
The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Feb 3, 2025 • 27min
Eric Bieniemy joins the Bears coaching staff and Myles Garrett wants out
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?

Jan 31, 2025 • 39min
Senior Bowl targets for GM Ryan Poles and coaching staff additions
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.

Jan 28, 2025 • 46min
Senior Bowl: Day 1 recap and coordinator hire reactions
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.

Jan 22, 2025 • 32min
Ben Johnson gets introduced at Halas Hall
Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor discuss Ben Johnson's introductory press conference at Halas Hall. They analyze his leadership style, his plans for building a custom offense around Caleb Williams, and his vision for establishing a culture of accountability. Plus, they discuss the Bears' defensive needs and the impact of a new defensive coordinator.

Jan 21, 2025 • 38min
Ben Johnson is the new head coach of the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears made a HUGE move, hiring Ben Johnson as their new head coach! Alex Shapiro breaks down Johnson's impressive offensive success with the Lions, the importance of quarterback Caleb Williams, and the challenges ahead. Clay Harbor joins us to discuss the potential and pitfalls of this exciting hire, and whether the Bears can capitalize on their division rivals' early playoff exits. We also preview the upcoming free agency period and Senior Bowl. The Chicago Bears enter a new era and it’s Good Vibes Only 2025!

Jan 16, 2025 • 34min
Caleb Williams takes the bait and Ben Johnson's possible front office shake up
Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor discuss Caleb Williams' appearance on the St. Brown Podcast. We react to Caleb's thoughts on feeling pressure and his incident with a prankster. We also discuss more from the teams connection with Mike McCarthy and can a Ben Johnson hire come with a shakeup in the front office if he calls for it? We finally dive into our latest Resume Review with Ravens OC Todd Monken!

Jan 14, 2025 • 44min
Is Mike McCarthy the answer for the Bears?
Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down the latest in the NFL coaching search! We analyze the Chicago Bears' missed opportunity with Mike Vrabel, the qualities Mike McCarthy can bring to the team, and the intense competition for top candidates. Plus, they discuss Ben Johnson, Thomas Brown, and Ron Rivera, exploring the complexities of NFL coaching searches and the strategic decisions teams must make.

Jan 8, 2025 • 52min
17 Candidates & Counting and Resume Review: Pete Carroll
Join Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor for a deep dive into the Chicago Bears' coaching search. Following a highly anticipated (and somewhat controversial) press conference at Halas Hall, the crew dissect the team's direction, break down the leadership dynamics, and the growing list of coaching candidates. Alex Shapiro also brings us his Resume Review on former Super Bowl winning coach Pete Carroll.

Jan 5, 2025 • 33min
Bears snap losing streak with 24-22 win over the Green Bay Packers
Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor react to a victorious season finale against the Green Bay Packers. Caleb Williams leads the Bears down the field with :48 seconds left and Cairo Santos puts the exclamation point on the drive by nailing a 51-yard field goal to beat the Packers for the first time since 2018. The guys put a bow on the season and look forward to the Bears expected draft position. They also pick their positive takeaways from the season.

Jan 4, 2025 • 26min
Bears prepare for season finale in Green Bay
Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are joined by Herb Howard from The Bigs to preview the final game of the 2024 season against the Packers. They discuss the importance for the players to end the season on a good note even if the result isn't a victory. How far are the Bears from competing in the NFC? They debate if the Bears would have been better off trading away the pick that landed them Caleb Williams. Also, the best direction to go in hiring the next head coach. And much more!