The most surprising part of the 2026 Chicago Bears schedule is not on the official NFL calendar. It is the new video and podcast lineup rolling out from 2nd City Gridiron, which starts with a specific porridge-themed segment that appears to be the only one of its kind in all of podcasting, according to Windy City Gridiron. While fans usually wait for game day to get their fix, this new plan delivers content every single night of the week. The team has mapped out a strict routine that changes only when the Bears play on a different day of the week. This shift means the show times are not random; they are locked in to match the team’s 10 scheduled games.
The week kicks off with a heavy dose of postgame analysis on Monday nights. At 6:00 p.m. Central time, Jeff “JB” Berckes and Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. take the stage for a livestream video called “Bear & Balanced,”. This show serves as a cooled-down take on the game that happened just hours before. It does not rush through the score. The Trench Tribute involving the linemen always marks the beginning of the segments. The hosts dig deep into the trenches before wrapping up with that unique porridge segment. The video is published to the podcast channel as soon as the video ends, ensuring fans get the news instantly. The hosts try to stick around after the show for some video-exclusive Q&A with Bears fans, adding a layer of interaction that radio shows often miss.
Tuesday shifts the focus to interviews and guest spots with Bill Zimmerman. His show, “Bears Banter,” features a weekly guest drawn from Bill Zimmerman’s decades of experience in sports media. The production team accommodates his guests’ busy schedules to guarantee optimal content. This flexibility means the show may occasionally be published at different times, but the quality remains high. Bill Zimmerman will have his “Bears Banter” published on the 2nd City Gridiron video channel each week, making it a consistent stop for fans. The goal is to bring in voices that have seen the league change over many years.
Wednesday brings a return to the weekly pivot show called “Bears Over Beers.” Hosted by Ryan Droste and Bryan Orenchuk, the show starts at 8:00 p.m. Central time. It is once again the weekly pivot show, offering a different angle on the team’s performance. The lineup covers the full week, ensuring there is never a gap in coverage. All listed times are Central, so fans across the country know exactly when to tune in. The Bears currently have 10 games scheduled, and the media schedule mirrors that intensity. This structured approach gives fans a reason to check in daily, not just on Sundays. The 2nd City Gridiron team has built a plan that fits the rhythm of the season, providing a steady stream of takes and interviews. With the season kicking off in a week, the content is ready to go.
