The Meatball Composer

A milestone episode! Thanks for helping the show get to 100 episodes! Mark Janzen joins me to talk about the Bears recent moves, draft possibilities, check-in with the Cubs and Cardinals, and....a big announcement for the future of this silly podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

After week one of the 2021 MLB season, Mark joins me to check in on my Cubs and his Cardinals. Also, we start talking about mock drafts and Bears expectations, and how the Pace/Nagy train wreck will look to buy themselves more time. This is episode 99! Thank you for those that have been listening all along! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

After a week hiatus, we've got a double-length episode for this week! First up is a discussion with James Gilliland, a composer and church musician, talking about his organization Diverse Church Music. We talk this, as well as some Chicago sports discussion! If you are part of a church music ministry and looking for resources, visit www.diversechurchmusic.com. Then, Mark joins me to discuss the beginning of the 2021 baseball season! While we are both Bearsss fans, we differ in baseball, as I am a Cubs fan and he is a Cardinals fan. Then we touch on some Bears news. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

What is going on?? What's the plan? More questions with the Bears as they cut one of their best players after overpaying for Andy Dalton. Mark and I weigh in. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Mark and I discuss the Bears signing Andy Dalton to a one-year deal. What does this mean? What is the long term plan? Is there one? Ryan Pace out Paces himself, and we discuss. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Allen Robinson will be with the Bears for the 2021 season, as he has been slapped with the franchise tag. Hopefully, this is a step towards a long deal. Mark and I talk about this, as well as the Russell Wilson/Bears rumors that still won't go away! And, Mark is the editor of a new book that is coming out next month! All this, and some random stupidity so thanks for listening!  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Probably won't happen. But...could it? Is there really a chance the Beloved could trade for Russell Wilson? Mark Janzen and I discuss if these rumors carry any weight, and how much. And, if such a trade happened, what would it cost? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

After a week hiatus, we're back! Mark is thawed out and we discuss the Bears lack of moves so far, and wonder what the heck they plan to do with quarterback. But hey, it won't be Carson Wentz!!  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

In a departure from the normal show content, I talk with old testament theologian and author Dr. Ryan Stokes about his recent book, “The Satan: How God's Executioner Became the Enemy.” Dr. Stokes teaches religion at Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, TN. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Mark and I put a bow on the 2020 football season by talking about Bucs SB win. Then the HOF class, and Bears QB pontificating. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Mark and I discuss the Chiefs/Bucs SB, Wentz to the Bears rumor, Stafford to the Rams and the Lions are still the Lions.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Even the the Bears are out of it, there's plenty to talk about! The Packers were eliminated, every team wants a new QB, the Bears pick a Fangio disciple in Desai to run their defense. Mark and I talk football!  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Mark and I discuss the Bears taking their sweet time to find a new defensive coordinator, and wonder about the next QB, and what it would take to trade for DeShaun Watson.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

After a horrible end to a mediocre season, the Bears put a cherry on top of the turd sundae with a press conference that was simply maddening. Mark Janzen and I pontificate. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Not only did the Chicago Bears lose to the Saints, they looked terrible. Mark and I review the game, talk about things that are concerning long term, and pontificate on off-season changes.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

The Bears will face New Orleans in the wild card round of the NFC playoffs. They are huge underdogs. Can they win? What do they have to do? Plus, Mark and I look at the rest of the playoff matches this weekend. Da Bearsss... --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

So many different feelings about this, because losing to the Packers means we're still not good, but the season is still alive. Complex and complicated scenario, Mark and I discuss.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

The Bears either have to beat Green Bay, or have the Rams beat Arizona. Personally, the latter is the most likely scenario for the Bears to clinch a spot! But who know? Mark and I discuss.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

The Bears take care of business and beat Jacksonville 41 - 17, Mark and I discuss the tale of the Bears teams we saw.  And, they're still in it! They can make the playoffs by beating Green Bay next week, or if the Cardinals lose to the Rams. Week 17 matters, and that feels good.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Mark and I talk about how the Bears might finish up the season, has Nagy earned the right to come back, what about Pace, what about Mitch...as Mark points out, there have been 3 different Bears teams this year, which is the real one??  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

This episode I'm joined by Nathan Montgomery, PhD philosophy student and contributing editor at artandthekingdom.org to talk about The Mandalorian and the historic season 2 finale, as well as the future of the Star Wars franchise.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

A 33 - 27 win over the Vikings means the Bears still have playoff hopes. But...is that good, looking at things for the long-term? Mark Janzen and I discuss.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

After the collapse against Detroit and a 6-game losing streak, it seemed like the Bears would be blowing everything up and starting over. But...a convincing win over Houston, and seemingly rejuvenated defense, and a third straight good game for Trubisky...now what? Mark Janzen and I discuss  these and the importance of Sunday's game against the Vikings.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

The Bears break their 6-game skid with a pummeling of the Texans. It's the first time the Bears have beaten Houston. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

After a 5-1 start, the Bears are now 5-7 and spiraling. Changes are coming, we just don't know when and to what extent. Dr. Mark Janzen joins me to talk about the soul-crushing loss to the Lions and what happens next.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Here we go again. The Bears are bad, and Green Bay puts it on display on national television. So sick of this. Mark Janzen joins me to talk about what happened, what's going to happen with this team.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Can the Bears pull off the upset against Green Bay? No. Well, maybe if....no. But we're still talking about it! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

The Matt Nagy era is over, all but officially. Mark and I lament the lack of progress these 3 years, and look,for any bright spots. Also, my thank you to Theo Epstein. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

A 3 game losing streak. But more than that, the Bears are regressing every week, going back to 2018. Lots of questions, no answers. Lovely. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Mark joins me to talk about the Bears news of the day: coronavirus has entered Halas Hall. We look back at the loss to the Saints, too. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

After a pathetic outing against the Rams on Monday night, we now have enough data to say that Mitch Trubisky was not what was holding back the Bears offense. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

After consecutive wins over good teams, the Bears top their division but still get no respect. Should they? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Mark joins me to talk about the upcoming Bears and Panthers game, and some other big picture league things. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

The Bears beat Tom Brady for the first time! Mark and I break down what we saw. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

After all the anticipation of a change at quarterback, the Bears have an even more pathetic performance on offense, losing their first of the year to the Colts. Mark Janzen and I break down. Break down the game, I mean.... --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

The Cubs drop the 1st game in a best of three to the Marlins, and the irrational fear with it! Then Mark Janzen jumps on to preview the Bears facing the Colts. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Post game reaction with Mark on the Bears surprise win, and the Bears going forward. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Mark and I discuss the frustrating win over the Giants, then look ahead to the Beloved facing the Falcons. The Bears are 2-0, but are they good? We don't know! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Me having a therapeutic chat about the challenges of teaching through the pandemic. Then, Mark and I preview the Bears/Giants game this Sunday. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Immediate Bears/Lions post game analysis by the composer and archaeologist. What did we just see?? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Mark joins me again to talk Bears season predictions, as well as Super Bowl champion predictions. It's all meaningless and stupid, but kinda fun! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Dr. Mark Janzen joins me to discuss the 2020 Bears....and he provides a cold dose of reality. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

After a two month absence while moving from Texas to Kansas, I'm back! This episode is me reflecting on where the Cubs are and where the Bears hope to be this season. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

A possible baseball season, racism and team name changes; the pandemic is reordering and reprioritizing some things! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

My guest today is Nathan Montgomery, a PhD student in Philosophy of Religion. We discuss Christian Apologetics, and get into a fun discussion about how certain movies address philosophical and theological ideas. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

Mark Janzen PhD joins me once again to talk about expectations for the 2020 Bears (assuming there is a season!). --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

So how did the Bears do (at least on paper) in this year's draft? Dr. Mark Janzen weighs in. We touch a little on what in the world the Packers are thinking, too. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

After a 6-month hiatus, the Meatball Composer is back! Coping with COVID-19, NFL draft, and what will the Bears do? Special guest: Dr. Mark Janzen. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

In a do or die 4 game series vs St. Louis at Wrigley, the Cubs surrender. But what's worse than the Cubs performance? Cubs fans' reactions. Also previewing Bears vs Redskins on Monday Night Football. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

The Cubs do not look like a contender, and the Bears do not look like their offense has improved. Woe is me. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support

It only took three hours to get the Chicago Bears fans away from thinking Super Bowl and towards thinking toilet bowl. Week one thoughts from the excruciatingly painful loss to the hated Cheeseheads. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meatballcomposer/support