Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Grady Jarrett is hyped for training camp

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what they heard from new Bears defensive tackle Grady Jarrett as veterans reported for training camp Tuesday. Jarr...

Caleb Williams has some specific goals for 2025

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' personal goals for the 2025 season. Do we think he can reach them? To learn mo...

What is our level concern about Jaylon Johnson?

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bears star cornerback Jaylon Johnson is going to be out "a few weeks," according to general manager Ryan Poles. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss th...

[FULL EPISODE] Bears leaders speak as training camp opens

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

2025 Bears training camp is officially open! To begin it, general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Ben Johnson, quarterback Caleb Williams and defensive...

What are the top stories we're watching for at Bears training camp?

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote share the biggest storylines they'll be paying attention to as the Bears begin training camp. To learn more about listen...

Mark Grote offers his reaction to the Ryan Poles extension

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our guy Mark Grote hadn't had the chance to share how he felt about Bears general manager Ryan Poles getting a contract extension. He explains for Dan...

What is going on with Jaylon Johnson?

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote try to figure out what's going on with cornerback Jaylon Johnson right now. First, he was on the Rich Eisen Show hinting a...

[FULL EPISODE] Bears training camp is upon us!

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bears training camp is about to get fully underway! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have their final preview of camp in this episode. First off, there is ...

What defensive players need to improve this season?

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and guest Ruthie Polinsky of the Chicago Sports Network discuss the Bears defense's outlook and which players on that side of the ball th...

How does Ruthie Polinsky think Ben Johnson & Caleb Williams will mesh?

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and guest Ruthie Polinsky of the Chicago Sports Network discuss how Bears head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams will affe...

Who will win the QB2 competition?

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer asks guest Ruthie Polinsky of the Chicago Sports Network who will win the Bears' backup quarterback competition. To learn more about li...

[FULL EPISODE] Ruthie Polinsky previews the top 2025 Bears storylines!

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bears training camp is almost here! Dan Wiederer continues the leadup to camp by bringing in guest host Ruthie Polinsky of the Chicago Sports Network....

BONUS: Wiederer talks Bears 2nd-round picks being unsigned, Ryan Poles' contract extension on 670 The Score

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our own Dan Wiederer joined the Rahimi & Harris Show on 670 The Score to discuss why the Bears' second-round picks haven't signed contracts yet. He al...

[FULL EPISODE] Bears extend Ryan Poles through 2029

12 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We have important summer news! The Bears have given general manager Ryan Poles a contract extension through the 2029 season. The move puts Poles on th...

Remembering Bears training camp in Bourbonnais

12 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and guest host Kevin Fishbain reflect on the times they spent covering Bears training camp when the team held it in Bourbonnais. To lea...

Did the Bears add enough on the defensive line?

12 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and guest host Kevin Fishbain take a close look at the Bears defense. Did the team do enough, especially up front, to improve on what was...

Do the Bears need to add another running back?

12 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and guest host Kevin Fishbain discuss the Bears' running back room. Do they have enough to accomplish what head coach Ben Johnson wants w...

[FULL EPISODE] How good will the Bears defense be this year?

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Grote is taking his turn on vacation, so Dan Wiederer brings back Kevin Fishbain, who covers the Bears for The Athletic. They turn their attentio...

Who will be the 2025 Bears training camp 'darlings'?

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and special guest Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic predict who the training camp "darlings" will be for the Bears this summer. ...

We want to see some urgency from the Bears during training camp

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and special guest Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic discuss what they'd like to see from the Bears during training camp. Will th...

Who will have a longer NFL career: Mitchell Trubisky or Justin Fields?

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and guest Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic all attempt to answer this question — will Mitchell Trubisky or Justin Fields have...

[FULL EPISODE] The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain talks need for urgency at Bears training camp

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the start of Bears training camp draws closer, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote are joined by Athletic writer Kevin Fishbain! The guys discuss what they...

Wiederer had an adventurous trip to Cooperstown!

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer tells Mark Grote all about the trip he and his son had to Cooperstown, New York for a travel baseball tournament. It was quite the advent...

How confident are we in the Bears secondary?

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote take a close look at the Bears secondary. There's no doubt we have confidence in several pieces of this group, but there a...

Are the Bears in a position to trade for a player like T.J. Watt?

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steelers star edge rusher T.J. Watt is unhappy with his contract in Pittsburgh. That has Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote thinking ... should the Bears try...

[FULL EPISODE] Should the Bears trade for T.J. Watt?

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It has been a fairly quiet stretch for the Bears as the NFL is in its dead period of the summer, but another team hasn't been resting. Dan Wiederer an...

Rex Grossman shared thoughts on Caleb Williams

28 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski share pieces of an interview that former Bears quarterback Rex Grossman did with CardPlayer.com. Grossman offe...

Why we need to stop trying to make the Bears fit the Lions mold

28 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Producer Adam Studzinski explains to Mark Grote why he doesn't think we need to be looking at what Bears players will fit roles that Lions players had...

How might the left tackle competition go if Braxton Jones isn't healthy to start camp?

28 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski examine what they'll be looking at when Bears training camp begins. This includes who will be playing left tac...

[FULL EPISODE] What are we watching for the most at Bears training camp?

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer is on vacation, so producer Adam Studzinski fills in for this one alongside Mark Grote. We have Bears training camp dates! With that in m...

How do we know if this time will be different for the Bears?

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

During their most recent mailbag episode, Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer were asked about the newest wave of Bears optimism. How do we know if it will r...

Do we believe Caleb Williams is the answer to the Bears' quarterback woes?

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

During their most recent mailbag episode, Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer were asked whether they believe Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is the one who ...

[FULL EPISODE] Another mailbag episode!

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer are back with another mailbag episode as they answer Bears questions from our listeners! Will head coach Ben Johnson's app...

Allen Robinson reflects on his time with the Bears

21 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote take a trip down memory lane with former Bears receiver Allen Robinson, who looks back on the team's magical 2018 season a...

How does Allen Robinson think Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams will match?

21 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear what former Bears receiver Allen Robinson thinks of current Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams. How does Robinson thi...

Allen Robinson discusses Ben Johnson's competitiveness

21 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote ask former Bears receiver Allen Robinson about his experience with new Chicago head coach Ben Johnson in Detroit. What mak...

[FULL EPISODE] Former Bear Allen Robinson talks Ben Johnson, 2018 Bears

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've got a special treat in this one! Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer are joined by former Bears receiver Allen Robinson, who offers perspective on new C...

Should we expect more out of Rome Odunze this season?

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As part of their mailbag episode, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the standard we should be holding Bears receiver Rome Odunze to in his second NF...

How confident are the Bears in D'Andre Swift as the primary RB?

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As part of their mailbag episode, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote answer whether they believe the Bears are confident in the current makeup of their runni...

[FULL EPISODE] Mailbag episode!

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote open up the mailbag and answer questions from our loyal listeners! Do the Bears have enough weapons to compete this season...

Who will end up as the Bears left tackle?

14 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and guest Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune look at the Bears' position battle at left tackle. To learn more about listener data and ...

How did Caleb Williams progress in the offseason program?

14 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and guest Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune turn their attention to Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. How's the relationship between Wi...

Ben Johnson is absolutely obsessed with the details

14 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and guest Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune discuss how Bears head coach Ben Johnson is obsessed about every detail of the offense. T...

[FULL EPISODE] Sean Hammond recaps Bears' offseason program

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer is joined in this episode by fellow Chicago Tribune reporter Sean Hammond! Together, the pair walks through the highlights of the Bears' ...

How much should we be worried about Luther Burden III?

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski have a lively discussion about how worried we should be that rookie receiver Luther Burden III m...

What has Ben Johnson learned about working with Caleb Williams?

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss Bears head coach Ben Johnson's comments regarding what he has learned about quarterback Caleb Williams in their fi...

How much progress does Ben Johnson think the Bears made during the offseason?

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears head coach Ben Johnson on what he thinks his team accomplished during the offseason program. And what does...

[FULL EPISODE] What did the Bears accomplish during their offseason program?

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The official end of the Bears offseason program saw just a couple key veterans in attendance — quarterback Caleb Williams and receiver Rome Odunze. ...

BONUS: Grote & Wiederer talk Bears on 670 The Score

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer took over 670 The Score's afternoon show! So of course, the guys held an impromptu live episode of the podcast, where they...

Tyson Bagent continues to be an engaging personality

07 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. What has he thought of head coach Ben Johnson so far? Plus, it sounds lik...

Bears offense still has work to do

07 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what they've seen from Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and the team's offense this offseason. Progress is being m...

Who has stood out to Ben Johnson during offseason workouts?

07 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears coach Ben Johnson, who offered under-the-radar players who have stood out to him during the team's offseas...

[FULL EPISODE] Bears still have work to do after finishing mandatory minicamp

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Bears had a bit of fun to conclude their mandatory minicamp. We got to see offensive linemen running routes during practice! Dan Wiederer and Mark...

What have Bears coaches told DJ Moore about his body language?

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There has been a lot of talk about Bears players' body language since Ben Johnson took over as head coach. What have the coaches told receiver DJ Moor...

Bears players are welcoming Ben Johnson's attention to detail

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears tight end Cole Kmet and running back D'Andre Swift discuss first-year head coach Ben Johnson's nearly obsessive...

Cole Kmet shared thoughts about the Bears drafting a tight end

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear what Bears tight end Cole Kmet had to say about the team selecting tight end Colston Loveland in the first round of t...

[FULL EPISODE] Cole Kmet speaks openly about his reaction to Bears drafting a tight end

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bears mandatory minicamp is underway! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote are here to bring you all their observations from Halas Hall. Is there any concern a...

BONUS: Dan Wiederer previews Bears minicamp on 670 The Score

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our own Dan Wiederer spoke joined the Mully & Haugh Show on 670 The Score to preview the Bears' upcoming veteran minicamp. Plus, what's the latest on ...

We're all happy Caleb Williams finally spoke about the Seth Wickersham story

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' comments about author Seth Wickersham's story about Williams having concerns ab...

Why does Ben Johnson want Caleb Williams to work on his body language?

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears head coach Ben Johnson explain why he wants quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the team to work on body...

Caleb Williams makes it clear his father doesn't speak for him

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote continue discussing Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' response to revelations about his mindset ahead of the 2024 NFL Draf...

[FULL EPISODE] Caleb Williams addresses story about pre-draft Bears concerns

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has taken the podium to address the revelations from ESPN senior writer and author Seth Wickersham regarding the conc...

How is the Bears defense coming along under Dennis Allen?

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote turn their attention to the Bears defense. How is it developing under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen? To learn m...

What does Caleb Williams need to learn about watching film at the NFL level?

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how Bears coaches didn't give quarterback Caleb Williams enough guidance when it came to film study during his roo...

Why is this Caleb Williams story still relevant?

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss why they believe the recent story from ESPN senior writer and author Seth Wickersham about Bears quarterback Caleb...

[FULL EPISODE] How big of a deal is this Caleb Williams story?

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We still have unanswered questions following the article from ESPN senior writer and author Seth Wickersham regarding quarterback Caleb Williams being...

BONUS: Mark Grote & Dan Wiederer talk Bears with Brian Baldinger on 670 The Score

24 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While hosting on 670 The Score, Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer brought in Audacy NFL insider Brian Baldinger to discuss how Bears quarterback Caleb Willi...

Tush push is here to stay (for now)

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to a proposal to ban the tush push narrowing failing in a vote among NFL owners. Does Bears head coach Ben Johnson l...

Ben Johnson was fired up during Bears OTAs

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to what they saw from Bears head coach Ben Johnson as he ran practice during OTAs. Johnson clearly has passion on th...

Ben Johnson handle the Caleb Williams questions well

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the way Bears head coach Ben Johnson fielded questions regarding quarterback Caleb Williams after a story came out...

[FULL EPISODE] Ben Johnson addresses Seth Wickersham's Caleb Williams story

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

OTA practices are underway for the Bears, but it's an off-field story that's still being addressed by the team. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear how h...

Arlington Heights is back as the Bears' new stadium front-runner

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the news that Arlington Heights is now officially the primary focus for where the Bears want to build their new s...

Bears clearly still have organizational issues to fix

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote look into how messy the Bears' operation was in quarterback Caleb Williams' rookie season. While the team has taken steps ...

Caleb Williams has his own responsibility for messy rookie season

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote continue the discussion coming from ESPN senior writer Seth Wickersham's story regarding quarterback Caleb Williams wantin...

[FULL EPISODE] Caleb Williams was initially reluctant to be drafted by the Bears

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It seems the Bears were lucky to draft quarterback Caleb Williams in 2024. That's because Williams and his father, Carl, initially didn't want William...

BONUS: Bears fans should be happy Caleb Williams let the Bears draft him

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While hosting on 670 The Score, Mark Grote reacted to a story from author and ESPN senior writer Seth Wickersham about Bears quarterback Caleb William...

Predicting the Bears' five 'island' games in 2025

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski look into the Bears' five standalone games in the 2025 season. How many of those will the Bears win? To lear...

What do we like and dislike about the Bears schedule?

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski explain what they like and dislike about the Bears schedule for the 2025 season. To learn more about listene...

[FULL EPISODE] Breaking down the Bears' 2025 schedule!

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We officially have the full Bears schedule for 2025! Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski break it down in this episode. What do they like the most...

Rome Odunze jumps out in the intermediate area | Reception Perception

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From Reception Perception (subscribe here), Matt Harmon and James Koh dissected Bears receiver Rome Odunze's rookie season amid a crowded Chicago rece...

Left tackle position remains a mystery for the Bears

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote look into the Bears' left tackle position. Rookie Ozzy Trapilo is getting a look at the spot to begin his spring, but we s...

This Bears coaching staff feels refreshingly honest so far

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While discussing what they learned at Bears rookie minicamp, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote remark on how refreshing the new Bears coaching staff is. T...

We know some small details of the Bears' 2025 schedule already

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what we've already learned about the Bears' schedule ahead of the NFL's full 2025 schedule release. To learn mor...

[FULL EPISODE] What did we learn from Bears rookie minicamp?

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With rookie minicamp in the rearview mirror, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote reflect on what, if anything, we learned from the Bears during their limited ...

BONUS: Robert Mays talks Bears' aggressive offseason on 670 The Score

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Leila Rahimi, Marshall Harris and our own Mark Grote welcomed on The Athletic Football Show host Robert Mays on 670 The Score in Chicago to discuss th...

Predicting the Bears' 2025 schedule (weeks 13-18)

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote predict the final six weeks of the Bears' schedule in 2025. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices ...

Predicting the Bears' 2025 schedule (weeks 1-12)

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote predict the first 12 weeks of the Bears' schedule in 2025. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices v...

The new pope is from Chicago!

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote celebrate the fact that newly elected Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago! To learn more about listener data and our privacy pr...

[FULL EPISODE] Chicago gets a pope, predicting the Bears' 2025 schedule

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Huge news! A Chicago native has been elected pope! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the incredible news to begin this episode. Do we know anyone w...

BONUS: Carmen Vitali asks for patience as Ben Johnson gets Bears offense going

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While hosting on 670 The Score, our own Mark Grote welcomed on Fox Sports reporter Carmen Vitali, who explained why the Bears' offense may not be flas...

What should we expect out of rookie running back Kyle Monangai?

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the conversation surrounding Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai, a seventh-round pick. The track record of ru...

Where will Ozzy Trapilo play during rookie minicamp?

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss where they expect offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo to play when the Bears conduct their rookie minicamp. To learn m...

Did Ben Johnson add a spark to the Bears-Packers rivalry?

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote analyze Packers coach Matt LaFleur's comments on a recent podcast when asked about a remark that Bears coach Ben Johnson m...

[FULL EPISODE] Bears-Packers rivalry is getting spicy!

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we make our way through the NFL calendar, the next stop is rookie minicamp! In this episode, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote talk through what they exp...

Caleb Williams continues to be set up for success | Upper Hand Fantasy

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From Upper Hand Fantasy (subscribe here), Faraz Siddiqi talks about the Bears' additions of tight end Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III ...

How does Cassie Carlson think Colston Loveland fits with the Bears?

04 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How did Cassie Carlson react to the Bears picking Luther Burden III?

04 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 FO...

Do the Bears need to add to their running back room?

04 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 bac...

[FULL EPISODE] Cassie Carlson of FOX 32 breaks down the Bears draft class!

03 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Does Charles Davis think the Bears should have drafted a running back sooner?

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...