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Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

312 Sports
Chicago Bears
NFL
Caleb Williams
Ben Johnson
Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings
NFL Draft
Super Bowl
National Football League
Tyson Bagent
Mike Vrabel
DJ Moore
Ryan Poles
Kevin Warren
Arlington Heights
Kyler Gordon
Chicago
Illinois
Dianna Russini
312 Sports

When it comes to Chicago Bears talk, Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola have been setting the agenda for decades. Now, they’re bringing that same unflinching insight — and Sunday-afternoon passion — to Forward Progress. From breaking down Bears game plans with analytical precision to unleashing the raw emotion every fan feels when the season’s on the line, Dan and Matt deliver the perfect balance o... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes325Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
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Artwork for Forward Progress

Latest Episodes

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola break down the three biggest reasons the Bears defense has emerged as a top-10 unit through the first six games of the season. From personnel to scheme to game-changing playmakers, they examine what's fueling the def... more

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola continue their preview of the Bears' Thursday night matchup with the Patriots, breaking down the latest estimated injury report and highlighting which key starters could be unavailable for the primetime showdown. The... more

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola are still enjoying the afterglow of the Bears' victory as Caleb Williams and Kyler Gordon made their highly anticipated returns and immediately looked like the best players on their respective sides of the ball. The ... more

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola break down the Bears' 31-23 win over the Falcons, a game that was more lopsided than the final score suggests. Caleb Williams returned to lead the offense and turned in one of the best statistical performances of his... more

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Recent Guests

Jason Goff
Host of Jason Goff Unscripted
312 Sports
Episode: Chicago Bears LOSE in Green Bay 31-7
Thor Nystrom
Host of Sweating Sundays, NFL and college football betting expert
Sweating Sundays
Episode: Chicago Bears & Green Bay Packers Preview with Thor Nystrom from the Sweating Sundays Podcast
Patrick Finley
Chicago Sun-Times sports journalist covering the Bears
Chicago Sun-Times
Episode: Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams and Quarterbacks Update with Patrick Finley
Carmen Vitali
Fox Sports Radio analyst, also on The Score
Fox Sports Radio / Pro Football Weekly
Episode: Carmen Vitali talks Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears loss to Minnesota in week 2
Paul Charchian
Fantasy Football World Podcast host
Fantasy Football World
Episode: Paul Charchian: Caleb Williams will lead the NFL in passing yards and TDs
Kalyn Kahler
Senior NFL Writer, ESPN
ESPN
Episode: ESPN'S Kalyn Kahler on Rooney Rule, looming Dianna Russini + Mike Vrabel saga, and Bears/Packers rivalry headed into 2026 season
Courtney Cronin
ESPN reporter
ESPN
Episode: ESPN's Courtney Cronin on the BIG PICTURE entering Chicago Bears training camp
Kevin Warren
President & CEO of the Chicago Bears (at the time of the event referenced in the episode)
Chicago Bears
Episode: After a Playoff Season, Kevin Warren Couldn't Fill the Room
Caleb Williams
College football quarterback speaking about his NFL prospects and media coverage
(not specified)
Episode: Caleb Williams Fires Back at the Critics

Hosts

Dan Bernstein
Host known for unflinching Bears insight and long-standing presence in Bears-focused coverage.
Matt Abbatacola
Co-host delivering Bears analysis with fan perspective, balancing data with personality.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 374 ratings
  • Best Chicago sports

    This is by far the best Bears podcast/ Bears talk available. Thank goodness 312 hired Dan B. And Matt A. A must listen for Bear fans.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Peyton976
    United States23 days ago
  • A great show and great guests

    I’m a longtime Bernstein listener. I was really enjoying this show, but now with the added guest for the regular season it’s somehow even better. Thor Nykstrom is one of my favorites and I truly missed him after FFWeekly was gone. Dan and Matt are great together always and the added guest really seal the deal for me.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Scrum336609
    United Statesa month ago
  • Tighten it up

    This is what happens with a good show. Doesn’t have a program Director or a true producer very good show. Very good content. They get distracted on side topics and go on way too long. If they tighten it up, it would be awesome.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    RyanRipsOffConway
    United States3 months ago
  • Favorite show

    I watch on YouTube but glad the pod is an option. Thanks for what you guys do. Listening since 2000, the local options suck other than jurko

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    rbbeudkssks
    United States4 months ago
  • It’s fine

    Nice to hear Dan again. Show would be much better without Abbatacola doing his Bernstein impression. No show needs two Bernsteins. Shut up, Matt.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    mcgee92
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Balanced Bears analysis with entertaining banter; strong host chemistry.
Insightful breakdowns, though some fans want tighter pacing and audio quality.
Appreciated for bringing Bears coverage back with new energy and consistency.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Thor's Thursday NFL Cheat Sheet: Bears, Vikings & Week 3 Best Bets
Q: How does the forecasted weather influence the betting angles for Thursday night and the Bears' upcoming matchup?
Weather shifts the emphasis toward run-heavy scripts and quicker, safer passes; it also tightens the scoring expectations and alters game-script projections, which in turn shapes player prop bets and total expectations.
Thor Nystrom, of Sweating Sundays, breaks down Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings week 2
Q: What are you looking at for this game that stands out to you?
I expect the Bears to be involved in a run-heavy approach with a focus on clock management, while the Vikings lean on a mix of short, quick passes to counter Chicago's pressure, with Justin Jefferson likely the primary target and a notable emphasis on containing turnovers.
ESPN'S Kalyn Kahler on Rooney Rule, looming Dianna Russini + Mike Vrabel saga, and Bears/Packers rivalry headed into 2026 season
Q: What was the core revelation of your Rooney Rule story and why is it significant today?
The core revelation is that the Rooney Rule's intent to diversify interviews has been undermined in practice by organizational maneuvering, timing, and opaque processes, leading to a systemic sense of unfairness among Black coaches. The piece documents real-world failures and how the league's responses have evolved, highlighting the need for transparent, verifiable processes.
Which defensive player fits best for Dennis Allen & the Chicago Bears in the NFL Draft?
Q: What kind of defensive players is Dennis Allen likely to value given his history?
He values long, athletic linemen with versatility who can play multiple positions, along with defensive backs who can adapt to different schemes and coverages.
Former NFL player Clay Harbor on the NFL Draft strategy and more for the Chicago Bears plus perspective on Dianna Russini + Mike Vrabel scandal
Q: What would you do if you were sitting down with Ryan Poles to discuss the Bears' draft approach?
I'd emphasize fixing obvious needs like stopping the run, consider trading down to accumulate more picks, and target versatile players who can contribute early, especially along the defensive line and left tackle area.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Forward Progress

What is Forward Progress about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two veteran Chicago Bears voices deliver analytical, no-nonsense football coverage with a strong emphasis on roster construction, injuries, and coaching strategy. Episodes consistently dissect Bears game plans, training camp notes, and depth chart questions while weaving in lightweight pop culture banter and sponsor segments. The show stands out for its long-running, emotionally charged Bears focus paired with informed NFL context, making it a reliable hub for fans who want sharp analysis tempered by personality and camaraderie.

Where can I find podcast stats for Forward Progress?

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How many listeners does Forward Progress get?

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What are the audience demographics for Forward Progress?

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How many subscribers and views does Forward Progress have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Forward Progress?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Forward Progress:

1. Dan Bernstein Unfiltered
2. Jason Goff Unscripted: Chicago Sports Talk
3. Spiegel & Holmes Show
4. House of L podcast
5. Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

How many episodes of Forward Progress are there?

Forward Progress launched a year ago and published 325 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Forward Progress?

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Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Forward Progress from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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What guests have appeared on Forward Progress?

Recent guests on Forward Progress include:

1. Jason Goff
2. Thor Nystrom
3. Patrick Finley
4. Carmen Vitali
5. Paul Charchian
6. Kalyn Kahler
7. Courtney Cronin
8. Kevin Warren

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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