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.

Previewing the Bears and Rams in the NFL Playoffs

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.

Riding the Rails with Rick Telander

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

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

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.

The Shocking (But Not Surprising) Ryder Cup Fans

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.

Remembering Ryne Sandberg

John Howell and Rick Telander turn the mic on their producer, Keith Conrad, for a conversation about the nuts and bolts of podcasting. From publishing schedules and YouTube discoverability to viral gimmicks and old radio war stories, nothing is off the table. It’s equal parts practical advice and good-natured banter about what it takes to stand out in a crowded media landscape.

The "How to Do a Podcast Podcast"

John Howell and Rick Telander dive into the controversy over Trump’s push to revive racist team names like the Redskins and Indians. They explore how the former president weaponizes nostalgia and grievance to distract and divide, all while Telander shares personal stories—from interviewing Trump in 1986 to a touching tribute to his late dog. It’s a candid, wide-ranging conversation about sports, politics, culture, and the cost of not evolving.

The Mascot Distraction: Smoke, Fire, and Trump’s Culture War Playbook

Big John Howell and Rick Telander dive into baseball’s most controversial era, reflecting on Sammy Sosa’s return to Wrigley Field and the lasting impact of steroids on the game. They revisit the infamous Lee Elia rant, Hall of Fame ethics, and the blurred line between performance and integrity. The episode ends on a heartfelt note as Rick shares a moving tribute to his late dog, Bear Bear.

Sammy, Steroids, and Saying Goodbye

Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time hits leader, was banned for gambling—but now, posthumously, Major League Baseball has finally lifted the ban. In this episode, Big John Howell and Rick Telander revisit Rose’s complicated legacy, from his obsessive drive to win to his long-delayed confession. Along the way, they dive into the ethics of gambling, steroids, and what it really takes to be a legend.

Pete Rose, Perfectionism, and the Price of Redemption

John Howell and Rick Telander share a cigar and conversations and insightful analysis of the stories shaping headlines today

The Chicago Smokehouse

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