Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Dan McNeil calls Brian Urlacher the greatest ever Bears defensive player Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Dan McNeil believes Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher is the Bears best defensive player of all time. He explains why for Mark Grote.

Why does Dan McNeil think Green Bay has out-paced the Bears since the 90s? Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Dan McNeil tells Mark Grote why he believes the Packers have been so much better than the Bears since the 1990s - and it's not just because of the quarterbacks they've had.

Dan McNeil doesn't think Montez Sweat has lived up to his contract Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Dan McNeil explains for Mark Grote why he has historically been harsh on Bears pass rushers, and why he believes defensive end Montez Sweat has not live up to his contract.

[FULL EPISODE] Dan McNeil talks Bears past, present & future Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

We have a special treat in this one, as longtime Chicago sports radio host Dan McNeil joins Mark Grote for some Bears conversation! Mac discusses his new book, "I Bear Witness," which takes the guys down Bears memory lane. Grote and Mac also get into some present day Bears conversation, including the hope that this team can finally consistently win. And what does Mac think of the Bears threatening to build their new stadium in Indiana?

Did the Bears do enough to make their offensive line stable? Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

Mark Grote and guest host Mark Potash discuss the Bears slightly restructured offensive line. Will a new center and new left tackle be enough to keep the line in good shape?

Did the Bears do enough to improve their DB room? Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

Mark Grote and guest host Mark Potash discuss the Bears rebuilt defensive back room, along with the rest of the defense.

Has Grote been to critical of Caleb Williams? Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

Mark Grote and guest host Mark Potash discuss some of their own critiques of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Is it possible we have been too critical at times?

[FULL EPISODE] What is fair and unfair criticism of Caleb Williams? Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

Dan Wiederer is on vacation, so our friend Mark Potash sits in with Mark Grote for this one! The guys dive into a deep conversation on Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Have we been too critical of him at times? What's fair criticism of Williams? Also, the guys play a game called "Is It Enough?" – specifically looking at the additions the Bears made this offseason. Did they do enough to improve their roster?

How do we feel about the Bears linebacker room? Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

During their mailbag episode, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote take a look at the Bears linebacker room. Is there enough there for the Bears defense to be effective?

Is 2026 a make-or-break season for Rome Odunze? Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

During their mailbag episode, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote ponder how important this season is for Bears receiver Rome Odunze.