Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast
Episodes
[FULL EPISODE] Bears QB coach agrees Caleb Williams needs to do the 'boring' thing more
22 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bears assistant coaches have finally gotten their chance to sound off on pressing offseason topics. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote begin the episode wher...
Caleb Williams needs to do the 'boring' things more
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the aspects of NFL quarterbacking that Caleb Williams still needs to improve on.
Where does Caleb Williams rank amongst NFL QBs?
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear where some national NFL talkers are ranking Bears quarterback Caleb Williams amongst his peers. Is he being too highl...
As predicted, the hype for Caleb Williams is getting loud
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the noise and hype we are beginning to hear about Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
[FULL EPISODE] The Caleb Williams hype train has arrived
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As predicted, the national hype for Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has begun. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear some of the recent talk about William...
Excitement Brewing for Luther Burden | 'Reception Perception'
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matt and James discuss why football fans seem to be quite excited for Burden in this Bears offense as he looks to build on a strong finish to his rook...
Fishbain's Bears schedule watchability rankings, Pt. 1
19 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest host Kevin Fishbain brings Dan Wiederer part one of his personal watchability rankings for the games on the Bears' schedule in 2026.
Fishbain's Bears schedule watchability rankings, Pt. 2
19 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest host Kevin Fishbain brings Dan Wiederer part two of his personal watchability rankings for the games on the Bears' schedule in 2026.
We could be getting to the end of the Bears' stadium saga
19 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and guest host Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic react to the latest developments in the Bears' stadium location search. The organization wi...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears to update league on stadium location search at NFL owners meetings
18 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears still have not decided where they are going to build their new stadium, but the answer could be coming soon. Illinois has just a couple of w...
What teams on the Bears schedule will be better/worse than expected this season?
17 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote each try to predict what teams the Bears will play in 2026 could be better or worse than what most people think this year....
Hopefully the Bears vs Lions Thanksgiving game goes better this time
17 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
While discussing the Bears and Lions Thanksgiving game coming up this season, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote reflect a bit on the last time the Bears wen...
The Bears will be in the spotlight more in 2026
17 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote examine the Bears 2026 schedule. There are definitely more 'island' games for the team this season! To learn more about ...
[FULL EPISODE] The Bears 2026 schedule has arrived!
14 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We officially know the entire 2026 Bears schedule! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote break down their initial thoughts. It's a schedule that certainly looks...
How does Press Taylor think Sam Roush will fit into the Bears offense?
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears offensive coordinator Press Taylor, who offers how he envisions rookie tight end Sam Roush could fit into ...
Malik Muhammad is learning all the corner positions
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears rookie corner Malik Muhammad, who was working at the nickel position most of rookie minicamp. To learn m...
What will Zavion Thomas' role be on the 2026 Bears?
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote ponder exactly what type of role rookie receiver Zavion Thomas could play in the 2026 Bears. To learn more about listene...
[FULL EPISODE] Listen To This: Best sound from Bears rookie camp!
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As the offseason rolls on, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have another edition of Listen To This! The guys hear from new Bears offensive coordinator Pres...
BONUS: Dan Wiederer offers potential Bears schedule nuggets on 104.3 The Score
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Our own Dan Wiederer, while co-hosting with Matt Spiegel on 104.3 The Score in Chicago, reacted to rumors trickling out about the Bears' schedule for ...
What does Dennis Allen think of Dillon Thieneman?
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who offers what he thinks of first round draft pick Dillon Thieneman. ...
How does Dennis Allen think he can coach better this season?
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen explain how he believes he can coach the defense better in 2026. To learn ...
[FULL EPISODE] Dennis Allen explained how he can coach better in 2026
11 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
One of the highlights from Bears rookie camp was being able to hear from defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for the first time since the draft. Dan W...
Did we learn anything from the first day of Bears rookie camp?
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote share their observations from the first day of Bears rookie camp. To learn more about listener data and our privacy prac...
Are we OK with Logan Jones wearing No. 54?!
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss an extremely important topic. Bears rookie center Logan Jones will be wearing No. 54 this season. He'll be the fir...
When does Ben Johnson think Logan Jones can be the starting center?
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears head coach Ben Johnson. How long does he think it will take rookie center Logan Jones to become the starte...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears rookies take the field for first time at Halas Hall
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We've gotten our first view of this Bears rookie class on the turf at Halas Hall! Dan Wiederer tells Mark Grote what he observed from the first day of...
Ben Johnson wants to 'gut' his opponents
08 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from former Bears receiver Allen Robinson, who offers us some more insight on the mentality of head coach Ben Johnson...
How can the Bears avoid the pitfalls the 2018 team did after their successful season?
08 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from former Bears receiver Allen Robinson, who reflects on what happened to the Bears after a successful 2018 season....
Grote isn't sure how many Bears rookies will truly contribute this year
08 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how much they feel the Bears rookie class will contribute this season. To learn more about listener data and our...
[FULL EPISODE] What type of impact will the Bears rookies have in 2026?
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As we get set for Bears rookie camp, Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer are wondering what kind of impact this Bears rookie class will have on the team this ...
What do we want to learn about the Bears new players at rookie camp?
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Adam Studzinski discuss what they hope to learn when the Bears host rookie camp. To learn more about listener data and our privacy ...
Wiederer's 2026 Bears schedule wish list!
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer previews for Adam Studzinski some pieces of his wish list for the 2026 Bears schedule. To learn more about listener data and our privac...
The Bears need to get the best out of what they have on the defensive line
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Adam Studzinski discuss the Bears defensive linemen. The coaches simply need to make the best of what they have at this point. To l...
[FULL EPISODE] What do we hope to learn at Bears rookie camp?
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears will soon get to see their rookies on the field for the first time as they host rookie camp. Dan Wiederer and Adam Studzinski, who pinch hit...
Can the 2026 draft help the Bears build sustained success?
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain discuss if they believe the draft the Bears had this year will help them build sustained success for th...
A reminder of what the Bears lost from the 2025 team
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain talk through what all the Bears have lost and/or need to replace from the 2025 squad. To learn more a...
Kevin Fishbain thinks the Bears roster is better now than after the 2025 draft
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain discuss whether or not the Bears have a better looking roster now compared to the 2025 team. To learn...
[FULL EPISODE] Kevin Fishbain evaluates the Bears' 2026 draft
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer is joined by Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic for this one as we continue breaking down what we think of the Bears after they added their 2...
What have we learned about the Bears draft class so far?
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the interesting tidbits they've learned about the players the Bears drafted. To learn more about listener data a...
BONUS: Dan Wiederer reflects on the Bears' draft class on 104.3 The Score
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Our own Dan Wiederer joined Mike Mulligan and David Haugh on Chicago's 104.3 The Score as we continue discussing the Bears' draft class. How might thi...
Ben Johnson insists coaching will help improve the Bears' pass rush
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote examine the Bears' pass rushers as the roster currently stands. Head coach Ben Johnson proclaimed he and his assistants wi...
BONUS: 2026 NFL schedule planning with Mike North! | ‘It's Always Gameday In Buffalo’
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The 2026 NFL schedule release, a tentpole event of the offseason, occurs in mid May. Audacy Original podcast ‘It's Always Gameday In Buffalo’ chat...
[FULL EPISODE] A big-picture assessment of the Bears after the NFL Draft
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Now that the NFL Draft is over, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote take a step back and examine the Bears' roster a little closer. What have we learned about...
What type of players was Ben Johnson searching for in this draft?
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears head coach Ben Johnson describe the type of players he was looking for in this draft. To learn more about lis...
Evaluating the Bears 2026 draft class
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote take a look at the full Bears 2026 draft class. How do we feel about this group? Is it OK they didn't draft a defensive li...
Where have the Bears gotten better this offseason?
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote ponder whether or not the Bears have improved since their playoff loss versus the Rams. To learn more about listener dat...
[FULL EPISODE] How do we feel about the Bears draft class?
27 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears 2026 draft class is official! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote break down how they're feeling about the group. The Bears waited until the 6th rou...
Dillon Thieneman met the media at Halas Hall for the first time
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear some of what new Bears safety Dillon Thieneman had to say during his first visit to Halas Hall. To learn more about...
Why didn't the Bears draft any defense on day two of the draft?
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the Bears not taking any defensive players on the 2nd day of the NFL Draft. To learn more about listener data a...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears draft three offensive players on 2nd day of NFL Draft
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears threw us a bit of a curveball on the 2nd day of the NFL Draft. They ended up going with all offensive players, selecting Iowa center Logan J...
We did not expect Dillon Thieneman to be available for the Bears at #25 overall
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the Bears selecting Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman at #25 overall in the NFL Draft. This is not a player any of u...
BONUS: Oregon DC Chris Hampton discusses Dillon Thieneman on 104.3 The Score
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Our own Mark Grote, along with his cohosts Leila Rahimi and Marshall Harris on 104.3 The Score in Chicago, were joined by Oregon defensive coordinator...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears select Dillon Thieneman in 1st round of NFL Draft!
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With the 25th pick in the NFL Draft, the Bears selected ... Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote offer their first impressions ...
[FULL EPISODE] Take The North's 2026 NFL Draft bonanza!
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for our second annual draft bonanza! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote tackle 25 topics, all centered around the Bears and the NFL Draft, as fast ...
BONUS: Dan Wiederer previews NFL Draft week on 104.3 The Score
20 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Our own Dan Wiederer joined Mark Grote & Marshall Harris on Chicago's 104.3 The Score to set up draft week. Who could the Bears get in the first round...
Wiederer & Grote predict the Bears' first three draft picks
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
During their live episode on 104.3 The Score in Chicago, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote took time to predict who they believes the Bears will select with...
Cassie Carlson previews the NFL Draft
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
During their live episode on 104.3 The Score in Chicago, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote had a special visit from FOX 32's Cassie Carlson, who helped them...
What should the Bears prioritize in the 1st round of the draft?
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
During their live episode on 104.3 The Score in Chicago, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discussed the types of players the Bears should or could be looki...
[FULL EPISODE] Take The North Live on 104.3 The Score!
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote took over the airwaves on 104.3 The Score in Chicago for a special live episode! The guys discussed who they think the Bea...
Remembering former Bears assistant coach Dave McGinnis
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote remember the life and career of longtime NFL coach Dave McGinnis, who died at the age of 74. To learn more about listene...
Brad Biggs has the Bears selecting Keldric Faulk in the NFL Draft's 1st round
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the fact Chicago Tribune Bears reporter has the Bears selecting Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk in the first r...
Grote wants the Bears to take a safety in the 1st round of the draft
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Grote explains for Dan Wiederer why he is most comfortable with the Bears selecting a safety at #25 in the NFL Draft. To learn more about liste...
[FULL EPISODE] What position are we most comfortable with the Bears taking at #25?
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As the NFL Draft gets closer, Mark Grote has zeroed in on one position he is most comfortable with the Bears selecting at #25 overall. He explains wha...
[FULL EPISODE] Could the Bears select a left tackle at No. 25 in NFL Draft?
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and we're starting to wonder exactly what position the Bears could select at No. 25 overall. Dan Wiederer and Ma...
It's official: The Bears aren't getting comp picks for the loss of Ian Cunningham
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the officially official news that the Bears will not be getting draft pick compensation for the loss of Ian Cunni...
Steve 'Mongo' McMichael was diagnosed with CTE after death
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote respond to the news that Bears Hall of Famer Steve 'Mongo' McMichael was diagnosed with CTE after he died. To learn more...
Wiederer has a mini-rant about the latest Bears "stadium news"
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer didn't love the Bears "stadium news" ESPN's Adam Schefter put out recently. He explains why for Mark Grote. To learn more about listene...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears planning to pick stadium location in next few weeks
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We have some more Bears stadium news...kind of. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the team intends to pick the location for their new stadium in the ...
What type of stadium will the Bears build?
04 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear team president Kevin Warren explain the type of stadium the Bears plan to build, if they ever find a location for it....
How do the Bears plan to sustain success?
04 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears general manager Ryan Poles explain how the team hopes to sustain success, unlike past Bears teams. To learn m...
Robert Saleh told us how hard it is to defend Caleb Williams
04 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Titans head coach Robert Saleh explain why it is so frustrating defending a player like Bears quarterback Caleb Willi...
[FULL EPISODE] Listen To This: Best sound from the NFL owners meetings!
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's a special NFL owners meetings edition of Listen To This! In this episode, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Titans head coach Robert Saleh as...
The Bears are still trying to get comp picks for the loss of Ian Cunningham
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the Bears saying at the NFL owners meetings that they are still trying to get draft pick compensation for Ian Cun...
George McCaskey thinks Bears fans could handle an Indiana stadium
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears chairman George McCaskey explain why he believes Bears fans would eventually be ok with a stadium in Indiana......
Grote doesn't think the Bears have ever been serious about building a stadium in Indiana
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what they learned about the Bears ongoing stadium location search at the NFL owners meetings. Grote has decided he...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears hope for stadium location decision by late spring/early summer
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bears team president and chairman George McCaskey provided a bit of an update on the team's stadium location search during the NFL owners meetings. Da...
Ben Johnson wants his coaches to be better next season
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear the way Bears head coach Ben Johson believes his coaches can be better in the next season. To learn more about list...
Ben Johnson believes Caleb Williams can make another jump in 2026
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears head coach Ben Johnson discuss his relationship with quarterback Caleb Williams. Johnson is clearly fully inves...
Ben Johnson speaks for first time since Drew Dalman's retirement
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how Bears head coach Ben Johnson spoke about the loss of center Drew Dalman, who suddenly retired earlier this yea...
[FULL EPISODE] Ben Johnson challenges coaches at NFL owners meetings
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bears head coach Ben Johnson took center stage at the NFL owners meetings. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to what Johnson had to say about how his ...
Caleb Williams has a challenger for the 'Iceman' trademark
28 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Grote and guest host Chris Emma, of 104.3 The Score, have fun with the battle now happening between Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and former N...
Grote & Emma's HOT draft takes
28 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Grote and guest host Chris Emma, of 104.3 The Score, each of some spicy draft takes they explain. To learn more about listener data and our pri...
Emma is a big fan of Notre Dame's Jadarian Price
28 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest host Chris Emma, of 104.3 The Score, explains for Mark Grote why he is a big fan of Notre Dame runningback Jadarian Price, who backed up star RB...
[FULL EPISODE] Chris Emma has some HOT draft takes
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer is still on vacation, so Mark Grote brings in 104.3 The Score's Chris Emma! Emma was at Notre Dame's pro day, and has some thoughts on a ...
Mark Potash tells us what he thinks of the Bears FA moves
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest host Mark Potash explains for Mark Grote what he thinks of some of the Bears additions in free agency. To learn more about listener data and o...
This is a big draft for Ryan Poles
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest host Mark Potash explains for Mark Grote why this draft is extremely important for Bears general manager Ryan Poles. To learn more about liste...
Will a Bears WR ever get a contract like the one Jaxon Smith-Njigba got?
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Grote and guest host Mark Potash look at the massive contract Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba got through a Bears lens. Could either Bears r...
[FULL EPISODE] Mark Potash brings us his Bears offseason thoughts
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer is on vacation, so Mark Grote thought it was prudent to bring our friend Mark Potash in to pinch hit! Grote and Potash begin by examining...
Wiederer thinks the Bears will be able to get a good player at #25 in the draft
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer explains for Mark Grote his belief there will be plenty of good players available for the Bears to select at #25 in the first round of th...
Could the Bears have gotten more in exchange for DJ Moore?
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote wonder if it's possible the Bears could have gotten a greater haul for receiver DJ Moore, after seeing the return the Dolp...
Explaining the Bears conservative free agent moves
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote explain their views on why the Bears have not been too aggressive in free agency. To learn more about listener data and ...
[FULL EPISODE] Why haven't the Bears been more aggressive in free agency?
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As free agency windles down, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote examine the Bears current salary cap situation and why the Bears haven't been more aggressive...
The next couple of weeks could be important for the Bears stadium project
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote preview what the next couple of weeks could mean as the Bears continue their search for a new stadium location. To learn...
Justin Fields is headed to the Chiefs
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to former Bears quarterback Justin Fields being traded to the Chiefs. To learn more about listener data and our pr...
We got to know the Bears new players a bit
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what they've learned about some of the Bears new players. Also, it's a little weird seeing guys like safety Jaquan...
[FULL EPISODE] The state of the Bears roster after the first wave of free agency
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Now that the initial wave of free agency has come and gone, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote take time to assess where the Bears roster is currently. What ...
Ryan Poles confirmed the Bears did check in on Maxx Crosby
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski react to general manager Ryan Poles saying the Bears did make calls on Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. C...
Ryan Poles explained why they traded DJ Moore
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski hear Bears general manager Ryan Poles explain his reasoning for trading receiver DJ Moore to the Bills. To l...
It feels like the Bears chose to sign Coby Bryant instead of re-signing Kevin Byard
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski react to the way Bears general manager Ryan Poles discussed not re-signing safety Kevin Byard. To learn more...
[FULL EPISODE] Ryan poles opens up about DJ Moore trade, FA signings
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has explained the thinking behind some of his offseason decisions. Producer Adam Studzinski fills in alongside Mark G...