The Charter Podcast is where you can find everything you need to know about the Chicago Bears. Our team of Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, Clay Harbor, and Kevin Lapka bring you postgame reaction, interviews, and game previews. We’ll provide you with latest and have some fun along the way. New episodes available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the season.
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Kevin Lapka Podcasts
Hot takes, funny banter, and everything in between are provided on this podcast by hosts Kevin Lapka and Ryan Talley. From hard-hitting analysis to weekly predictions, this NFL podcast is a perfect release from the mainstream saturation of stats and ridiculous opinions. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kevinlapka/support
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Bears Nation Podcast is a fresh and engaging show providing consistently unique Bears content. Hosts Kevin Lapka, Jake Hasan and Kellyn Gerenstein bring different outlooks on the team that prime debate and discussion that goes beyond the typical narrative. Through player/media interviews, hard-hitting analysis and high energy conversation, an hour of thrilling Bears content is brought to you twice each week. The show is also recorded LIVE on YouTube, Twitter and Twitch, Wednesdays at 7 PM CT ...
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Micah Parsons Lands in Green Bay! The Big Pro Football Show Reacts
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56:11Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and David Haugh are joined by ESPN’s Courtney Cronin on The Big Pro Football Show to react to a stunner in the NFC North: the Green Bay Packers have acquired Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for two first-round picks and DT Kenny Clark, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. After …
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Roster Cutdowns Loom as Bears Get Reality Check vs. Chiefs
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48:05The Bears’ preseason clash with the Chiefs gave us plenty to unpack. Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down the sloppiness from the starters, the wake-up call for the defense, and what stood out from Caleb Williams, D'Andre Swift, and the offensive line. Then Ruthie shares her exclusive sit-down with the Bears QB2 after his big w…
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What We Really Learned From The Bears’ Performance
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46:42The Bears put together a dominant 38–0 preseason win over the Bills, and Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor are breaking it all down. From Caleb Williams’ sharp opening drive to Tyson Bagent’s extended run, the quarterbacks gave Chicago plenty to be excited about. The crew also dives into the left tackle battle, the running back room, Austin Booker’s …
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Theo Benedet Joins Left Tackle Competition Ahead of Joint Practice with Buffalo Bills
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29:36With joint practices against the Bills on deck and preseason game No. 2 around the corner, Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor dive deep into the Bears’ left tackle battle, Caleb Williams’ progress, and which position matchups will define the week. The crew breaks down Theo Benedet’s surprise reps with the ones, what it means for Braxton…
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Caleb Williams Didn’t Play… Did the Bears Make the Right Call?
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50:03The Bears’ preseason opener against the Dolphins ends in a 24-24 tie, but there’s no shortage of takeaways for Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor. The Charter crew debates Caleb Williams sitting out, breaks down Tyson Bagent’s full first half, and evaluates strong defensive showings from Noah Sewell, Austin Booker, and Dominique Robinso…
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Offense Growing Pains, Trapilo Leading the Competition, and What We're Learning About the Defense
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48:38Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor dive deep into the latest from Bears training camp and Family Fest, breaking down the offensive growing pains, the rise of rookies, and the heated left tackle battle featuring Ozzy Trapilo. The crew also discusses the defense’s aggressive identity under Dennis Allen, DJ Moore lining up at running back,…
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Training Camp: Live Tackling Returns, Battle at CB, & Kiran Amegadjie
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35:26Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro reunite to break down a pivotal stretch of Bears training camp. The crew shares their biggest takeaways from a physical week, including encouraging signs from the offensive line, a true battle brewing at cornerback, and the return of live tackling at Halas Hall. They dive into the state of the edge rus…
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Bears First Padded Practice: Left Tackle Battle, DJ Moore Tricks, & The Next Honey Badger?
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51:28The pads are finally on! Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor break down the Bears' first padded practice of training camp and everything that came with it—from the offensive line standing tall in one-on-ones to a noticeable lack of chippiness on a steamy day at Halas Hall. The guys dive into the left tackle battle and explain why it's still wide open. The…
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Training Camp Recap Day 3: Red Zone Issues and Competition for Left Tackle
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18:55Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor recap Day 3 of Bears training camp from Halas Hall. The offense had a tough day, especially in red zone drills, while the defense brought energy and forced turnovers. Clay shares observations from the trenches, including the battle at left tackle. The crew also discusses coaching expectations, practice intensity, and…
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Defense Establishing Expectations & Camp Observations from Halas Hall
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19:23Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro check in from Halas Hall with their thoughts on the first two days of Bears training camp. They break down Ben Johnson’s decision to pull the first-team offense off the field, Luther Burden III’s absence, and early chemistry issues for Caleb Williams. The defense, meanwhile, is ahead of schedule—and the energy Denni…
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Training camp is here and the Charter crew is back! Ruthie, Clay, and Alex break down Ryan Poles’ extension, Jalen Johnson starting on NFI, Luther Burden’s fully guaranteed deal, and what to watch as the Bears hit the field.By Chicago Sports Network
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2025 Bears Fan Survey, No O-Line Doubts, & Where's The New Stadium?
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38:27With training camp around the corner, Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor tackle the 2025 Chicago Bears fan survey, talk about their confidence in Caleb Williams, confidence in Ben Johnson, and which offseason moves could define the year. From Clay's upcoming Euro trip to heated takes on stadium delays, we take you through the state of the Bears fan he…
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Bears’ Revamped O-Line: Top 5 in the NFL?
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47:19Ruthie Polinsky is back with Clay Harbor to break down why the Bears’ offensive line is being called the most improved in the NFL. They dive into what the rankings mean, how the new coaching staff factors in, and what this all means for the offense heading into 2025. Also, Ruthie's European vacation recap and Clay's holiday weekend highlights.…
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Gabe Ramirez on Swift Disrespect, Caleb's Second Year Jump, and Team Chemistry
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27:29It’s a special birthday edition of The Charter as Clay Harbor is joined by Gabe Ramirez of 670 The Score and The Chicago Lead. The two dive deep into the Chicago Bears' biggest training camp questions, including how Ben Johnson will tailor his offense to Caleb Williams, expectations for Year 2 growth, and what remains the biggest hole on the roster…
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The Must-Watch Bears Games in 2025 (And Why They Matter)
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46:48Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor are back on The Charter to preview the Chicago Bears' 2025 season with a spotlight on the biggest games and juiciest storylines. They kick things off by reacting to a viral PFF article ranking second-year quarterbacks by their floor and ceiling. Then, the guys pick the can't-miss matchups on the schedule: revenge games,…
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670's Mark Grote on Upcoming Training Camp and Realistic Expectations
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29:20On this episode of The Charter, Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor welcome in Mark Grote from 670 The Score and the Take the North podcast to break down everything Bears as training camp approaches. The guys dive into what’s actually different under Ben Johnson so far, what the coaching staff still needs to prove, and the biggest storylines heading into …
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Post-Minicamp Questions and Roster Moves to Watch
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56:50With Ruthie out on vacation, it's just the guys holding it down on The Charter. Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor take a deep dive into the new questions that emerged after Bears minicamp. Should the team add another edge rusher or running back before training camp? Can Ruben Hyppolite catch up fast enough to be a contributor on defense? And what exactl…
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Why Kyle Monangai Could Be the Bears’ STEAL of the Draft
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36:08On this episode of The Charter, Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro dive into a surprise interview with rookie running back Kyle Monangai, who impressed with his confidence, humility, and mindset. The crew reacts to his thoughtful answers about being a seventh-round pick, handling Eric Bieniemy’s intense coaching, and competing for a spo…
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Matt Eberflus Responds & Players Who MUST Step Up
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46:58On this episode of The Charter, Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro react to Matt Eberflus’ response to the Caleb Williams excerpts. The rookie class visits Wrigley, and the crew breaks down which players—including Tyler Scott—have the most to prove at training camp.By Chicago Sports Network
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Ben Johnson to Rework Offense and His Rising Expectations for Rookie Availability
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30:54Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down everything they saw during Bears OTAs and mandatory minicamp. From Ben Johnson's demanding tone and creative vision to Caleb Williams’ learning curve and the ongoing battle for trust and reps for the new additions to the team, the crew unpacks where this team stands heading into training cam…
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Jaire Out in Green Bay, Chubb to Texans & Bears Coaches Take Control
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53:32Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down the impact of the Packers releasing All-Pro corner Jaire Alexander and why it matters for Caleb Williams and the Bears’ offense. The crew also dives into Nick Chubb signing elsewhere, what that says about the Bears’ confidence in their current running back room, and the coaching culture Ben …
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Minicamp Wrap-Up: Trick Plays, Odunze's Growth, & Battles Taking Shape
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18:10The Bears have officially wrapped up their three-day mandatory minicamp, and Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro were there to see it all. They break down how the team progressed over the week, what stood out from Ben Johnson’s leadership style, and how the new coaching staff is already putting its stamp on the roster. From trick plays to intense comp…
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Minicamp Recap Day 2: Brisker Speaks on Last Season's Concussion and New Leaders Emerging
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9:15Alex Shapiro is joined by ABC7 and ESPN 1000’s Dionne Miller to break down Day 2 of Bears mandatory minicamp. The duo discusses Jaquan Brisker’s emotional return and maturity after battling a vestibular concussion, how the offense is starting to find its rhythm with Caleb Williams, and the standout performances of Olamide Zaccheaus and Kiran Amegad…
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Minicamp Recap: Offensive Updates, Key Absences & Press Conference Notes
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9:56The Bears are back at Halas Hall for Day 1 of mandatory minicamp, and The Charter is on site to break it all down. Alex Shapiro welcomes new Chicago Tribune Bears beat reporter Sean Hammond to discuss the top takeaways from a windy first day — including notable player absences, offensive line shuffling, and Ben Johnson’s early impressions as head c…
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Bears Report for Minicamp as Lions Lose Another Key Piece
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42:11On this episode of The Charter, Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro gear up for a pivotal week at Bears mandatory minicamp. But first, they break down the Chicago Fire’s newly announced stadium project at The 78. Then it’s all football: Lions Center Frank Ragnow’s sudden retirement and its ripple effects across the NFC North, position ba…
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Caleb Speaks, O-Line Taking Shape, and Dennis Allen's Defense
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41:37Caleb Williams speaks—and silences the noise. On this episode of The Charter, Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down the Bears rookie QB’s headline-grabbing press conference and how he showed maturity, self-awareness, and leadership. The crew also dives into Ben Johnson’s emphasis on body language and pre-snap discipline, Case Ke…
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100 Days to NFL Kickoff | Caleb Williams Stat Projections & Bears Playoff Chances
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33:29The countdown is on — we’re officially 100 days away from NFL kickoff! Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor mark the occasion by playing a game of “On a Scale of 1 to 100” covering everything from Caleb Williams’ rookie projections to playoff odds, Pro Bowl candidates on both sides of the ball, and sack totals. Will Ben Johnson win Coach …
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Ben Johnson Sets Tone at OTAs | Early Takeaways from New-Look Offense
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35:37The Bears’ preseason schedule is set—and so are joint practices with the Dolphins and Bills. Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down what that means for fans, young players, and position battles. The crew also shares their biggest takeaways from the first open OTA session, including Caleb Williams’ progress, Ben Johnson’s intense …
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Bears Secure Joe Thuney Extension as OTAs Prepare to Kick Off
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45:04The Bears kick off OTAs by locking in All-Pro guard Joe Thuney through 2027. Ruthie, Alex, and Clay break down the impact of the deal, preview position battles, and dive into what they want to hear from Caleb Williams when he addresses the media.By Chicago Sports Network
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Breaking Down the Road Ahead: Bears' 2025 Schedule Reaction
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36:05The Bears' 2025 schedule is finally here—and the Charter crew is ready to break it all down. Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor react to team social media rollout videos, including the Ravens’ Severance homage. Then it’s time to dive into the schedule itself: what the brutal road stretch means for the team, which matchups look most winn…
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Rookie Minicamp Standouts and First Impressions
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47:57What did we learn from Bears rookie minicamp? Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor recap the biggest takeaways from the weekend, including standout showings from second-round picks Ozzy Trapilo and Luther Burden III, the tone set by Eric Bieniemy and the coaching staff, and how Ben Johnson is already changing the culture. They also dive i…
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Who Has the Most to Prove at Bears Rookie Minicamp?
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31:06Rookie Minicamp is here, and The Charter team is ready to hit Halas Hall. Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor preview what to watch for as Bears rookies take the field for the first time. Clay shares what his own rookie minicamp with the Eagles was really like, including learning a brand-new playbook on the fly, catching lasers from Mich…
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Coaching Points: What We Learned About Luther Burden III & Shemar Turner
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45:29With the Bears’ rookie minicamp around the corner, Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor dive into exclusive interviews with the coaches who know the Bears’ top draft picks best. Clay sits down with Mizzou wide receivers coach Jacob Peeler to unpack the real story on Luther Burden III—his character, versatility, and how he’ll thrive in Ben…
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Bears Roster Battles Begin: Trapilo vs. Jones, Loveland’s Path, and RB Rumors
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35:57The NFL Draft may be over, but the real action is just getting started. With Ruthie out, Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor take the reins to break down how the Bears’ newest draft picks fit into the 2025 roster. Is Ozzy Trapilo a real threat to Braxton Jones at left tackle? Will Colston Loveland crack the starting lineup right away? And is running back …
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Ben Johnson’s Blueprint: Inside the Bears 2025 Draft Class
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51:35The Bears added eight new players in the 2025 NFL Draft—and The Charter crew is here to break it all down. Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor dive into every pick, headlined by Michigan tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall. Was Loveland the right fit over Tyler Warren? The crew debates his upside and how he pairs with Cole Kmet …
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On this special edition of The Charter, we spoke to a beat writer covering every team that drafts in front of the Chicago. We go team by team to put together a mock draft and then we make the selection for the Bears. Were there any surprises? Who is left for the Bears? We take you inside our war room and play out who the Bears will leave the first …
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Respect Coin: Wagering on the NFL Draft with Alex Shapiro
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51:10On this episode of the Respect Coin podcast, Michael Bolling is joined by the co-host of The Charter, Alex Shapiro! They look at the best bets and markets to explore if you're looking to bet on the 2025 NFL Draft. They explore the best value of where Ashton Jeanty will be drafted, the best bets in the Top 5, and players that can creep into the Top …
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ESPN's and Former GM Mike Tannenbaum on NFL draft week preparations
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46:37Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro are joined by ESPN Insider and former NFL General Manager Mike Tannenbaum. They discuss how NFL teams approach draft week, weighing the differences between roster needs vs best player available, and how the framework for draft day trades come together. Mike also touches on the communication needed betw…
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Top 30 Visits and Skill Players to Target
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32:20Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro bring you this episode of The Charter podcast. We explain the NFL Top 30 visits and Clay's first hand experience with some pre-draft visits of his own. Also, after analyzing how the Bears will address the offensive and defensive lines all off season, we highlight key skill position players for the Bear…
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Kyler Gordon extension and our 4-pick player pool draft
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53:41On the latest episode of The Charter Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor give their thoughts on the extension of Kyler Gordon. The Bears made Gordon the highest paid slot corner in the NFL. They predict how he fits in Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme, the message it sends the locker room, and who is next in line for new money. Then, Clay …
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Caleb Williams and Jaylon Johnson are embracing all challenges from new coaching staff
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45:14Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor tackle this episode of The Carter podcast! They react to the quotes from Halas Hall coming from players like Jaylon Johnson, Tremaine Edmunds, and Caleb Williams. Ben Johnson seems to be installing confidence with his coaching style and getting buy-in from established veterans. Can this energy and focu…
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Bears that need to make an impression early in offseason workouts
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30:18Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor are back on the latest episode of The Charter podcast. As the Bears are entering the first phase of the NFL offseason program, Clay walks us through the benefit of getting an early start thanks to having a new head coach. Also, the kind of habits and impressions that can be established not only by youn…
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Answering Your Voicemail and Bears Setting Sights on Arlington Heights
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38:06Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor are back together on the latest episode of The Charter podcast. They react to the latest from the NFL annual league meetings including the vote to ban the tush push stays alive. We also talk about the comments made by Bears President Kevin Warren and Chairman George McCaskey about the future of the tea…
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Teams Vote on Rule Changes at Annual League Meetings
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23:44Ruthie Polinsky is back and she joins Alex Shapiro on the latest episode of The Charter podcast. They bring you the latest from the NFL Annual League Meetings in Palm Beach, Florida. The annual coaches photo dropped but looks a bit different from years past. We also debate about the potential banning of the tush push, expanded replays, playoff seed…
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On the latest episode of The Charter, Clay Harbor and Alex Shapiro bring you the latest updates from several potential draft targets attending their school pro day. We talk about Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Will Campbell's arm growth. SMU's Brashard Smith and Texas' Jaydon Blue chances of being Chicago draft picks. Also the Bears attendees at …
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Buy or Sell: Expectations for the new look Chicago Bears
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39:41Join Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor on the latest episode of The Charter! Thirty days from the NFL draft, they discuss the latest news, including the signing of special teams ace Nick McCloud. Plus, a fun "buy or sell" segment tackles bold predictions for the upcoming season: Will Caleb Williams throw for 4,000 yards? Will DJ Moore and Rome Odunze ea…
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With the 10th overall pick the Chicago Bears select...
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38:50Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro narrow down our bracket for the Bears 10th overall selection. With all the additions in free agency, the Bears have opened up paths to multiple options. Tune in to the latest episode of The Charter podcast and see who will be crowned the champion!By Chicago Sports Network
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Chicago Bears' 10th Pick Bracket Challenge
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42:31In this episode of the Charter Podcast, we dive into a March Madness-style bracket challenge to predict the Chicago Bears' 10th overall draft pick. Ruthie Polinsky, joined by Clay Harbor and Alex Shapiro, debates the top 16 prospects, weighing team needs against player talent. From offensive line battles to the intriguing potential of a dual-threat…
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New Bears' additions already impacting Halas Hall culture
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35:10Join Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro as they recap an revitalizing day at Halas Hall! On this episode we react to the introductory press conference of the Chicago Bears' recent free agency signings Grady Jarrett, Joe Thuney, and Jonah Jackson. Hear our firsthand impressions of Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson's pressers, revealing a clear …
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Bears make WAVES to kickoff NFL free agent negotiation period
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26:01On the latest edition of The Charter Podcast, we dive deep into the Chicago Bears' explosive start to free agency! Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor break down the signings of Drew Dalman, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Grady Jarrett, analyzing how these additions completely reshape the Bears' offensive and defensive lines. We discuss the implica…
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