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Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

312 Sports
Chicago Bears
NFL
Caleb Williams
Ben Johnson
Green Bay Packers
NFL Draft
Super Bowl
NFL Playoffs
DJ Moore
Cleveland Browns
Detroit Lions
Los Angeles Rams
Kyler Gordon
National Football League
Mike Vrabel
Ryan Poles
Kevin Warren
Arlington Heights
312 Sports
NFC Playoffs

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

PublishesDailyEpisodes289Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
FootballSports

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Artwork for Forward Progress

Latest Episodes

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola break down the latest on Rome Odunze after Ben Johnson labeled the Bears receiver day-to-day with an injury. While the immediate concern is getting him back on the field, the bigger picture is simple: Odunze needs to... more

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola break down the Bears' latest injury updates as the team awaits its first official injury report of the regular season.

0:00 Chicago Bears current injury situation

5:00 Bears depth chart going into week 1

14:00 Who... more

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola provide the latest updates on Rome Odunze and D'Andre Swift after both exited practice early with injuries.

0:00 Rome Odunze and D'Andre Swift injury update

4:00 Why did the Bears restructure contracts?

6:00 Press... more

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola dedicate much of today's episode to reviewing and completing the Chicago Bears' newly released survey as the organization continues its due diligence and information-gathering efforts regarding a potential stadium si... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Thor Nystrom
Data analyst, NFL draft, fantasy, and wagering specialist
SKOR North (Sports Podcast Network)
Episode: Injuries Mount as Chicago Bears Head Toward the Regular Season
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
Ben Solak
NFL analyst and writer
ESPN/Footballer/Football analyst
Episode: Will the Chicago Bears Trade for Jonathan Taylor?
Kalif Raymond
NFL wide receiver
Chicago Bears
Episode: What Kalif Raymond Told Caleb Williams — And Why It Matters
Caleb Williams
QB prospect in NFL context
NFL/College placeholder
Episode: What Kalif Raymond Told Caleb Williams — And Why It Matters
Kevin Fishbain
Writer for The Athletic covering the Chicago Bears
The Athletic
Episode: Caleb Williams and Chicago Bears minicamp positional battles and more with Kevin Fishbain
Brad Biggs
Chicago Bears lead mailbag contributor, noted sportswriter
NFL/Chicago Bears coverage
Episode: Chicago Bears won't play in Spain, Germany, or Hammond in 2026
Chris Prozinski
Former Bears safety
Wyoming/Wyoming pageants (guest tomorrow)
Episode: Sam Roush’s NFL Roots, a D-Line Reset & the Latest from Springfield
Clay Harbor
Former NFL tight end
Episode: Former NFL player Clay Harbor on the NFL Draft strategy and more for the Chicago Bears plus perspective on Dianna Russini + Mike Vrabel scandal

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 356 ratings
  • 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 States2 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 States3 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 States3 months ago
  • Enjoy listening

    Would love to hear your thoughts on signing players to huge contracts and then they end up getting hurt. A team really has to be careful. Right now we have too much money in guys that are not playing.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    johncoachm
    United States4 months ago
  • Poor audio

    Not that it’s a terrible thing but you can hardly hear Matt Abatacola. He’s the weak link on the show anyways. It sounds very amateurish with Dan coming in loud and clear with obvious professional equipment and Matt must have the Temu version of Dans equipment. Not that Matt adds that much anyways but the sound discrepancy is horrible.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Kairook
    United States10 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.

Apple Podcasts
#136
United States/Sports/Football
Apple Podcasts
#39
South Africa/Sports/Football
Apple Podcasts
#46
Israel/Sports/Football
Apple Podcasts
#122
New Zealand/Sports/Football
Apple Podcasts
#172
Japan/Sports/Football
Apple Podcasts
#180
Norway/Sports/Football

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Chicago Bears stadium UPDATE + Dan Durkin on the offseason and upcoming NFL Draft
Q: What does this say about the bigger picture of the Bears' offseason approach?
It suggests a mindful, measured strategy focused on balancing cap management with positional upgrades, aiming to build a sustainable, young core rather than chasing short-term fixes.
Chicago Bears player evaluation and roster moves this offseason
Q: Do the Bears think Kyle Monangai is a number one back?
Probably not.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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.

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How many listeners does Forward Progress get?

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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. Spiegel & Holmes Show
3. Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast
4. Organizations Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast
5. Rahimi & Grote Show

How many episodes of Forward Progress are there?

Forward Progress launched a year ago and published 289 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Forward Progress?

Recent guests on Forward Progress include:

1. Thor Nystrom
2. Kevin Warren
3. Ben Solak
4. Kalif Raymond
5. Caleb Williams
6. Kevin Fishbain
7. Brad Biggs
8. Chris Prozinski

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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