New Podcast: The Chicago Smokehouse with Big John Howell & Rick Telander

Introducing the Chicago Smokehouse with Big John Howell and Rick Telander Keith Conrad Episode

If you love great sports stories, deep conversations, and the unmistakable aroma of a good cigar, The Chicago Smokehouse is your new favorite podcast. Hosted by legendary radio personality John Howell and joined by Sports Writers Hall of Famer Rick Telander, this podcast is more than just sports talk—it’s a storytelling experience.

Recorded in a setting that lives up to its name, The Chicago Smokehouse brings together two of Chicago’s most seasoned voices to share tales from the world of sports, media, and beyond. Whether it's reminiscing about iconic moments in Chicago sports, discussing the legacy of a legendary coach, or paying tribute to sportswriting greats, each episode delivers a blend of insight, humor, and nostalgia that fans won’t want to miss.

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What You’ll Hear on The Chicago Smokehouse

Unfiltered Conversations About Sports Legends

From Mike Ditka’s unforgettable personality to the hard-hitting days of the ‘85 Bears, Howell and Telander take listeners behind the scenes of some of the most legendary figures in Chicago sports history. Whether it’s Ditka’s run-ins with fans on the golf course or his notorious competitiveness (yes, even at gin rummy), the stories on The Chicago Smokehouse offer a unique glimpse into the people who made sports great.

🔥 Episode Spotlight: Rick Telander shares the wild story of how Ditka, fresh off hip surgery, had his joint popped back into place—by a former middle linebacker.

A Tribute to Sportswriting’s Greats

The world of sports journalism lost an icon with the recent passing of John Feinstein, a prolific writer who authored A Season on the Brink and 47 other books. In a heartfelt episode, Telander reflects on Feinstein’s incredible career, his relentless work ethic, and his ability to capture the soul of sports.

🔥 Episode Spotlight: “Bobby Knight hated it,” Telander recalls of Feinstein’s A Season on the Brink. “And that’s what made the book explode in popularity.”

The podcast doesn’t just cover games and players—it also honors the storytellers who bring sports to life.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Chicago Sports

Chicago sports history is rich with triumphs and heartbreaks. Howell and Telander dive deep into the moments that shaped the city’s teams, from the dominance of the ‘85 Bears to the reasons why they never won another Super Bowl.

🔥 Episode Spotlight: The infamous painted scoreboard on Telander’s Lake Forest home—showing the Bears’ Super Bowl score—had to be removed after Ditka decided it was bad luck. The Bears’ solution? A cherry picker and a bucket of black paint.

Sports, Cigar Smoke, and Late-Night Musings

The conversations on The Chicago Smokehouse aren’t just about sports. Howell and Telander dive into everything—from the best cigars to the lost art of sportswriting. Their laid-back yet insightful discussions feel like sitting in a Chicago tavern at midnight, surrounded by smoke and great company.

🔥 Episode Spotlight: Howell recalls the time Ditka paid his band in cash—straight from a bank bag in his glovebox. His only advice? “Don’t ever leave a receipt.”

Why You Should Listen to The Chicago Smokehouse

✅ Authentic Chicago Flavor: These are stories you won’t hear anywhere else, told by two guys who’ve lived them.
✅ Unfiltered, Unscripted, and Unforgettable: There’s no script, no commercials, and no BS—just great conversation.

If you love sports, politics, great storytelling, and the kind of conversations you can only have in a smoke-filled backroom, The Chicago Smokehouse is the podcast for you.

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