers of plant spirits and the elemental world of nature, where plants ar…

1
OTL #982: Joy Tea wants to wow Chicagoland, An Illinois civil rights history update, The Secret History of Billy Hinton 38:53

3M ago38:53

38:53

Mike Stephen talks the art of tea with Max Blessen, owner of Chicagoland's Joy Tea, gets an update on civil rights history in Illinois, and discovers the Secret History of the versatile musician from Chicago Billy Hinton.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #981: The compact disc isn't going quietly, Chicago before the Fire 39:47

3M ago39:47

39:47

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 University economics professor Louis P. Cain, author of the new book Chicago Before the Fire: An Economic History.…

1
Carmen Turner-Schott – Your Astrological Energy 56:32

3M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 30 July 2025 How may you take advantage of all the fabulous things that your specific astrological placements offer, including influences on your emotions, thoughts, and decisions. Is there a way to understand Your Astrological Energy? My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, Carmen Turner-Schott, says you can discover your personal …

1
OTL #980: The Urban Growers Collective, Edgewater Music Fest, The Secret History of Jimmy Rogers 44:52

4M ago44:52

44:52

Mike Stephen learns about the important work of Chicago's Urban Growers Collective from herbalism conductor Rev. Kim Crutcher, gets a preview of the Edgewater Music Fest from Garrett Karp, executive director of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago blues guitarist Jimmy Rogers.…

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OTL #979: Clarendon Hills Kid, Share Our Spare provides community resources 40:11

4M ago40:11

40:11

Mike Stephen talks to Roger Day Bain, the author of a new book about growing up in suburban Clarendon Hills called Clarendon Hills Kid and a book about a very non-linear career path entitled Hardly Working: How I Found a Career and Kept My Soul. Then, we learn about the continuing great work of Chicago's Share Our Spare and its quest to find new fu…

1
John Strelecky – The Café on the Edge of the World 56:32

4M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 16 July 2025 Many of us have experienced a life-changing “second act” in our thirties. For John Strelecky, that “second act” began by sharing with the world his amazing story of exploration and transformation. John Strelecky is a #1 Best-Selling inspirational author and lecturer. His books have been translated into more than forty-five l…

1
OTL #978: The federal educational funding freeze in Illinois, Kate Fagan's new music, The Secret History of Byron Gregory 40:53

4M ago40:53

40:53

Mike Stephen learns about the potential impact of the federal government's education funding freeze on Illinois with Chalkbeat Chicago's Samantha Smylie, chats with Kate Fagan about her new music and upcoming Chicago shows, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago guitarist Byron Gregory.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #977: Inside Covet Oddities, The Freedom of Information Act's limitations, Hope for Homes Day 44:42

4M ago44:42

44:42

Mike Stephen goes inside a new occult gallery in Logan Square called Covet Oddities, learns about the limitations of the Freedom of Information Act in Illinois with Better Government Association financial policy analyst Sophia Van Pelt, and highlights the great work of La Casa Norte's Hope for Homes Day initiative with executive director Jose Munoz…

1
OTL #976: Chicago's Teflon Softball looks for a home, Touring Pride Month, The Secret History of The Puta-Pons 44:16

4M ago44:16

44:16

Mike Stephen learns about Teflon Softball's search for a practice facility from coach and founder India Steward, re-explores a local tour that highlights LGBTQ history, and discovers the Secret History of the late 90s/early 2000s rockers The Puta-Pons.By Mike Stephen

1
Dr. Christopher Macklin 56:32

5M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 25 June 2025 Are angels watching over us? Recent polls indicate that 70% of Americans believe in angels. An angel is typically defined as a spiritual being, often depicted as a divine messenger or intermediary between God and humanity. They act as protectors or guides and are usually not visible to the human eye, though in many cases, we…

1
OTL #975: Supporting Chicago's arts nonprofits, Guiding Chicago's youth towards entertainment careers 41:31

5M ago41:31

41:31

Mike Stephen discusses the importance of a healthy local nonprofit arts community with Vickie Lakes-Battle of IFF and Vanessa Sanchez of Villapalooza and then chats with Danita Patterson, founder of Destiny Outreach, about a new program aimed at guiding Chicago's youth towards careers in the entertainment industry.…

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Gloria O’Neil-Savage – Alchemy of the Soul 56:32

5M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 18 June 2025 Having several “Near Death Experiences” and one where she was given her Last Rites at the age of 17, was a wake-up call for my guest this week on Destination Unlimited, Gloria O’Neil-Savage. It opened her to the concept of dimensionality, Heaven on Earth, and vibrational medicine, as well as other seeds planted in the cross-…

1
Kim “Skipper” Corbin 56:32

5M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 11 June 2025 I am thrilled to share that my very first guest on Destination Unlimited from March of 2016, Kim “Skipper” Corbin, joins me again this week to share her amazing path. Kim is the Publicity Director and Social Media Manager of New World Library. She has also been a passionate promoter of the benefits of adult skipping since 19…

1
OTL #974: Is Chicago prioritizing environmental justice?, The Secret History of Fred Below 33:33

5M ago33:33

33:33

Mike Stephen gets an update on the struggle for environmental justice on the southwest side of Chicago from Anthony Moser, board president of Neighbors for Environmental Justice, and then discovers the Secret History of the local influential 20th century drummer Fred Below.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #973: A.I. in local journalism, Local immigrants are about to lose their healthcare 38:46

5M ago38:46

38:46

Mike Stephen discusses the ethical questions around using artificial intelligence in local journalism with Justin Kerr, publisher of McKinley Park News, and then talks with Enddy Almonord, director of the Healthy Illinois Campaign, about how 33,000 low-income Illinois immigrants are about to lose their healthcare.…

1
Christi Clemons Hoffman – Real-Life Angel Encounters 56:32

5M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 04 June 2025 Are Angels real? Do they appear to us in different forms during difficult times with comfort and ideas for resolution? Do we all have Angels with us? My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, Christi Clemons Hoffman, says Angels are there for all of us and sometimes manifest in the most unexpected ways! Christi is the hos…

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OTL #972: Confronting student loan debt in Illinois, New music from AJ Rosales, The Secret History of The Radiants 43:09

5M ago43:09

43:09

Mike Stephen discusses the student loan debt problem in Illinois with Illinois Answers Project journalist Claire Murphy, gets the lowdown on new local music from AJ Rosales, and discovers the Secret History of the 1960s Chicago doo-wop group The Radiants.By Mike Stephen

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Lisa Marchiano – Dream Wise 56:32

5M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 28 May 2025 Is there a Dreammaker “who visits each night with gifts of wisdom?” How may dreamwork assist us on the path of healing and growth? My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, Lisa Marchiano, says dreamwork assists us on the path of becoming whole (what Carl Jung called individuation). Lisa and her Jungian Analyst colleagues,…

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OTL #971: Civic engagement through the 100K Project, CPS selling vacant land, Labeling Illinois schools 39:52

6M ago39:52

39:52

Mike Stephen learns about recruiting candidates for local office through the 100K Project with lead organizer and steering committee member Tom Tresser and then gets an update on some local education issues with Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea.By Mike Stephen

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Ann Bolinger-McQuade – Everyday Oracles 56:32

6M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 14 May 2025 Is the physical world and spirituality interconnected? How may we receive the divine messages surrounding us and recognize our unique connection to the universe? My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, Ann Bolinger-McQuade, says we can do this by recognizing our Everyday Oracles. Through workshops and personal experience…

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OTL #970: Books removed in local prison, New music from Ascendant, The Secret History of Chicago Music celebrates 20 years 39:33

6M ago39:33

39:33

Mike Stephen explores the removal of certain books in Danville Correctional Center with local author Vee Harrison, gets the lowdown on new music from the band Ascendant from vocalist and keyboard player Kael Mboya, and looks back on 20 years of The Secret History of Chicago Music in the Chicago Reader with its creator and author Steve Krakow.…

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Dr. Bernard Beitman – Life Changing Synchronicities 56:32

6M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 07 May 2025 Many of us have experienced coincidence and synchronicity. But when a medical doctor, the former chairman of the psychiatry department of a major university medical school, recognizes these experiences, they become “Meaningful Coincidences.” Returning to Destination Unlimited this week, Dr. Bernard Beitman, M.D., clarifies th…

1
Stephanie Banks 56:32

6M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 30 April 2025 How may channeling and soul-to-soul communication enhance our confidence and self-trust, improve our relationships, clarify our soul’s purpose, and help us find our way to laughter and joy? My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, Stephanie Banks, found this path through conscious channeling. Stephanie Banks is a highly…

1
C J Llewelyn – Chakras, the Vagus Nerve, and Your Soul 56:32

7M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 23 April 2025 Is there a connection between our Souls, Chakras, and Vagus Nerves? How may we understand the body’s internal messages, not act against our bodies, and regain a Soulful connection to self? My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, C J Llewelyn, says that an understanding of subtle energy and our nervous system will promo…

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Dr. Linda Backman – Soul Design 56:32

7M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 09 April 2025 What is your soul design? How you may discover your soul origin, archetype, and purpose―and use that knowledge to elevate your current life. My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, Dr. Linda Backman, has developed Soul Essence Psychology, a program for examining your current life persona combined with your soul design.…

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Carole J Obley – The Art of Sensing 56:32

7M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 02 April 2025 How may trusting our Sixth Sense help us conquer fear and navigate life’s challenges. My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, acclaimed spiritual medium and popular author Carole J. Obley, says this may be achieved by developing The Art of Sensing. Carole has been the bridge between heaven and earth in more than 15,000…

1
Pam Montgomery – Co-Creating with Nature 56:32

8M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 26 March 2025 The Earth is calling, and the time to answer is now. As we face a global shift, healing our separation from Nature is no longer optional—it’s essential. Only by reuniting with the living Earth can we co-create a world where all life—human and nonhuman—flourishes. My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, Pam Montgomery, …

1
James Van Praagh – Next-Level Mediumship 56:32

8M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 05 March 2025 Is it possible for anyone to connect to the spirit world and deliver messages of healing to others? Returning to Destination Unlimited this week is one of the most renowned, respected, and accurate mediums practicing today, James Van Praagh. For 40 years, he’s appeared on stage, television, and radio, has written numerous b…

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Nanci Danison – 33 Souls Who Met God 56:32

8M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 26 February 2025 33 Souls, who were atheist, agnostic, Catholic, Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, or had other religious or spiritual beliefs before they died, progressed deeper into heaven/paradise than near-death experiencers and returned to share mind-blowing new details about God and the afterlife. What did they discover? My guest…

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Dr. Grazyna Pajunen – Biohacking A Way to a Better You 56:32

9M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 19 February 2025 Is it possible to turn back the clock, reverse the aging process, and look and feel better than you did ten years ago? My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, Dr. Grazyna Pajunen, says this can be achieved with Biohacking. Dr. Pajunen is a renowned biohacking coach. She knows not only the natural ways to disrupt the…

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Sherianne Boyle - Just Ask Spirit 56:32

9M ago56:32

56:32

Air Date - 12 February 2025 What if there was a practice that would allow us to receive healing, guidance, wisdom, clarity, and reassurance from spirit anytime we need it? My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, Sherianna Boyle, says, “When we block, control, or restrict our emotions, we in turn prohibit the innate wisdom of Spirit to help and…

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