From Boers to Podcasting Gold: Bernstein & Abbatacola’s ‘Unfiltered’ Era Begins (Podcast Review August 2025)

I still remember exactly where I was when the Bears traded for Jay Cutler. I was a student at Greenville College, just months from transferring to Olivet Nazarene University—then the home of Chicago Bears training camp in Bourbonnais. That summer, I even worked the sidelines at Cutler’s first camp. It was a huge moment for me.

But before all that, I’d just stepped out of my final class for the day. I climbed into my car, headed to the football facility for a meeting, and as I turned the key and pulled out of the parking lot, there they were: Dan Bernstein and Terry Boers, lighting up the airwaves on The Score, announcing what felt like one of the biggest trades in Bears history.

That moment stuck with me—not just because of Cutler, but because of how Dan and Terry owned the story. Sharp, witty, incisive, and hilarious. At the time, I didn’t really dream of being on-air (outside of calling games). My dream was to be the next Matt Abbatacola—the guy in the booth the hosts leaned on to hold it all together.

Fast-forward to March 2025: Dan Bernstein goes off the air, and Chicago sports talk felt… off. That’s not a knock on Rahimi and Harris, who did a solid job in his absence. But it wasn’t the same. Now he’s back—with Matt—and their new podcast, Dan Bernstein Unfiltered, hits the ground running on Hubbard Broadcasting’s 312 Sports platform.

1. The Silence Left a Mark: What We Missed Without Bernstein

Bernstein’s absence wasn’t just about missing his voice—it was about Chicago sports losing one of its sharpest, most honest commentators during a stretch packed with big storylines:

The Cubs’ hot start, tempting fans with early postseason dreams, reminiscent of their 2016 run—but with no Bernstein around to keep expectations in check (because, let’s be honest, nobody does “pump the brakes” better).
A wild Bears offseason and an eventful NFL Draft, where the Bears selected Colston Loveland at No. 10 and Luther Burden III in the second round—two picks that begged for Dan’s breakdown.
The Bulls being the Bulls, still operating like a mom-and-pop shop while the rest of the NBA runs like Fortune 500 companies. Another offseason, another round of meatball takes from the front office.
And then, of course, the announcement of a new Pope—from Chicago, named Bob. The jokes practically wrote themselves, and naturally, Dan ran with it in Episode 1.

But it wasn’t just about box scores or offseason moves.

Bernstein has always been one of the few voices willing to go there—whether it was hammering the Blackhawks over their sexual assault cover-up or calling out Penn State during their scandal. When stories like the Northwestern hazing lawsuit settlement broke while he was gone, it just wasn’t the same. Those were the moments I caught myself thinking: Man, what would Bernstein say about this?

2. A Flawed Legend Who Earns His Spot on Chicago Radio’s Mount Rushmore

Dan Bernstein is controversial. No argument there. He’s made mistakes. But here’s what separates him—he owned them. He didn’t hide. He didn’t shift blame. He admitted it, learned from it, and grew.

In an industry where a lot of people double down, spin, or duck responsibility, that’s rare.

That’s why he doesn’t just belong on Chicago sports talk’s Mount Rushmore—he belongs on Chicago radio’s Mount Rushmore. Period.

This comeback isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about growth. It’s about resilience. It’s about showing that you can screw up, learn, and still come back stronger.

3. Abbatacola + Bernstein = Lightning in a Bottle

When 312 Sports announced the podcast, I figured Dan would come back with something solid. But when they dropped Matt Abbatacola as his partner? That was the curveball.

And it was perfect.

Matt wasn’t just a “producer.” He was the heartbeat of Boers & Bernstein. He had an ear for rhythm and timing that made segments stick. He made good bits great and great bits legendary.

Now he’s in front of the mic, and it feels long overdue. The chemistry is still there—like they never left. Listening to them now is like pulling up a barstool at a South Loop bar, overhearing two old friends go at it, while you nod along and mutter, “Yep, that’s exactly how I feel.”

4. Not Just for Chicago: Why This Podcast Hits Everywhere

You don’t need to know what CTA and LSD stand for to get into Dan Bernstein Unfiltered.

Yes, the show is full of Chicago flavor, but at its core, it’s universal. In Episode 1, Dan opened up about accountability, growth, and mental health—topics that are still shockingly rare in sports media.

This isn’t just hot takes and barbershop banter. It’s thoughtful, honest, sometimes vulnerable conversation. And that’s exactly why it works—not just for Chicagoans, but for anyone who cares about sports and the people who live them.

5. One Episode In—and It’s Strong, But Missing One Key Ingredient

Right now, we’re one episode in—and it’s damn good. Pacing? Perfect. Tone? Spot on. Chemistry? Instant.

But let me be blunt: it needs callers.

A Bernstein show without audience voices is like a beef sausage combo (dry, no hot peppers)—still solid, but missing that extra bite.

The unpredictable brilliance of callers—whether it was the awkward ones, the angry ones, or the totally off-the-wall ones—wasn’t just filler. It was part of the art.

I’m sure something’s coming soon—maybe a voicemail line or a way for fans to drop in via social. But if they want to really make this feel like Chicago again, they should add it sooner rather than later.

6. A Few Producer Tips

Putting my producer hat on here—because I can’t help it—here’s what I’d do:

Set up a Google Voice number or a SpeakPipe link.
Drop it in the show notes and promote it at the end of every episode.
Use social media to push a weekly question and invite fans to call in.
Play two or three of the best (or worst) every week.

According to Edison Research, podcasts with listener interaction see up to 30% higher retention and more loyal audiences.

Plus, it’s fun. And fun is what makes this show click.

Also, another podcast show idea: Dan is one of the most detailed, sharpest interviewers out there. He needs a separate show just for in-depth conversations—with athletes, coaches, and even fellow media members. Let them open up about their lives, their struggles, their mental health. That’s where Dan’s curiosity and empathy would shine brightest.

Final Word: Not a Return—A Reclamation

Dan Bernstein Unfiltered isn’t just a comeback—it’s a reclamation of what sports talk should be: sharp, funny, unfiltered, but also human. With Matt Abbatacola alongside him, Dan has come full circle—older, wiser, and more free than ever, now that he’s outside the old FCC guardrails.

If you grew up with Dan’s voice in your car, this feels like home. If this is your first time? Buckle up.

So tune in. Because Dan’s back. Chicago feels whole again. The beef is juicy, the callers are coming, and the conversation is just getting started.