The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

670's Mark Grote on Upcoming Training Camp and Realistic Expectations

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.

Post-Minicamp Questions and Roster Moves to Watch

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?

Why Kyle Monangai Could Be the Bears’ STEAL of the Draft

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.

Matt Eberflus Responds & Players Who MUST Step Up

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.

Ben Johnson to Rework Offense and His Rising Expectations for Rookie Availability

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.