Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Latest Episodes:

[FULL EPISODE] Sean Hammond recaps Bears' offseason program Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer is joined in this episode by fellow Chicago Tribune reporter Sean Hammond! Together, the pair walks through the highlights of the Bears' recently concluded offseason program. What progress has quarterback Caleb Williams made? What have the early impressions of head coach Ben Johnson been? Does rookie offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo have a real shot at earning the starting left tackle job? They discuss that and much more in this rapid-fire conversation!

How much should we be worried about Luther Burden III? Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer, Mark Grote and producer Adam Studzinski have a lively discussion about how worried we should be that rookie receiver Luther Burden III missed the majority of the Bears' offseason program with a "soft tissue" injury.

What has Ben Johnson learned about working with Caleb Williams? Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss Bears head coach Ben Johnson's comments regarding what he has learned about quarterback Caleb Williams in their first few months together. We know Williams thrives off-script, but can Johnson hone in his abilities to play on time?

How much progress does Ben Johnson think the Bears made during the offseason? Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

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 Johnson intend to do during the dead period to prep for training camp?

[FULL EPISODE] What did the Bears accomplish during their offseason program? Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

The official end of the Bears offseason program saw just a couple key veterans in attendance — quarterback Caleb Williams and receiver Rome Odunze. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss why it matters that Williams, especially, felt the need to be at the voluntary workout. Also in this episode, head coach Ben Johnson discusses what he feels the Bears have accomplished during the offseason. What has he learned about working with Williams? Later, the gang gets into a lively back-and-forth with producer Adam Studzinski about how worried we should be that rookie receiver Luther Burden III has missed time with what's been called a "soft tissue" injury. Will he be ready for training camp?

BONUS: Grote & Wiederer talk Bears on 670 The Score Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

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 looked around the NFC North a bit. The Bears aren't the only team in the division with big questions entering the 2025 season. Plus, the guys tracked down old friend/former Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mark Potash to hear what he thinks of the latest news coming out of Halas Hall.

Bears offense still has work to do Jun 07, 2025

Show notes

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 made, but there's clearly still work to do.

Tyson Bagent continues to be an engaging personality Jun 07, 2025

Show notes

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 like Bagent has a fun birthday party planned!

Who has stood out to Ben Johnson during offseason workouts? Jun 07, 2025

Show notes

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 offseason workouts. Plus, why were Bears linemen running routes during practice?

[FULL EPISODE] Bears still have work to do after finishing mandatory minicamp Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

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 Grote hear head coach Ben Johnson explain the intention behind that ... and it isn't just to have fun. Also in this episode, Johnson offers surprising standouts from the offseason program. And what has backup quarterback Tyson Bagent thought of the new coaching staff so far? Plus, while the vibes around the Bears remain positive, it's clear they still have a lot of work to do before the regular season.