Cubs Talk Podcast

455
Baseball #41

The Cubs Talk Podcast breaks down all things baseball on the North Side. Host Leila Rahimi, James Neveau, and Nate Poppen bring insider perspectives, regular player interviews, and news updates during the team’s pursuit of another championship. New episodes release every Wednesday morning.

Recent Episodes
  • Cubs Talk podcast looks back at 2024, addresses team’s biggest needs for 2025
    Sep 27, 2024 – 40:48
  • Shota Imanaga’s no-hitter, Anthony Rizzo’s return highlight massive week for Cubs
    Sep 6, 2024 – 38:51
  • Guardians’ sweep of Cubs, luxury tax questions cloud 2025 outlook for North Sider
    Aug 16, 2024 – 42:45
  • Isaac Paredes arrives, Mark Leiter departs amid fascinating trade deadline
    Jul 30, 2024 – 50:35
  • Discussing Chicago Cubs trade deadline moves, prospects, and future stars
    Jul 26, 2024 – 32:38
  • Cubs draft analysis and first-half season breakdown
    Jul 17, 2024 – 35:59
  • Shota Imanaga the All-Star and Nico Hoerner the trade candidate?
    Jul 9, 2024 – 44:47
  • Cubs put up lackluster performance vs. Brewers, can they pull out of the tailspin they are in?
    Jul 2, 2024 – 39:18
  • A painful week in San Francisco, and our Cubs’ midseason award winners
    Jun 28, 2024 – 45:36
  • Cubs Talk breaks down Kyle Hendricks and Ian Happ’s resurgences, Hector Neris’ status
    Jun 21, 2024 – 44:44
  • Can Craig Counsell, Cubs save spiraling season?
    Jun 14, 2024 – 32:46
  • Can Cubs inconsistent offense and Pete Crow-Armstrong’s return to the Cubs
    May 31, 2024 – 36:17
  • Struggling Cubs can’t hit, but is there still reason for optimism?
    May 24, 2024 – 38:43
  • Cubs in crisis: Navigating injuries and offensive struggles
    May 16, 2024 – 35:30
  • Cubs ride through ups and downs, embrace successes of Shota Imanaga, Javier Assad
    May 9, 2024 – 43:46
  • Chicago Cubs’ Big Apple Showdown: Strengths, Weaknesses & Bullpen Woes!
    May 3, 2024 – 38:53
  • Cubs battle through injuries to hot start, but how will they respond with tough schedule ahead?
    Apr 24, 2024 – 44:15
  • Michael Busch powers road trip, but how worried should fans be about Kyle Hendricks?
    Apr 18, 2024 – 38:17
  • Cubs Talk breaks down season-opening homestand, injury updates for key players
    Apr 8, 2024 – 45:47
  • Cubs Talk Podcast: Live from Wrigley Field
    Apr 1, 2024 – 30:07
  • 2024 MLB Season Preview: Can the Chicago Cubs clinch the division?
    Mar 28, 2024 – 50:29
  • Craig Counsell sets Opening Day rotation, and what can we expect of Shota Imanaga?
    Mar 21, 2024 – 39:55
  • Jameson Taillon in doubt for Opening Day and other Cubs insights with Meghan Montemurro
    Mar 13, 2024 – 32:34
  • Cody Bellinger’s debut, prospect breakdown and a David Bote return
    Mar 7, 2024 – 41:53
  • Implications of Cody Bellinger signing with the Cubs
    Mar 1, 2024 – 45:32
  • Cubs, Cody Bellinger agree to three-year deal
    Feb 25, 2024 – 32:35
  • Cubs owner Tom Ricketts talks Cody Bellinger and spending
    Feb 21, 2024 – 44:30
  • Craig Counsell already making an impact at Spring Training
    Feb 16, 2024 – 36:15
  • PECOTA unkind to North Siders, so is it time to hard-charge Bellinger signing?
    Feb 9, 2024 – 34:58
  • As free agents sign, are Cubs missing chance to make impactful offseason additions?
    Jan 25, 2024 – 41:46
  • Thoughts on Cody Bellinger future with Cubs, Christopher Morel and more with Maddie Lee
    Jan 17, 2024 – 47:44
  • BREAKING NEWS: Shōta Imanaga reportedly signs with Cubs
    Jan 9, 2024 – 36:52
  • New year, same quiet offseason for the Chicago Cubs
    Jan 5, 2024 – 37:13
  • Bueller? Bueller? Evaluating Cody Bellinger’s status as Cubs continue quiet offseason
    Dec 27, 2023 – 45:26
  • What is taking so long in MLB free agency, trade market?
    Dec 22, 2023 – 45:26
  • How do Cubs proceed after Shohei Ohtani signs with Dodgers?
    Dec 14, 2023 – 41:31
  • Winter meetings a strikeout for Cubs, most of MLB
    Dec 7, 2023 – 39:18
  • Recapping our favorite moments from the Cubs’ 2023 season
    Dec 3, 2023 – 30:14
  • Will the Cubs make massive free agent splash at Winter Meetings?
    Nov 30, 2023 – 45:18
  • First impressions of new Cubs’ manager Craig Counsell
    Nov 15, 2023 – 42:14
  • More Craig Counsell reaction, sour grapes from Brewers’ ownership and our MLB free agency wish lists
    Nov 8, 2023 – 56:29
  • Craig Counsell in, David Ross out in stunning managerial move
    Nov 6, 2023 – 31:02
  • MLB free agency looms, and Cody Bellinger wins NL Comeback Player of the Year
    Nov 3, 2023 – 43:30
  • As Cubs negotiate Kyle Hendricks’ extension, should team consider other options?
    Oct 25, 2023 – 46:57
  • Cubs snag Gold Glove noms, Craig Breslow interviews with Boston, Kyle Schwarber sets playoff record
    Oct 19, 2023 – 43:28
  • How will Cubs’ approach arbitration for Patrick Wisdom, Nick Madrigal and more
    Oct 11, 2023 – 52:07
  • Offseason rumor mill begins with Cody Bellinger, Pete Alonso talk
    Oct 4, 2023 – 53:51
  • Will the Cubs reach the playoffs, and who should they want to take on?
    Sep 26, 2023 – 45:13
  • Should David Ross’ job be on the line if Cubs don’t make playoffs?
    Sep 19, 2023 – 51:02
  • Playoff chase update, Justin Steele’s Cy Young case and more
    Sep 15, 2023 – 45:29
Recent Reviews
  • Riverside280
    Tony Andracki please shut up!
    Lelia is very good…good luck in the future. Tony please stop repeating yourself 12 times!
  • P3260$
    Peter Marzano has to go
    Love the show and Leila is fantastic. While Peter is very knowledgeable about the Cubs, his mono-tone delivery and constant use of the word, “Absolutely” (especially to begin just about every response) is maddening and boring. I can’t help but lose interest in this podcast when Peter is co-hosting. Please remove him from the show!
  • broooooooooooooooooke
    Great Podcast!
    Great podcast! Friendly vibe. The reason I am not into podcasts much is that the people on them seem so obsessed with hearing themselves talk or they try too hard to be funny. Not this one - it’s chill and like hanging with friends discussing my favorite obsession - the Cubs!
  • MrBelvedre
    Painful
    The previous iteration of this podcast with Kap and Gordon was solid. This new version, however, is a challenging listen. For example, nearly every time a rival team has signed a player during this off season, this group spends 45 minutes wondering aloud “why the Cubs didn’t do that deal” for said player. And then they reach the conclusion that they “don’t understand” what the Cubs/Jed are doing. My two cents: If you truly don’t understand why the Cubs wouldn’t ink a 3yr/$33M deal for Robert Stephenson — LOL — then perhaps you shouldn’t be hosting a baseball podcast.
  • Cisj11
    I like this cubs team show
    I hear any cubs talk podcast and this one my favorite so far. Go cubs!
  • Neiser1
    Too negative
    I listen for another opinion on the Cubs. I like it much better when Leila isn’t on. I find her negative, self-deprecating, and with few actual helpful opinions.
  • Jaycee English
    Great
    Love Leila and her takes!!
  • Destroyer76
    I mean
    Can Peter start a sentence with saying “Yeah I mean…” followed my a barrage of more “I mean”? 35 times on 10-11 cast. Then we have Nate with his constant “honestly” and “obviously”. Why am I still even listening? Painful.
  • Unk Shine
    Mid at best
    Exceptionally mid takes, seems like they spend more time plugging affiliate shows than actually watching games or analyzing play. Edit: significantly less mid as of late, up to 4 stars
  • MSHawks88
    Stop listening after the intro is over
    The intro of classic Cubs highlights never fails to give me chills. It’s all downhill from there, however. If Millennials reading advanced statistics and giving hot takes is your thing, then you’ll like this podcast. If you want actual substance from writers and others with insider access to the cubs, you are late to the party as Kap and Gordon got dismissed several months ago.
  • Pauldabb
    New hosts are no good
    The old hosts have a new show! Look up the Rekap! They have better takes and you don’t have to hear the same PointsBets advertisement read every single week.
  • v from midlo
    Neglected Garbage
    Well, this USED to be my favorite Cubs podcast but it is now a NEGLECTED dumpster fire. Today is July 28 and the last release was July 19. We are in the heart of the baseball season approaching the trade deadline and NOTHING!!!! James, Leila and Nate thank you for absolutely abandoning this podcast. Since your last pod (WELL OVER A WEEK AGO) the Cubs took 3 of 4 against the Cards, swept the Sox in that dump of a ballpark in a two-game series and took the first of three against the Cards. OH…AND are at .500. Plenty to talk about but you aren’t doing ANYTHING. Find new hosts because NONE of you clearly have the time. I miss Kap and Gordon. Sad, I have put more into this review than you have the podcast in the past week plus.
  • Cab9312
    What?
    Umps are sending a message to Suzuki by calling balls as strikes?!? Baseball has rules and Suzuki has a good eye. Umps do not get to send messages, that’s not part of the game. Worst comment ever.
  • Steveo406
    Sad end to a long time listening to this pod
    I have listened to this podcast for many years, really enjoyed Kap and Gordon’s personalities and their views were generally well thought out and relatable to the common fan. Tim was definitely growing into a solid contributor too. Sad NBC decided to cut these guys out. Will follow them through other avenues. “On To Waveland” is a much better podcast than this, so if you’re a listener like me that feels ditched by NBC, go to The Athletic and enjoy that podcast.
  • CubUgly
    Interesting
    The only problem I had previously was Gordon - but that was a HUGE problem for me. May start listening again if he’s gone.
  • Rossish01
    Hot takes without insight
    Missing Gordon Whittenmeyer. These people spend their days in a studio pontificating their hot takes and uninformed fan opinions. No insight. Not even up to date news. Their show prep is pulling opinions out of their nether regions. Save your time. Too many other worthwhile Cubs podcasts out there to waste it with these clowns. NBC Chicago does not care whether you listen or not apparently. Listen to Onto Waveland, which actually features beat writers.
  • CubsNV
    Bland
    I used to look forward to this each week with Kap and Gordon and Tim. Seems boring now and they aren’t as knowledgeable nor do they seem to be die hard cubs or baseball fans. I enjoyed listening to people who have honest opinions and didn’t just tow the company line.
  • BillyTheSnacc
    Do these people even follow the cubs?
    After Kap and crew left I really wanted to give this new team a chance, but after hearing Leila repeatedly suggest having Bellinger “slide over” to CF, I have lost all hope. Belli hasn’t played anywhere but CF. If you can’t even keep our outfielders positions straight, why am I listening?
  • pressbox wag
    Not good
    This was awesome with Kap and Gordon. Now, not so much. Now we get our Cub takes from a Sox fan 😂😂😂😂
  • west wing rocks
    Leila is a Sox fan.
    Leila is a Sox fan.
  • Coach Sawyer
    What is going on…
    From time to time I would turn the episode off when I got tired of hearing Kap and Gordon screaming at one another or constantly ripping the Ricketts family instead of talking about something else… now I long for those days. I have struggled to listen to the episodes that have come out since the beginning of the year. I will probably be moving and leaving this podcast behind. I would love to write a review and give 0 stars
  • Hawks1
    No Cap/Gordon/Tim=I’m done
    Won’t listen anymore!
  • Byeeeeee🤘
    No Kap + No GW = No Show
    Who’s That Guy + What’s Her Name + Where Are They From? = bland and boring. Cancel the pod. CHGO is now the king. #GoCubs
  • joko1981
    No offense to the new gal/guy
    But no thanks. This was great the way it was and I won’t listen anymore unfortunately. Kap, Gordon and Tim were great together. Kap and Gordon had energy. This is just another marquee broadcast.
  • Cubs Fan 68
    Bad changes
    With the recent changes to the Cast this podcast has lost me. These “Company Men/ Woman” are just boring to listen to. At least Gordon/Kap/Tim spoke their mind and truth and the opinion normally mirrored that of the fans. Listen to the Company PR people spew sunshine and roses is just boring.
  • cubswin326
    Predictable Hot Take Machine
    Straight out of the “I can say more ridiculous things louder than you can” mold of sports talk.
  • chisolming
    Please Get a Mic
    If Gordon’s takes don’t chase you away, Kap using the mic from his apple headphones from 2017 will.
  • glen46902
    Noisy
    Hard to listen to-distorted voice. Otherwise good.
  • cubsfan72
    Sound quality is sometimes trash
    I know sometimes you run your show from Wrigley, but when sound quality is as trash as it was on Sept 9, 2022 and there was really no “content” based reason to be field reporting, just skip it. It is nearly unbearable to listen to.
  • jmac senior
    Kap is too loud
    Why does Kap have to shout? We can hear him if he just speaks with his inside voice at a normal volume. Honestly makes it very difficult to listen to this podcast despite the great content.
  • holdenolive
    It is not cute
    When Gordon and Kap argue. Just keep it real, please.
  • dougiez
    GW is worthless
    This podcast needs to get rid of the negativity from self proclaimed Cubs expert Gordon Wittenmyer. I stopped listening in earl May 2022 I’ve had enough No wonder he was let go by the Sun Times after 13 years Time for Comcast to do the same Show him the door
  • St1cey
    Go Cubs Go
    Love listening to all of your takes, however, Gordon, pretty please take off your bracelets or whatever seems to jingle every time you talk. A little distracting. However, super love your passion and straight talk.
  • nomaskcubbies
    Talk Cubs not politics
    What the title says
  • mtb421531
    Love Kap, Gordon and Tim’s banter!
    Long time fan of Kap from WGN, to NBC, to AM 1000. Thanks for always trying to cover the Cubs from a fans perspective. You’re a true original! Started following Gordon when he popped up on mornings on the Score. Didn’t always agree with his takes, but respected his points. Initially was taken back by the strong back and forth with Gordon and Kap on the pod, but have grown to love it and realize it is only guys talking about their passion of living baseball. Tim is a great up and comer with great detailed opinions, with plenty of facts being them. I’m ready for the season to start!
  • KeepinKapInCheck
    More Gordon
    A man of integrity. Takes no prisoners. Suffers no fools.
  • ple@$€ r€@d
    Best team
    People people, it’s obvious why we got this guy, the best team=worst reporter.
  • Blkbird63
    Thank you for interviewing Cubs Prospects
    Just listened to Jordon Nwugo and Owen Cassie. Interesting in their journey to baseball. I would love an interview from Alfonso Rivas and all of the Cubs prospects. Go Cubs!
  • JC Holt
    Love the podcast
    Less Gordon. I’d like to listen to a podcast where he isn’t trying to start fights and calling Kap a liar all the time
  • S1l5er
    Why is audio quality so poor?
    It always sounds like someone is playing with poker chips. Can’t you get some professional microphones for these professionals?
  • Tonbo721
    Fix the audio!
    You have a major sponsor, and this issue has been brought up frequently in comments for a year. Get your act together.
  • Angelo Frieri 73
    Less Gordon please
    Would rate this podcast higher if Gordon would learn there’s a reason why he was born with two ears and one mouth. Kaplan and Tim bite their tongue often. Wittenmyer interrupts others too much, is louder than he needs to be and cusses unnecessarily. Enjoy reading his articles much more than listening to him on this podcast. Diehard Cubs fan and have listened to Kap for years. Thankful for the content. Appreciate it guys!
  • Sir Awesomeness 699
    Some good information some bad
    Why does Kaplan always sound like he’s doing this from his car while driving home?
  • whos cat lover? meh.
    Wittenmyer please leave
    Gordon Wittenmyer is obnoxious and detracts from this podcast. I’ll resubscribe when the man leaves. Kap is too good for this!
  • 20cubs11
    Gordon 👎🏻
    **Gordon W. complains about politics/someone’s race <drink> You can count on it as much as Heyward rolling over into a groundout.
  • IlliniAl
    Unsubscribing
    One word - Wittenmeyer! He’s the absolute worst. Loud, obnoxious and constantly talks over others. His hate of the ownership comes through in every episode. Kaps the best but I just can’t stomach Gordon any longer.
  • 23Mojo23
    Better options out there
    Many good people on the show, but Gordon Whittenmyer (sp) really brings the grade down. He is the typical angry Chicago sports talk guy that rants and raves and is rarely positive about any one or any situation. The show would be much better without him.
  • Brandon Z 312
    Best Intro of any Podcast
    Great banter with good mix of passion for the team while also being unbiased. Plus the intro gives me chills every time I listen.
  • Chubs5000
    Getting old
    Very disheartening to hear adults shame other adults about their own personal health decisions. This use to be an incredible baseball podcast now it’s just pointing fingers and shaming players about their own decisions. Doesn’t matter what side you voted for, it’s just sad to hear all of this.
  • davida20222
    Great coverage but absolutely terrible sound
    First, let me say that I enjoy the coverage and the powerful emotions. What I cannot stand is the terrible sound quality. It's kind of how I picture third world internet sound quality. Half of the time I cannot hear clearly what Cap or any of the others are saying. Every other podcast I listen to has great sound and because of this, it causes me to be very disappointed with the production of this podcast. Do better on delivering quality sound.
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