Despite signs of growth, Chicago’s tech industry still doesn’t hold a candle to Silicon Valley or the Pacific Northwest. Last month, 1871, a cooperative tech innovation hub, opened with more than 25 businesses in the Merchandise Mart and aims to make Chicago a center for start-up talent. Eight Forty-Eight talks to Kevin Willer, who runs the non-profit behind 1871, about his plans. Also weighing in are Sue Khim, who left Chicago to move her young company Alltuition to San Francisco, and Justin DeLay, who returned to the Midwest to grow his startup, TempoDB. To join in, call 312.923.9239.

We’re also joined by WBEZ theater critics Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, who review Shattered Globe Theatre’s Her Naked Skin, and debate whether enough material about women makes it onto Chicago stages. They’re joined by Steppenwolf’s Rebecca Rugg.