Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast
Episodes
[FULL EPISODE] Former Bears reporter Rich Campbell offers a history lesson amid Chicago's excitement
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer brings in a former Tribune colleague for a bit of a history lesson in this episode. Former Bears reporter Rich Campbell saw a lot in his ...
Latest '1920 Football Drive' episode gave us some nice Bears nuggets
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what we learned in the latest episode of the Bears' YouTube series "1920 Football Drive." Quarterback Caleb Willia...
NFL free agency can be full of landmines
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the possibility of Chiefs guard Trey Smith reaching free agency, they remind listeners how volatile NFL free ag...
Whom do draft experts have the Bears taking at No. 10 overall?
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss whom draft expert Daniel Jeremiah thinks the Bears will select when they're on the clock at No. 10 overall in the ...
[FULL EPISODE] It's officially mock draft season, could the Chiefs let Trey Smith hit free agency?
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're officially at the mock draft portion of the NFL offseason! In this episode, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote examine whom NFL Network draft analyst D...
[FULL EPISODE] Take The North special on 670 The Score!
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote filled in on 670 The Score in Chicago and turned the opportunity into a pseudo Take The North live episode! We've got the ...
Ben Johnson has a quiet confidence
15 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Adam Studzinski hear new Bears head coach Ben Johnson explain why he believes he's ready to be a head coach. Johnson seems to have a ...
Thomas Brown, Kerry Joseph had some final words on Caleb Williams
15 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Adam Studzinski hear from former Bears interim coach Thomas Brown and former quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph, who both had advice for...
[FULL EPISODE] Listen to This: Best leftover audio from Ben Johnson, Thomas Brown & Kerry Joseph
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and producer Adam Studzinski play a little catchup in this edition of Listen to This! They've got leftover audio from new head coach Ben ...
Vic Fangio's defense shined in the Eagles' Super Bowl win
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote look at the way the Eagles blew out the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Former Bears defensive coordinator and current Eagles de...
Is it possible the Bears play in the 2025 NFL season opener?
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A national NFL insider has predicted the Bears will play the Eagles in the NFL season opener in 2025. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the lure of ...
Could there be any changes coming up for Bears ownership?
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what they know about the succession plan for Bears ownership after longtime owner Virginia McCaskey died at 102. I...
[FULL EPISODE] What's next for Bears ownership after Virginia McCaskey's death?
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we continue to look back on Bears matriarch Virginia McCaskey's legacy, there are questions about what will happen with the team's ownership going ...
BONUS: Dan Wiederer reacts to Super Bowl blowout on 670 The Score
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our own Dan Wiederer joined Dan Bernstein & Marshall Harris on 670 The Score to discuss the Eagles' lopsided win over the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Wh...
Mark Potash remarks on the Bears' hiring of Ben Johnson
08 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Guest host Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times explains for Dan Wiederer how he views the process that landed the Bears the hot coaching candidate in...
A preview of Super Bowl LIX
08 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and guest host Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times discuss the Super Bowl matchup between the Chiefs and Eagles. To learn more about l...
Virginia McCaskey lived an incredible life
08 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and guest host Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times reflect on the life of Bears owner Virginia McCaskey, who died this week at the age o...
[FULL EPISODE] Remembering Virginia McCaskey, a preview of Super Bowl LIX
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer is joined by Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times for this one. They begin the episode by remembering Bears principal owner Virginia McCa...
Saquon Barkley was almost a Bear?!
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and David Haugh react to Eagles running back Saquon Barkley acknowledging at his Super Bowl press conference that he almost signed with t...
What does David Haugh think of the January the Bears had?
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer asks David Haugh what Haugh has thought of everything the Bears have done since their 2024 season ended. How significant does he view the...
We were all extremely wrong about the Bears' record in 2024
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer, David Haugh and producer Adam Studzinski look back on the predictions they made for the 2024 Bears. We all got this much wrong: the team...
[FULL EPISODE] David Haugh returns to reflect on our 2024 season predictions!
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We have a special reunion for this episode! David Haugh returns to the podcast to help Dan Wiederer and producer Adam Studzinski reflect on their Bear...
BONUS: Mailbag episode!
01 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote answer your Bears questions! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.co...
What exactly will Declan Doyle's job be?
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss new Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. As a non-play-calling offensive coordinator, what exactly will he be...
What's Dennis Allen's vision for the Bears defense?
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what they heard from new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen in his first media session in Chicago. What does...
How do we feel about Richard Hightower returning as special teams coordinator?
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears have retained special teams coordinator Richard Hightower. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss whether they like the move. To learn more a...
[FULL EPISODE] Dennis Allen & Declan Doyle speak for the first time as Bears coordinators
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears introduced new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle on Thursday. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote offer thei...
Ben Johnson's agent was impressed with the Bears hiring process
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear what new Bears head coach Ben Johnson's agent, Rick Smith, had to say on a recent podcast about the organization's pr...
Ben Johnson is filling out his coaching staff
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the Bears' additions to their coaching staff. New head coach Ben Johnson's defensive coordinator is extremely exp...
Patrick Mahomes just keeps building his legacy
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the AFC and NFC Championship games. Each year, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes keeps showcasing why he's an all...
[FULL EPISODE] Ben Johnson's agent opens up about Bears' interview process
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As new Bears head coach Ben Johnson fills out his staff, his agent is taking us inside the team's interview process. In this episode, Dan Wiederer and...
How much is Caleb Williams vibing with his new coach already?
25 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the relationship between new Bears head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams. How much have the pair a...
Kevin Warren played a key role in guiding the Bears to Ben Johnson
25 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how important Bears team president Kevin Warren was in providing the proper environment for the team to get its to...
What makes Ben Johnson confident he can be a head coach?
25 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how confident new Bears head coach Ben Johnson is that he can be a successful head coach. What gives Johnson that ...
Listen to This: Best sound from the week Ben Johnson was hired!
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote bring you the latest edition of Listen to This. In this episode, the guys share the best sound from the week in which the ...
What was Kevin Warren's role in the Bears landing Ben Johnson?
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss Bears president Kevin Warren's impact in the team's hiring of new head coach Ben Johnson. What type of role did Wa...
Caleb Williams is clearly excited about Ben Johnson being his coach
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how critical new Bears head coach Ben Johnson's hiring is for quarterback Caleb Williams' development. Williams ma...
Ben Johnson impresses in his first press conference in Chicago
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what they heard from new Bears head coach Ben Johnson in his introductory press conference. Johnson impressed in w...
[FULL EPISODE] Ben Johnson officially introduced as Bears head coach
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears have officially introduced Ben Johnson as the team's new head coach! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote were at Halas Hall to take everything in. H...
How might Ben Johnson influence the construction of the offensive line?
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote look at how different the Bears offensive line is compared to what Ben Johnson had in Detroit. The hope is Johnson will ha...
Who will Ben Johnson hire as his coordinators?
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss whom new Bears coach Ben Johnson could bring in to be his offensive and defensive coordinators. To learn more ab...
Bears took a massive swing by hiring Ben Johnson
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the Bears hiring Ben Johnson as their new head coach. It's easily the biggest swing that a team in search of a coa...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears to hire Ben Johnson as head coach!
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a shocking move (to some), the Bears are hiring Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be their new head coach! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote rea...
[FULL EPISODE] How did these names shape your NFL playoff watching?
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The NFL playoffs are shaping how the Bears' coaching search is going. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the fact that Lions offensive coordinator B...
What does Caleb Williams want in his next coach?
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what quarterback Caleb Williams had to say recently on a podcast with the St. Brown brothers. Williams explained t...
Will the Bears be able to hire the coach candidate they want most?
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss a few of the (many) names we've heard during this Bears coaching search. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson i...
How likely is it the Bears hire Mike McCarthy?
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears have interviewed Mike McCarthy for their head coaching job. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss his credentials. He's won a lot of games in ...
[FULL EPISODE] Mike McCarthy interviews for Bears head coach position
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The latest person to interview for the Bears head coaching job is someone whom Chicago fans are extremely familiar with. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote d...
What's the best outcome of this coaching search?
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what the best possible outcome of the Bears' coaching search is. Would it be satisfying for the Bears to land the ...
Will Marcus Freeman be interested in the Bears job?
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears are reportedly interested in talking to Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman about their head coach opening. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote...
Why are the Bears interviewing so many coaching candidates?
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the Bears continuously expanding their list of head coach candidates. Why are they talking to so many coaches? Sho...
[FULL EPISODE] The Bears coaching candidate list is getting extensive
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears' search for a head coach continues, and the list of people the team is looking to interview just keeps growing. In this episode, Dan Wiedere...
What grade do we give Ryan Poles on different aspects of being a GM?
12 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote attempt to grade Bears general manager Ryan Poles' work in a number of different areas in his tenure with the team. To l...
Why did Ryan Poles seem confused by a question about Caleb Williams' rookie year?
11 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote ponder why Bears general manager Ryan Poles seemed to need clarification about how disruptive quarterback Caleb Williams' ...
What do we think about some of these Bears coaching candidates?
11 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote share their thoughts on the list of coaches the Bears plan to interview for their head coaching vacancy. To learn more a...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears' list of coaching candidates continues to grow
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In another special live episode that aired on 670 The Score in Chicago, Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer take a look at the growing list of candidates the ...
How viable is Aaron Glenn as a head coach candidate?
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer asks guest Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press about Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Would he make a good head coach? To le...
What makes Ben Johnson a good head coach candidate?
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and guest Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press discuss why Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is such a hot head coaching candidat...
How have the Lions made it this far with so many injuries?
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and guest Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press go inside the culture and coaching of the Lions. How did they manage to lock down the to...
[FULL EPISODE] Dave Birkett tells us all about Ben Johnson & Aaron Glenn
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer is joined in this episode by Dave Birkett, who covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Birkett shares all the knowledge he can about...
George McCaskey responds to 'sell the team' chants
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears chairman George McCaskey's response to fans chanting "sell the team" in Chicago's home finale. McCaskey also te...
Ryan Poles wants the Bears to be more 'process over outcome' oriented
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bears general manager Ryan Poles wants his team to be more focused on "process over outcome" going forward. Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer try to interpr...
Bears aren't making us confident they'll get this coaching hire right
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the press conferences with Bears general manager Ryan Poles, team president Kevin Warren and chairman George McCas...
[FULL EPISODE] Ryan Poles, Kevin Warren, George McCaskey speak after disastrous Bears season
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The top leaders of the Bears have taken their turns speaking after the team's horrible 2024 season. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to everything ge...
BONUS: Mark Grote recaps Bears locker cleanout day on 670 The Score
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our own Mark Grote joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show on 670 The Score in Chicago on the day the Bears cleaned out their lockers to finish their 2024 se...
BONUS: Dan Wiederer looks ahead to Bears' coaching search on 670 The Score
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our own Dan Wiederer joined the Bernstein & Harris Show on 670 The Score in Chicago the day after the Bears beat the Packers to finish their season. W...
Postgame pod: Bears finish their season with a victory over the Packers!
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It finally happened. The Bears beat the Packers for the first time since 2018! It was a walk-off field goal by kicker Cairo Santos that finally gave t...
Caleb Williams backs up his offensive line
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams strongly backed up his much-criticized offensive line, taking his share of the blame for the 67 times he has been sac...
What to watch, predictions for Bears-Packers (round 2)
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what, if anything, there is to watch for in the final game of this horrible Bears season. The gang also predicts w...
What qualities is Caleb Williams looking for in his next head coach?
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to what quarterback Caleb Williams had to say when he was asked about what he's looking for in the next Bears head c...
[FULL EPISODE] What's Caleb Williams looking for in the next Bears coach?
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This Bears season is nearly over. There's just one game left to preview for Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote. But before getting into the largely meaningle...
Thomas Brown doesn't seem broken by his experience in Chicago
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown, who reflected on his time running the team. The future might still be bri...
We rank how miserable this Bears losing streak has been from 1 to 10
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski conduct a deep dive into the Bears' current 10-game losing streak. Which loss has been the most ...
What does Caleb Williams still need to learn about preparing for games?
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote dive into what Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams will need to learn about prep work before his second NFL season beg...
[FULL EPISODE] Ranking this Bears losing streak on a scale of misery
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the Bears' season winds down, interim head coach Thomas Brown is looking back on the time he has spent leading the team. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grot...
BONUS: Take The North takes over 670 The Score
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Filling in on the Mully & Haugh Show, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote talked Bears on 670 The Score in Chicago. They spoke with Kaitlin Sharkey of WGN-TV ...
Should the Bears interview Pete Carroll?
28 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the news that former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is interested in the Bears' coaching job. Would it make sense to ...
Bears just can't do anything right when it matters
28 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote break down what went wrong for the Bears on the final drive of their loss to the Seahawks on Thursday. They just can't do ...
Caleb Williams still has a lot to learn about being a pro
28 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' performance in a loss to the Seahawks. He continues to flash with spectacular pl...
[FULL EPISODE] What the hell was that Thursday night game?
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears' 6-3 loss to the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football has left us mystified ... again. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote unpack everything, startin...
Postgame pod: Bears lose to Seahawks, 6-3
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears lost to the Seahawks, 6-3. Neither team scored a touchdown. It was a horrible game. Mark Grote and Adam Studzinski discuss the terribleness....
Our Christmas wishes for the Bears!
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote list off their personal Christmas wishes for the Bears headed into 2025. To learn more about listener data and our priva...
Cole Kmet has had it with trying to find positives
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss tight end Cole Kmet's postgame comments after the Bears' 34-17 loss to the Lions. It's actually kind of refreshing...
What should we think of Caleb Williams' stats in loss to Lions?
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote try to put context to the numbers that Bears quarterback Caleb Williams put up in a loss to the Lions on Sunday. The stati...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears have a quick turnaround after 9th straight loss
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After suffering their ninth straight loss, the Bears have to get it together quickly to get ready to face the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. Dan...
BONUS: Dan Wiederer talks balancing Caleb Williams' progress on 670 The Score
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our own Dan Wiederer joined the Bernstein & Harris Show on 670 The Score to discuss Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' performance in a loss to the Lio...
Postgame pod: Bears lose to Lions, 34-17
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Well, it's another Bears loss. This time, they fell 34-17 to the Lions in a blowout. Mark Grote and Adam Studzinski talk through their feelings after ...
BONUS: Dan Wiederer discusses wasted Bears season on 670 The Score
21 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our own Dan Wiederer joined Matt Spiegel and our other host Mark Grote on 670 The Score to preview the Bears-Lions matchup Sunday. They also discussed...
Lions -6.5 at Bears | Cash the Ticket
21 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From Cash The Ticket (subscribe here), is it doom and gloom for the Detroit Lions? Will they respond in a big way against the Chicago Bears? Download ...
Predictions for Bears-Lions, part 2
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski predict who will win the second matchup between the Bears and Lions in 2024. To learn more abo...
We're getting another close look at Ben Johnson in Bears-Lions
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the hottest names in this upcoming coach hiring cycle will be Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss his ...
Which Bears linemen will be back in 2025?
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss who — if any — of the current Bears starting offensive linemen will for sure be back next season. To learn m...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears make final preparations for second battle with Lions
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the Bears prepare to face the Lions for the second time this season, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote have a big-picture question to ponder: How many of...
Caleb Williams is staying positive as the Bears spiral
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote dive into how Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is keeping perspective during his turbulent rookie season. To learn more ...
Bears offensive line, defensive line both need major work this offseason
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how critical it is for the Bears to find big-time upgrades for their offensive line and their defensive line ahead...
Bears are running on fumes
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how exhausted the Bears are as they head into the final three games of their 2024 season. How are they going to ma...
[FULL EPISODE] Bears still reeling as they turn attention to Lions
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Bears are limping to the finish line of the 2024 season, and some players are already considering what they need to work on for 2025. In this epis...
Postgame pod: Bears drop 8th straight game
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's another loss for the Bears, who dropped a 30-12 game to the Vikings on Monday Night Football. Mark Grote and Adam Studzinski discuss the game. Th...
Keenan Allen is looking for another big game against the Vikings
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how well Bears receiver Keenan Allen has played against the Vikings the last two seasons. Can he continue that tre...
Is there any chance the Bears beat the Vikings?
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote preview the Bears-Vikings game on Monday Night Football. What are the chances the Bears pull off the upset? To learn mor...