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WGN RADIO’S Outside the Loop Celebrates Milestone 1,000th Episode with Live Taping at Fitzgerald’s Nightclub in Berwyn

BERWYN, IL — On Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., the long-running weekly radio show and podcast Outside the Loop, airing on WGN Radio, marks a major milestone — its 1,000th episode — with a live-audience taping at the historic Fitzgerald’s Nightclub, located at 6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn, IL. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. for this free RSVP event (21+, minors admitted with guardian). 

As Chicago’s “almost-above-ground audio magazine,” Outside the Loop brings listeners stories from the city’s creative, civic, and cultural edges. Host Mike Stephen will be joined by Chicago historian Dominic Pacyga, who will discuss his latest book on city politics; Chicago underground music guru Steve Krakow (aka Plastic Crimewave); and the co-founders of SHFT Behavioral Health—Chicago’s first urgent care center for mental health—Genia Yovankin and Holley Brandchaft-White. Live local music will be provided by singer-songwriter AJ Rosales.

“We’ve spent 1,000 weeks telling the stories of Chicagoans who fly under the mainstream radar, and we couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate than the legendary FitzGerald’s,” says Mike Stephen.

The event invites the community to witness the taping, enjoy full-service dining at the club (or grab an early meal at Babygold Barbecue next door), and soak in the lively Berwyn neighborhood vibe. Street parking is limited, so rideshare, bicycle or other alternatives are recommended. FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUB PRESENTS:

About Outside the Loop:
Launched as a podcast in 2006 and airing Saturday mornings on WGN Radio for over a decade, Outside the Loop has become a trusted voice for Chicago’s curious and creative side, featuring interviews with newsmakers, artists, civic leaders and others whose work shapes and reflects the city.

***PARKING***

There is rather limited street parking in the area, we recommend arriving by rideshare, bicycle, or rickshaw.  

***AGE RESTRICTIONS***

21+, minors admitted with guardian