Podcast
Dan Bernstein Unfiltered
Hosted by 312 Sports · EN
Dan Bernstein Unfiltered is where Chicago sports gets told straight — no filters, no filler. After nearly three decades on Chicago radio, Dan’s back with longtime executive producer Matt Abbatacola at his side, ready to break down the stories that actually matter.From the highs and lows of the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, and Blackhawks to the biggest headlines across the sports world, nothing’s off-limits. Expect sharp takes, smart debate, and the kind of unflinching honesty Chicago fans have always known Dan for — with Matt chiming in when it counts.New episodes drop every weekday morning.
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Craig Counsell’s Masterpiece: How the Cubs Are Winning Despite Pitching Injuries
May 1200:55:55Summary readyDan Bernstein floated a compelling idea today: if the season ended right now, Craig Counsell would be the early frontrunner for Manager of the Year. And it’s hard to argue. 0:00 Craig Counsell25:45 MLB manager ejections42:20 A man, a rock and a sealThe Cubs are sitting atop the NL Central with the second‑best record in all of baseball, despite being ravaged by pitching injuries. They’re doing it with depth guys, patched‑together rotations, and a clubhouse that hasn’t flinched.The only team ahead of them? Atlanta — by a single game. And fittingly, that’s who the Cubs see next, opening a three‑game series tonight against the Braves in a true measuring‑stick matchup.It also raises a broader question about the modern game: do baseball fans actually miss the old‑school manager ejections? The red‑faced blowups, the dirt‑kicking, the choreographed arguments with umpires that were more performance art than protest?As technology continues to reshape baseball — pitch clocks, replay review, automated strike‑zone assistance on the horizon — those phony sideshows are disappearing. And honestly, that might be a good thing. The game is faster, cleaner, and more honest than it used to be. The drama now comes from execution, not theatrics.And with that, we wrap things up today with one last story — a man, a seal, and a rock.Dan Bernstein Unfiltered drops Monday-Friday 11am CT Make sure to subscribe to...✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀✅ Off The Ivy: A Chicago Cubs Podcast ⚾️All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryChicago Bulls land the 4th pick - a franchise-changing moment?
May 1101:02:09Summary readyThe Chicago Bulls finally caught a break, landing the 4th overall pick in the NBA Draft — and Dan Bernstein believes this could be a franchise‑changing moment for the Bulls and new power broker Bryson Graham. 0:00 Chicago Bulls14:50 Wembanyama20:50 Anthony Edwards29:00 Knicks Fans33:20 Mike Clevenger48:50 Devil Wears Prada 259:45 DBU PicksWith no front office fully in place and no head coach yet, there’s still plenty of uncertainty, but a top‑5 pick gives the rebuild a real chance to start on solid footing.The NBA Playoffs continue to deliver, including a notable — and frustrating — moment when Victor Wembanyama was ejected. Dan discusses why it was a dumb, avoidable situation, but also an important learning experience for a young superstar discovering just how intense the playoff pressure cooker can be.In baseball, the Mike Clevinger story takes on new significance as more details surface, raising serious questions about whether the MLB investigation fell well short of doing enough.Dan also shares his thoughts after seeing The Devil Wears Prada 2, breaking down what worked, what didn’t, and whether the sequel was worth the wait.We wrap things up, as always, with DBU Picks.Dan Bernstein Unfiltered drops Monday-Friday 11am CT Make sure to subscribe to...✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀✅ Off The Ivy: A Chicago Cubs Podcast ⚾️All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryHistory in the Making: Chicago Cubs eye second 10-Game Win Streak
May 801:08:06Summary readyDan Bernstein dives into the historic numbers behind the Chicago Cubs’ remarkable recent run, breaking down a dominant 20‑game stretch as they sit on the brink of their second 10‑game winning streak of the season—a feat that would mark just the 11th time since 1969 the Cubs have accomplished it.0:00 Chicago Cubs12:30 FFF49:00 Top 10 List1:07:00 DBU PicksIt’s Friday, which means Friday Feedback Friday is back, featuring your comments, thoughts, and emails reacting to the team, the stats, and everything surrounding this surge.Plus, we wrap things up with Dan’s Top 10 List and this week’s DBU Picks.Dan Bernstein Unfiltered drops Monday-Friday 11am CT Make sure to subscribe to...✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀✅ Off The Ivy: A Chicago Cubs Podcast ⚾️All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryOFF THE IVY: Shota Imanaga dominates helping Chicago Cubs SWEEP the Reds to win 9th straight game
May 800:40:03Summary readyBehind a dominate performance from Shota Imanaga on the mound and Michael Conforto's perfect day at the plate, the Cubs completed the series sweep over the Reds and continue to steamroll through the 2026 season. The Cubs have now won nine straight games and 15 consecutive home games. From clutch hitting to timely offense, the North Siders delivered once again as Wrigley Field keeps rocking.In this episode, we break down:Michael Conforto’s huge day at the plateShota Imanaga's dominate start to 2026 seasonThe hottest bats in the lineup right nowThe Cubs are stacking wins and showing why they could be one of baseball’s most dangerous teams this season.312 SPORTS PRO SHOP: https://bit.ly/4e7bqyvThe Best Replacement Windows And Doors At The Best Price. Chicagowindowguys.comMake sure to subscribe to...✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryChicago Bulls: Bryson Graham and Michael Reinsdorf set the tone for the future.
May 701:02:44Summary readyDan Bernstein believes Bryson Graham and Michael Reinsdorf are setting the right tone for the Chicago Bulls’ future through honesty and transparency. They openly acknowledge how far the organization is from truly contending for a championship. The apology Michael Reinsdorf offered to fans felt genuine and sincere, and Bernstein views it as a necessary and meaningful step from the Bulls’ ownership.0:00 Chicago Bulls31:45 Chicago Cubs42:45 Ted Turner51:35 Pope LeoDespite significant injuries to their pitching staff, the Cubs are in a surprisingly strong position right now. Bernstein notes that they’ve managed to stay competitive and relevant even while dealing with adversity.Dan also shared anecdotes that highlight how even famous or powerful figures can have ordinary experiences. Noting that Pope Leo had a very regular, everyday interaction with his bank—underscoring how moments of normalcy can exist even at the highest levels of prominence.Ted Turner is remembered after his passing. Dan Bernstein Unfiltered drops Monday-Friday 11am CT Make sure to subscribe to...✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀✅ Off The Ivy: A Chicago Cubs Podcast ⚾️All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryAre the Chicago Cubs World Series ready?
May 601:00:11Summary readyDan Bernstein believes the Chicago Cubs are legitimate World Series contenders this season — and that puts pressure on Jed Hoyer to be aggressive.0:00 Chicago Cubs24:00 Bryson Graham / Chicago Bulls39:00 Bryson DeChambeau50:00 College FootballIf the Cubs are truly all‑in, Hoyer must start upgrading the roster now and give Craig Counsell everything he needs to win it all in 2026.Plus, the Chicago Bulls formally introduce Bryson Graham as their new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. Dan shares exactly what he wants — and needs — to hear from the Bulls’ new decision‑maker.Also, Bryson DeChambeau needs to reconcile with the PGA Tour and accept whatever punishment is required to move forward. And college football coaches are proposing several changes to the sport’s calendar — changes that actually make a lot of sense.Dan Bernstein Unfiltered drops Monday-Friday 11am CT Make sure to subscribe to...✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀✅ Off The Ivy: A Chicago Cubs Podcast ⚾️All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryWhat does this surprise hire mean for the Chicago Bulls?
May 501:10:32Summary readyDan Bernstein believes the Bryson Graham hire is a clear sign that Michael Reinsdorf finally understands how far the Bulls are from true championship contention. 0:00 Chicago Bulls39:20 Umpire calls a challenge on himself47:50 White Sox Instead of choosing the safe, familiar path, the organization took a calculated risk, avoided the path of least resistance, and leaned into change. Is this quiet move a sign of real self‑awareness from the Bulls… and could it actually matter?Plus, a bizarre moment at Wrigley: during last night’s Cubs game, an umpire called a challenge on himself - just a reminder that MLB’s new ABS challenge system should be used on every call. And from the “how did we get here?” department: looking at the White Sox’ long‑term struggles with player development, we ask a sobering trivia question — who was the last position player the Sox drafted out of high school that turned into a legitimately good major league hitter? The answer might surprise you… or it might explain everything.Dan Bernstein Unfiltered drops Monday-Friday 11am CT Make sure to subscribe to...✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀✅ Off The Ivy: A Chicago Cubs Podcast ⚾️All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryWhy Colson Montgomery Matters More Than Murakami
May 401:03:20Summary readyMunetaka Murakami might be the most fun player to watch on the White Sox, but Dan Bernstein argues the most important player is shortstop Colson Montgomery. 0:00 Chicago Bulls - Matt Lloyd11:10 NBA Notes29:00 ESPN - Vrabel and Russini35:00 Colson Montgomery54:00 Youth Umpire1:01:45 DBU PicksMurakami leads MLB with 13 home runs, but power-hitting, three-true-outcomes sluggers are easier to find than a potential superstar young shortstop—and the Sox believe they have that guy in Montgomery.We also dive into the Bulls’ front office search, with signs pointing toward Matt Lloyd coming over from Minnesota to lead basketball operations. If Lloyd gets the job, could Micah Nori follow him to Chicago as the next head coach?We wrap up the show with another round of DBU Picks to close out your Monday.Dan Bernstein Unfiltered drops Monday-Friday 11am CT Make sure to subscribe to...✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀✅ Off The Ivy: A Chicago Cubs Podcast ⚾️All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryOFF THE IVY: Chicago Cubs SWEEP DBacks to win 11th straight game at Wrigley Field and 5th straight game overall
May 400:30:33Summary readyThe Chicago Cubs complete the sweep over the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend, extending their dominance at Wrigley Field with their 11th straight home win and pushing their overall streak to 5 in a row. Everything is clicking right now — timely hitting, lockdown pitching, and a team that’s playing with confidence and energy.The Cubs complete the sweep over the Arizona Diamondbacks, extending their dominance at Wrigley Field with their 11th straight home win and pushing their overall streak to 5 in a row. Everything is clicking right now — timely hitting, lockdown pitching, and a team that’s playing with confidence and energy.Divisional opponent Reds come to town this week and completing another series win will only increase their divisional winning odds. Can anyone slow this Cubs team down at home though?312 SPORTS PRO SHOP: https://bit.ly/4e7bqyvThe Best Replacement Windows And Doors At The Best Price. Chicagowindowguys.comMake sure to subscribe to...✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryHow Harry Caray Changed the Cubs Forever
May 101:11:15Summary readyDan Bernstein shares his Top 10 list of the best play‑by‑play broadcasters in Chicago, dives into how Harry Caray’s impact went far beyond the booth and reshaped Cubs culture, opens up Friday Feedback Friday, and wraps the show with DBU Picks heading into the weekend.0:00 Introduction2:30 FFF32:50 Top 10 List1:09:30 DBU PicksDan Bernstein Unfiltered drops Monday-Friday 11am CT Make sure to subscribe to...✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀✅ Off The Ivy: A Chicago Cubs Podcast ⚾️All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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