The Chicago Smokehouse

Previewing the Bears and Rams in the NFL Playoffs

Big John Howell and Rick Telander break down the Bears’ cold-weather showdown with the Rams, from Caleb Williams’ late-game magic to the realities of facing a veteran like Matthew Stafford at Soldier Field. They dig into what makes this Bears team so dangerous in the fourth quarter, the matchups that could decide the game, and why fans have learned not to turn it off early. The conversation then shifts to college football, where Indiana’s improbable run sparks a candid discussion about NIL money, the transfer portal, and the new pro reality of the sport. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Riding the Rails with Rick Telander

Finally the true story of why Rick Telander rode freight trains across the American West as a young man. From hobo camps and mountain tunnels to Anaïs Nin and the search for literary freedom, Telander unpacks the dangers, romance, and philosophy behind a life spent chasing experience. It’s a remarkable look at youth, risk, and an America where a person could still disappear—at least for a little while. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Don’t Go Downstairs: Sports, Scandals, and the Return of the Mob Mindset

John Howell and Rick Telander dive into the NBA’s latest gambling scandal and what it says about the new marriage between sports and betting. From Chauncey Billups’ alleged mob ties to Rick’s real-life brush with Chicago’s Outfit, the conversation connects modern vice with old-school corruption ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Shocking (But Not Surprising) Ryder Cup Fans

John Howell and Rick Telander tackle the chaos at this year’s Ryder Cup and what it says about America’s growing lack of civility. From beer-throwing fans to belligerent politics, they connect the dots between golf’s decline in decorum and the country’s broader cultural coarsening. It’s part sports talk, part social commentary, and all classic Smokehouse. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Remembering Ryne Sandberg

Big John Howell and Rick Telander remember Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg, from the magic of the 1984 “Sandberg Game” to his quiet dignity on and off the field. They share personal stories, reflections from teammates and broadcasters, and even a final voicemail that reveals Sandberg’s grace in the face of illness. A tribute to Ryno as both a Hall of Famer and a genuinely good man. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.