Monday Madness Sports Talk

The final episode of Monday Madness Sports Talk, as you know it... leaving Chicago for new adventures, but listen to see what it is!! (4:45)- Sharing my worst Chicago sports memories. (30:05)- Sharing my best Chicago sports memories. (57:43)- Talking about those red hot Chicago Cubs, and the not so hot White Sox. Discussed some other headlines around the MLB and some hot takes. (1:18.44)- Ended Monday Madness Sports Talk by talking Chicago Bears, Arlington Park, UFC fights/rankings and the Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz fight. Made sure to extend thank you's and my final call for Monday Madness Sports Talk in Chicago.

It's MADNESS in this one hour episode talking baseball, NBA and NHL playoffs, PGA Championship, Chicago Bears and Arlington Park! (3:45)- Started off with baseball talking Cubs, White Sox and my top performing teams, fantasy baseball and my personal all-star lineup in the first quarter of the season. (27:40)- Continued on talking Chicago Bulls angst, NBA and NHL playoff briefs and my fixation on Connor Bedard. (46:10)- Ended with a rapid fire discussion talking about one of my now favorite golf stories coming from the PGA Championship, Chicago Bears and their offseason, and my current Arlington Park development thoughts.

Back at it with yet another episode of MMST. From NFL trades so lopsided it should be a felony, entertaining international baseball, MARCH MADNESS and a UFC pay-per-view?! Time to get spoiled with some sports talk: (4:24) Very encouraging weekend for the future of Chicago Bears football. Talk about Ryan Poles and his tenacity, trading the No. 1 overall pick while taking advantage of the first day of free agency. (21:05) The most fun I have ever had watching world competitive baseball. Last time to enjoy no new MLB rules but also get a preview of players to watch this season, plus how it translates into MLB play once the tournament is done. (41:53) It's that time of year as its March Madness on Monday Madness. This time, I ain't gonna bore you with every pick. Yet will discuss my biggest upsets, teams to watch and keys to winning this years tournament. Spent a brief moment discussing Bulls angst. (1:01.24) Looking forward to a solid fight night for UFC 286 as Leon "Rocky" Edwards looks to defend the welterweight belt in London with his third fight against Kamaru "Nigerian Nightmare" Usman. Also added on a great performance by Merab Dvalishvili at bantamweight setting a record for takedown attempts (49) in a fight against Petr Yan.

In this episode I put the mad in madness as I found something frustrating in almost every topic. (3:56) Started it off talking about the Chicago Bulls and their potential to salvage this underwhelming season. The segment also included the most important frustration in the Chicago Blackhawks, how can we cope to this end of an era? (22:22) MLB baseball Spring training is underway as more baseball discussion and venting is to be shared amongst the masses. Naturally, the Cubs get my approval for this episode as more optimism is expressed, but what needs to happen for this optimism to be fulfilled? I found reasons for this White Sox team to feel ok about themselves going into the season. Then I got really mad at the pitch clock. (45:02) Boxing action from Saudi Arabia where Jake Paul falls short against Tommy Fury, but should Paul be seen as a competitive boxer? UFC 285 coming in hot for Saturday as Jon Jones comes back after a three year layover to fight heavyweight king Ciryl Gane for the HW championship. Money Madness as I make my Draft Kings picks of the week. (1.05:34) Revisiting soccer as Chicago Fire FC looks to begin an important season on Saturday. Action from across the pond in the Premier League as who is being threatened with relegation and who the top dogs are. FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League.  

The comeback edition as the show returns with a WILD lineup of sports talk today starting with football (4:45) in talking about the endless possibilities the Chicago Bears have in the upcoming offseason. Conversation also included my theories of the potential Arlington Park development and the Super Bowl. (30:15) A highly anticipated baseball season as the Cubs were busy this offseason, but the White Sox were not really. World Baseball Classic rosters were also discussed and what I think are the notables coming up for the tournament. (55:25) What da Bulls doin'? What does Chicago basketball have to say for themselves at this point of the season? Should the Bulls have made a move during the trade deadline? What about the Chicago Blackhawks? Will Patrick Kane or Jonathan Toews be in a Blackhawks jersey at the end of the month? (1:09.34) The modern aged UFC super fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev was a banger. Was the judges decision correct on Islam winning what was an entertaining fight? How should the lightweight division move on from this fight? Who is next for both fighters?

The Madness returns from Boston with some stories to tell from Fenway Park and the Cooperstown National Baseball Hall Of Fame. As well as a synopsis on what is at stake in September MLB baseball, and what the chances are for the White Sox to turn things around. Mid-show previews UFC 279 this upcoming weekend, as well as talking about the implications from Leon Edwards incredible UFC 278 win. Finished the show discussing Chicago Bears season preview and Arlington Park, WNBA Playoffs and U.S. Open Tennis.

Began with the Brittney Griner detainment Story, discussing the dilemma from a local sports and international politics perspective. Then talked some baseball, recapping the MLB trade deadline, how it affected the Cubs and White Sox and what the rest of the season is going to look like. The last portion was dedicated to soccer, and the next great Chicago team, MMA/UFC, then ended the show with ESPN 8 The Ocho.

Coming back after moving into Chicago. It is a homecoming episode here as we get set for MLB All Star season, voting for who I think deserves a spot in the All Star Game, catching up on standings, and of course talking Cubs and White Sox. Continued on with a synopsis of the NHL and NBA seasons, what the Bulls and Blackhawks can expect in the offseason. Ended the show talking UFC 276, with its potential of being one of the best cards of the year.

The 100th episode on Spotify/Apple/Google Podcasts! Today I discussed an update on my life and how it will effect Monday Madness. I started the sports talk talking baseball, overviewed the struggling Cubs organization and the re-emerging White Sox. Continued on talking about the NBA Playoffs, and what my thought are on Nikola Jokic getting MVP. Also discussed NHL playoffs and who I am rooting for. Ended the program talking MMA and UFC, and the interesting event from this past weekend. 

Just two strong segments today talking all the latest in Chicago Cubs, White Sox, and Bulls playoff basketball! Can the Cubs figure themselves out this season? Who is to blame for the White Sox injuries? Are we happy with the Bulls? All this and more here on the 231st installment of the MADNESS.

Debuting the new intro system where I will be highlighting small clips from previous weeks episodes. Helping me lead into this week being the first week of the MLB season! Discussed my thoughts on Chicago's start for the Cubs and White Sox. Then made some very bold predictions for the NBA playoffs, and how the Bulls are suited for it. Ended the show talking about The Masters and my current thoughts on the world of golf, and of course talked about the amazing UFC273 card fight card.

Started this one off with my immediate post game reaction from the NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship game. Kansas accomplishing the biggest comeback in finals history vs UNC! Continued on talking baseball, what to know for opening day and more. Then discussed NBA playoffs, world cup and MLS soccer, and UFC 273!

Recorded live at 88.3 FM Harper Radio. Discussed March Madness, and what patterns are being developed with the tournament. Then went on to talk MLB baseball, recent transactions and Chicago baseball issues. Ended the show mixing it up with World Cup soccer, NBA, NHL, and a little bit of MMA.

The favorited sports tradition is here! March Madness picks were shared up until the round of 32, and I announce my final four. Then I talk about baseball being back! The MLB lockout is over, and I am all over the trades and free agent signings. I also talk about the NFL, Brady, Bears, UEFA Champions League/MLS/Premier League, and NBA basketball!

Recorded 8-9:45pm CST on WHCM-FM 88.3 Harper College. Started this one discussing the MLB lockout and how it could be affecting the Chicago teams. Then went on to hype up the impending March Madness tournament and the Chicago Bulls. Talked MMA and what went down this past weekend with UFC 272. Ended the show talking soccer, UEFA Champions League, and had a couple of announcements regarding a new blog/podcast!

Started us off quickly discussing NFL playoffs and the wild divisional round games, and how the Chicago Bears are not interviewing for a GM properly. Continued discussing the Chicago Bulls, and what they need to do to compensate their injuries. Talked some Chicago Blackhawks and how it is the time to change the organization. Ended the show talking UFC 270 and theories on what we may see next.

Starting a new podcast format with the new year as I discuss the biggest happenings in Chicago Sports. Most notably, this morning the Bears fired head coach Matt Nagy and General Manager Ryan Pace, and i'm here to react to it. Also discussed the NFL playoffs and how that could help influence the Bears decisions this offseason. Did a full synopsis on what is behind the success of this year's Chicago Bulls team, and why the rest of the Eastern Conference should be scared. Ended the show talking about the current Covid-19 surge in sports, the vaccine mandates in Chicago sports, and how Novak Djokovic is being treated like a prisoner in Australia.

This episode was recorded at the Harper College 88.3 FM studios, as I started it off talking Bears, setting the tone for the rest of the season and how the rest of the NFL is shaping up. Then continued talking NBA, where he Bulls are stricken with COVID, and also the Blackhawks who are in a sort of state of limbo. Next segment talked soccer, as I highlighted the Champions League round of 16, Premier League, La Liga, and the MLS Cup. Finished the show going over UFC 269, my thoughts on the bouts, and the new/defending champions. Please excuse this episodes shaky audio quality, as I had to use a different mode of recording this week.

This weeks episode highlighted week 12 of NFL action, as we are now getting an idea of what the playoffs will look like along with the division leaders. Of course I ranted about the Chicago Bears and try to understand their problems. Next I got into some Bulls basketball and how they stack up against the rest of the NBA. Then got into Chicago Blackhawks and whether or not this team is worthy to compete in the Central Division. Finished the show off talking what is happening in the world of soccer, MLB free agency, and this weeks UFC event.

This episode was recorded at 88.3 FM Harper College Radio. Starting off with week 11 action in the NFL, and my weekly Chicago Bears rant. Next I talked about what is behind the current success of the Chicago Bulls, and the other storylines in the NBA. Continued on talking NHL hockey and the resurgence of the Chicago Blackhawks. Ended the show talking about today in sports history, and what is happening in the soccer world.

Podcasting this week as I start us off with the Chicago Bulls, as I talk about their promising start to the season. On the other side of things, I talked about the Chicago Blackhawks and the essence of their coaching change, and what I thought of it. Next up I discussed why I like football or soccer better, and it is a segment full of surprises. I finished this one off discussing the recent and next UFC events, and my thoughts on the next big potential match-ups in the UFC.

Recorded live on 88.3 FM Harperradio.com. Started this one quickly discussing the World Series, and talking about how baseball should be treating the Houston Astros. Then went and discussed NFL week 8 action and my current thoughts on the Chicago Bears. Continued by talking about the current situation with the Chicago Blackhawks that could potentially tarnish their reputation. Also talked Chicago Bulls basketball. Finished off the show discussing UFC 267 and this weeks event in UFC 268.

Started this one off discussing the 2021 World Series matchup, and my final take on the Chicago White Sox season. Continued with NFL week 7 action and the Bears awful performance against Tampa. Did a split segment highlighting the recent success in Chicago basketball with the Chicago Sky and Chicago Bulls. Ended the podcast today previewing UFC 267 and the next big potential boxing match.

This episode was recorded live on 88.3 FM at 12:30pm CST. Beginning with NFL week 5 action, and the big Bears win over Vegas, and the importance of maintaining good team chemistry. Same thing applying to the White Sox and their current postseason as they are losing in the ALDS 2-1, as I preview game 4 and the other MLB postseason matchups. Continued on talking about Chicago basketball with the Bulls looking phenomenal in the preseason and the Chicago Sky in the WNBA finals. Ended the show talking combat sports, highlighted by the Wilder vs Fury boxing match, and what is to come in the UFC.

October baseball is here and I am on the playoff baseball bracket grind, as we are set for some really good match-ups. Then got into week 4 of NFL action following the decent win by the Chicago Bears on Sunday, and the rest of the highlights. Finished the show combing my thoughts on the NHL and NBA, what I think for Chicago and the rest of the leagues.

Recorded in the beautiful studios of 88.3 FM Harper College Radio. Starting this one off ranting about the Bears embarrassing loss against the Browns, and what I think the root of the Bears problems are. Then did an NFL week 3 review, alongside my thoughts on the high amounts of penalty flags this season. Continued the show talking about the final week of the MLB season, and marking the important matchups for all of the playoff contenders. Finished the program discussing UFC 266, as the card was full of action packed fights, and what to look forward to in the next week. Also briefly talked about Premier League Soccer and MLS.

Started this one off talking week 2 of NFL action, and my reaction to Justin Fields performance and the Bears win. Continued on discussing the MLB playoff push situation as we are nearing the final week of the regular season, and what my thoughts are on the White Sox World Series chances. Ended the show previewing UFC 266 and its stacked card.

Recording on 88.3 FM Harper Radio. Started this one off talking week one action in the NFL, with what went wrong for the Bears and some silver linings to take out of that performance against the LA Rams. Continued on to discuss the Cubs, and my spicy take on their situation, along with the White Sox and the crazy Wild Card standings. Ended the show quickly discussing MLS soccer and Premier League, also a minute of UFC discussion.

Honorary co-host James Jefferson joins me today on WHCM-FM 88.3 to fully discuss our thoughts on the upcoming football season, and what our respective takes are on Justin Fields starting and the Aaron Rodgers situation. Afterwards we discussed this unique baseball season, who the front runners are currently and our thoughts on the Cubs and White Sox. Ended the show talking about last nights Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley fight and also mixed in some soccer talk.

Quickly got into some NFL discussion as I highlight Bears preseason, and what my expectations are for them this year. Next up was baseball as I spent 25 minutes continuing my Cubs rant, cheering up the White Sox, and looking over the MLB Power Rankings. Finished the show talking soccer for both MLS/Premier League, and this upcoming weekends fight night in the UFC.

Live on 88.3 FM 1-2:30pm CST every other week. Began with the continuation of my thoughts on the Chicago Cubs team, and my excitement for the Chicago White Sox. Then got into the logistics of the recent transactions made by the Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago Blackhawks. Continued on talking about soccer as Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona on a sour note, as well as the updated MLS standings. Ended the show discussing UFC 265 and what's to come in the world of combat sports.

No other choice but to start the show talking about all of the Chicago Cubs trades, and giving my rant about my favorite team collapsing. Also discussed other MLB trades and the success of the Chicago White Sox. Continued discussing the Olympics and my thoughts on Simone Biles, the Belarus runner who got forced onto an airplane, and transgender woman competing in the Olympics. Ended the show discussing the latest in Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks free agent signings and transactions.

100 episodes later, MMST is back live on the airwaves of WHCM-FM 88.3. The live format is back today as I continue to discuss the trade narratives behind the Chicago Cubs, and the ongoing successes of the Chicago White Sox. Then went on to deliberate the olympic events as the USA basketball team is struggling, and my thoughts on how olympics values societal narratives. Finished the show talking combat sports with UFC and Boxing.

This episode we continue the trade talk discussion for the Chicago Cubs, and add on to the glorification brought on by the Chicago White Sox. Discussed the MLB standings and the current trends that help us predict who will move on to October baseball. Dribbled into basketball to review the new movie, "Space Jam: A New Legacy", how bad is it really? Lets discuss it. Then stayed on the topic to talk about the NBA Finals. Finished the show off updating UFC Fight Nights and the new UFC 266 card.

Jam packed episode starting us off with MLB baseball as the Cubs and White Sox are discussed, as well as the Home Run Derby. Continued on discussing the anti-climactic UFC 264 and my thoughts on how the Dustin Poirier/Conor McGregor fight went down. Third segment was a combo with the Olympics and the Sha'Carri Richardson marijuana dispute, as well as my take on the NBA finals. Ended the show discussing soccer with the Euro 2020 tournament and MLS.

A short one today beginning with Major League Baseball, as I make my all-star game selections, go over the power rankings/standings. Then quickly discussed the strengths and weaknesses of both the Cubs and White Sox. Continued on talking about the NBA conference finals, then finished the show talking about the Stanley Cup Finals.

Started with baseball and talking about the newly implemented foreign substances crackdown in the MLB. Continued talking about the MLB power rankings and standings(6:00-35:00). Continued on talking about the NBA Playoffs and its injury riddled season, and my predictions for who will come out on top(36:00-54:00). Then dove into the NHL playoffs to discuss the two semi-final series tied at two(54:30-1:05). The last segment features a guest from Melbourne, Australia. Two-time Rubik's Cube world champion and holder of 121 world records, Feliks Zemdegs. We discussed the cubing community and his process to become the best(1:06-end). If you or your business is looking to create sponsorships or Public Service Announcements please email me at noah.festenstein@gmail.com.

Caught up with the current trends of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, alongside the current MLB standings. Then got into both the NBA and NHL playoffs respectively, and my main takeaways from both. Ended the show with a bang talking combat sports. Discussed the Logan Paul vs Floyd Mayweather exhibition bout, and previewing UFC 263.

Time to talk some baseball, as week 7 exposes some strengths and weakness of our respective teams here in Chicago. Now the Cubs are surging, and i'm all here to talk about that and the power rankings. Then continued talking NBA playoffs, my reactions for all of the first games played, and my thoughts on the mid-season tournament discussions. Went on to discuss the latest in NHL playoffs, reviewing the games and what to look forward to for the second round. Finished us off today talking soccer with the end for Premier League and La Liga, and Wednesday's Europa League championship.

We'eve got ourselves a baseball season, filled with different contenders and new teams atop the power rankings. Talking Chicago Cubs and White Sox. Continued on with the NHL Playoffs first round and my prediction for the Stanley Cup Final, and recapped the Chicago Blackhawks season. Then discussed the NBA playoffs, and the initiation of this years Play-In Tournament, as I gather my thoughts on that system and the conclusion of the Chicago Bulls Season. Finished us off today talking UFC 262, the new lightweight champion and the significance behind him.

MILESTONE EPISODE!!! :D Yes, each episode will now have its own name. You know the intro song, and it exists because Monday Madness covers "all of the lights", ALL of the sports! This, the 200th episode of MMST, will epitomize that. Today I discuss the latest in Baseball, Olympics, NBA, NHL, Esports, NFL, all main soccer leagues, Kentucky Derby, golf, boxing, MMA, and a new segment discussing the sports movie of the week. Thank you for tuning in to Monday Madness for the past 5 years. Your support fuels the content, and it has been amazing. Long reign the Madness!

The last of the hundreds for Monday Madness Sports Talk. Starting today off as usual with baseball, talking Cubs and White Sox through the first month of the season. Then went on to discuss the playoff pushes in the NBA and NHL, and also my final thoughts on the European Super League for soccer. Ended the show discussing UFC 261 and the events that took place.

Back at it discussing the LATEST in the crazy sports world we live in. Starting us off is MLB and how the Cubs and White Sox have been doing/struggling. Continued on bringing back soccer/football with the Europa Super League being announced, and what my thoughts are on it and the exact format of what it is going to be, then ended soccer briefly discussing MLS. Playoff race is underway in the NBA and NHL, so I discuss both respectively. Ended the show discussing the Jake Paul vs Ben Askren boxing match. Shared my thoughts on UFC 261 and the full capacity crowd.

Started the show today talking about the first few games of the MLB season, and the league moving the All-Star game from Atlanta. Then continued with some NHL hockey and the current Covid-19 outbreaks, and the Chicago Blackhawks looking iffy towards a push to the playoffs. Ended the show talking about and placing bets for tonights championship game between Gonzaga and Baylor, then finished talking about the Chicago Bulls and the NBA standings.

More Madness to talk about with March Madness Elite Eight action tonight. Then went into the potential 25 man rosters for the Cubs and White Sox, alongside my predictions for the MLB standings this season. Continued on talking NBA basketball and the new look Chicago Bulls, and then caught up with both the NBA and NHL standings. Concluded the show talking about UFC 260 and the new heavyweight champion of the world.

Started it off quickly discussing the first two rounds of March Madness, and the potential starting lineups for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox. Continued with my reaction to the Andy Dalton signing with the Chicago Bears. Finished the show talking UFC 260 and the inequalities that lie in the sport of MMA and beyond.

Bringing more madness to Monday Madness, as it has been two years since my last March Madness bracket has been filled. I did a live bracket filling on Facebook and Instagram Live. Picking out the men and women tournaments respectively. Continued after with spring training baseball, talking Cubs and Sox and baseball strategy. Caught up with Chicago Bears trade rumors and what now I truly think of the Bears quarterback situation. Ended the show quickly overviewing the NHL standings and the Chicago Blackhawks.

The first extension episode of MMST! Taking the history of sport into full perspective in this first episode of Mini Madness Sports History. Today I discussed what should be defined as a sport, and the first eight sports ever invented.

During this episode I claimed it to be ep. 192. Obviously it is 193... silly me. However it is exactly the same format as ep. 192 because it started off talking baseball spring training, and the fans now being approved to come back to attendance in Chicago. Then discussed the Blackhawks and their positive stance in the standings, alongside the rest of the NHL standings. Continued with basketball talking about the NBA All-Star Game and updated standings, also the final AP poll for college basketball getting ready for March Madness. Finalized the show reviewing UFC 259 and its eventful evening.

Baseball, baseball, and more baseball. First segment spent 40 minutes on baseball and MLB spring training. Discussing what the Cubs and White Sox look like and the projected division winners for all of the MLB. Then went on to discuss the NHL, as the Blackhawks are proving themselves to be contenders. Same applied to the Chicago Bulls and Zach Lavine becoming an All-Star. Then concluded the sports talk with discussing the STACKED fight card we have on Saturday night. Ended the whole podcasting revealing TWO NEW PODCASTS. Stay tuned for that announcement. For merchandise inquires(shirts, hats, mugs, etc...) please email me at noah.festenstein@gmail.com

Back at it here for episode 191 as the guy from last week's throwback episode, Blaise Mesa, joins me as an honorary co-host to talk baseball spring training, football, and much much more. Blaise was the first ever co-host to grace the airwaves of Monday Madness. Then I ended the show with a solo segment talking the latest in MMA and UFC.