Forward Progress – A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: FS1 TV Star, Co-Host of First Things First & Old Friend, Danny Parkins
Date: October 2, 2025
Host(s): Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Guest: Danny Parkins (FS1, First Things First)

Episode Overview

This episode reunites Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola with longtime friend and now FS1 national TV host Danny Parkins. Together, they dive into the state of the Chicago Bears under new head coach Ben Johnson, the challenges of NFL coaching, and the ongoing development of quarterback Caleb Williams. The conversation covers media transitions, the unique culture of football, Parkins’ move from Chicago to New York, and even a spirited discussion on pizza, delis, and New York adventures. The mood is candid, irreverent, and steeped in both football insight and friendship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. State of the Chicago Bears & Ben Johnson Era

Timestamps: 01:29–07:09, 13:47–29:17

• Bears are 2-2: The hosts note the team's surprising position—neither thriving nor unraveling—as new coach Ben Johnson "figures out what he's doing here" (01:29).
• Early Bye Week: While some complain, Bernstein argues the timing is ideal for a rebooting regime (01:49).
• Early impressions of Ben Johnson: Noted for relentless work and accountability. Both hosts believe Johnson is confronting a tougher situation than anticipated:

  “Ben Johnson got here, realized it was a heavier lift than he thought it was going to be.” – Dan Bernstein (13:47)

• Johnson's candidness with media stands out; expect honesty to increase rather than retreat (18:53–19:54).

2. NFL Coaching Culture

Timestamps: 14:24–17:37, 19:58–21:11

• Discussion of previous Bears coaches (John Fox, Matt Nagy): Each was overwhelmed by organizational dysfunction, with Fox’s only legacy being a new practice facility.
• NFL coaches are "not normal people," with unique, sometimes "crazy" obsessions:

  “Ben Johnson strikes me as an awesome, crazy person.” – Danny Parkins (15:47)

• How coaching jobs erode optimism, with Matt Nagy becoming a "contradictory cliché” in pressers by year three (20:07–21:11).

3. Caleb Williams: The Franchise Quarterback?

Timestamps: 07:49–12:17, 17:37–18:53

• Parkins remains fully committed to Caleb Williams, emphasizing the "eye-test" wow factor and unique, elite traits comparable to Mahomes or Rodgers:

  “There are things that Caleb Williams can do that Joe Burrow cannot... he clearly has that physical ability.” – Danny Parkins (08:34–09:14)

• Accuracy issues: Parkins admits, “He misses layups,” but credits fundamentals and footwork as fixable problems (10:59–11:59).
• Ben Johnson seen as key to unlocking Williams' ceiling; the transition is a "rewiring" after a “lost year” under the previous regime (18:00).

4. NFL Parity, Storylines & TV Dominance

Timestamps: 21:13–26:25, 23:48–26:25

• Ravens’ surprising 1-3 record attributed to staggering injuries; Chiefs’ persistence and inevitable excellence discussed (21:13–23:48).
• Why the NFL rules TV: High stakes, gambling, fantasy, and the unique rhythm that keeps fans addicted:

  “Every game matters... In football, like the Ravens are one in three. What? It’s a huge deal.” – Danny Parkins (24:43)
  “It’s the best television product by far.” – Danny Parkins (24:43)

5. Changing Careers & Life After Chicago Radio

Timestamps: 04:49–07:09, 29:17–34:56

• Parkins and the hosts reflect on the transition from corporate radio to more autonomous ventures—appreciating less stress and more authentic content:

  “What brings a lot of the joy is the autonomy...for us to come to work and be in charge is really nice.” – Matt Abaticola (05:34)

• Danny talks about shifting from The Score, balancing career with family, and venturing into TV with his best friend Nick Wright on FS1’s First Things First:

  “This gig is really fun... This is so much fun. We watch football together for 11 hours on Sunday and then bring it to national television together.” – Danny Parkins (29:46–30:15)

6. Life in New York: Food, Shows, and the Pizza Tour

Timestamps: 31:28–40:53

• Parkins details the pleasures and quirks of New York living: Broadway nights, legendary delis, “the best falafel and shawarma,” and a running pizza bucket list.
• Classic NYC experiences—from Second Avenue Deli to Katz’s, and even star-studded nights at Madison Square Garden with Seinfeld stand-up:

  “I’m standing there...watching Seinfeld go up, shock the crowd, and he does New York material. Obviously, he’s killing.” – Danny Parkins (34:57)

7. Quick Hits: Comedy at Wrigley & Favorite Pizza Slices

Timestamps: 35:45–39:57

• Thoughts on John Mulaney playing Wrigley Field and the challenges of comedy in big venues:

  “Comedy is best enjoyed at the Comedy Cellar... It’s the greatest deal in the city.” – Danny Parkins (36:47)

• Pizza recommendations from Brooklyn and Manhattan—L’Industrie, Mama’s Two, and the unheralded greatness of Norms.

  “This may be the best slice of New York pizza I’ve ever had in my life.” – Dan Bernstein (39:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On podcasting vs. radio:

  “Unencumbered might actually be more proper than unfiltered.” – Matt Abaticola (05:26)
  “Dan Bernstein, unencumbered…” – Matt Abaticola (05:34)

• On Caleb Williams’ upside:

  “To me, those are the most special players in the league. And he clearly has it. He clearly has that physical ability. He does some dumb shit sometimes, right?” – Danny Parkins (09:33)

• On NFL’s dominance:

  “It’s the best television product by far...the ebb and the flow to the conversation, the characters, the parody, it’s just, it’s the greatest.” – Danny Parkins (24:43–26:25)

• On life adjustments in New York:

  “The kids get to watch me on TV...But if you’ve lived in the suburbs of Chicago, you can live in the suburbs of New York.” – Danny Parkins (30:34)
  “Someone has to do one hour of day of television with their best friend and live in New York. Someone has to do it.” – Danny Parkins (41:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Bears’ status and early bye week: 01:29–02:19
• Transition from sports radio to podcasting: 04:49–07:09
• Caleb Williams discussion: 07:49–12:17
• Bears coaching carousel, NFL coaching culture: 14:24–17:37
• Ben Johnson’s handling of media & accountability: 18:53–19:54
• NFL as a TV product & league parity: 21:13–26:25
• Chiefs, Ravens, and NFL injuries: 21:31–23:48
• Parkins’ move to TV, NY lifestyle: 29:17–34:56
• NYC delicacies and pizza recommendations: 31:28–40:53
• Comedy at Wrigley segment: 35:45–37:40

Tone & Originality

The episode maintains the hosts’ trademark blend of deep football knowledge, Chicago-style irreverence, and the easy camaraderie of old friends. Jokes about fried chicken in the tub, candid recollections of Bears misery, and real-time laughter about eating habits and music lessons color the football talk. Even the heaviest discussions—coaching drama, job losses, or quarterback doubts—carry a tone of authenticity, wit, and optimism.

For New Listeners

This episode offers a frank, funny, and unsparing look at the Chicago Bears in transition, the realities of sports media, and the pleasures of embracing new challenges. With access to insider insight but the tone of a barroom conversation, it’s essential listening for any Bears fan—and a great showcase of why Forward Progress is a must-follow for Chicago sports talk.