The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor react to the news that Caleb Williams will be featured on the cover of Madden NFL 27 before diving into their biggest takeaways from Bears OTAs. The hosts discuss Caleb’s growing confidence and leadership and why he appears much more comfortable entering his third season.

They also examine the concern level surrounding Rome Odunze after comments about his health raised questions during the week...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor circle back to the Chicago Bears’ 2026 schedule with a fresh perspective, taking a closer look at the matchups that could define the season and revisiting their initial reactions nearly a week after the release. From a potentially brutal midseason stretch to intriguing quarterback battles featuring Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, and Drake Maye, the duo breaks down where the Bears may have advanta...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor unpack the newly released 2026 Chicago Bears schedule and react to some early surprises, including Chicago opening the season on the road against Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers instead of a trip to Seattle. The duo highlights several marquee matchups on the calendar, from a Monday night showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles to a pivotal Week 8 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks that Clay bel...

Clay and Ruthie kick things off with a lighter moment as they share what it’s been like being in the middle of a fast, before turning their attention to the Chicago Bears’ early offseason rhythm. With rookie minicamp approaching, they break down how the team is laying the groundwork for its newest additions and revisit their initial reactions to the draft now that there’s been time to digest it. Clay offers an upd...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor break down the Bears’ full 2026 NFL Draft class, diving into whether this group meaningfully upgrades the roster heading into the season. The conversation starts in the trenches with second-round center Logan Jones and how he fits alongside Garrett Bradbury, before shifting to third-round tight end Sam Roush and what his arrival means for the Bears’ evolving TE room. They also explore how...

CHSN host and The Score's David Haugh joins Ruthie and Clay to break down the Chicago Bears' first-round selection of Dillon Thieneman at No. 25 overall, a move Haugh says he predicted. The group dives into why there’s so much excitement around the pick, how Thieneman fits into Ben Johnson’s vision, and the way his speed adds another layer to a defense that’s clearly gotten faster this offseason. They also look at...

Clay Harbor teams up with CHSN host Gabe Ramirez, stepping in for Ruthie Polinsky, to map out the Chicago Bears’ approach ahead of the draft. The guys react to assistant GM Jeff King’s media availability and use it as a springboard to break down the team’s overall strategy, including how Ben Johnson’s vision could shape their first-round direction and the type of player who best fits his scheme.

As the conve...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor take a deep dive into the latest Chicago Bears draft buzz, starting with a notable Halas Hall visit that could hint at defensive priorities. From there, they break down the team’s biggest needs and revisit past draft picks that turned into major wins, setting the stage for how fans should view this year’s decisions.

The episode heats up as Clay unveils his boom-or-bust prospects and share...

Ruthie kicks things off by celebrating the Michigan Wolverines' national championship, setting the tone before diving into the looming decisions facing the Chicago Bears in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the draft just weeks away, she and Clay break down the different scenarios of whether the Bears should trade up, move down, or stay put and what each path could mean for the roster.

Clay zeroes in on potential targets at No. 25 overall a...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor dive into the latest from the Chicago Bears, starting with Ben Johnson’s Monday morning remarks at the owners meetings in Arizona. Johnson reflects on a fresh start in 2026, Caleb Williams’ progress, the left tackle situation, and second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III, while Garrett Bradbury’s role on the roster is also discussed. The hosts break down the coaches’ photo,...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor kick off the episode reacting to the NFL’s announcement that the 2026 season will start midweek, with the Seahawks hosting an opponent on Wednesday and the Rams facing the 49ers in the first-ever regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia. They discuss the possibility of the Chicago Bears being Seattle’s opening-night opponent and what that matchup could mean for both teams.

The conversa...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor open the episode with some fun, as Ruthie pitches her idea for a new Charter Podcast theme song before the conversation quickly shifts to real Bears news. They break down Jack Sanborn’s return to Chicago, the addition of lineman James Lynch, and what those moves signal about the team’s direction this offseason.

From there, the focus expands to the NFC North, sizing up where each team stan...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor dive into a busy stretch for the Bears, starting with the team trading for former New England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury following Drew Dalman’s retirement. They break down how Bradbury fits into Chicago’s offensive line and what the move signals about the Bears’ approach to reshaping the roster.

The conversation then turns to a flurry of free agency news, including additions ...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor unpack everything coming out of the NFL Combine, spotlighting the prospects who boosted their stock and the ones who may have left teams with more questions than answers. The conversation quickly pivots to breaking news as the Chicago Bears deal with the sudden retirement of center Drew Dalman and begin evaluating options, including a visit from a recently released center.

The episode also dives into...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor check in to talk about the NFL Scouting. Combine taking place in Indianapolis, diving into what they’re hearing around the league and how it all connects back to Chicago. The conversation quickly turns to the Bears’ roster outlook, including reports that the team is open to moving D.J. Moore and Tremaine Edmunds, and what that could signal about their long-term plan. They also explore Tys...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor open the show by unpacking the latest Chicago Bears coaching staff updates, highlighting new additions and internal promotions that could shape the team moving forward. The conversation then turns to rookie quarterback Caleb Williams making an appearance on the podcast hosted by Maxx Crosby, and what that crossover says about Williams’ growing presence around the league.

The duo also explores a...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor break down Super Bowl LX, where the Seahawks controlled the action from start to finish in a 29-13 win over the Patriots. The two dissect how Seattle set the tone early, the moments that swung the game, and what ultimately separated the champs on the biggest stage.

From there, the spotlight shifts to the Bearas. What lessons can they learn from the way the Seahawks are built? Clay and Ruthie examine ...

Clay Harbor is joined by CHSN host Gabe Ramirez to kick things off with a look ahead to Super Bowl LX, as the pair also make their game picks. From there, the conversation shifts to the NFL coaching carousel, including the Bears’ search for a new offensive coordinator after losing Declan Doyle to the Ravens and the Giants hiring former Bears head coach Matt Nagy.

The focus then turns squarely to Chicago, as Clay lays out thre...

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor kick off the episode with the Super Bowl matchup officially set, breaking down New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks and the major storylines already taking shape ahead of the championship. The conversation then shifts into “What’s Trending” around the league, reacting to a busy NFL coaching carousel that includes Mike McCarthy landing in Pittsburgh, Brian Daboll heading to Tenn...