

The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast
Chicago Sports Network
The Charter Podcast is where you can find everything you need to know about the Chicago Bears. Our team of Ruthie Polinsky & Clay Harbor 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 Thursday throughout the season.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 4, 2025 • 49min
Offense Growing Pains, Trapilo Leading the Competition, and What We're Learning About the Defense
Ruthie 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, and the buzz (and hypothetical price) for a Micah Parsons trade. Plus, joint practices with the Dolphins are on the horizon.

Jul 30, 2025 • 35min
Training Camp: Live Tackling Returns, Battle at CB, & Kiran Amegadjie
Ruthie 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 rushers, the developing left tackle competition with Kiran Amegadjie shining and Caleb Williams’ growing comfort under center.

Jul 28, 2025 • 51min
Bears First Padded Practice: Left Tackle Battle, DJ Moore Tricks, & The Next Honey Badger?
The 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. They also talk DJ Moore lining up at running back, Colston Loveland’s rising stock, Jaquan Brisker’s new role in Dennis Allen’s defense.

Jul 25, 2025 • 19min
Training Camp Recap Day 3: Red Zone Issues and Competition for Left Tackle
Ruthie 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 what to make of the early struggles. With pads set to come on next week, they break down what matters now and what doesn’t.

Jul 25, 2025 • 19min
Defense Establishing Expectations & Camp Observations from Halas Hall
Ruthie 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 Dennis Allen is bringing to the unit is already showing. Plus, early standouts like Kyle Monangai, Ruben Hyppolite, and Ian Wheeler get their flowers as camp ramps up.

Jul 21, 2025 • 47min
Bears Prepare to Kick-Off Training Camp
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.

Jul 10, 2025 • 38min
2025 Bears Fan Survey, No O-Line Doubts, & Where's The New Stadium?
With 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 heading into a pivotal season.

Jul 7, 2025 • 47min
Bears’ Revamped O-Line: Top 5 in the NFL?
Ruthie 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.

Jul 2, 2025 • 27min
Gabe Ramirez on Swift Disrespect, Caleb's Second Year Jump, and Team Chemistry
It’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. Plus, how does Caleb stack up against last year’s quarterback class? And can the Bears actually sneak into the playoffs this season? All that and more—with a few birthday shoutouts mixed in.

Jul 1, 2025 • 47min
The Must-Watch Bears Games in 2025 (And Why They Matter)
Alex 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, primetime battles, and division clashes that will shape the NFC North.


