The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast-logo

The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

NBC Sports Chicago

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.

Location:

New York, NY

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Answering Your Voicemail and Bears Setting Sights on Arlington Heights

4/3/2025
Ruthie 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 team in Arlington Heights. We finally open up the mailbag and answer your questions!

Duration:00:38:06

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Teams Vote on Rule Changes at Annual League Meetings

4/1/2025
Ruthie 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 seeding, and much more on the future of the NFL.

Duration:00:23:44

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What We Learned from College Pro Days

3/27/2025
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 the Ohio State pro day.

Duration:00:33:28

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Buy or Sell: Expectations for the new look Chicago Bears

3/24/2025
Join 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 each hit 1,000 receiving yards? Clay shares insights from his playing days, revealing the intense pressure of the pre-draft process. Finally, they debate the chances of a new stadium breaking ground by year's end.

Duration:00:39:41

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With the 10th overall pick the Chicago Bears select...

3/20/2025
Ruthie 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!

Duration:00:38:50

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Chicago Bears' 10th Pick Bracket Challenge

3/18/2025
In 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 tight end, we analyze key matchups and break down the strengths and weaknesses of each player. Will the Bears prioritize defense or offense? Find out as we navigate through the first round of our draft bracket, setting the stage for the Elite Eight in our next episode.

Duration:00:42:31

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New Bears' additions already impacting Halas Hall culture

3/13/2025
Join 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 vision for the team's future. We analyze Ben Johnson's coaching philosophy, the impact of these key signings on the offensive and defensive lines, and how these moves shape the Bears' draft strategy. Discover the unique personalities and leadership qualities of each player, and how their presence will elevate Chicago's team culture. Plus, we explore the improved organizational clarity under Ryan Poles and Kevin Warren, setting the stage for a potentially franchise-changing season.

Duration:00:35:10

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Bears make WAVES to kickoff NFL free agent negotiation period

3/11/2025
On 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 implications of these signings for quarterback Caleb Williams and the team's overall strategy heading into the NFL draft. Plus, we offer insights into the leadership and team dynamics these new players will bring, and take a look at other significant moves around the league, including the Commanders' blockbuster acquisition and the shake-ups in Seattle and Las Vegas. Don't miss this in-depth analysis of one of the most impactful free agency periods in recent Bears history!

Duration:00:26:01

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Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame explains how the Bears landed two key O-linemen

3/6/2025
On the latest Charter Podcast, Ruthie, Alex, and Clay break down the Chicago Bears' huge offensive line additions of Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, with insights from Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame. We get the national perspective on the Bears' offseason moves, the Caleb Williams/Ben Johnson pairing, and the impact on the upcoming NFL draft. Plus, we discuss the wide receiver market and speculate on Aaron Rodgers' future team.

Duration:00:34:10

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And The 2025 NFL Combine Award Goes To...

3/4/2025
This week on the Charter Podcast, we're breaking down the 2025 NFL Combine! Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro hand out awards for standout performances, surprises, and players that shot up draft boards. We discuss impressive athleticism, leadership qualities, and evaluate top draft prospects. Check out our award for best defensive and offensive linemen, and how the combine might change draft strategies for teams. Get ready for an in-depth look at the most head turning moments from this year's combine!

Duration:00:36:45

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Ryan Poles & Ben Johnson Reveal Offseason Plans from the NFL Combine

2/26/2025
Join Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor for a new edition of The Charter Podcast. The guys bring you their takeaways from Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson's media availability yesterday. We break down Poles' assessment of Ben Johnson's football IQ, his approach to free agency, and his plans to improve the Bears' roster. We also explore Johnson's vision for the offense, his excitement about working with Caleb Williams, and his strategy for rebuilding the offensive line. The guys discuss key personnel moves, including the releases of Gerald Everett and DeMarcus Walker.

Duration:00:37:32

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Preparing for the NFL Draft Combine

2/24/2025
Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are back along with Clay Harbor as they prepare for the Bears' annual migration to Indianapolis got the NFL Draft Combine. Clay brings us an inside look at the process for the draft hopefuls. Everything from the intense process it takes to be fit both physically and mentally and the real impact that comes from a prospect's performance. We then get into the Bears' new approach after adjusting to Ben Johnson's system needs.

Duration:00:30:48

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The $280M question: How Will the Bears Spend BIG?

2/20/2025
Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor are back on The Charter podcast and with the NFL Combine and free agency on the horizon, we discuss the massive salary cap increase and its implications for the Bears, who are already sitting pretty with top-five cap space. We debate whether this means bigger paydays for individual stars or a broader distribution of wealth across the roster. Plus, we analyze the potential departure of Ian Cunningham to Jacksonville and what that could mean for the Bears in terms of compensatory picks and the overall team dynamic. Then, we lay out our dream scenarios for the Bears' off-season and covering key positions like center. Finally, we dream of a potential blockbuster return of a familiar face... or maybe not?

Duration:00:25:09

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Player Perspective: The NFL Offseason

2/18/2025
Alex Shapiro is joined by Clay Harbor for an inside look at what the NFL offseason looks like! On this episode of The Charter Podcast, Clay shares his insight on draft prep, the rookie wall, navigating free agency, and the importance of offseason training. He highlights the balance between recovery, rigorous training, and personal time.

Duration:00:30:08

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Free Agents and Elite Pass Rushers to Target

2/12/2025
Dive into the Chicago Bears offseason with Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor. This Charter Podcast episode analyzes potential free agent targets from the Super Bowl, including offensive linemen Mekhi Becton and Trey Smith, and explores the high-stakes decision of trading for elite defensive players like Micah Parsons. We also discuss the Montez Sweat trade and its impact on the Bears' draft strategy. Tune in for a breakdown of the Bears' offseason plans and the crucial decisions ahead.

Duration:00:29:13

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Can the Bears follow the blueprint the Eagles laid on their way to a Super Bowl win?

2/11/2025
Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro react to the fallout from Super Bowl LIX. Clay joins us from Philly and lays out the reaction from the city. They outline the dominance from the Eagles front four, the offensive line, and the MVP performance from Jalen Hurts. How does the loss affect Patrick Mahomes’ case for being the GOAT? And how far away are the Bears from being able to field a Super Bowl lineup?

Duration:00:36:40

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Drafting Bears players to Super Bowl LIX

2/6/2025
After recording this episode of The Charter, we received news about the passing of Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey. Ruthie, Alex, and Clay quickly address. Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor are back to talk about Super Bowl LIX. We draft current members of the Bears roster to add to the Chiefs and Eagles ahead of the big game. A surprising name is left off the list. Clay gives us three big reasons why the Eagles will bring home the Lombardi Trophy. Alex tells us why it's a mistake to ever go against the Chiefs.

Duration:00:35:16

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Eric Bieniemy joins the Bears coaching staff and Myles Garrett wants out

2/3/2025
Ruthie Polinsky is back with Clay Harbor and Alex Shapiro. The crew talks about more key additions to the Bears coaching staff. Eric Bieniemy was once a highly touted offensive mind and head coaching candidate in the past. What does his career arc say about his coaching staff. Dan Roushar brings his experience as the offensive line coach in hopes of changing the team's recent history at the position. Ryan Poles is expected to be extended and what would you give up to bring elite pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Chicago Bears?

Duration:00:26:35

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Senior Bowl targets for GM Ryan Poles and coaching staff additions

1/31/2025
Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor give us their final takeaways from the Senior Bowl. They talk about the players who boosted their draft stock and key reports on lineman like North Dakota State's Grey Zabel and North Carolina's Willie Lampkin. Also skill position standouts in Georgia's Trevor Etienne and TCU's Jack Bech. Plus, the Bears added two more pieces to Ben Johnson's coaching staff, defensive line coach Bill Johnson and passing game coordinator Press Taylor.

Duration:00:39:28

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Senior Bowl: Day 1 recap and coordinator hire reactions

1/28/2025
Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor come to you live from Mobile, Alabama where they are covering the 2025 Senior Bowl. They bring you their reactions to the first practice of the week including notable standouts, what the Senior Bowl means to smaller school attendees, and what the guys are looking forward to seeing at these practices. They're also on the search for Ryan Poles or Ben Johnson as well as bringing you their reactions to the latest coordinator hired by the Chicago Bears.

Duration:00:46:12