The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

On 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 camp—including how much improvement they need to see from Caleb Williams. They also discuss which positions still feel shaky, why the defensive line deserves more attention, and we get Grote's camp crush.

With 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 exactly will the Bears’ offense look like under Ben Johnson? Plus, the guys debate this-or-that scenarios for the 2025 season: Who will be RB2? Will DJ Moore or Rome Odunze hit 1,000 yards? Will the Bears run more 12 or 11 personnel? And how many Pro Bowlers can this team produce?

On 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 spot in a crowded Bears backfield.

On 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.

Ruthie 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 camp. They also highlight their early “camp crushes” and take stock of the running back room.

The Bears’ offseason takes another turn as the NFC North reshuffles again. Ruthie 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 Johnson is instilling at Halas Hall. Plus: Clay’s minicamp takeaways, Caleb’s development curve, Aaron Rodgers' return to Soldier Field, and some standout players flying under the radar.

The 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 competition, the energy at Halas Hall felt different. The crew also discusses position battles, offseason priorities, and what to watch as the team heads into its final OTA before summer break.

Alex 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 Amegadjie. They also dive into the growth of Tyrique Stevenson and Gervon Dexter, and the early impact of new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

The 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 coach. Plus, insights from Cole Kmet on adapting to the addition of Colston Loveland, DJ Moore’s evolving role in the new offense, and D'Andre Swift’s take on reuniting with his former coordinator.

On 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 battles to watch at Halas Hall, leadership development in the Bears locker room, and the continued evolution of Caleb Williams under center. Plus, the crew shares early impressions of Rome Odunze, DJ Moore’s usage, and which players could step into cornerstone roles as this new Bears era unfolds.

Caleb 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 Keenum’s role as mentor and potential QB2, and the early impressions from OTAs. From Ozzy Trapilo flashing at left tackle to Dennis Allen’s complex defense keeping everyone on edge, it’s a loaded episode with plenty of insight and takeaways on the new-look Bears.

The 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 of the Year? Can Cairo Santos stay automatic? And how soon will the Bears break ground on a new stadium? Plus, the crew recaps their Memorial Day weekend fun and previews the next round of OTAs.

The 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 coaching style, and the leadership presence of veterans like Joe Thuney and Grady Jarrett. Plus, a closer look at Jaquan Brisker, Gervon Dexter’s potential breakout, and why Dennis Allen is flying under the radar—for now.

The 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.

The 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 winnable (and which feel like gauntlets), and how an early bye week could actually help Ben Johnson’s new regime. Plus, the crew gives their way-too-early record predictions, debates the value of primetime slots, and hypes up what could be a wild finish to the season.

What 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 into early impressions of Zah Frazier, Kyle Monangai, Ruben Hyppolite, and what to expect as OTAs begin.

Rookie 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 Michael Vick, and earning trust through football IQ. Plus: who has the most to prove, which undrafted guys could rise, and why coaching matters just as much as the reps.

With 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 Johnson’s offense. Then, Alex talks with Texas A&M defensive line coach Sean Spencer about Shemar Turner’s relentless motor, positional flexibility, and the “dog” mentality he’s bringing to Chicago. What did their college coaches reveal that fans don’t know yet? Tune in for all the behind-the-scenes insights.

The 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 still a need despite Kyle Monangai’s hype? The guys dive into the biggest roster competitions, rookie projections, and what free agent moves might still be on the horizon—including names like Nick Chubb, J.K. Dobbins, and even a possible Jamaal Williams reunion. Plus, Clay drops his favorite under-the-radar position battle to watch.

The 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 in Ben Johnson's offense. Then, the conversation shifts to Day 2 with wide receiver Luther Burden III and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo. How will Burden's slot skills and fiery attitude mesh with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze? Can Trapilo compete for the starting left tackle spot? The gang digs into positional fits and long-term upside. The defensive additions—Shemar Turner, Ruben Hyppolite, and Zah Frazier—bring athleticism and edge to Ryan Poles’ roster. But did the Bears do enough at edge rusher? The team discusses that and more, including late-round sleepers like OT Luke Newman and RB Kyle Monangai. A jam-packed episode covering every angle of the Bears' draft strategy, player fits, and what's next for the Bears.