Carmen and Jurko

Latest Episodes:

10/9 11AM: Remembering Mike Ditka Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

Carmen and Jurko close Friday’s show by continuing to remember Mike Ditka after the passing of one of the most important figures in Bears and Chicago sports history. The guys play classic Ditka audio, revisit his years on ESPN Chicago, talk about his presence at Halas Hall and reflect on his impact as a Hall of Fame tight end and Super Bowl-winning coach. Courtney Cronin joins from Halas Hall to discuss Ditka’s legacy, Kyle Monangai’s turf toe, DeAndre Swift, Roschon Johnson, the Bears offensive line, Caleb Williams and possible roster moves before Green Bay. Ben Johnson also reacts to Ditka’s passing and confirms Monangai will miss the Packers game while explaining how the Bears can fix their red-zone issues. The show wraps with Yurko’s keys for Bears-Packers and one last salute to Coach Ditka before a huge weekend for the Bears and White Sox.

10/9 10AM: Rest In Peace, Mike Ditka. (With Tom Waddle, Tom Thayer & Mike North) Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

Carmen and Jurko begin the hour with Jason McKie previewing Bears-Packers and explaining what Packer Week means inside the rivalry. McKie discusses Ben Johnson’s approach, Kyle Monangai’s toe injury, the Bears’ run game, Green Bay’s struggling offensive line, Jordan Love, the Bears defense and red-zone execution. The show then shifts after the breaking news that Mike Ditka has passed away at age 86. Tom Waddle joins emotionally to explain how Ditka changed his life by believing in him and giving him a chance to play for the Bears. Tom Thayer also shares stories about Ditka’s toughness, standards, respect for Tom Landry and ability to lead the 1985 Bears. Mike North closes the hour with memories of working with Ditka on radio, his one-of-a-kind press conferences, his larger-than-life Chicago presence and his charity work with Misericordia.

10/9 9AM: Sox Game 5, Bears-Packers & Burke Time Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

Carmen and Jurko open a Dr. Pepper Football Friday after the White Sox lose Game 4 to Cleveland and now face a winner-take-all Game 5 on the road. The guys discuss why the moment may have gotten too big for the young Sox at home, but why going back to Cleveland could actually help them reset. They break down Will Venable’s bullpen decisions, Hagan Smith’s walks, Eric Fedde’s strong work, Grant Taylor’s rough outing, Anthony Kay’s role and whether Sean Burke should get the ball Saturday night. The hour also includes Kyle Teel’s struggles, the Guardians’ pesky approach, Cade Smith and Gavin Williams being used in Game 4 and Travis Bazzana quickly becoming a Cleveland villain. Plus, the guys keep Packer Week alive with Bears-Packers memories, Colston Loveland talk and a look at a huge Chicago sports weekend.

10/8 11AM: Sox Game 4, No More Free Passes Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

Carmen and Jurko close Thursday’s show by locking in on White Sox-Guardians Game 4 and what the Sox need to fix after a sloppy Game 3 loss. The guys focus on the 19 strikeouts, 10 walks, Miguel Vargas’ baserunning mistake, Kyle Teel’s challenge usage and why the White Sox cannot keep giving Cleveland extra chances. They debate how Will Venable should use the bullpen, including Grant Taylor, Hagan Smith, Eric Fedde and whether Sean Burke has to be saved for a potential Game 5. The hour also includes MLB playoff talk after Tampa sweeps the Yankees and the Dodgers and Brewers advance in the National League. Plus, callers bring a message from the Pope, a Pearl Jam jinx theory and plenty of White Sox blackout energy before Game 4.

10/8 10AM: Joniak, Bears-Packers & Jurko's Film Room Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

Carmen and Jurko keep Packer Week rolling with Jeff Joniak joining to preview Bears-Packers from Lambeau Field. Joniak discusses the Bears’ massive snap disparity against the Jets, the offensive line’s workload, Ben Johnson’s red-zone fixes, Dennis Allen’s defense and the strength of the coaching staff. The guys also get into Tom Thayer’s hatred of the Packers, the Bears’ trip to Green Bay and how Chicago can take advantage of Green Bay’s struggling run game and beat-up offensive line. Later, Jurko goes to the video board to break down how Dennis Allen created pressure against the Jets with overload looks, disguised blitzes, stunts and coverage drops. The hour also includes talk on DeAndre Swift, Kyle Monangai, Tyson Bagent, the Packers’ offensive problems and the Bears’ path to winning at Lambeau.

10/8 9AM: Sox Sloppy, Game 4 Looms & Jack's Case for Case Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

Carmen and Jurko open Thursday by reacting to the White Sox losing Game 3 to Cleveland and needing another chance to clinch at home. The guys vent about the 19 strikeouts, 10 walks, Sean Newcomb’s early exit, Hudson’s rough outing, Miguel Vargas getting doubled off and Kyle Teel burning through challenges too quickly. They also look ahead to Game 4 and explain why the Sox need to clean up the free passes, strikeouts and baserunning mistakes before a potential Game 5 in Cleveland. The hour also includes the aftermath of the Belmont Cameli first-pitch mystery after guesses ranged from Michael Jordan and Barack Obama to Pope Leo. Plus, the guys turn to Bears-Packers with DeAndre Swift’s ball security, Kyle Monangai’s workload, Green Bay’s offensive issues and a debate over Tyson Bagent versus Case Keenum.

10/7 11AM: Jesse Rogers Live From Sox Blackout Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Carmen and Jurko close the show from the edge of a huge White Sox afternoon as the Sox try to sweep Cleveland and clinch a trip to the ALCS. Jesse Rogers joins live from Rate Field with the latest on Sean Newcomb opening Game 3, how Will Venable may handle the bullpen and why the Sox may not empty every leverage arm with a 2-0 series lead. The guys also discuss the White Sox lineup, Michael Antonacci leading off, Miguel Vargas’ incredible season and the possibility of Davis Martin, Eric Fedde or Grant Taylor factoring into the pitching plan. The hour includes calls on Green Bay hate, Cubs fans and Brewers resentment, White Sox ticket prices and the growing blackout atmosphere around the ballpark.

10/7 10AM: Sox Blackout Buzz & Packer Week Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Carmen and Jurko keep White Sox blackout day rolling as the Sox get ready for Game 3 against the Guardians at Rate Field. The guys discuss Sean Newcomb as the opener, Daniel Espino’s big fastball, Grant Taylor’s possible availability and the growing mystery around who will throw out the first pitch. Callers offer guesses ranging from Father Tom Hurley and Joakim Noah to Jonathan Toews, Bo Jackson, Tim Anderson and even Pope Leo. The hour also includes Padres-Brewers talk, Mason Miller’s possible pitch tipping, Pat Murphy’s live-game frustration and whether Cubs fans really hate Milwaukee. The Brunch Rush brings Packer week back into focus with Matt LaFleur’s rivalry comments, the Bears heading to Green Bay as a favorite and the changing feel of Bears-Packers.

10/7 9AM: Sox Blackout Day & First Pitch Mystery Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Carmen and Jurko open White Sox blackout day with the Sox one win away from the ALCS and Rate Field suddenly becoming the hottest ticket in town. The guys preview Game 3 against Cleveland, including Sean Newcomb opening for the Sox, Daniel Espino opening for the Guardians and the bullpen questions that could decide the afternoon. They also discuss the wild ticket prices, the chance for the Sox to clinch a postseason series at home for the first time in more than a century and why avoiding another trip to Cleveland is so important. The hour turns into a draft of who might throw out the ceremonial first pitch, with names like Barack Obama, Ozzie Guillen, Michael Jordan, Hawk Harrelson, Derrick Rose, Paul Konerko, Mark Buehrle and more in the mix. Plus, even on a Sox-heavy morning, the guys keep Packer Week alive as the Bears head to Green Bay as a road favorite with Tyson Bagent likely starting.

10/6 11AM: Thayer on Packer Week & Bagent | Jeff Meller on How Sustainable This Sox Run Is Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Carmen and Jurko close Tuesday’s show with Tom Thayer joining to preview Bears-Packers and discuss Tyson Bagent, Green Bay’s offensive line, Jordan Love, Dennis Allen’s blitz packages and the Bears’ commitment to the run. The guys also keep the White Sox conversation rolling as Chicago sits one win away from the ALCS. Jeff Meller joins in studio to break down the Game 3 pitching options, including Hagan Smith, Davis Martin, Eric Fedde, Noah Schultz, Jordan Hicks, Sean Newcomb and Grant Taylor. The hour also highlights Miguel Vargas’ strong plate appearances, the Sox’ pitching chaos and why this postseason run has pulled in plenty of Chicago baseball fans. Plus, Anthony Rizzo says Cubs fans should be rooting for the White Sox, and callers debate what it means to support Chicago when one side of town is still playing.

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