Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast
Episodes
[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...
BONUS: Wiederer discusses current Bears free agent class on 104.3 The Score
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Our own Dan Wiederer joined Mike Mulligan & David Haugh on Chicago's 104.3 The Score to offer his current thoughts on the Bears free agent class. To...
The Bears officially did not receive comp picks for Ian Cunningham leaving
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the Bears officially not receiving any comp draft picks for Ian Cunningham leaving to take Atlanta's general mana...
We still aren't quite sure what the Bears plan is for left tackle
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how they feel about the Bears current situation at left tackle. To learn more about listener data and our privac...
How do we feel about the Bears FA moves so far?
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote offer their feelings on how the Bears have maneuvered their roster so far in free agency. To learn more about listener d...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears make several additions as legal tampering period opens
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The NFL's legal tampering period is here, and the Bears have filled some but not all of their roster holes. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote offer their th...
Rome Odunze needs to live up to his draft status with DJ Moore gone
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote believe Bears receiver Rome Odunze is one of the players who needs to step up now the DJ Moore is gone. To learn more ab...
What's DJ Moore's legacy as a Bear?
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote consider how receiver DJ Moore's time as a Bear will be viewed. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practi...
{FULL EPISODE] Bears trade DJ Moore to Bills, cut Tremaine Edmunds
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears' busy week continues! They've agreed to trade receiver DJ Moore and a fifth-round pick to the Bills in exchange for a second-round pick. The...
BONUS: Dan Wiederer reacts to DJ Moore trade on 104.3 The Score
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears have traded receiver DJ Moore and a 5th round pick to the Bills, in exchange for a 2nd round pick. Dan Wiederer joined Leila Rahimi & Mark G...
Who could the Bears replace Drew Dalman with?
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote consider some ways the Bears could replace Drew Dalman at center. To learn more about listener data and our privacy prac...
Did anyone suspect Drew Dalman was considering retiring?
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote check the tape to try and figure out if anyone was suspecting Drew Dalman was about to retire this offseason. To learn m...
Drew Dalman's retirement surprised us all
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how they initially reacted to Bears center Drew Dalman suddenly retiring. To learn more about listener data and ...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears search for new center after Drew Dalman's sudden retirement
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears need a new starting center after 27-year-old Drew Dalman suddenly retired. It's a stunning development Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote talk thro...
Will the Bears play in Spain this year?!
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and guest FOX 32's Cassie Carlson speculate on the possibility of the Bears playing the Falcons in Spain this year. To lear...
How seriously are the Bears shopping DJ Moore?
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
FOX 32's Cassie Carlson explains for Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote whether or not she thinks receiver DJ Moore will be on the Bears for the 2026 season....
The Bears were getting a lot of praise at the NFL Combine
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote ask FOX 32's Cassie Carlson what she was hearing about the Bears while she spoke to numerous people around the league at t...
[FULL EPISODE] Cassie Carlson recaps everything we learned at the NFL Combine
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The NFL Combine was a fountain of information! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote bring in FOX 32's Cassie Carlson to help us unpack everything. What were pe...
BONUS: Dan Wiederer discusses Caleb Williams on 104.3 The Score
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Our own Dan Wiederer joined Leila Rahimi & Mark Grote on Chicago's 104.3 The Score to discuss his latest piece in The Athletic about Bears quarterback...
Dan Roushar gave us insight on the Bears LT spot
28 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Adam Studzinski hear how Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar is evaluating the Bears left tackle position. To learn more about l...
Illinois & Indiana made progress on stadium legislation
28 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Adam Studzinski talk through the latest developments as the Bears continue to search for a new stadium location. To learn more abou...
Gervon Dexter is the latest Bear to find himself in trade rumors
28 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Adam Studzinski react to Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. apparently getting trade calls. This is one we didn't really see co...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears stadium talks move forward, the latest from the NFL Combine
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It was a productive week for the Bears both on and off the field. Stadium legislature in both Illinois and Indiana moved forward. And the NFL Combine ...
Ryan Poles & Ben Johnson continue to emphasize the Bears are back to square one
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the continued messaging from Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson about the team going back...
Ben Johnson keeps doubling down on the Packers hatred
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote can't get enough of how genuine the hatred Bears coach Ben Johnson has for the Packers seems. To learn more about listen...
Bears seem close to saying goodbye to Tremaine Edmunds
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to reports that the Bears have given linebacker Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade. To learn more about l...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears give Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds' time with the Bears looks to be almost over. The team has given Edmunds permission to seek a trade. Dan Wiederer and Mark...
Ryan Poles believes the Bears should get comp picks for Ian Cunningham leaving
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the way Bears general manager Ryan Poles spoke about his team not initially receiving draft compensation for Ian ...
The Bears have gotten calls on Tyson Bagent
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bears general manager Ryan Poles confirmed they have received trade calls for backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how...
Ryan Poles keeps door open to possibly moving DJ Moore
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the possibility of the Bears trading receiver DJ Moore this offseason. How did general manager Ryan Poles react to...
[FULL EPISODE] Ryan Poles & Ben Johnson speak on offseason issues at NFL Combine
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson had their time with the media as the NFL Combine got underway in Indianapolis. Dan Wiedere...
DJ Moore trade? Luther Burden improvement? | Reception Perception
22 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From Reception Perception (subscribe here), Matt Harmon and James Koh answer wide receiver questions in Chicago after the Bears' impressive 11-6 seaso...
JB Pritzker wants to keep the Bears in Illinois
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Grote explains for Dan Wiederer why he believes that Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker wants to keep the Bears in the state. To learn more about listen...
Jeff King has been promoted to assistant general manager
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the Bears promoting Jeff King to assistant general manager. To learn more about listener data and our privacy p...
There's no imminent decision on a Bears stadium location
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote share what they've learned about the latest developments in the Bears' search for a new stadium location. To learn more...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears stadium location search remains confusing & complex
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears stadium location search saga continues to take twists and turns after Indiana on Thursday moved forward with a bill in hopes of luring the t...
Who did Dan Wiederer pick for the Bears in The Athletic's first mock draft?
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer reveals for Mark Grote who he took for the Bears when The Athletic did it's first mock draft of the year. To learn more about listener ...
What Ben Johnson believe the next frontier is for Caleb Williams?
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote want to know how Bears head coach Ben Johnson views the next steps for quarterback Caleb Williams. To learn more about l...
The Bears need a definitive answer at left tackle for 2026
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote ponder the different ways the Bears could approach filling their left tackle position, knowing that Ozzy Trapilo will like...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears questions we NEED the answers to!
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As the offseason gets rolling, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have assembled several Bears questions we NEED the answer to before Training Camp arrives. ...
George McCaskey is OK with Ben Johnson saying "F--- the Packers"
14 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear how Bears chairman George McCaskey feels about head coach Ben Johnson's use expletives after the Bears beat the Packe...
We don't need to constantly compare Caleb Williams and Drake Maye
14 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner on the subject of Bears QB Caleb Williams versus Patriots QB Drake Maye. ...
Grote tells us what he's learned about the Bears stadium location search
14 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Grote explains for Dan Wiederer what all he has learned about the Bears search for a new stadium location, after attending a rally in Arlington H...
[FULL EPISODE] The latest on the push for the Bears to build a stadium in Arlington Heights
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There is growing momentum for the Bears to build a stadium in Arlington Heights, but it's not a sure thing yet. Mark Grote attended a rally in Arlingt...
The Bears are making progress on a deal to build a stadium in Arlington Heights
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the latest news on the Bears efforts to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights. To learn more about listener d...
How seriously should the Bears consider trading for Maxx Crosby?
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the idea of trading for Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby. How serious should the Bears be about making this ...
The Super Bowl was super lame
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what was a really bad Super Bowl. How do we evaluate it through a Bears lens? To learn more about listener data ...
[FULL EPISODE] Super Bowl was a dud, should the Bears trade for Maxx Crosby?
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Well, the Super Bowl was kind of super lame. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the Seahawks' runaway victory. How did they rattle Patriots quarterb...
Indiana is making a serious push for the Bears
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the latest news in the Bears' search for a new stadium location. Is it becoming more realistic that the Bears coul...
We pretty much nailed what Caleb Williams' stats would be this season
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and Adam Studzinski give themselves a pat on the back for how close they were in predicting Bears quarterback Caleb Williams'...
Did we correctly predict who the Bears team MVP would be in 2025?
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and Adam Studzinski review their 2025 Bears predictions. Who was the team MVP and did we guess correctly whom it would be? ...
[FULL EPISODE] A review of our 2025 season predictions!
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The time has come to review how we did in our 2025 Bears season predictions! But first, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have a few news items to catch up ...
Some key players could end up as cap casualties for the Bears
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the idea of moving on from some key players, such as tight end Cole Kmet and/or linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, in or...
Nahshon Wright might be too expensive for the Bears to re-sign
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote ponder if the Bears will be able to retain corner Nahshon Wright after his impactful season as a starter. To learn more ...
How big of a loss is Declan Doyle for the Bears?
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss Declan Doyle leaving the Bears to take play calling duties in Baltimore. How important was Doyle as the offensive ...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears lose Declan Doyle & Ian Cunningham
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears need to replace their offensive coordinator and assistant general manager after Declan Doyle and Ian Cunningham left for promotions with oth...
Ben Johnson is the reason the Bears will continue to have success
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Grote and guest host Mark Potash explain why what the Bears did in 2025 is sustainable. To learn more about listener data and our privacy pract...
Mark Potash thinks Sid Luckman is still the greatest Bears QB
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Grote and guest host Mark Potash tackle the topic of the week: Is Caleb Williams already the best Bears quarterback ever? To learn more about l...
What does Mark Potash think the ceiling is for Caleb Williams?
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Grote and guest host Mark Potash discuss Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' ceiling. How much better does Potash think Williams can get? To lear...
[FULL EPISODE] Mark Potash tells us what he thinks is sustainable about the Bears
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We have former Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mark Potash filling in alongside Mark Grote for this one. Potash explains why he's so confident the Bears wi...
BONUS: Wiederer predicts which Bears players will stay or go on 670 The Score
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Chicago's 670 The Score, Dan Wiederer and Matt Spiegel were presented with a list of six Bears players on the 2025 roster and debated whether they'...
BONUS: Grote ponders if Caleb Williams is the best Bears QB ever on 670 The Score
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Chicago's 670 The Score, Mark Grote and Marshall Harris discussed Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' progress in his second NFL season and pondered ...
A new segment: I've Been Thinking!
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Weiderer and Mark Grote unveil a new segment, called I've Been Thinking! The guys rattle off a few Bears topics which have been rolling around in ...
Will the Bears be able to retain Declan Doyle?
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the coaches the Bears could lose to other teams this offseason. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle already turned ...
We were all exhausted after the Bears season ended
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how long it took them to recover from the hectic nature of Bears season, after their playoff run ended. To learn...
[FULL EPISODE] We are at peace with the Bears season being over
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We've made the sudden transition to the offseason for the Bears. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have a sense of peace with the way the Bears season concl...
Can the Bears build on this season? | Reception Perception
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From Reception Perception (subscribe here), Matt Harmon and James Koh discuss the Bears' loss to the Rams in overtime in the divisional round and what...
The Bears have a ton of confidence in the player Caleb Williams is becoming
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the way Bears head coach Ben Johnson spoke about quarterback Caleb Williams during his season-ending press confere...