Cubs Talk Podcast

Come one, come all to see a fierce bout of competitors. In one corner, David Kaplan. A man whose takes have scorched the earth. And in the other corner, a beat writer's beat writer, Gordon Wittenmyer. The two duke it out on if ultimately was it the right decision for the Cubs to let go of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javy Baez. Let the debate BEGIN! (3:00) - Looking at the seasons Bryant, Baez, and Rizzo are having now, did the Cubs make the right decision? (10:30) - Did the former core produce towards the end before they were traded? (14:00) - Are the Cubs healthier now than before the trade? (17:00) - Are the next 3 years going to be successful for the Cubs?

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer speaks to the media to discuss the season so far. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins react to the comments made by the Cubs executive. They react to Jed's updated news on Cubs prospect Ed Howard, Jed's comments on the future of Willson Contreras, and a lot more. (1:45) - Jed Hoyer gives update on Ed Howard (6:20) - Will Jed trade Willson Contreras? (10:35) - Are the Cubs starting to figure it out? (15:46) - Will the Cubs trade Stroman back to the Mets?

The Cubs have a couple of new faces and they certainly made their presence known. Christopher Morel and Brandon Hughes help the Cubs pick up a 7-0 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer break down the Cubs' two newest players and what they see going forward from them. They also discuss the future of red hot Willson Contreras and the injury to Cubs prospect Ed Howard. (2:00) - 2 surprising debut's for the Cubs (12:00) - Brandon Hughes might have had the story of the night (16:36) - What will become of Willson Contreras? (33:13) - Ed Howard injures hip

It sucks when your team is in a rebuild. Can it go faster? David Kaplan has a plan that will get the Cubs back to being competitive but could it work? Kap, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the current state of the Cubs and debate is Kap's plan should be the direction the Cubs go in to get the Northsiders back in contention for the division and a World Series. (1:30) - Recapping the recent Cubs games (4:00) - Kap saves the Cubs (14:40) - Will getting 2 star players fix the Cubs?

The Cubs are in a transition phase and looking to see how they will compete and who they will compete with going forward. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss who are the core players on this team, will they be kept or traded, and once the core is decided, how soon with fans be expecting them to compete for the division and for a World Series. (2:00) - Will the Cubs win 70 games this year? (4:30) - Who are the core players for this team? (14:00) - How soon are the Cubs expected to compete and end the rebuild phase?

The Cubs have hit a slump after dropping the series vs the White Sox. Can they get it right before playing the World Series favorite Los Angels Dodgers? Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the slump of the Cubs and Seiya Suzuki and what they need to address to fix their issues. The guys also discuss Craig Kimbrel coming back with the Dodgers. (1:40) - Cubs continue downward stretch after loss to the White Sox (7:00) - Seiya Suzuki struggles (15:00) - Should fans be worried about Kyle Hendricks? (22:20) - Will Kyle Hendricks be on the trading block?

The annual tradition of Cubs vs White Sox began this week with both teams having similar records to begin the season. Where are both teams trending? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the two Chicago squads and review the trades between them, and debate if the Cubs will regret losing Dylan Cease even more than Eloy Jimenez. Later, they also discuss the possible trade scenarios for Ian Happ and Willson Contreras. (1:50) - Where are the two teams trending so far this season? (8:15) - Which is worse for the Cubs letting go of Eloy or Dylan? (14:00) - Breaking down the Cubs roster (18:20) - What does the future look like for Ian Happ and Willson Contreras? (26:54) - Bold predictions for the cross town series

David Kaplan has long said that Theo Epstein and the Cubs made an offer to Kris Bryant to have him stay, but Kris hasn't confirmed this. On this pod, Kap and Gordon discuss the ending to Kris Bryant's career as a Cub and if something could have been done to keep him. Later in the pod, Gordon Wittenmyer does an exclusive 1-on-1 with Kris Bryant about why he chose the Rockies, how his career ended in Chicago and could something have been done to keep him here.

The Cubs are struggling right now but star rookie Seiya Suzuki is growing in popularity with the Northside fans. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss Suzuki's recent play and how he's gaining popularity among Cub fans. The crew also breaks down the team's recent struggles, what they think Jed Hoyer will do with the roster this year, and if they think Willson Contreras will be traded. (3:12) - Seiya Suzuki is the most popular Cub this season (8:10) - Cubs are trying to find their footing after a good start to the season (14:32) - Have there been any surprises so far this year? (17:00) - Will the Cubs trade Willson Contreras this year?

The Cubs are still above .500 and look like a real solid team, can they keep it up, and if they can, will they be better than we all expected? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the current play of the Cubs and will they surpass expectations, and do they have enough in the entire organization to be a winner in the next couple of years. They also discuss the possibility that the Cubs can add another Japanese prospect in star pitching talent Rōki Sasaki.

Jackie Robinson Day in baseball is an important day in baseball. It's when every team around the league wears the number 42 to honor the courage of Jackie Robinson in helping to break the color barrier in baseball. Gordon Wittenmyer sits down with Cubs' third base coach Willie Harris to discuss growing up in the same town of Cairo, Georgia, the importance of Jackie Robinson and Jackie Robinson day, and the impact Jackie had on the game.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves but the Cubs are tied for the division lead and look good. And as a nice bonus, Seiya Suzuki is already making history with his performance. He is now the only MLB player with eight-plus RBIs and four-plus walks in his first four career games since RBIs became an official stat in 1920. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the hot start and Suzuki's history-making start.

Go Cubs GO! The Cubs pick up the first win of the season in fun fashion. Can they keep it up? David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins break down the win including the play of ace pitcher Kyle Hendricks, the play of rookie Seiya Suzuki, and what to expect in the series vs the Brewers. Later in the pod, Kap discusses New York Yankee slugger Aaron Judge as a potential target for the Cubs if they are willing to give him a $300 million dollar deal.

David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the 2022 Cubs season and predict what the Cubs will do, will any Cub win awards, and who will be the breakout player for the Cubs this year. The guys break all this down and more! (2:00) - Will this team be better than people expect? (10:00) - Who will be the breakout player for the Cubs? (15:24) - What will be the starting lineup for the Cubs? (21:44) - Will Suzuki will rookie of the year?

As the Cubs get ready for the season next week, it's predicting time. How well do you think the Cubs will play this year? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the upcoming season and if the Cubs can win 80 games this year. Later in the podcast, Gordon Wittenmyer interviews a Cubs prospect with potential, Pete Crow-Armstrong on expectations and his famous family.

Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss and break down the Cubs roster and what's left to do before the season starts including, who starts day one, who will make the expanded roster, will core players be traded, what direction are the team going in this year and a lot more!

Cubs' Clint Frazier sat down with NBC Sports Chicago's Gordon Wittenmyer and revealed he played through lingering concussion symptoms last year after suffering his second career concussion.

David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the Cubs' introduction of Seiya Suzuki and dive into the contract details of the newest Cub and the newest Minnesota Twin Carlos Correa. They also break down the new MLB rules that will be implemented this season and the bobblehead schedule was released with no promotion materials showing Willson Contreras, Jason Heyward, or Kyle Hendricks. Are they preparing to move on? (2:00) - Breaking down the Seiya Suzuki signing (8:35) - Carlos Correa signs only a 3yr deal with opt-outs, could the Cubs have signed him? (17:32) - No bobbleheads this year for Willson Contreras, Jason Heyward, or Kyle Hendricks. Is this a sign that the Cubs are looking to move them? (21:00) - MLB rule changes (26:24) - The Ricketts are looking to buy Chelsea F.C.

During the lockout, players had to wait for what their futures will be, but some took their futures into their own hands. Matt Szczur did just that and retired after 5 years in the league. Matt joins Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss why he chose retirement, what he plans to do post leaving the game he loves, and his passion for art.

Now that baseball is back the free agents are signing their deals and the Cubs get a big one. 27 year old Seiya Suzuki signs with the Cubs for the next 5 years and we have all the details. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins break down the signing and what it means for the Cubs. Also, the crew discusses the former core of the Cubs signing deals for other teams. Kris Bryant signs with the Colorado Rockies, Anthony Rizzo signs with the New York Yankees, and Kyle Schwarber with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Now that the season is set to go, the Cubs need to address some issues with the roster. Who should they go after? What positions need to be filled on the main roster? And the big question, is this another rebuilding season or can they go big for the division? David Kaplan returns with Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss the upcoming season and Jed Hoyer's vision for this season. (2:04) -Cubs are projected for 70 wins this season, will they be better than that? (7:40) - Should the Cubs look to add to the roster in trades or continue to fill the farm system? (18:00) - Free agents on the market the Cubs could pursue (26:00) - What is Jed's vision for this team this year?

It's finally here! Baseball is back after the owners and players union agree to a deal now the Cubs can start making moves. Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins react to the news, including the terms of the new labor deal, what they mean for the Cubs, and what's next for the Cubs with the season right around the corner. (2:20) - Reaction to MLB lockout being officially over (10:25) - What will the Cubs look like with the DH for the first time ever (16:20) - New arbitration rules allow more money to younger players (23:20) - Where will the top free agents go?

The baseball lockout is hurting the players and fans, but there hasn't been more real-life impact than Wrigleyville, where dozens of businesses rely on the baseball season for most of their annual revenues. Gordon Wittenmyer talks with Sluggers bar, Murphy's Bleachers, Nisei Lounge, and Obvious Shirts to discuss how the lockout has impacted their business.

As the Cubs rebuild for the next era of winning, a key component is developing talent that will contribute to winning baseball in-house, and the person overseeing that for the Cubs is Jared Banner. Jared joins Davis Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss his philosophy on growing talent, the specifics of finding and coaching a young pitcher and hitter, and where he sees the Cubs in the next couple of seasons.

Commissioner Rob Manfred announced after a back and forth between the players and owners over the weekend and into Tuesday that an agreement has not yet been made and the first two series of the season will be canceled. Are they close? Will more games be canceled? How will this impact the fans? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the canceled games and where the owners and players stand at this point in negotiations. (2:00) - First reactions to Rob Manfred canceling regular-season games (10:00) - Tony Clark responds to the cancelation of games (18:20) - Additional rules being discussed in negotiations (23:30) - The impact another stoppage can have on the fans

For a different perspective on the lockout, the crew grabs Ryan McGuffey from the White Sox Talk Podcast to discuss the ongoing lockout. Guff joins David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins to break down what can change in negotiations to get the season started, what could baseball lose if the lockout continues, and a lot more.

Former player and MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss the MLB lockout and what needs to be done in the next week for the season to start on time. Later in the pod, Dan talks about his time as a Cub and what his thoughts were after the Cubs won the World Series. (3:00) - Comparing the strike of 1994 and this year's lockout (10:00) - Owners wanted to lockout the players before the players had a chance to strike (19:00) - How can baseball be fixed? (26:00) - Plesac on playing for the Cubs

Time is clicking for the owners and players and with them meeting only 15 minutes at a time once a week, it doesn't look promising. Spring Training is already delayed, but is the season at risk? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer provide updates and discuss the CBA meetings and if things stay the same, are we headed to another shortened season or will the season be canceled entirely? The guys also talk about the breaking news in the Tyler Skags case, and also they rank the best Cubs acquisitions by Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer.

The MLB lockout continues as the normal offseason activities get moved back. We talked with Eugene Freedman on what the players' side of this is on an early edition of the pod, now we discuss the owners' side with lawyer and professor of labor at the University of Depaul, Gerry Golden. Gerry joins Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer to break down why the owners chose to lockout out the players, what does it mean to lock out labor, and what will end the lockout. (2:40) - How does a lockout work for MLB owners (8:00) - Are the owners willing to lose games? (18:40) - What is the legal advantage for the owners to lock out the players? (24:00) - Have the players lost power over the years?

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the league will make a counterproposal to the players union in a scheduled labor negotiation Saturday. How important is it for the offer to assure progress in labor negotiations? Tim Stebbins, David Kaplan, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Manfred's comments and if they made things worse or better for an agreement to be made.

The MLB lockout is going on with hopes that the season will start on time in the balance. On today's pod, union expert, lawyer, and baseball labor writer Eugene Freedman joins Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer to provide a detailed breakdown of what the players union is seeking in the new CBA, how will future negotiations go, and more. (4:00) - What does it mean when the owners lock out the players? (14:20) - Can the players do anything to push the owners their way? (29:00) - Can tanking be fixed? (38:16) - Where will negotiations go from here?

As it stands today the Cubs are slowly creeping up the farm system rankings if you haven't noticed as the influx of young talent continues to grow. Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by VP of Player Personnel for the Cubs Matt Dorey to discuss the changes that the Cubs have enacted and the players that are leading the charge for the new era of Cubs baseball. (2:00) - Dorey discusses the changes in his role in the organization (8:20) - Cubs are showing progress with their jump in the farm system rankings (18:00) - How have the players continued to get better despite missing a year due to the pandemic (28:00) - Has attention been shifted from the big league team to the minors? (38:25) - When should Cub fans expect to see Brennen Davis

The lockout continues and but the owners and players have come to the table a few times. What are they discussing and are they getting close to an agreement? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss and provide updates to what's going on at the negotiating table. They also discuss worst-case scenarios for the upcoming season and how far each side is willing to go to get what they want. (2:15) - Updates from the negotiating table (11:40) - How far are the owners and players willing to go to get what they want? (19:00) - What will the reaction be if the season is significantly delayed? (23:20) - Should there be any optimism about the current negotiations?

The last chance for the biggest names in the steroid era to get in the Hall of Fame on the writer's ballot is officially over without letting Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens in. Will they ever get in? Will the BBWAA ever change the way they vote? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss and debate the steroid era players and if they will ever get in. They also discuss Ian Happ's suggestions that players with 10 years of experience should get a vote and if changes need to be made in the voting process. (2:00) - Is it hypocritical for David Ortiz to get in the Hall of Fame? (7:30) - What should be done about the steroid era players? (14:00) - Should players vote for the Hall of Fame? (20:00) - Is Sammy Sosa a Hall of Famer?

As of right now, there is no season, but once the players and owners come to an agreement the boys in blue will be back at Wrigley but will the pandemic still impact the way the players, media, and fans interact? Dr. Robert Citronberg of Aurora Advocate Health joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss the impact the pandemic will have on the season, the changes that will happen since last year, have we improved since last year, and a lot more.

Well, this certainly puts a wet blanket on things. Superstar shortstop Carlos Correa just signed with super-agent Scott Boras and I can hear the collective sigh of all Cuba fans. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss what does this mean for the Cubs and if they still have a chance at signing him. Later in the pod, the guys take more of your fan questions. (2:00) - Good, bad, or doesn't matter that Carlos Correa signs with Scott Boras (9:28) - Dylan Cease also signs with Scott Boras (17:00) - Can the Cubs convince players to sign early to team friendly deals? (26:30) - Is it possible to resign Willson Contreras and Carlos Correa? (31:20) - When will Brennen Davis make his debut?

It was less than an hour and they left the table. The players and owners are still nowhere close to coming to an agreement and there is a real possibility the season can be delayed again. Will fans still stick around with the same energy? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the latest updates to the CBA and dive into the issues that are keeping the two sides apart. Later, the guys break down where the Cubs are financially and if they are legitimately losing money or just crying poor. (1:45) - Players and owners meet but nothing gets done (8:00) - Will fans push back if the season is delayed again? (16:20) - Will the minimum wage in baseball change? (19:00) - Ranking the strongest teams financially in baseball. Are the Cubs at the top?

In an emergency edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by Cubs legend and World Series winner, Jon Lester as he discusses his retirement from baseball, his 16-year career in the big leagues, his career as a Cub and how he became a Cub, stories about his Cubs career, and a lot more! Congrats Jon and thank you for the memories.

Cubs fans you got to take over the podcasts with questions and you delivered. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer answer your questions about the Cubs and baseball including, should there be an MLB draft anymore, Cubs shortstop options, can Theo Epstein be an NFL executive, will the Bears play at Wrigley, will the Cubs make the playoffs before the White Sox win the World Series and a lot more! (1:30) - Should the MLB get rid of the draft to avoid teams tanking? (10:20) - If you had to make a Cubs tv channel what would be on it? (16:00) - Instead of going after Correa, what if the Cubs signed a cheaper option? (20:20) - Will the Bears play at Wrigley Field? (23:45) - Who's better Nico Hoerner or Nick Madrigal?

Former Cub first baseman Anthony Rizzo was traded to the Cubs from the San Diego Padres 10 years ago January 6th, 2012 for pitcher Andrew Cashner and outfielder Kyung-Min Na, and you can guess who won that trade. David Kaplan, Tima Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss how impactful that trade was, where are the Cubs now, and Rizzo's legacy as a Cub. (2:20) - What do you remember about Anthony Rizzo as a Cub (7:20) - Where does Rizzo rank among the players of the Theo and Jed era? (14:20) - Should Anthony Rizzo still be here? (20:55) - What is Rizzo's signature Cubs moment?

The Cubs Talk pod is back for the new year and to start, David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the top 7 questions about the Cubs during this offseason lockout. They discuss what would they want during the lockout if they were an MLB owner, when will the lockout end, will David Ross sign an extension, and a lot more. (1:50) - What MLB team would you buy and how would you approach the lockout if you were an owner? (8:40) - How long will the lockout be? (13:20) - Will the Cubs reach an agreement on an extension for David Ross? (17:40) - How much more will the Cubs add this season? (21:10) - How much money will Carlos Correa get? (28:30) - Which ex-Cub will sign first after the new CBA? (32:40) - Will the Cubs be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline next year?

The Cubs are in the midst of a rebuild/retool so during this lockout we are catching you up on prospects in the organization that could be key players when it's winning time for the Cubs. The next prospect you should know about is outfielder Jordan Nwogu. Jordan joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss his unique story about how he got into baseball, his thoughts on the other prospects in the organization, his growth so far with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and a lot more. (3:00) - Getting an engineering scholarship to Michigan and walking on the baseball team (9:00) - Jordan describes how scary his draft day was (18:00) - Other Cubs prospects in the organization (22:24) - How are things changing for minor league players

For those who don't know, this week marks the 1yr anniversary of the Cubs trading pitcher Yu Darvish to the San Diego Padres, thus starting the rebuild. One of the pieces that came back to the Cubs in the deal was outfielder Owen Caissie and so far he has shown some potential, but can he be a key piece moving forward for the organization? David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the young prospect and break down who they think he can be at the major league level. Later in the pod, Gordon got some time with the prospect and talked to him 1-on-1 to discuss being in the Cubs organization and what he's working on to be the best he can be.

The Cubs talk crew is back to answer more of your questions including if the Cubs are ready to spend money on free agents or will they be conservative? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the Cubs offseason spending, they answer questions about the lockout, other potential offseason moves, and a lot more. (2:20) - How will the pandemic impact the broadcast team this year, and how long until the owners and players come to a decision? (11:10) - Is shortstop still a priority or will the Cubs use the money to get another pitcher? (14:55) - Are the Cubs spenders or pretenders after signing Marcus Stroman (22:40) - Do the Cubs already have their closer or do they need to find one? (27:20) - Are the Cubs making a big play for Carlos Correa?

It's mailbag time! In this episode, the crew of David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins takes your questions and listen to your comments on the Cubs as the lockout continues. The guys take questions on free-agent spending, will they find another starting pitcher, have there been changes in the way the Cubs do things since Theo left, the long-term plan for the Cubs at third base, and a LOT more! (2:10) - Will the Cubs make a big move in free agency, or will they choose to stay financially flexible? (9:20) - Which player would be best, Correa, Story, or Castellanos? (13:20) - Have there been philosophical changes since Theo left? (18:30) - What is the plan for 3rd base and the outfield? (27:10) - When will the players and owners agree to a new CBA?

Cubs fans, meet Kristen Call! A rising star in baseball and someone you should know and pay attention to. Kristen was named the General Manager of the Cubs class-A affiliate, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans this month making her one of the only woman executives in baseball. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss with Kristin, her career so far, how she got into baseball, her philosophies in running a team, and what her future looks like in MLB.

Although the lockout is underway, the Cubs are still in the rumor mill. According to some reports, the Cubs may be open to a Kris Bryant return in free agency. But are there any facts to this? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the Bryant rumors and if there could be a return for the former MVP. Later in the pod, the guys also discuss what the players and owners are looking for as they try to come to an agreement. (3:40) - Rumors are starting that the Cubs could bring back Kris Bryant (10:00) - At this point in his career what position should Kris Bryan play? (16:00) - What can the Cubs do while the league is in lockout? (22:40) - What are the rules being debated on between the players and owners?

Another great Cub has gotten into the Hall of Fame. Legendary scout and coach Buck O'Neil joins the pantheon of baseball greats and it's time to do a deep dive into the pioneer of Cubs baseball. Bob Kendrick of the Negro League Baseball Museum joins David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins to discuss who Buck was and why he deserved to go into the Hall. Bob details which players were impacted by Buck and you won't believe who those players were. (2:00) -Reaction to Buck O'Neil finally getting into the Hall of Fame (9:10) - Billy Williams almost quit baseball but didn't due to Buck O'Neil (23:30) - Is Ernie Banks a Cub or in the majors at all without Buck? (29:20) - Buck O'Neil was the first Black coach in MLB history (33:30) - Minnie Miñoso makes it to the Hall of Fame

Hey Chicago what do you say the Cubs signed a guy today! Jed Hoyer pulls it off at the buzzer signing big time pitcher Marcus Stroman right before the lockout began. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the signing and what else could be on the Cubs radar after an agreement with the players and owners gets done.

As of right now there is no splash move the Cubs have made as big contracts and deals get done before the work stoppage begins in baseball. Why haven't the Cubs made any big moves after proclaiming they were ready to spend? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the lack of big time moves for the Cubs and will they be more aggressive after a new CBA is finalized. They guys also discuss Javy Baez's new contract with the Detroit Tigers and if the Cubs could have signed him for the same amount or were they out on him. All that and more on the Cubs Talk podcast!