It's Feedback Friday and Caleb Williams and the Bears prepare for the Minnesota Vikings

Summary

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Dan Bernstein Unfiltered - Feedback Friday: Caleb Williams, Bears-Vikings Preview & Listener Mailbag

Podcast: Dan Bernstein Unfiltered
Episode: It’s Feedback Friday and Caleb Williams and the Bears prepare for the Minnesota Vikings
Date: September 5, 2025
Host: Dan Bernstein
Co-Host: Matt Abbatacola
Network: 312 Sports

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Overview

This lively Feedback Friday episode blends in-depth Chicago sports discussion—anchored on the Bears, Caleb Williams, and the Vikings matchup—with signature unfiltered banter and a robust listener mailbag. Longtime radio staple Dan Bernstein and producer/sidekick Matt Abbatacola riff through NFL antics, discuss major Chicago baseball storylines, break down the nuances of the NFL’s latest rule changes, react to fan feedback, and deliver their hot picks for the weekend—all while keeping it candid, quick-witted, and decidedly Chicago in flavor.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NFL Season Opener: On-Field Drama & Instant Takes

[00:16-08:39]

• Instant NFL chaos: Dan recounts his "perfect" football-watching setup—frozen deep-dish pizza on the coffee table—only for the first play to devolve into injury and controversy: “First play, ball is kicked off. Guys hurt, carted off… Jalen Carter walks over and spits on the opposing quarterback directly in front of the referee…” (Dan, 00:52)
• Jalen Carter debate: Spitting blows up on social media, “launches all of the takes… retroactively confirm everyone’s pre-draft concerns.” Dan and Matt clarify: bad deed ≠ bad draft pick.
  • “Just because Jalen Carter did something stupid, it doesn’t mean you were right to not draft Jalen Carter.” (Dan, 04:40)
  • Matt: “Draft him. Take him the second you can, period.” (05:57)
  • Dan: “Their entire game plan is built around figuring out what he does… he’s a beast. And their entire game plan is built around figuring out what he does and stopping that before they do anything else.” (05:25)
• NFL discipline: Both expect a fine, not a suspension—"He (Carter) has to go in front of cameras and apologize... It was a mistake, I regret it... it’s over.” (Matt, 08:22)

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2. K-Balls and Special Teams: An Inside Look at a Niche NFL Rule Change

[08:39–13:34]

• NFL reveals a new rule: Preparation of “K balls” (kicking balls) is relaxed; now equipment staff can prep ahead of time, aiming for ever rounder and softer balls.
• Dan recalls past shenanigans—dryers, “ball chopsticks,” and how the special teams' “underground club” made every ball perfect for kickers.
• Takeaway: Expect kicking to get even easier and more accurate; gamblers and special teams nerds, take note.
  • “These things are going to be soft and round… as great as kicking has become, it’s only going to get better.” (Dan, 13:17)

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3. Feedback Friday: Embracing Podcast & Audience Evolution

[18:34–29:37]

• Podcast vs. radio feedback: Dan enjoys the staggered, reflective feedback loop—listeners catch up at their own pace and discuss or challenge his takes long after the episode drops.
  • “We’ve got a living, breathing record of everything that goes on. You own the archives.” (Dan, 18:55)
• Listener reactions to openness (esp. about anxiety/mental health):
  • “Thank you for feeling empowered to also share your story… There’s no bad time. Just start.” (Dan, 19:29–20:25)
  • Matt: “It’s just your journey. It’s your path…” (20:31)
• Self-aware humor: Call-outs to thrift shopping, “Addison Goodwill,” and Chicago dog names.

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4. Listener Mailbag (Feedback Friday in Action)

[25:12–29:37]

• Matt curates top user-submitted comments—ranging from haters-turned-fans to detailed technical disputes about Caleb Williams’ completion %.
  • “Takes by Levi: I used to hate to listen to Dan. I realized when he left... I am a fan.” (Matt, 25:49)
  • “Etruscan Raider: That’s the adjusted completion rate, which excludes drops and throwaways.” (Matt, 26:15)
  • Notable, meta-moment: Dan celebrates listeners who stick around despite disagreement—“If you’re here because you like it, welcome; if you’re here because it pisses you off every day... special welcome…” (Dan, 21:13)
• Plans to expand: Someday, live listener video call-ins are on the table—a laboratory for evolving engagement.

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5. Ice Cream, Pringles & Chicago Window Guys: Segment Breaks with a Local Touch

[29:37–36:27]

• Birth of the “DBU Ice Cream Club”: Listeners suggest flavors; Dan and Matt banter about favorite brands/flavors, and launch “flavor of the week.”
  • “Our first ice cream flavor of the week... Kemp’s Double Fudge Moose Tracks.” (Dan, 32:57)
• Side-riff on Pringles flavors: Both draw the line at sweet chips—“I’m out on all the sweet stuff.” (Dan, 34:38)

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6. Cubs and MLB Wild Card Races: Data Geek Deep Dive

[36:27–39:29]

• Cubs analysis: Wildcard race context, third-order record explained:
  • “If you’re racking up big run differentials against lesser opponents, it counts for less…” (Dan, 37:34)
  • Brewers’ post-All Star break dominance noted, and pitching matchups for the weekend previewed.

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7. Bears-Vikings Injury Report & Preview

[39:29–41:34]

• Full breakdown of key Bears (and Vikings) injuries—numerous “did not practice” designations for Chicago; lineups still in flux leading up to MNF.

  • Joke about Matt Eberflus’ “Jack Sanborn and 11 other guys” defense: “He just thinks he’s allowed, no matter what, to put his son out there.” (Dan, 15:55)

• Reminder: Forward Progress podcast/channel is the hub for Bears instant analysis.

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8. DBU Picks: Hot NFL and College Football Bets

[41:16–48:22]

• Record so far: 3–0; delivering picks with unfiltered confidence.
  • Matt: “Broncos minus 9 [over Titans], and the under at 42.5.” (Matt, 45:01)
  • Dan’s “Hot Tip”: “Omarion Hampton… +990 to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year… When Harbaugh gets something he likes… he’ll stay at it.” (Dan, 46:02)
  • College football: “I think Illinois is going to roll Duke… I think Duke is in for an old-fashioned, old country pumping.” (Dan, 46:54)

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9. Weekend Preview: Local and Personal Interests

[48:23–50:53]

• Matt’s watching his “Vandy Doors” (Vanderbilt) and Libertyville Middleweights (youth football).
• Fishing banter: “You might find yourself with a big mouth on the other end… It’s a Gary Yama Senko. It’s a salt-treated rubber worm.” (Dan, 49:59–50:07)

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10. Oddball Data: The Drunkest Counties in America

[51:38–55:16]

• 41 of the top 50 drunkest counties are in Wisconsin: “Congratulations… Outagami County is the drunkest county in Wisconsin, with 31% of adults reporting excessive drinking.” (Matt, 53:53)
• Satirical geography: “Dork County. It’s like Door County, but—no drinking though.” (Dan, 54:53)

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11. Pop Culture Wind-Down: ‘Jaws’ in Theaters & Originality in Cinema

[55:19–59:53]

• Reflections on seeing Jaws in theaters with kids, stage adaptation “The Shark is Broken,” and meta-humor about movie remakes/nostalgia.
  • “I guess we’re not even pretending to make creative new movies anymore because everything is either a franchise or a reboot—or it’s the actual old movie they’re bringing back.” (Dan, 58:06)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On hating but listening:
  “If you’re here because it pisses you off every day and you need to feel some emotion in your cold, hard soul, special welcome.” (Dan, 21:13)
• On Jalen Carter pick revisionism:
  “This idiot has a ring. This idiot is a Pro Bowl and All Pro… you don’t get some sort of prize after he’s got a ring.” (Dan, 04:50)
• On evolution in podcasting:
  “I’m learning day by day the difference between podcasting and broadcasting… because you can listen at your pace, because you can go back, because you can hear something… we’ve got a living, breathing record.” (Dan, 18:55)
• On feedback and mental health:
  “It’s the kind of thing that here’s what happened to me… I felt better about things because I’m empathizing with what you’ve been through.” (Dan, 19:29)
• On deep-cut football nerdery:
  “There was a cabal of ball prep guys. A cabal of balls. A K ball, if you would. Ooh. See what I did?” (Dan, 10:59)
• On the Bears defense:
  “He just thinks he’s allowed, no matter what, to put his son out there.” (Dan, 15:55)

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Segment Timestamps

• NFL Opener/Jalen Carter: 00:16–08:39
• Kicking Ball Rule Change: 08:39–13:34
• Podcast Feedback & Meta: 18:34–21:28
• Mailbag & User Comments: 25:12–29:37
• Ice Cream & Pringles: 29:37–36:27
• Cubs Wild Card Watch: 36:27–39:29
• Bears Injury Update: 39:29–41:34
• DBU Picks: 41:16–48:22
• Weekend Personal Interests/Fishing: 48:23–50:53
• Drunkest Counties: 51:38–55:16
• Pop Culture/Movie Banter: 55:19–59:53

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Flow, Tone & Style

• Classic Dan Bernstein: direct, slyly acerbic, hearty blend of sports geekery and pop culture.
• Matt is affable, keeps the show moving, and matches Dan’s sarcasm.
• Listener feedback is honestly acknowledged, even when critical.
• Segment breaks with local flair (ice cream, Pringles, fishing) give Chicago/Midwest color throughout.

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FINAL WORD

A quintessential Friday episode for diehard Chicago sports fans and podcast listeners alike. Bernstein and Abbatacola mix insightful, unfiltered takes with comic rapport, granular NFL/baseball breakdowns, and a uniquely personal approach to listener feedback—setting the tone for their evolving podcast format.

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Transcript

[A]

Dan Bernstein, unfiltered unfiltered on 312 sports. And a happy Friday to you. Dan Bernstein on dan Bernstein, unfiltered of 312 sports. Hello. Hello. Matt Abaticola.

[B]

It's Friday.

[A]

Yeah. And I should let you know that today's episode is brought to you in partnership with my bookie. Last night we sat down for some NFL football and. And I'll be damned if the NFL didn't just NFL football all over itself. Immediately, the moment it started like, let's go, let's get ready. I got a frozen deep dish pizza and I set it down in front of me and I sliced it on the coffee table using the box of the pizza as a plate. As one should do.

[B]

That's what you should do.

[A]

Free plate.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

They don't tell you free plate included. And there it is. I even preheated the oven. I cooked it for 50 whole minutes. I drizzled it with a little bit of olive oil. I put on a little bit of crushed red pepper and a tiny sprinkle of oregano and a little bit of extra parmesan and let it, I let it rest, I let it come together and then I just absolutely house the damn thing, thinking, all right, we got, we got football. And first play ball is kicked off. Guys hurt, carted off. They brought the cart. And while he's being carted off, Jalen Carter walks over and spits on the opposing quarterback directly in front of the referee, which immediately, of course, launches all of the takes that it can't just be a guy being an idiot. This has to sort of retroactively confirm everyone's pre draft concerns. And we're going to talk about this at length here. So I do want to talk about last night and all of the NFL symbolism that was going on along with a pretty fun game until the weather interfered. You know what today is? Did you look? Do you know what today is?

[B]

I do know today. It's Friday. Yeah.

[A]

But it's not just Friday.

[B]

Oh, how about them Cowboys?

[A]

No, no, it's feedback Friday. Yes, Feedback Friday. Which we're, which we're outright stealing from our corporate partners. So it's not really stealing.

[B]

No. Yeah, we're just, we're using it. Yeah, we are.

[A]

We are.

[B]

They haven't used it yet.

[A]

We're borrowing it.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So we'll give it back in time.

[A]

This idea of feedback Friday. We'll see how it goes. We think this is going to be something that we can do often.

[B]

But keep in mind this is one iteration of Feedback Friday which could evolve.

[A]

Correct. There could be all kinds of live Feedback Friday might be in there. Watch out for that. There's going to be all kinds of things, as Dan Burch did. Unfiltered is an evolving product thanks to, in part, your feedback. We'll check in with the Cubs as we start the weekend and look at where they are vis a vis the wild card, et cetera. Talk about what we're watching. This is also a day when we bring you the DBU picks that are brought to you by my bookie, and you don't want to miss them because we've been hot. Our picks, they are hot.

[B]

I'm two and. Oh, right now I know I've given you two picks. I'm two and.

[A]

Oh, I'm deciding between two things. I want to. Maybe I'll give two this week. I might give a futures like we have one for Monday as well.

[B]

We do have one for Monday.

[A]

Yeah. But I think I might have two picks I want to give, so I.

[B]

Know you can do whatever you want, pal. It's Dan Bernson.

[A]

That's right. I'm unfiltered.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You can filter my picks.

[B]

I'm very excited about my pick today.

[A]

Okay, good. Yeah. We got a Bears injury update, and then we're going to finish with the. And I don't know what's going on with this. You just wrote it on our board here. The 50 drunkest counties in the United States.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Now, we're not gonna. It's not gonna be a real deep dive. We just. We need to congratulate a state and then recognize.

[A]

I know what it is.

[B]

Recognize some other cities, but it's usually.

[A]

The same every year.

[B]

Yeah, let's not. Yeah.

[A]

Oh, wait, no. That was the DePaul. It's the same notes. Isn't that Notre Dame? No.

[B]

What's Notre Dame? Oh, you don't know if you've never watched Rudy. Okay.

[A]

No. Is that it?

[B]

That's Michigan.

[A]

I did that on purpose.

[B]

It is. I think it's Jump around. Jump around. That's not her name. Isn't it?

[A]

Yeah. I can remember it. Because of airplane.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Win just one for the Zipper.

[B]

Not because of Rudy.

[A]

No. Not because of Rudy. Is an airplane.

[B]

Yeah. Not because of Rudy.

[A]

No.

[B]

Because I haven't seen Rudy.

[A]

I have not seen Rudy.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

Ask me if I want to see Rudy.

[B]

No, I'm not going to ask you because I don't want to get more irritated.

[A]

The answer is no. Just because Jalen Carter did something stupid. It doesn't mean that you were right to not draft Jalen Carter.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

I need to be very, very clear about this, that there's. There was a lot of chest about. I told you that idiot had no place on my draft board. Okay, fine. Yeah, that was really stupid. But this idiot has a ring. This idiot is a. It was all Pro last year, Pro bowl and All Pro and the year before, all rookie. So say, say whatever you want about that. Yeah, that's. Yes, he can be stupid. And he was. That was really dumb. And he took himself out of the game. And you could say, well, they won. I know they won the game. They would have won it a lot easier with him out there destroying worlds because he's a beast. And their entire game plan is built around figuring out what he does and stopping that before they do anything else. And that allowed them to march up and down the field and score a bunch of points. But you don't get some sort of prize after he's got a ring. They. Once you win the super bowl, especially if you're a Bears fan. And I have to be very clear, I was in between. About drafting him.

[B]

Oh, I wasn't.

[A]

I was.

[B]

I was not. Draft him. Take him the second you can, Period.

[A]

I was uncertain about whether or not the Bears were the right organization, especially under that regime, to support him.

[B]

That's a different argument, a different topic.

[A]

But no.

[B]

Is he a guy that you should.

[A]

Draft 100% in a perfect world with everything being equal? Of course.

[B]

So now another indictment against this stupid organization.

[A]

I didn't have trust in the Bears to be able to put him in the best place to succeed with his undoubted talent. Yes, but you can't now after he's an All Pro, after he's all rookie and was he rookie of the year?

[B]

All rookie.

[A]

He was all rookie. He was in the PFWA all rookie team in 2023.

[B]

You can't rewrite that now and say, see, I told you.

[A]

Right? Nobody should have. He's got a ring. They had the parade. They greased the light poles so the fans couldn't climb them. That all happened.

[B]

He's the premiere player, defensive player in the NFL. I mean, his name is mentioned with Aaron Donald that he could be that guy. When you have that, there is no. Ah, I told you we shouldn't have taken him because he spit. Now let's talk about that incident because that is completely ridiculous. I know. I, I'm not, I'm not buying what Dak Prescott said too now, apparently he tried to troll one of the offensive linemen, I think Tyler. Tyler somebody or other tried to get in his head. Fine. He's playing games, he's doing what, what, you know, what athletes do. And then Prescott comes over and he has something to say about it. And then Prescott even said himself that he. That he had the need to spit and he Spit, like in his general direction.

[A]

Spit in your general direction. Yeah, it's. But there's a big difference between that and hocking a loogie on somebody's chest.

[B]

There is, there is. But first of all, why are you bitches spitting at each other?

[A]

Yeah, it's.

[B]

It's especially you, like Jalen Carter. You're the guy on the field closest to the ball all the time, closest to the quarterback with the ability to bury that asshole and you spit on him.

[A]

You have all day, you have the next three hours to kill him to line up and just Legally. Legally everybody in front of you.

[B]

Yes. And you spit on him.

[A]

It's.

[B]

What are you thinking?

[A]

I think he'll get at least a major fine, if not an appealable suspension of some kind that he's going to. I don't think the NFL's done.

[B]

They better not suspend him. They. They can't. I mean, he can't. They can, but they shouldn't. There's a lost out on this game. Fine. He has to be an idiot and go in front of the cameras and I'm sorry I did this. It won't happen again. It was a mistake. I regret it. Yeah, great, Great. It's over and done with. They shouldn't, they shouldn't suspend.

[A]

But there's a new emphasis on quote, unquote, respect for opponents. One other thing that came out of last night's game that I found really interesting that, that you may not know of at this point is that. And I remember about this, this was in April, I think, when the owners were meeting, the competition committee was meeting. There was a proposal for a new rule that has been adopted. And it matters. And don't laugh when I tell you why it matters. They changed the rule regarding the preparation of K balls.

[B]

Oh yeah.

[A]

Now what happened was years ago, the history on this. And I was front and center for this cuz I got a 2 tutorial of how this worked from the Bears who were involved. I think at the time it was Jeff Jaeger was the Bears kicker and I think Mike Horan was the punter. Mike Horan who would show up to work with a briefcase. Not kidding. Fun guy. Great Guy, he was a big Star wars fan. I remember, like, the Phantom Menace trailer came out and he and Scott Hagel and I were clustered around a computer to watch the first trailer for the new Star wars movies. I'm like, you're totally. Of course the punter is here doing that. But they showed me what they did with the K balls. Then they didn't have K balls, but the kickers would take balls and put them in the dryer. They'd wet them. They would dry them, soften them, squeeze the ends in to make the balls as round as possible. They even had a contraption. They made it out of wood, two by fours, and they would use it like chopsticks and pinch the ball in between and stand. They put their foot down on this compressor, this simple lever that would make the ball like a rugby ball and make it as round as possible. And there was. Every team had their own way of doing it. And the kickers had a back channel where the opposing kickers would, that week would talk to the home kicker and say, how are the balls? Hey, buddy, how are your balls? Round, right? As round as possible. And there was a cabal of ball prep guys, a cabal of balls. A K ball, if you would. Ooh. See what I did? That was inadvertent.

[B]

I heard it too.

[A]

Completely inadvertent. And they would go out of their way to have this underground club of equipment people and kickers making everything. Not club dub, of making everything just right. So then the field goals went crazy and every was. And they didn't think it was. Oh, because the kickers are so good. It's because they're kicking round balls. So, damn it, they're going to do something about it.

[B]

They brought a soccer ball out one time, didn't they?

[A]

They just didn't even hide it.

[B]

See if we can get away with this.

[A]

And they. And they decided, now we're going to kick a ball right out of the box. And there was a guy on the sidelines with a K on his little bib vest, and he would come out with the safety, the brand new balls. Then they mitigated that and they said, well, you can prepare the K balls, but only 60 minutes before the game, the home team just like what the quarterback does. Remember Deflategate?

[B]

Yep.

[A]

And everything we learned about Deflategate that they said, okay, this is the deal. You get 60 minutes and your equipment staff has to do this before the game. So this year, several teams are. Seven teams, I think, said, it's putting undue stress on our Equipment staff that has better things to do before a game than figure out what to do with these kicking balls and wash them and dry them and soften them and do whatever they do. So other owners agreed and they said we can do this ahead of time. That now it's supposedly every ball still has to be submitted to be checked.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But from what I'm hearing, these things are going to be soft and round and get ready for. As great as kicking has become, it's only going to get better.

[B]

All right. I just, I question the whole idea of we don't have time, 60 minutes for a game. Our equipment staff then like hire more people. If you're an NFL team, like if that's, if that's the window of time you have, then you hire a half a dozen people that their specific job is to finagle the balls of the kickers.

[A]

What are you? I am a professional fondler of balls.

[B]

Before the game starts, you have 60 minutes to do it. Here's my job.

[A]

Ball fun.

[B]

Ball finagler. Yeah, well, whatever. So. Yeah.

[A]

So apparently the word is that kicking is going to be really good for that reason because there are teams that are going to be fudging the rules.

[B]

Well, that's super exciting.

[A]

And over preparing their kicking balls.

[B]

That's why I watch. I watch.

[A]

But you know, gamblers want to know such things.

[B]

Yeah, I know, I know, you're right.

[A]

Somebody's going to bet on like I think the total field goals made for the season.

[B]

I think people bet on football games. So this is probably important information to know.

[A]

So that's why I bring it up. Yeah, but bottom line, the NFL gave us everything we expect from the NFL in about four minutes last night. And then we got the big weather delay and I'll be honest.

[B]

Yeah, there was a, there was a lot of non football stuff going on.

[A]

In that football game once it became the, the Collinsworth Tirico talk show. Yeah, I was good.

[B]

Well, my, my night was, was late because, you know, I told you we took the boys last night to see Jaws in the theater.

[A]

In the theater. In the theater. That was so awesome. So I hope they loved it.

[B]

They did. And they all stayed awake for it because it was a, you know, eight, eight started like 8:30. So we got out of there about 10:30 and there was the, the six of us and then probably another eight people in the theater, this huge theater up in Guerney. But they absolutely loved it. So I got out late, had to, had to go home and watch Monday Night Football kind Of in delay, but we were, we were driving home and I turned on the, the Dallas Cowboys broadcast of the game on Sirius.

[A]

That's still Brad Sham.

[B]

So it's Brad Sham, Babe Laufenberg.

[A]

Laufenberg, yep.

[B]

And then the. Their sideline reporter is Christy Scales. And I tuned in at a, at a great time because There was a 12 man on the field penalty for the Cowboys. And Brad sends it down to Christie Scales and he goes, hey, who's responsible for, you know, checking. There was an extra linebacker on the field who's responsible. Jack Sanborn, who's responsible for checking the number of linebackers on the field. And she. Dan, this is what she said. I haven't listened to Cowboys radio at all.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

This is what she says. She goes, yeah, you guessed. Was Matt Eberfluss already that.

[A]

With, with.

[B]

Yeah, with the needle.

[A]

Yes, you guessed it.

[B]

You guessed it.

[A]

Matt Ebers, powdered toast man.

[B]

Yes, right away.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

I was so excited that I turned it on and heard it. She's like, yeah. And it was, it was like the, her, her, her tone was as if they have discussed this dozens and dozens of time. And it was the third freaking quarter of the game.

[A]

I think he loves Jack Sanborn so much he doesn't care who else is on the field.

[B]

They just put him out there, sends him in. So his defense is Jack Sandborn and 11 other guys.

[A]

He just, he just thinks he's allowed, no matter what to put his son out there.

[B]

So clearly Brad knew the answer to the question, asked the question, and she's like, already, you guessed it in the first game. Matt Eberfluz. Yes. The third quarter of game one.

[A]

I have to admit that's kind of how I felt about Shane Waldron last year. Well, so look, we know that both. We know.

[B]

How lucky was that?

[A]

Okay, well, that's something to keep an ear on.

[B]

Yeah, it was. So. So I will be tuning into Cowboys radio, you know, when I, when I can. I thought that was totally worth it. It was so good.

[A]

You know that one guy in your group chat who hits a five leg parlay week one and then you have to hear about it for the rest of the season. Admit you want that to be you. And it can be you who does that because my bookie makes it ridiculously easy to get in on whatever action you want. The n. College ball, they got a super contest. They've got survivor pools, all the spreads, the player props and in game lines you could want all under one roof. And if you're new to my bookie, we have a code for you. You use it, DBU, those three letters. And any bet you choose up to $500 is fully covered. You make your play. If it doesn't hit, you get it right back. When you opt in using your bet back bonus token, there's no better time to jump in and no better place to play football is back. So let's make some money with my bookie. We made a promise on this Friday that there would be feedback, and I would like to start with some general stuff, just because it also gives you a window into how I'm learning, day by day, the difference between podcasting and broadcasting. And I'm going to keep learning about it. But one thing I'm starting to understand is these podcasts, we do them and we put them out there and they live there for a while. There is a. Oh, forever. They live there forever. And the way the reaction comes in is not necessarily like the radio shows that I've been used to for 30 years. It isn't all just live and this, and you say it and it goes off into the ether and then it's gone. That, because you can listen at your pace, because you can go back, because you can hear something, and then with context, you can go back. And that's what's cool about this stuff, is somebody can say, well, I think you said this. It's all there. We've got a living, breathing record of everything that goes on. You own the archives. You can tell me, you call, say, hey, play that thing you said back in the. Now I'm not gonna remember everything I say, but because I rarely do, whether it's the lights on or the lights off. But the fact that the response to even the first episode has been staggered, that we get that big outpouring of response. And now, even now, even every day, I'm getting, hey, I just heard the first part of your first episode. And everybody's sharing their stories about mental health, about dealing with anxiety. And I'm especially the people have reached out directly. Some of the feedback on YouTube's been really good, but the messages that I've gotten individually on Instagram, and I've tried to reply to almost all of them as best I can, unless it's like a weird thing and somebody's sending me some of the bots that send bizarre videos a loan agreement. Oh, that. That's just on my voicemail. Okay, your loan has been approved. And hey, this is Kelsey and I'm calling. Fine, just send me the money already.

[B]

Yeah, honestly, if you need Some help, let me know.

[A]

Just send the money, whoever. But I hear you, and thank you for feeling empowered to also share your story and the number of people who said, hey, I hope you're doing well. I am. Every day. I'm trying my best to do as well as I possibly can and thank you. And I really appreciate the number of people who said, thanks for saying that. It's the kind of thing that here's what's happened to me, here's what I've been able to say because of it or felt better about things because I'm empathizing with what you've been through. And it's a little scary, frankly, to hear the number of people who've had a difficult time saying, I didn't try therapy before or I didn't realize this was something I needed. I should have listened to my family. You know, I'm someone who should have listened to my family and was late to therapy. It's okay. There's no bad time.

[B]

Just start.

[A]

Nothing wrong with being late. You're not. Just start. If you have been thinking about it, just start.

[B]

You know, because it's not really. I don't want to look at it as being late. It's just your journey. It's your path you're on. And that's the point that you decide that you need to do it because other people can't decide for you. And if other people decide for you, it's not going to be effective.

[A]

So that's my general response to a lot of the feedback and also in just large part, thank you. Just so much kindness and so much support and so many people saying that, hey, either I love you and I missed you, or I hate you. And I'm still listening and I missed you. And I'm here against my better judgment because you're a woke idiot, but I'm listening. Okay, fine. I'll wear all of it.

[B]

Right?

[A]

Whatever you want. Say whatever you want. Thanks for being here. And if you're here because you like it, welcome if you're here because it pisses you off every day and you need to feel some emotion in your special welcome, in your cold, hard soul Special welcome? Absolutely.

[B]

You're gonna wear it like your thrift store jacket, man.

[A]

It is.

[B]

While you're out shelf shopping.

[A]

Look, can we.

[B]

It looks good. I'm going to say it looks good, but I just. I don't like you lying to me, telling me that you were out looking for a bookshelf when you were clothes shopping. Just say you were clothes Shopping.

[A]

I was looking for a bookshelf.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I was looking for a bookshelf.

[B]

All right, fine. We'll agree to disagree.

[A]

And the location actually sounds like some random former cub. Addison Goodwill.

[B]

Yeah, it does.

[A]

I was. I was at the Addison Suspended. The Addison Goodwill. Right across from the. From the Dunkin Donuts. I was looking for a bookshelf and I said, wait a second. That says it's a 40 regular. That's a nice. This is Joseph A bank. Fits me perfectly.

[B]

Yeah, no, it looks good on you, pal. Yeah, it looks good. Just say you are all clothes shopping and I guarantee there's at least one. There's a. There's a kid out there, if not now, will be named Addison Goodwill.

[A]

Addison Goodwill because of you. Good. Do that. Or a dog.

[B]

Most are dogs.

[A]

Most yellow and black labs near me are either named Addison or Grace or Clark. Oy. Yes.

[B]

They never put pants on the damn dog. So, you know, I had a guy that I know personally, a football guy, big, burly guy, you know, and, you know, when he heard about the podcast, he said he wasn't going to listen because he hates you.

[A]

Good. That means he's probably gonna listen.

[B]

He listened to the first episode.

[A]

You can't hate me without listening.

[B]

And he said he. Well, he listened because of me. Okay, but he hates you.

[A]

Good.

[B]

Listened to the first episode, loved what you shared, was really touched by it, and is now a regular listener of the podcast.

[A]

What's his name?

[B]

No, I'm not gonna say his name.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Not gonna say his name.

[A]

All right, Can I send some to him off the air?

[B]

Sure.

[A]

Just give me his, like, his Instagram handle or something.

[B]

All right, fine.

[A]

Well, good. No, that's. I like that.

[B]

All right, so here's what Feedback Friday is going to look like. I took. I went through all the comments on, you know, all the different. Oh, by the way, too, we have social media accounts up and we'll. We'll publicize them more and. But you can find them three one, two Sports. Matt Abaticola. Dan Bernstein. Dan Bernstein. Unfiltered forward progress. There's lots of stuff out there. Again, we're. We're progressing in levels and we're adding layers to things they're out there now to find. We'll promote and start utilizing those more as we. As we go through the weeks. You know, we've talked about this. Stage one was getting the shows up, up and running before football season.

[A]

If you want to find me on Bluesky, it's an Bernstein. I still have the Twitter account. But I'm not looking at my using.

[B]

It to socialize the shows, which is great.

[A]

Instagram, I've found is a relatively pleasant place. That's at real Dan Bernstein.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

And anyway, there is going to be email too for you old school emailers out.

[B]

Yeah, we will. We're going to add emails that you'll be able to email into the different.

[A]

Shows to me and of course the YouTube comments.

[B]

Yeah, YouTube comments are there. You can find me anywhere at Mattabaticola. It's always. It's super easy to find. So go ahead and do that. So I went through and took some of the comments here, Dan. I just want to share a few of them and what I envision for feedback Friday, which our friends up at Score north in Minneapolis, they do this as well. They actually bring in listeners live onto the podcast. So if we get to that point, that's I would love.

[A]

Not in person though.

[B]

No, not. Well, just on video.

[A]

Via video.

[B]

Yeah. Sort of like what we did with Uncle Terry the other day. You bring them in, you get your few seconds to comment, we'll talk with you and we'll kick you out of the room.

[A]

As long as they aren't the people who were in line in the lobby yesterday.

[B]

No, it's going to be a very stringent vetting process. So.

[A]

Woof.

[B]

I know it was but there was a couple hey Dan's.

[A]

Hey Dan. Yeah, but that, that was you talk about a menagerie.

[B]

It was something any. So that that will be the ultimate end game is to have listeners come on the podcast with us to share their their feedback, talk about Bears games, upcoming Bears games. But right now I just pulled some comments. Want to share them with you. These are some ones I like. This is takes by Levi. I used to hate to listen to Dan. I realized when he left. I don't always agree, but I am a fan. I hope you guys get Tim Jenkins on during the season. That segment was always appointment radio for me. So thank you.

[A]

Nice.

[B]

Here's one from Shugo Shin. I absolutely cackled while I was looking up Bears franchise reception leaders and her dance a sweetness. And Forte absolutely cackled. Etruscan Raider. Just a quick, just a quick clarification. When Ben said 70% completion rate, talking about Caleb Williams, we just as we discussed, that is the adjusted completion rate which excludes drops and throwaways.

[A]

I think it's still a reach.

[B]

It's absolutely. But. But by the end of training camp, the end of the third preseason game, his, his completion rate was up to 68.1% taking out drops and throwaways. Okay, so he's. He's close, but, yeah, I don't see it during the season. Here's Rob Daney, 32:11. He says, I would have never thought anyone would ever sing an R E M parody referencing Brett Favre. But then Dan came back to us like that one.

[A]

I said only four people would get this reference.

[B]

He was one of them. Good. Jose Rodriguez, 59, 51. I agreed with you. Polls should have been can last year, but it's George McCaskey, sadly, and they aren't selling the team. Also, the guy they hired in, Kevin Warren is not a football guy. He's not the guy to say, hey, Ryan, sorry, buddy, your eye for talent is terrible. Pack your bags, you're done.

[A]

Good. Okay.

[B]

Robert the Apostle, 489. I hope he's not starting some cult.

[A]

I hope he is.

[B]

You do?

[A]

Oh, sure. Why not?

[B]

So this is. This is my criticism of Caleb Williams in a few of the preseason games when he was throwing high down those seam routes to tight ends.

[A]

Yeah. When you said he was going to get guys killed.

[B]

Yeah, he said he's throwing over a linebacker, Matt. That's why he threw it like that. Come on, man. That's not the case. That's not the case at all. And I don't want to just argue back and forth here with it, but I know the difference between throwing over a level and getting and dropping it in between a zone, then throwing the ball really high and having a very athletic, tall guy stretching out to catch the ball. I know the difference.

[A]

I would also say that's not the case. I see. I would also argue that's the skill.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

Yes, he's throwing over a linebacker, but the idea of saucering that thing exactly where it has to go so he can catch it, inside linebacker and make it catchable. That's. That's what elite arm talent is supposed to be able to do.

[B]

And you catch it in stride while you're still moving, because that's the whole point of it. Instead of having to stop yourself, reach up to catch it, come down, and then you're done.

[A]

And then absorb a car accident.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

Right.

[B]

Right. That's the whole point of it. Last one from Glenn Weinstein, 91 47.

[A]

That's the guy that brings us food.

[B]

He said, I enjoyed hearing Maddie complain the studio was still too warm while wearing two layers of clothes. And Dan responding, the studio is still too cold while wearing one layer of clothing. See, we fair point.

[A]

I say we Ban all lawyers from.

[B]

No, we can't. We're never gonna.

[A]

No, we're gonna have you, Glenn Weinstein. No, you, Weinberg.

[B]

We're not gonna. We're not gonna ban all lawyers.

[A]

Okay. We can't ban Glenn because every time he goes overseas, he brings us food.

[B]

Hey, Dan, what do you. What do you call a bus at the bottom of the ocean full of lawyers?

[A]

A start.

[B]

A good start. Yeah, you get it. Because it's a. It's a thing about lawyers.

[A]

Because lawyers are bad. Because they're smart.

[B]

Yeah. And they make money.

[A]

Yeah. Except when you really need.

[B]

And you really need one and they really help you, and they're like, oh.

[A]

Yes, now they're that my only friend.

[B]

So again, you can. You can contact us through social media through the comments on the YouTube. Remember YouTube for Dan Burns and unfiltered YouTube for forward progress also. They're two separate things. Subscribe, comment to both. We'll have emails out eventually for you. And again, I really, really hope we can do this down the road is to get listeners in on a Friday to join us during the podcast.

[A]

And one thing I want to add that I'm taking under advisement was an Instagram note that I got last night with a photograph because you remember yesterday I was talking about the ice cream conundrum.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

My least favorite Robert novel.

[B]

You go to nine different stores to buy four different depends of ice cream.

[A]

The Wen Jason's Home, everybody's favorite ice cream is a different brand. And so there's one on sale where others aren't on sale. And it breaks my brain to have to get Dean's Breyers, Ben and Jerry's and Haagen Dazs to make everybody happy. Well, let's add this because Brian sent me a picture of Kemp's double Fudge moose tracks, and he called it the DBU Ice Cream Club flavor of the night. And I said, you know, we may have to actually do this somehow.

[B]

No, you know, I may have to.

[A]

Have the DBU Ice Cream Club.

[B]

I was thinking through that, and I think we can do that. I think we should do that. I think we can start next week with it. But it can't be flavor of the night just because the way podcasts are consumed.

[A]

Flavor of the week.

[B]

Flavor of the week.

[A]

And he said it's good ice cream, great for chocolate lovers. And when you slide the spoon across the top, it's slightly soft and rolls as if you're using an ice cream scoop. He said. He said the fudge filled cups Prevented that. Too pointy. He gave it three out of four stars, so he's already. There it is. There's your. Your Kemp's Double Fudge Moose Tracks ice cream review.

[B]

All right, so we will. We'll start with that. I'll start with that right now. We'll just. We'll just do it.

[A]

All right? Because, you know, I'm. I'm Camp Dean's Peppermint, right? That's my go to.

[B]

So at home, I'll have to start buying gallons of ice cream to start eating because what at home, what we eat. Now, Natalie has got me into these Yasso bars, so it's like. It's frozen, like yogurt.

[A]

Yasso.

[B]

Y A S S O is the. Is the brand name.

[A]

They're.

[B]

They're really good. It's not asshole.

[A]

It's too close. Yeah, it's way. It's way too close to an asshole bar. How'd your marketing meeting go? Bad.

[B]

What should we call it? We call it asshole bars. I don't think we can do asshole bars. How about Yasso?

[A]

Can we focus group it? Yeah, we did. They said it tasted really bad.

[B]

Well, it depends who you ask. So that's what we eat. But when we go out for ice cream, there's a place in town that we go to called Sugarville, and they have great ice cream. And I always get the Almond Joy ice cream, so it's coconut ice cream.

[A]

Oh, dude.

[B]

Oh, don't make. I'm gonna punch you right in the mouth.

[A]

I am yucking that. Yum.

[B]

It's really good. It's almonds and then chocolates and then coconut flavored ice cream. I can guess if you can guess what it is.

[A]

I can guess what an Almond Joy is.

[B]

You know what? Screw you, Bernstein jerk.

[A]

God, I don't hate.

[B]

On my ice cream flavor. When he was 75 years old. Peppermint ice cream. The old bastard.

[A]

It's not butter pecan or.

[B]

Well, that's what I thought you just.

[A]

Said Jason was going to enjoy no caramel cone.

[B]

Yeah, I know. Caramel Coal.

[A]

Actually, now that he's too late, it's caramel Cohen that he has to have. They change it down there. Yeah, they have to spell it. C O H E N. Is that.

[B]

Does he get it at Epsilon Moofi or.

[A]

I don't know where he was. I can never keep track.

[B]

So. All right, so our first ice cream flavor of the week. And this will. This will go out for the. For the next week. Okay. Till next Friday, which is. What is it?

[A]

Now it's Kemp's. It's the house dairy brand of Mariano's.

[B]

Kemp's.

[A]

It's like what Dean's is to Jewel. Kemp's is to Mariano's. Double fudge moose tracks.

[B]

All right, so that'll be the first dbu.

[A]

Thanks to Brian. Thanks to flavor of the week for submitting that.

[B]

All right, so we'll do that real quick. Speaking of flavors of things, I don't know if you. Do you. Do you. Have you ever eaten Pringles?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Okay, so I have.

[A]

I never eaten Pringles.

[B]

I don't know. Some people just don't like them because people don't consider them real potatoes.

[A]

They're not.

[B]

I know. They're potato crisps.

[A]

Correct. They're. They're. They're extruded and reformed into the saddle.

[B]

But I love them. I love. And I'll take down a whole canister. Yeah, they're great. Have you. Have you, like, looked at them lately to see the flavors they have?

[A]

No.

[B]

Okay. I noticed this when we were in Italy, when we were in Rome.

[A]

Well, there's different things over there than there are here.

[B]

There are, but I saw it today at Walgreens as well. When I stopped off this morning to get a new case of Waterloo, I saw the Pringles, and there was a Philly cheesesteak Pringle. So listen to some of these flavors. Cinnamon sugar, jalapeno, pumpkin pie, spice cheese fries, prawn cocktail, curry, wasabi, white chocolate, peppermint, honey mustard, cheesy quesadilla or dilla. Nashville hot chicken, Wavy sweet and tangy barbecue. Memphis style barbecue, salt and vinegar barbecue, sour cream and onion. There's just plain wavy top ramen chicken and this one Mexican layered dip.

[A]

I'm in for anything but the sweet stuff.

[B]

Agreed.

[A]

I'm out on all the sweet stuff.

[B]

100% agreed.

[A]

I'm potentially in for any of the savory.

[B]

I am in for all the savory. No sweet stuff whatsoever. Not interested.

[A]

I totally agree.

[B]

The wasabi. I would kill a canister of those.

[A]

It's gonna be beautiful weekend. So if you are out and walking the perimeter of your house, which you should every so often, and looking at the condition of your house, you say, you know what? I need new windows. Because you probably do. So what you do is you call Russ Armstrong because he's the owner of Chicago Window Guys, and then instead of you walking around your house, Russ does, and he will decide, I can replace that. I can replace that. I can help you with this. I got exactly the right window for that. Cuz he makes the windows. They're custom made locally here in Chicago. It's all his people installing everything. No subcontracted labor, his crew, which is a big deal. So if you're getting quotes, ask those other places who is putting in my windows. They won't be able to answer. The same people that installed my windows from Russ's crew will install yours. He'll match any price. He'll explain why those buy one get one free sales gimmicks from big window are not what they say they are. You got the best product, the best price guaranteed with Chicago Window guys. So call them 847-302-9171 and check out the five star reviews. ChicagoNowdownguys.com 847-302-9171 ChicagoNowdownguys.com it is a big baseball weekend as well. I know that I'm going to be always keeping at least an eye on what's happening with the Cubs, if not sitting down and watching all of it. So let's take a look where things stand right now. The number one seed of the season ended now in the NL is the brewers because they're at 86 and 55. The Phillies would be the two seed at 81 and 59. The Dodgers 78 and 62. The Cubs are in pretty comfortable shape right now.

[B]

Comfortable 22 games to go.

[A]

They are yeah. 80 and 60. So 22 games left to go. The Cubs are plus five in the wild card and the San Diego Padres are up a game on that on the Mets for the final spot. And the Mets have a four game lead on the Giants, five game lead on the Reds. So it looks like this is how it's going to slot in.

[B]

It should, it should barring something really drastic happening towards the end of the season here. But yeah, with the Cubs up four on the Padres, five on the Mets, they should stay at this rate right here.

[A]

So let's also keep a very close eye on what's happening with Kyle Tucker and the calf strain because that matters. And according to third order record, this is Clay Davenport.com We've explained to you in the past what third order record is and at this point the and.

[B]

Just in case, hang on one second, in case you missed that, what that was so it's the Pythagorean record. But what this takes into account is your actual opponents. So if you're playing garbage, it's going to count for less.

[A]

Correct. If you're racking up big run differentials against lesser opponents, Pirates, the Rockies. It counts for less than racking up, racking up big run differentials against really good teams.

[B]

So it's good. That's why it's better to look at than just Pythagorean record.

[A]

And what's pretty amazing is how quickly the brewers have just just bolted past the Cubs right now. Because the Cubs right now in their third quarter record are right where they're supposed to be. They are. The third order is 80 and a half to 59 and a half and the Cubs are 80 and 60. The brewers are well ahead right now because their third order record is 82.8 to 58.2.

[B]

But it wasn't only until recent that the brewers passed the Cubs. I think they're within the last couple of weeks.

[A]

I think they're 30 and 15 since the all Star break.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

The best team in baseball since the All Star break. But it does appear that we're while not locked in quite yet, we're pretty close.

[B]

And to keep in mind too, for this weekend, the Cubs start A series today at 120 at Wrigley against Washington. Javier Assad. He'll take the mound against Jake Irvin for the Nationals. Irvin, his last three starts, ERA over eight. So hopefully the Cubs can get on top of him pretty quick in the game. Sod. His last start was a win for the Cubs. Six innings, three earned runs at Colorado. The Padres are at Colorado this weekend, the Mets are at Cincinnati and the brewers are at Pittsburgh for a weekend series. Unfortunately though, the brewers will not see Paul skaines, who had a 53 win last night over the Dodgers.

[A]

That is what we're watching and it's brought to you by Chicago Window Guys 847-302-9171 chicagowindow guys.com Windows locally made here in Chicago by our guy Russ Armstrong. So we have the Bears Monday night and I keep thinking that we've got to get all this bear stuff out.

[B]

Of the way because we have time.

[A]

We have plenty of time. We're going to be here on Monday. We are going to have the opportunity to get the final injury information. But at the moment, the injury report's not great.

[B]

No.

[A]

Frankly, the latest we have yesterday, lots.

[B]

Of do not pee pees. Lots of pee pees.

[A]

DNP Roshan Johnson did not practice. TJ Edwards hamstring injury did not practice.

[B]

Did not practice.

[A]

Josh Blackwell did not practice. Jalen Johnson and Kyle Menungai were limited. Devin Duvernay and Dominique Robinson were full for the Vikings no practice for Christian Derrisaw, Xavier Scott, Harrison Smith and Elijah Williams. Full practice for Jalen Naylor. Jalen Naylor and Andrew Van Gaenkle.

[B]

Your guy, the Viking. Yeah.

[A]

If you. If, by the way, go back. If you didn't hear the most recent Forward Progress, it's worth it. Only for the Vikings list.

[B]

Yeah, this are. This is the. The top 10 Vikings. Your list of the top 10 Vikings.

[A]

Well, I found it. Well, I'm reading a list of top 10 Vikings. It's unlike any list you've ever heard. The top 10 Vikings ever.

[B]

Because it may actually impact your, like, how you view the Vikings upcoming season.

[A]

Correct. If you did not hear it on Forward Progress, find the most recent episode. It's its own YouTube channel. Make sure you're subscribed to Forward Progress because that's going to be your place for Bears post game. That's going to be when things are hot and heavy immediately after a game and we are up there either live or like, live as fast as possible. Forward Progress, a Chicago Bears podcast is going to be your place for all of those things. Are you keeping track of our record for the DBU picks brought to you by my bookie?

[B]

I am. Because right now we're three and.

[A]

Oh, that's good.

[B]

We're three and. Oh, as of right now. Because one of your picks was a futures pick, right? Yeah. So that was the.

[A]

That was 27 Buccaneers to win the Super Bowl, Right?

[B]

That's your favorite. That's your. That's what you want to see happen.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Is the Buccaneers that win the Super.

[A]

Right. So that's still out there. That's what you want in our portfolio. We have to have a balanced portfolio.

[B]

Yeah, because you want that, though. That's the whole point.

[A]

Would you stop? I had people still mad at me about Luol Deng yesterday.

[B]

Why do you hate Luol Deng? Why do you hate South Sudan basketball?

[A]

Tell him to stop. How about them Cowboys? No, no, no, no. People were sending me that too.

[B]

Good.

[A]

I was getting the gif of Jimmy Johnson saying that because you wouldn't stop saying that.

[B]

Thank you. Thank you. I love all of you.

[A]

No, I keep it up. I don't.

[B]

Why do you hate Lu all day? That's Monday on Dan Bernson unfiltered.

[A]

It's an ancient tribal difference I have with you guys.

[B]

Go back generations.

[A]

Yes, generations. It's the Dinka tribe that has wronged me, I believe. Lord, I hope you a Dinka, because otherwise I'm going to hear it.

[B]

Well, you should hear it. Why do you hate Lu all day. Why do you hate his people?

[A]

One time I said I thought he was bad at dribbling, this Bernstein guy.

[B]

Is that what it was? Yes, he's bad at dribbling.

[A]

I said, why do you a day, Right? I said, I was watching other teams send a weak side defender to attack his dribble when he was using a ball screen from the wing toward the middle. And I said, look, they'll always send a weak side defender, a flash defender, to dig at the ball.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that became me somehow hating Lu all. Deng was criticizing the way teams had scouted his dribbling issues.

[B]

I do like ball screens, though. I got one on Amazon the other day. Yeah, ball screen. It was good fit. Really good. Yeah, I use it all the time.

[A]

Good. They'll use it with the Bears and the NFL's professional ball finaglers.

[B]

We also. I will tell you a little secret here, a little tip if you want to just prepare for the weekend on Sunday. Sunday, we are going to have a special Forward Progress.

[A]

Oh, that's a done deal. We're going to do it.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

So we'll have a new episode of Forward Progress that will come out on Sunday as we preview the Vikings and Bears with our friends up north in Minnesota.

[A]

Okay, now it is time for DBU picks that are brought to you by our friends and at my bookie. You start.

[B]

You want me to start?

[A]

I want you to start, yes.

[B]

All right, so here's the. I have an NFL game for you and I'm very excited about it.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Very, very excited about this game. We're looking at the Titans and Broncos game. Okay, so the Tennessee Titans travel to Denver to play the Denver Broncos in this series. Overall, Tennessee is 25, 18 and 1 and they've won their last three meetings. The last time these two teams played in the regular season was 2022. So very different teams as of right now. The Broncos coming off that 107 season last year, a playoff appearance. And building on that year, Cam Ward makes the start in his rookie debut for the Tennessee Titans. Legarius Snead battling a knee injury for the Titans, coming over from the Kansas City Chiefs. I'm keeping an eye on that. The Broncos right now are, are giving nine, are giving nine right now to Tennessee at home. And I am all over that. So here's the pick for you. Take the Broncos, give the nine and you're taking the under at 42 and a half. Those are the picks I made at my bookie. I'm telling you, take them Both. I'm going to give you two more wins. That's Broncos minus nine and the under at 42 and a half.

[A]

I have a futures and I have a weekend bet. Now tonight we are going to have a game in Brazil with the Chiefs playing against the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers have a brand new running back. And I was told by a friend who watches more NFL than I do, this is not necessarily my idea. These are. I get suggestions. I have little birdies in my ear. And you know what it is actually, technically, you know, it is. It's a hot tip. That's what I've got. I may have to cool off because my tips are too hot.

[B]

That's what she said.

[A]

I've got a very, very hot tip. Oh, boy.

[B]

You need a ball screen?

[A]

No, I just. I like my hot tip. It keeps me warm in the cold studio. So it's this. Omarion Hampton is the kind of running back that Jim Harbaugh will absolutely have the cartoon hearts coming out of his head for.

[B]

His eyes will be heart shaped. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I love it.

[A]

And he'll do the big Tex Avery wolf whistle and large smooch. He's plus 990. Is Omarion Hampton to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year at 10 to 1. I'd say put that in your old portfolio and look it up in your Funkin Wagnalls. That is Omarion Hampton plus 990. Because when Harbaugh gets something he likes and he knows it works, he'll stay at it. And a rookie running back who's still got enough tread on the old proverbial tire, I think is going to get a lot of action. All right, with that. See that? That is your futures bet and hot tip.

[B]

All right. I love it.

[A]

Here's my other one, just for the weekend. I think Illinois is going to roll Duke.

[B]

Yeah, I was. I almost went there as well.

[A]

I think Illinois.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I think Duke is in for an old fashioned, old country pumping.

[B]

What's Illinois given?

[A]

Three.

[B]

Yeah, only three. I think they're gonna.

[A]

They're gonna motorboat them. Duke was tussling with Elon College. Yeah. So that is. I just. I think people are sleeping on illinois. They're what, 11th ranked?

[B]

Yeah. They move up to 11 because they were 12.

[A]

I think they're 11. And this might be one of those games where people, you know what they do, they sit up and take notice.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And in the off season, Duke went out of their way to pay off Darian Mensah, who was the Tulane quarterback. And when they, when I heard like, hey, they think Mensah's leaving because I get tips on the Tulane stuff, obviously. Well, before it happens, I said, hey, apparently Duke is talking to Mensah. They offered him a ton of money. I said, fine, take him. Yeah, he's all right. But I don't think that that's, that's that guy. So I'm happy laying that three thing. It's going to be significantly more. So there's your other one. I've given you two. One's the hot tip.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

And the other is just my observation.

[B]

So here's what you have for this weekend. Illinois minus three taken on Duke. You also have the Broncos laying the nine hosting Tennessee and the under at 42 and a half.

[A]

And the future is Omari and Hampton plus nine 90 rookie of the year. He is the Chargers rookie running back.

[B]

There you go.

[A]

Pretty good. And that has been DBU picks presented by my bookie. Lock in your picks now with my bookie. Bet on anything, anywhere, any time.

[B]

I have two more things I'm watching this weekend too that I wanted to mention real quick because my guy, Diego Pavia at, you know, at Vanderbilt, my, my vandy doors, they're taking on Virginia tech Saturday at 6:30. I'll be watching that for sure. And the most though most important game of the season or of the weekend, I should say tomorrow. Libertyville Middleweight Big 10U. We host Huntley230 at Butler Lake Field.

[A]

Huntley's way out in the sticks, isn't it?

[B]

They are. It's not a fun place to get to. So I'm glad that Huntley's coming to us this year.

[A]

Yeah. But they probably got some like, they got some big farm boys, farm boys of that country strength.

[B]

So if you're looking for something to.

[A]

Do, Huntley, they're like throwing bales of hay in the back of trucks at each other.

[B]

Butler Lake Field overhand, come on out like for routes.

[A]

Right.

[B]

They throw bales.

[A]

Now do it with a bale of hay.

[B]

You can come on by. There's always great food to concession stand at Butler Lake Field. Really? Yeah. Oh God, the burgers are unbelievable. Really? Yes. Great burgers. And it's opening weekend for us. All the, all the teams are home for the weekend. We have two football fields at Butler Lake. Lots of football action going on. That's 230 tomorrow.

[A]

And also if you, if you, if you got a rod and reel in the, in the hatchback there, I would say a nice little wacky Senko or Texas rig Senko. Just present it nice and a little bit of finesse there on the weed edges. You might find yourself with a big mouth on the other end.

[B]

That's what I do. I go out there with a nice big cup of hot Sanka and my Texas wanko Sankey. And I get Senko. I get in the weeds.

[A]

It's a Gary Yama Senko. It's a salt treated rubber worm. I usually use the four inch rigged wacky style.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

With a number one wacky hook.

[B]

Okay. I tend my worms to do. I do more of a buttermilk pepper kind of brine. Is that what you're. You do salt coated?

[A]

It is salt that is actually in the plastic, which helps it drop down.

[B]

I don't do plastic because I care about the environment. I don't want to throw those into the lake.

[A]

I understand bad stuff. I see you're a longtime angler.

[B]

I do. I love angling and fishing and weeding with Senka.

[A]

It's.

[B]

That's how I spend my weekends.

[A]

Well, I'm gonna. If you see me outside your house, it's because you have two private bass ponds there.

[B]

Nothing wrong with that. Man.

[A]

You're the new Jerry Krause.

[B]

Nothing wrong with that.

[A]

Jerry Krause used to leave the Berto center and I'd say, hey, Jerry, gotta go. Bass are calling me. Gotta go. Cause he had a bass.

[B]

No, he said, bathroom's calling me.

[A]

Well, that too. But he had a bass pond in his backyard over at hibernia off of 22.

[B]

That's great.

[A]

I think Cuco just still there now. And he would, you know, putter around in his little boat and catch.

[B]

Yeah, it's nice, our neighborhood. You saw the ponds, you fished at them. Walk right up the front door, walk across the street, and there you can start fishing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. Your first cast within 30 seconds. Third was the third one.

[A]

Third cast, whatever that was.

[B]

A bubblegum colored first sounds better, though, for the. For the show.

[A]

Yeah, but I can lie to people. I don't have to filter myself when it comes to how many.

[B]

Because you are unfiltered.

[A]

Damn right. All right, now, you said you had a news story for us.

[B]

I do. So I saw this today, and this is the. The 50 drunkest counties in the United States. Okay, hang on.

[A]

It's all. It's always. It's always Wisconsin. Every year.

[B]

Here's. Let's. I want to salute a few towns. Salute the drunkest county in the United States. Gallatin, Montana.

[A]

How many people are there? Three.

[B]

It doesn't matter.

[A]

It's one dude in a cabin.

[B]

Doesn't matter.

[A]

In a raccoon.

[B]

26.8% of the people are excessive drinkers. So congratulations. Gallatin, Montana.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

The driest. You can guess this.

[A]

The driest county, Utah.

[B]

Yep. Utah County, Utah. We're only 9.14% of the people.

[A]

That's. That's high.

[B]

It's higher than I thought it would be.

[A]

Only 9.14 in Utah County, Utah.

[B]

Yes. All right, so you. You beat me to the punch. It's always Wisconsin.

[A]

Of course it is.

[B]

So here's the question, though. Of the 50 drunkest counties in the United States, how many are in Wisconsin?

[A]

There's 50 and I.

[B]

So we know two already or. No, no, we know one. I'm sorry. We know one. So there's 49 left. Of the 49.

[A]

Of the most, right? Yes.

[B]

Of the most. How many are left? How many are in Wisconsin? Of the 49?

[A]

I'm going to aim for a number that I think is probably too high, and I'm gonna say 10.

[B]

Higher.

[A]

12 higher. 15 higher.

[B]

18. Much higher.

[A]

30.

[B]

Higher.

[A]

No, higher. Who put this together?

[B]

Higher.

[A]

Where'd this come from?

[B]

Report by 24. 7 Wall street, whatever that is.

[A]

Which is an 18 year old kid.

[B]

Who cares?

[A]

On a laptop, but it's accurate. As far as we know.

[B]

How Many higher than 30? 49. 41. 41. 41 of the 50 drunkest counties belong to the state of Wisconsin. Yes. Congratulations. Out of GAMI O U T A G A M I E Outagami county is the drunkest county. Wisconsin, with 31% of the adults reporting excessive drinking.

[A]

Where is Sawyer County? On there.

[B]

Let me see here.

[A]

Because that's where Hayward is.

[B]

Outagami is number one. Winnebago is number two.

[A]

Okay. But Winnebago County, Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Illinois. Okay. Winnebago, Illinois.

[B]

Brown County, Wisconsin, is three. Dane County, Wisconsin, is four.

[A]

Madison, Brown County. No, Dane.

[B]

Dane is okay. Yeah. Known for its vibrant nightlife, high rates of drinking and college kids.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And then number five. Very, very close to where I live, border town, Wisconsin. Kenosha County.

[A]

All right, that's Brad. Stop territory.

[B]

It is broad Stop territory.

[A]

That's. What about Walworth county? Where the Walworth County Fair resides?

[B]

I just have the top five, but we'll say the number six just because you mentioned them.

[A]

Okay. Nothing for Sheboygan, Manitowoc or.

[B]

They've got to be in there. I mean, 41 of the 50 drunkest counties in the US are in the state of Wisconsin.

[A]

Door County.

[B]

Congratulations.

[A]

Dork county, which is different.

[B]

Dork County.

[A]

Dork County. It's like Door county, but it's, you know, they play a lot of dungeons. No drinking though.

[B]

Yeah. No girls.

[A]

Well, they, they, they drink a little, but they only raid their parents cabinet for like.

[B]

It's like the brand.

[A]

The bottom of the. I was gonna say peach schnapps.

[B]

Yeah. Oh, God. That's why I said that I need.

[A]

Four cases apricot brandy. That's why you're saying that.

[B]

Absolutely. Nicely done. Nicely done.

[A]

Telling. I'm going fishing.

[B]

The scene where Robert, Dry. Richard Driver gets in the water and he's checking out the fisherman's boat where the head. The head pops out through the hole.

[A]

Major jump scare, dude.

[B]

All four boys. Natalie jumped. I knew. I remembered it was coming still, but they jumped.

[A]

It was great. I want to see that play. By the way, have you heard about the play called the Shark is Broken and it's written by Robert Shaw's son.

[B]

No, I have not.

[A]

Who also plays Robert Shaw. And it's all it is. It takes place when the three of them are doing the scene on the boat at the table, when they're comparing scars and singing the sea shanty.

[B]

Did you ever get like Top Gun vibes during that scene? I kind of did.

[A]

No.

[B]

Watching it last night, I kind of, kind of felt there was a connection there.

[A]

No, I just between Hooper. That entire movie was just like, how much cocaine could Richard Dreyfus do at one time? Like, that's. I really want to know. Like on. All I could picture is between takes, like how many lines are in front of him.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Oh my God, he's so damn twitchy. But that was part of his brand. That's sort of like what Richard Dreyfus was, was like guy who's obviously on cocaine. All right, so apparently the play the Shark is Broken is them because the shark was always broken. And they had hours and hours and hours sometimes in between takes and. And they didn't go back to a trailer. They were just there. And it's a one act play where it's just the three of them in between takes and arguing. And there's like a dramatic arc of the rise and fall of how. And apparently Richard Dreyfuss was mad about it because he thought he was unfairly portrayed and because it was Robert Shaw's kid who wrote it and plays his dad, that he thought that he came out looking better than some of the others. But I think if you're really like a die hard fan of Jaws, you'd Want to see that play?

[B]

Yeah, no, that sounds. I didn't know it was out. You know, I didn't know until last night, and this is pretty embarrassing, that Jaws is based on a novel. I had no idea. I didn't.

[A]

Peter Benchley.

[B]

Yeah. I didn't know. And did you know there was a. There was a book about a giant whale too? Like a big. There was a whale book. I don't know if you've.

[A]

Yeah, it was. It was Herman Melville.

[B]

Yeah. I don't know what it was. What is that called?

[A]

Yeah, the one about the Ahab. The captain with one leg.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Uh huh.

[B]

So there's a. Yeah. I didn't know all these books about fish were written.

[A]

It's not fish, but yeah, with Queequeg and Dagu. Starbuck. You ever heard there's a guy. Starbuck. And there have been things named after.

[B]

Yeah, like a coffee shop. See, it makes sense.

[A]

And a character on Battlestar Galactica.

[B]

No, I didn't know.

[A]

More importantly, I didn't know.

[B]

Really, I didn't know that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Starbuck. So what theaters are doing now, Dan? There was the previews we saw last night. You know what they're bringing back, Back to the Future into the theater, like the original.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And there was one other one too, that I.

[A]

That I. I guess we're not even pretending to make creative new movies anymore because everything is. Either it's either a franchise or it's a reboot or it's the actual old movie they're bringing back.

[B]

Well, you know who's the famous producer, owns Blumhouse Production, all the horror movies. Jason, Is it Jason Blum. Okay. Well, I think they look it up. Blumhouse, they do a lot of horror, like all the horror movies. Conjuring, that kind of stuff. I had an interview with him and he was talking about. About moviegoers don't want original content.

[A]

I do.

[B]

Like 85% of moviegoers want, like, sequels, reboots. They don't want new content.

[A]

Well, nobody asked me. Well, no, I don't matter.

[B]

No, you're in that small. I mean, I'm in the minority too. Like, I want new stuff. Oh, have you seen the trailers for the Rock's new movie, the Smashing Machine?

[A]

Smashing Machine. Every time I see it.

[B]

He plays UFC fighter Mark Kerr.

[A]

Yeah, I have seen the trailers and I just crack up every time. I just go, Smashing Machine, dude.

[B]

He got like a 12 minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.

[A]

Good for him for his role.

[B]

I tell you, the second I saw the trailer. The first time I saw it, I turned to Natalie, I said, he's gonna win an award for this. The trailer looks unbelievable.

[A]

That's fine. As long as he looks awesome. As long as he doesn't take Delroy Lindo's best supporting Actor. If it's best actor, yeah.

[B]

Oh, no, it's lead role.

[A]

Because I am. I am. Absolutely.

[B]

Because he plays the Smashing Machine.

[A]

Smashing Machine. I don't think you're right. You're right, Smashing Machine. I don't care what else happens, but Delroy Lindo had better win best supporting for Sinners.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Oh, my God. For sure he better. Because I don't know what else you have to do tomorrow.

[B]

Have you seen that yet?

[A]

It's such a good movie. Thank you.

[B]

You really should see it.

[A]

That will do it for this episode of Dan Bernstein Unfiltered. But not before I remind you that our friends at my Bookie have everything for you for college football upsets, blowouts, wild covers. And my bookie lets you hit it all. So if you're waiting for Sunday to start betting, you're missing out on half the fun and half the money. Whatever you like. The player props. And we've given you the picks. Player props, game lines and more. Everything you need before the pros kick it off. When Sunday rolls around, you are up, and my bookie's got it all under one roof. You win big on the NFL super contest and survivor pools. And if you're new to my bookie, don't forget the code. It's easy. The initials of this show dbu, Dan Bernstein unfiltered, and any bet you choose up to $500 is fully covered. Make your play. If it doesn't hit you, get it right back. Make sure you opt in using the bet back bonus token. The promo code dbu, my bookie. Where betters win together. Because bragging is good, but cashing in is. Make sure that you are subscribed on YouTube to this podcast and to Forward Progress, a Chicago Bears podcast. And listen and rate and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, whether it's Spotify, whether it's Apple Podcasts. Just make sure that the freshest stuff is always available to you. And over the weekend, we're gonna have all kinds of surprises for you. A special edition of Forward Progress is coming your way. And then we're gonna tell you all about what our plans are for Monday. You can tune in on 97.1the drive at 8:15 on Monday morning when I'm gonna be on with Sherman and Tingle. I was on with those idiots today, and we always have a blast. So thank you for tuning in to today's episode. Brought to you in partnership with my bookie, Dan Bernstein.

[B]

Unfiltered Unfiltered on 312Sports.