Carmen and Jurko
ESPN Chicago
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Carmen and Jurko is a weekday sports talk show hosted by ten-year NFL veteran John "Jurko" Jurkovic and Carmen DeFalco. The program features an entertaining roundtable discussion focused on Chicago sports and broader sports headlines. It blends insider analysis, strong opinions, and humor from two experienced local sports-media personalities.
Episodes
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11/13 11AM: Courtney Cronin and Todd Fuhrman 13.11.2026 41mThe Guys welcome on Courtney Cronin to talk Bears during the bye week, what she's looking at during the bye, as well as what she's looking at across the NFL this weekend. The guys also talk to Todd Fuhrman and hear his best picks for the upcoming weekend. -
11/13 10AM: Jurko's Keys and The Brunch Rush 13.11.2026 47mThe guys open the hour talking Bears Bye week and what's the most pressing matter they need to fix. They discuss the running game and how Ben Johnson can get back to the run game he wants to have. There's also Jurko's Key's to the Bye Week and The Brunch Rush. Mike North joins at the end of the hour for his bonus play of the weekend. -
11/13 9AM: PCA Wins MVP and Most Hated QBs in the League 13.11.2026 47mShea is in for Carm and Shea and Jurko discuss PCA winning the 2026 NL MVP. Where do the Cubs go from here? The guys also discuss their most hated QBs in the NFL and if the Bears Fans should hate Jayden Daniels -
11/12 11AM: Bears' Post-BYE Predictions & New Stadium Plan 12.11.2026 44mCarmen and Jurko go game by game through the Bears' remaining schedule, debating whether Chicago can win the NFC North and finish the regular season with 12 or 13 victories. The guys weigh the challenges of Thanksgiving in Detroit, a December trip to Miami, a tough matchup in Buffalo and crucial late-season division games. Breaking soccer news has Mauricio Pochettino leaving the U.S. Men's National Team for Manchester United, prompting a discussion about his potential replacement. Carmen versus Jurko trivia returns with a bye-week theme. Plus, a new $10 billion proposal for a Bears stadium at the former Michael Reese Hospital site adds another twist to Chicago's never-ending stadium saga. -
11/12 10AM: Joniak's Bears Fixes & Hawks in Crisis 12.11.2026 43mVoice of the Bears Jeff Joniak joins Carmen and Jurko to assess Chicago's 7-2 start, Caleb Williams' rough outing against Tampa Bay and the importance of getting healthy during the bye week. Joniak explains why Ben Johnson is prioritizing penalties and the struggling running game, while Jeffery Simmons' presence continues to elevate Devin Bush and the Bears' defense. The guys also discuss Kirk Cousins' return to Minnesota, the crowded NFC North race and the difficult matchups awaiting Chicago after the bye. Carmen then sounds off on the Blackhawks' disastrous 4-13-1 start, questioning Kyle Davidson's handling of the rebuild and his continued confidence in Jeff Blashill, while the Bulls blow another big lead against Victor Wembanyama's Spurs. Plus, the Brunch Rush covers Keenan Allen joining the 49ers, Matt LaFleur's praise for Cousins and Chicago's unusual new self-cleaning public restroom. -
11/12 9AM: Stevie Van Zandt on Caleb & The Sopranos | The NFC North is POWERFUL 12.11.2026 45mCarmen and Jurko welcome Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and The Sopranos star Stevie Van Zandt, who explains why he's become a supporter of Caleb Williams and the Bears and why he believes Chicago could battle San Francisco for NFC supremacy. Van Zandt shares the incredible story of how David Chase initially wanted him to play Tony Soprano before creating Silvio Dante specifically for him, along with stories about his music career, his new True Tales of the Mob series and his TeachRock education program. The guys also react to ESPN Milwaukee's Kyle Wallace ranking the Bears last in the NFC North, with Carmen offering his own data-driven power rankings. Plus, they debate Pete Crow-Armstrong's anticipated NL MVP award, remember longtime golf announcer Dan Hicks and recommend documentaries about Norm Macdonald and Mike Tyson. The hour wraps with reaction to two NFL trades that fell apart, including a Bengals deal reportedly derailed by concerns over a compensatory draft pick. -
11/11 11AM: Jurko's Bears Film Room & Jesse Rogers with Cubs & Sox offseason plans 11.11.2026 41mCarmen and Jurko take a deep dive into the Bears' struggling running game, using game film to show why Chicago's rushing attack has stalled after its early-season success. Jurko breaks down DeAndre Swift's big runs against Carolina, the impact of Cole Kmet's blocking and how Tampa Bay's defense shut down the cutback lanes that Ben Johnson's offense relies on. The guys discuss the adjustments Chicago could make during the bye week before reacting to a bizarre report involving former NFL coach Rex Ryan. ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers joins live from the GM meetings in Las Vegas to explain why the Cubs aren't pursuing Tarik Skubal, which Japanese pitchers could be targets and what Ben Brown's neck surgery means for the rotation. Rogers also discusses the White Sox's plan to develop Grant Taylor as a starter, Hagen Smith's future role, Will Venable's Manager of the Year honor and potential interest in Michael King or Freddy Peralta. Plus, the crew looks ahead to Pete Crow-Armstrong's MVP announcement and wraps up with the struggles of the Bulls and Blackhawks. -
11/11 10AM: Bears Stand Pat, Vikings Get Cousins 11.11.2026 43mCarmen and Jurko revisit the NFL trade deadline as reports explain why Khalil Mack never returned to the Bears and callers question Chicago's decision not to add more help at cornerback. The guys debate whether Kirk Cousins makes the Vikings legitimate Super Bowl contenders and discuss how midseason trades can create unusual bye-week scheduling situations. Jurko explains how injured players handle rehabilitation during the Bears' bye, while the crew considers what an 18-game NFL season with two bye weeks might look like. Veterans Day callers share their experiences, and one Bears fan reveals his remarkable track record of attending Caleb Williams' worst interception games. Plus, the guys preview Whiskey U, debate Dunkin's holiday coffee cups and break down a brutal but legal NHL hit by Jakob Chychrun on Nick Cousins. -
11/11 9AM: Cousins Changes the NFC North Race 11.11.2026 44mCarmen and Jurko react to the Vikings trading for Kirk Cousins, debating how his return to Minnesota could transform the NFC North race and make the Bears' path to a division title even more difficult. The guys compare Chicago's competition with Detroit, Minnesota and Green Bay, including the potential impact of Micah Parsons returning to the Packers' defense. MACtion produces one of the strangest football penalties the guys have ever seen, involving fake goalposts on a stadium scoreboard. Plus, Carmen and Jurko revisit the infamous Matt Eberflus phone interview, share some golf stories and look ahead to the Bears' bye week and a lackluster Week 10 NFL schedule. -
11/10 11AM: Thayer on Caleb & Bears' Trade Deadline 10.11.2026 43mFormer Bears offensive lineman Tom Thayer joins Carmen and Jurko to break down Chicago's strange win over the Buccaneers, Caleb Williams' interceptions and the costly penalties that nearly derailed the Bears. Thayer explains how Kyle Monangai's return could help revive the struggling running game and weighs in on Tampa Bay's complaints about Jeffery Simmons' play in the trenches. With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the guys debate whether Ryan Poles should pursue another cornerback, including Riq Woolen or Alontae Taylor, while Thayer questions the need for another move. The hour also features a look at the Champions Classic and Victor Wembanyama's remarkable performances. Plus, Carmen and Jurko commemorate the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald with a classic radio parody, celebrate the Marine Corps' birthday and react to a bizarre Pokémon-card story. -
11/10 10AM: Bears Run-Game Reset & Vikings QB Panic 10.11.2026 43mCarmen and Jurko react to reports that the Vikings are desperately searching for a quarterback ahead of the NFL trade deadline after Carson Wentz posts an embarrassing 8.9 passer rating. The guys examine how the Bears transformed their rushing attack following last season's bye week and debate whether Ben Johnson can repeat that success despite injuries to Kyle Monangai and Cole Kmet. Callers weigh in on Caleb Williams' accuracy, Johnson's controversial fake punt and whether Minnesota might come calling for one of Chicago's backup quarterbacks. The Brunch Rush shifts to baseball as the Cubs reportedly back away from the Tarik Skubal bidding war and concerns grow over Ben Brown's lingering neck injury. Plus, the crew debates whether the Bears would rather host the Packers or visit the Panthers in the playoffs, discusses potential NFL receiver trades and reacts to O'Hare's frustrating taxi delays. -
11/10 9AM: Bears' Trade Options & Vikings QB Disaster 10.11.2026 45mCarmen and Jurko react to the Vikings' embarrassing Monday Night Football loss to the Bills and talk whether Minnesota must trade for a quarterback after Carson Wentz's disastrous performance. With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the guys discuss Jacksonville's aggressive moves and whether the Bears should pursue cornerbacks Nahshon Wright or Riq Woolen without sacrificing more valuable draft picks. They also examine the loaded NFC playoff picture, Chicago's position as the No. 2 seed and the NFC North's historic success through nine weeks. Callers weigh in on Ozzy Trapilo's recovery and Minnesota's quarterback crisis, while the crew celebrates producer Jack McGrath's fundraiser and his coverage of DeAndre Swift. Plus, Ben Johnson explains how the Bears plan to address their inconsistent running game during the bye week, with Kyle Monangai's absence remaining a significant factor. -
11/9 11AM: Ben Johnson with Jeff Joniak 09.11.2026 44mJeff Joniak sits down with Ben Johnson for this week's edition of the exclusive coaches show on Carmen and Jurko. Just how impressive has the 3rd down defense been? Plus, Jurko correctly predicted what the Bears needed to do to win in his Keys to the Game! -
11/9 10AM: A Win is a Win! 09.11.2026 44mCarmen and Jurko break down the BEars' 27-24 victory over the Bucs on SNF.. Did the D-Line show up enough? Plus, Jurko breaks down two officiating decisions in the Notre Dame/Miami and Texas/Missouri game that could have been different. -
11/9 9AM: Bears Victory Monday! 09.11.2026 46mCarmen and Jurko recap the Bears narrow victory over the Bucs 27-24 on SNF. Any worry about Caleb after a 4 INT game? -
11/6 11AM: Ben Johnson LIVE Press Conference 06.11.2026 44mTodd Furman joins with his Bears vs Bucs bets along with looking around the league in the NFL! Plus, Carmen and Jurko listen to Is now allowing football at Thanksgiving cause for not going to the Thanksgiving dinner at all? Ben Johnson meets the media LIVE, and the guys give their predictions for Bears vs Bucs. -
11/6 10AM: Jason McKie 06.11.2026 43mFormer Bears fullback Jason McKie joins Carmen and Jurko to talk about the Bears upcoming matchup vs the Bucs at home on SNF. Then, Jurko does his keys to the game for a Bears victory, The Brunch Rush, and Mike North joins to give his bonus bets of the weekend. -
11/6 9AM: Are You Fully Bought in on Bears Hype? 06.11.2026 45mCarmen recaps his charity event & him and Jurko talk about how the city can't believe the Bears are this good. This town buzzes over the Bears like no other team and that's a fact despite outside opinions! Plus, the guys take Bears calls. Is this run from Caleb, Ben & co. sustainable for the long term future? Malik Muhammed audio on Jaylon Johnson. Fair or foul? Carmen and Jurko get disrespected over Christmas music! -
11/5 11AM: Caleb & Ben Audio + Courtney Cronin 05.11.2026 42mCarmen and Jurko listen to Caleb Williams press conference audio and talk about Jaylon Johnson's cryptic posts. They take calls on nonsense like Bears tattoos and food choices. Plus, they listen to Ben Johnson audio from interview with Jeff Joniak. Courtney Cronin joins the show to give updates on the Bears injury report and talk all things Bears. The Bulls are SO BAD! So much for the anti-tanking rule. -
11/5 10AM: Jeff Joniak & The Brunch Rush 05.11.2026 43mJeff Joniak joins the guys to talk about Caleb Williams, Simmons, and previews the upcoming SNF game at Soldier Field vs the Bucs. Joniak explains why he ISN'T worried about the Bears on Sunday night. Then, Paulie Cheesecake calls in with his picks, and Jack does the Brunch Rush with the guys.
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