Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote were a little shocked when the Bears picked receiver Luther Burden III in the second round of the NFL Draft. So how did FOX 32 reporter Cassie Carlson react? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FOX 32 reporter Cassie Carlson tells Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote what she thinks about new Bears tight end Colston Loveland, whom Chicago selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and FOX 32 reporter Cassie Carlson discuss the Bears' current group of running backs. Do they need to add another running back to get this offense to where head coach Ben Johnson wants it to be? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We continue breaking down this Bears draft class with another special guest! Cassie Carlson of FOX 32 in Chicago joins Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote to offer her thoughts on the new additions. How does she feel about tight end Colston Loveland? Was she shocked by the selection of receiver Luther Burden III in the second round? And do the Bears need another running back? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NFL Network and NFL on CBS analyst Charles Davis explains to Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote why we should expect more from Bears quarterback Caleb Williams in 2025. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and NFL Network and NFL on CBS analyst Charles Davis discuss what was a great running back draft class. Why does Davis think the Bears didn't take a running back before the seventh round? And does he like the one they did draft in Kyle Monangai? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote ask NFL Network and NFL on CBS analyst Charles Davis what he thinks of the Bears' first two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. What about tight end Colston Loveland's route running stands out? And why is receiver Luther Burden III more than just your average slot receiver prospect? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a treat in this one! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote are joined by NFL Network and NFL on CBS analyst Charles Davis to discuss the new Bears draft class. Davis explains what he likes about tight end Colston Loveland and what he sees in receiver Luther Burden III. Plus, what does Davis think quarterback Caleb Williams needs to do to take the next step in his career? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Reception Perception (subscribe here), Matt Harmon and James Koh discuss what receiver Luther Burden III adds that the Bears offense didn't already have and how it impacts the outlook for the other Chicago wideouts. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the Bears' eight-player draft class. In particular, how will new tight end Colston Loveland impact the offense? Is there any threat to veteran tight end Cole Kmet's job? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Gote discuss new Bears defensive tackle Shemar Turner. His first press conference got us fired up! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote look at the plethora of weapons the Bears find themselves with on offense now. How will head coach Ben Johnson keep everyone happy? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have another draft bonanza! With the Bears draft class completed, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have collected 15 topics structured around the team's new players. How do we feel about the Bears taking a receiver in the second round? Is the running back room as it stands what the Bears will take into the season? How will head coach Ben Johnson keep all the team's offensive weapons happy? Also, all of elements of the blockbuster Bears-Panthers trade in 2023 have finally been completed! There's all that and so much more in this meaty episode. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bears made a trade on the second day of the NFL Draft that led them to have three picks in the second round. Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer begin by discussing the Bears' first addition of the day — Missouri receiver Luther Burden III. It's clear he was the best player on the Bears' draft board at that point. And how do the guys feel about the Bears taking Boston College offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and Texas A&M defensive tackle Shemar Turner later in the second round? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote turn their attention to the second round of the NFL Draft, where the Bears hold two picks close together. What players could we see fall to them? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Bears tight end Colston Loveland had surgery on his shoulder at the end of his final season at Michigan. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss whether Loveland will be ready for training camp. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the Bears taking Michigan tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall in the NFL Draft. Did the decision feel anticlimactic in the moment even if we like the player? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bears stayed put at No. 10 overall in the NFL Draft on Thursday evening and selected Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the pick. Did it feel somewhat anti-climactic even if we like the player? And did the Bears ever consider moving up in the draft? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a press conference Tuesday, Bears general manager Ryan Poles shared his belief that this NFL Draft could get "wild." Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Poles explain why he thinks that. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the Bears' annual tradition of handing out the Brian Piccolo Award to a veteran and a rookie. The winners for the 2024 season were linebacker T.J. Edwards and receiver Rome Odunze. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The countdown to the NFL Draft is nearly over. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the vibes at Halas Hall as the Bears make their final preparations for a crucial draft. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL Draft is nearly here! As the Bears make their final preparations, general manager Ryan Poles and assistant general manager Ian Cunningham met the media Tuesday for the last time before draft day. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote walk through the highlights in this one. Why does Poles think this draft could get "wild?" And does he think offensive tackle Darnell Wright could move over to the left side? Also, we find out who the Brian Piccolo Award winners are from the 2024 season! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During their inaugural draft bonanza, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hammer home just how important it is for Bears general manager Ryan Poles to do well in this upcoming draft. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During their inaugural draft bonanza, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote explore the tight end class. Tyler Warren has been the hottest name at the position, but is it possible he isn't the best tight end in this NFL Draft? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During their inaugural draft bonanza, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote look the top offensive tackles and edge rushers whom the Bears could select at No. 10 overall. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an adrenaline-filled episode, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote conduct their first ever DRAFT BONANZA! The guys have selected 25 topics, all centered around the Bears and what they could do in the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday. They sprint through every topic at a rapid pace to get you set for the draft. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During their live episode on 670 The Score in Chicago, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote brought in WGN-TV sports anchor Jarrett Payton to discuss how different the vibe feels for the Bears at Halas Hall since Ben Johnson was hired as head coach. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote take questions from their studio audience during a live episode on Chicago's 670 The Score. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote take questions from their studio audience during a live episode on Chicago's 670 The Score. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's another live edition of the podcast on Chicago's 670 The Score! This time, it's extra special as Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote held the episode in front of a live studio audience. To kick it off, the guys bring in WGN-TV sports anchor and Bears royalty Jarrett Payton, who discussed the new energy and attitude at Halas Hall since Ben Johnson was hired as head coach. Later, Wiederer and Grote turned it to the audience and answered their burning Bears questions. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote turn their attention to the interview that Bears quarterback Caleb Williams did with Esquire Magazine. Williams opened up about the struggles that he and the Bears went through in his rookie season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon, who met the media after signing his three-year contract extension. Was it Gordon's goal to become the highest-paid nickel cornerback in the NFL? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the draft win that has been cornerback Kyler Gordon for Bears general manager Ryan Poles. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bears have given a contract extension to a key defensive player! Cornerback Kyler Gordon has signed a three-year, $40-million extension, which keeps him on the team through 2028. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the move, which was largely expected. It marks a success story for general manager Ryan Poles, as Gordon was the first player he ever drafted. Also in this episode, the guys discuss the interview that quarterback Caleb Williams did with Esquire Magazine. Williams opened up about a lot of the Bears' struggles in his rookie season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've got a special guest for this episode! Tyler Dunne of GoLongTD.com joins Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote to discuss the hype around the Bears this offseason. How does he see new head coach Ben Johnson affecting the future of quarterback Caleb Williams? Is this a match made in heaven? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2025 NFL schedule release, a tentpole event of the offseason, occurs in early May. Audacy Original podcast It's Always Gameday In Buffalo chatted with one of the men who's at the center of planning the NFL's broadcast schedule in a wide-ranging conversation that all football fans will enjoy. Here it is folks, our annual show with the Mike North, the vice president of broadcast planning and scheduling for the NFL. Sal Capaccio and Matt Bove talk to North about what goes into making a good draft of the upcoming NFL schedule, all the ins and outs of international games, the future of the Christmas Day slate, how a potential 18-game schedule would impact everything and much more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In exclusive audio, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears general manager Ryan Poles discuss the dynamic between head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams. The work ethic of Williams has never been in doubt, but what does he still need to learn about being a pro quarterback? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In exclusive audio, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears general manager Ryan Poles discuss what he thinks needs to get done between head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams during their spring workouts. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In exclusive audio, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears general manager Ryan Poles discuss his budding relationship with new head coach Ben Johnson. How is Poles connecting with Johnson so far? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have exclusive audio from Bears general manager Ryan Poles in this one! Poles recently spoke with Dan Wiederer one-on-one during the NFL owners meetings as part of a story for the Chicago Tribune. Wiederer and Mark Grote hear pieces of the interview as Poles discusses his growing relationship with new head coach Ben Johnson. Poles also touched on the future for quarterback Caleb Williams and how Johnson is going to push him in their first year together. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson explained the team's mentality going forward. Johnson and the Bears want to dominate their opponents, which is something the team hasn't done often in Johnson's career in Chicago. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote examine how the relationship between Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and new head coach Ben Johnson is developing. Williams seems to be feeling a good vibe between the two early in their work together. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds saying he believes the team is in "win now" mode. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bears have officially kicked off their offseason program! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote bring you the best sound from a few key players as they get in the room with new head coach Ben Johnson. How is quarterback Caleb Williams vibing with Johnson? What level of excitement does star cornerback Jaylon Johnson have? And perhaps most importantly, is this team entering a "win now" mode?? Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds seems to think so. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our own Mark Grote spoke with NFL Draft expert Todd McShay on 670 The Score. Grote and McShay discussed what the Bears could and should do with the No. 10 overall pick and much more! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time for another edition of Listen to This! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have excellent sound left over from the NFL owners meetings. But first, the guys discuss the Bears' signing of veteran quarterback Case Keenum. How valuable will he be in helping quarterback Caleb Williams take the next step? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the noticeable shift in tone when it comes to the location the Bears are focusing on for their new stadium. The property that the team owns in Arlington Heights is becoming the clear front-runner. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what Bears chairman George McCaskey said at the NFL owners meetings about the future for the team's ownership. McCaskey spoke publicly for the first time since his mother, longtime Bears matriarch Virginia McCaskey, died in early February. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer had a rough, rough trip home from the NFL owners meetings. He explained in full detail for Mark Grote. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've got another jam-packed episode as Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote continue discussing what we learned at the NFL owners meetings. Bears team president Kevin Warren and chairman George McCaskey each spoke about the latest developments in the pursuit of a new stadium. Is momentum shifting back toward a stadium in Arlington Heights after the team tried pursuing something on Chicago's lakefront? Also, McCaskey spoke for the first time since his mother Virginia McCaskey's death, and he weighed in on the future of the Bears' ownership. But before Wiederer and Grote get into all of that news, Wiederer has an incredible story for us about his flight home from Florida. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices