Anything Goes: Recent Episodes
Sam Olbur
Sam and Matt discuss the next step in their journey in podcasting as they have signed with Locked On to host a daily Cubs show. The new show will launch this week. Until then, make sure you are following Sam and Matt and also are following/subscribing to your preferred way of listening:
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Apologies for any audio issues this episode
It's over 100 degrees outside but Sam and Matt aren't cooling down about the Cubs as the team are now losers of eight straight games. A lot to discuss in this episode -- why the current team is so bad, roster moves without transparency, lack of pitching depth, impact of injuries, doubting the plan moving forward, and more.
Episode 90 of Anything Goes! The Cubs faced a big challenge this past week with 9 games in 7 days against their two biggest rivals, but they were competitive for nearly the entire stretch. Many positive signs with this team as we get a glimpse of the future in the present. Plus: Previewing the next slate of games, and Sam's stories (good ones!) from Wrigley on Saturday.
Sam and Matt break down the Cubs/White Sox series from a big picture perspective. White Sox are supposed to be winning and the Cubs are retooling, but is it actually playing out that way on the field?
The big league Cubs may not be playing well, but there are many positives going on in the minor leagues. Sam and Matt go over updates on propsects on how valuable that is moving forward. Plus: The White Sox need to start winning and a turning point for the entire season might now be in front of them.
Sam and Matt recap how the Cubs performed this past week and look ahead to the next set of games, which are all favorable. Plus: Sam reviews his weekend trip to Las Vegas, and much more.
Sam and Matt record their latest episode DURING the first two innings of Cubs/Padres on Monday night. This is a must listen as the duo discusses the troubles for the Northsiders, what to watch for the rest of the season, and much more.
The Cubs finished this week exactly how Sam and Matt thought: 2-4 combined against the Braves and Brewers and 9-13 on the season as matchups with the White Sox and Dodgers are looming. They break it all down plus the usual laughs and more.
Sam and Matt break down all things Cubs as the North Siders lose two out of three to the Rays and three out of four to the Pirates. The Cubs are struggling in close games, so what should we expect amid a tough schedule ahead? Plus: Continuing to evaluate the radio and TV products for the Cubs, White Sox with seven straight losses, and much more.
The Cubs split the series with the Rockies and finish 3-3 on the road trip. Sam and Matt break it all down like only they can. Good signs from the offense, solid bullpen performances, questionable starting pitching, up and down defense and baserunning, odd decision making by David Ross, and more. Note: This episode was recorded before the Cubs posted their win over the Rockies on Sunday.
Full recap of the first weekend of the 2022 MLB season and how the Cubs performed. Encouraging signs from the offense and starting pitching with question marks regarding decision making by manager David Ross. Sam and Matt go in depth on Cubs plus more, including the usual comedic moments from the pair of hosts.
With Opening Day approaching, Sam and Matt preview the Cubs for the 2022 season. What will the roster look like, will the pitching hold up, who are players to watch, will Contreras and/or Heyward be traded, and other questions. Sam also guarantees(!) the Cubs will make the playoffs in 2023. Later in the show is best and worst of the week, and much more.
Sam and Matt open the 80th episode of the show eulogizing Illinois and Iowa as both teams lost in the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament. We also get a teaching update and a Hinge update from Matt. All of that and much more on this edition of Anything Goes!
Sam and Matt jump on and share their excitement for the NCAA Tournament, including a preview for their respective teams in both Illinois and Iowa.
Sam and Matt catch up on all things Illinois and Iowa basketball, celebrate Presidents Day, best and worst of the week, and much more.
Sam opens the show reviewing his experience at a Super Bowl party -- and why people shouldn't bring their dog out with them in public. Plus: More Super Bowl discussion, Illinois and Iowa basketball updates, best and worst of the week, and more.
Sam and Matt discuss the weather, old shows turned remakes, Bears press conference, Illinois basketball playing well, best and worst of the week, and more.
The Bears hired their new GM (Ryan Poles) and HC (Matt Eberflus). Matt opens the show disagreeing with Eberflus as the coaching hire in an era when offense is a priority, and with Josh McDaniels and Jim Harbaugh seemingly available. We break down the hires and what it means moving forward. Plus: Best and worst of the week and more.
Sam and Matt open the show discussing the historic NFL playoff weekend and how it relates to the Bears, who are busy interviewing MANY candidates for GM and head coach. Later, the guys reflect on Chicago sports media with the recent passings of Jeff Dickerson and Les Grobestein. Plus: Best and worst of the week, a TV reporter gets hit by a car, and more.
Sam and Matt open up with discussing winter's pros and cons and the transition of seasons. They also revisit old TV shows and the nostalgia of them. Plus: The Bulls will be fine despite a tough stretch, Sam is bowling more, best and worst of the week, and more.
Sam and Matt break down another mishandling by the Bears. The Bears fire Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy, but then owner George McCaskey conducts a pathetic press conference, detailing little changes to the management structure. Plus: Reviewing possible head coach candidates and outlining the players on the roster who are actually valuable, best and worst of the week -- including Sam not finding food at Target -- and more.
Final show of 2021! Sam and Matt review their year from both a sports and personal perspective. Later, they do a taste test with five different matchups of Coke and Pepsi products.
Since this is Episode 69, Sam opens the show reminiscing about the 1969 Cubs. Plus: The Bears get exposed in front of a national audience, Matt joins the online dating world, best and worst of the week, previewing the year in review show next week, and more.
Reviewing the Bears latest defeat to the Packers and how the team's struggles start at the top with owner George McCaskey. Plus: Seeing Len Kasper's band over the weekend, best and worst of the week, and much more.
Sam and Matt do their best and worst of the week as the entire episode. An NBA team really lost by 73 points, Iowa loses 42-3 in the Big Ten Championship, Cubs sign Marcus Stroman, Bulls in first place, Bears continue to be inept, and more.
Thanksgiving episode! Sam and Matt open the show by breaking down Billboard's list of the Top 10 artists of all time. Michael Jackson is No. 8 and Sam is understandably frustrated by it. Plus: The Bears continue to be a joke, best and worst of the week, and more.
We open the show breaking down Bears/Steelers on MNF, including the debacle by the officials. Plus: Best and worst of the week and much more. Lots of laughs (mostly by Matt) on this show.
For further listening: Check out the Cary-Grove Football Show!
We are LIVE from Sam's apartment. Sam and Matt open the show with the Bears continued struggles and Matt Nagy's weirdness. Plus: Cubs claim Wade Miley off waivers, Braves win the World Series, college football is a bad product this season, getting texts on your birthday, Christmas music on the radio, and much more.
The Bears get crushed by the Buccaneers, Illinois upsets Penn State in 9 OTs, construction above Sam's apartment, and more.
Despite glimpses of improvement, the Bears fell -- again -- to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. If the Bears have a chance to make the playoffs with this defense, then should Andy Dalton start at QB instead of Justin Fields? Plus: Another nightmare experience at Jimmy John's, and much more. This episode was recorded in person at Sam's so enjoy!
The Bears defeat the Lions and Justin Fields looked a lot better in this game. Plus: Bears possibly moving to the suburbs, White Sox in the playoffs, and much more.
Thanks to the defense the Bears win their first game of the season, a 20-13 victory over the Bengals. Andy Dalton left the game due to injury so Justin Fields played a lot; however, Matt Nagy won't commit to a starter moving forward. Sam and Matt break all of it down like only they can. Plus: Best and worst of the week and much more.
Instant reaction to the Bears season opening 34-14 loss to the Rams. Plus: Iowa football off to a 2-0 start, best and worst of the week, and more.
The Cubs have won six games in a row with Schwindel, Wisdom, and Ortega playing well and staying in the mix for 2022. Plus: Previewing the Bears as the season begins, best and worst of the week, and much more.
The one-year anniversary episode of Anything Goes! Sam and Matt open up debating whether the White Sox are a contender or pretender. Plus: Sam fills us in on his online dating conversations, Kanye West drops his new album, highlighting the best and worst of the show so far, and much more.
Sam and Matt have a catch all episode, including leading off with a break down of their Friday night. Plus: An impromptu spelling bee, Justin Fields merch, driving too fast in parking lots, and much more.
Sam opens the show this episode and quickly turns it over to Matt, who reviews his first week back in the classroom (it went well!). Plus, the Cubs are losing for a reason, more confusion with Marquee, White Sox walk off the Yankees in the Field of Dreams game, and much more -- including Sam's latest injury.
Sam attended two weddings in five days, including one in Miami, and he has a lot to share about it. Plus: Matt enjoys comedy and previews his returns to the classroom this week, including concerns about the most recent narrative surrounding the pandemic.
Emergency episode reacting to the Cubs trading Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, and others.
Sam and Matt went bowling over the weekend and they have a lot to say about it! Plus: the White Sox are a good baseball team, frisbee golf, mac and cheese ice cream, and more.
Episode 50 of Anything Goes! Since it is a milestone episode, Sam and Matt record in person for the first time ever. Sam wonders about his inability to bounce back from a long night as he gets older, catching up on the Cubs and possible trades, Matt is wary of the pandemic narrative changing again, and much more.
Sam opens the episode detailing Lionel Messi and Argentina's win in the Copa America final and how much the victory means to his own fandom. Plus, the Cubs continue their downslide as the trade deadline approaches.
That escalated quickly. The Cubs are now 8.5 games out of first place following a season altering week and possibly -- finally -- the end of an era. Plus, best and worst of the week and more.
Sam and Matt break down the recent slide by the Cubs, but remind listeners of differences in strength of schedule for the Cubs and Brewers over the past month. Plus: Matt returns to Iowa, Sam doesn't want to talk to his hair stylist, Kyle Schwarber just hit another home run, and more.
The Cubs are struggling offensively this month. Will they revert back to their old issues or turn it around and continue to contend in the NL Central? Plus, Sam is considering buying a pass to his local pool, Matt locked his keys in his car, and much more.
Sam and Matt recap going to Saturday's Cubs/Cardinals game at Wrigley Field as the Cubs continue to roll. They also discuss their best and worst of the week and more.
The Cubs are still playing well. Sam and Matt analyze the decision making this past week by manager David Ross, the pitching (and excuses) by Jake Arrieta, and how this team is still in good shape to remain at or near the top of the NL Central. Plus, how much would it take to eat competitively, best and worst of the week, and more.
The Cubs continue their hot streak, Sam shares his recent interactions at the local gym, and Matt reflects on his first year of teaching. Plus: The possibility of watching only Wheel of Fortune for the rest of your life, best and worst of the week, and more.
This is a Cubs only episode! Sam and Matt catch up on baseball as the Cubs approach first place in the NL Central. On the offense still performing well, bullpen dominance, starting pitching beginning to emerge, dealing with injuries, and more.
Cubs with three close losses this week but still positive things to unpack as well. Big seven games ahead against the Nationals -- with Jon Lester and other old friends -- and the Cardinals. Meanwhile, Sam does a deep dive on The Beatles, Matt knows three of the four presidents on Mount Rushmore, and much more. For the full version of 670 The Score's "Justin Fields Forever," go here: https://soundcloud.com/matt-spiegel-829964553/justin-fields-forever-parkins-and-spiegel
Cubs finish 5-1 this week, how much would it take, best and worst of the week, and much more.
The Bears trade up to draft Ohio State QB Justin Fields, the offense is not the problem for the Cubs, Logan Paul vs. Floyd Mayweather gets an official date, Portillo's is overrated, and much more.
Sam and Matt open breaking down the week for the Cubs followed by a reflection on what they see from kids and students as activities continue to pick up since the start of the pandemic. Meanwhile, no one knows the Oscar nominees this year, Sam gets active, Matt returns to the baseball field, and much more.
The show opens breaking down the Jake Paul/Ben Askren fight from both a boxing and entertainment perspective. Plus, Sam is done buying Jimmy John's, Matt is curious about aliens possibly sending us a message, and much more.
The Cubs lose two out of three to the Pirates, Sam goes on a rant about people, and much more.
Cubs win the series against the Pirates to begin the season with a 2-1 record. Plus: Why going to a bar/restaurant with a good setup is a game changer, Matt isn't getting a pet any time soon, reviewing Godzilla vs. Kong, and more.
Baseball is back this week as Sam and Matt preview the season for the Cubs. Plus: Sam shares his biggest fears, Matt might return to Snapchat, best and worst of the week, and much more.
Loyola defeats Illinois in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, ending the season for the Illini. Sam analyzes the game in quintessential Sam fashion. Iowa plays Oregon for a spot in the Sweet 16, but Matt is confused by the time of the game. Plus: Andy Dalton to the Bears, talent show judges, and more.
Illinois wins the Big Ten Tournament and gets a No. 1 seed in the Big Dance. Iowa gets a No. 2 seed. Sam and Matt break down the draws for each team and point out the excitement of basketball in March. Plus: Details on joining the guys for live shows, confusion over the appeal of St. Patrick's Day, and more. For further listening, check out Matt's Eavesdrop interview with 670 The Score's Matt Spiegel: https://spoti.fi/3tl63S2
Sam shares his experience with having COVID-19. Plus, Illinois basketball continues to surge, how much would it take, best and worst of the week, and much more.
Matt opens the show by announcing he is considering moving to a warmer climate and Sam calls him out on it. Also, Illinois basketball has won seven straight games with Ayo Dosunmu becoming a candidate for Player of the Year. Plus: How much would it take to move to St. Louis?, social audio is the future, and more.
This is a classic show where the funny and serious collide. Cubs bring back Jake Arrieta, driving to work in the cold, datings apps, Taylor Swift concerts, and much more. Plus, Sam rants about Valentine's Day and Matt rants about coaches who don't understand that coaching the actual sport isn't everything.
Reviews and grades of the Super Bowl -- the game, the broadcast, the commercials, and the halftime show. Plus, how much would it take? and best and worst of the week.
Early episode this week as Sam and Matt preview the big game between the Bucs and Chiefs. Plus, an overview of poor officiating recently in Big Ten basketball. Then it is how much would it take? and best and worst of the week.
Sam and Matt were together for Iowa/Illinois on Friday. They breakdown their experience at a sports bar and the game itself. Also, confusion over the Cubs signing Joc Pederson and the Cardinals take hold of the NL Central by trading for Nolan Arenado. Then two solid segments of how much would it take? and best and worst of the week.
Welcome to a bonus episode of Anything Goes! Sam and Matt discuss meteorologists getting the weather wrong, preview Iowa/Illinois, best and worst of the day, how much would it take?, and more.
Sam opens with a memorable rant on The Bachelor. Then the segment 'how much would it take?' brings out laughs with Matt requesting a seven-figure amount for him to be on reality TV and it would take a lot of cash for Sam to watch a NASCAR race from start to finish. Plus, reflection on recent big names in sports who have died and best and worst of the week.
The Bears hold a horrendous press conference, Sam gives an update on his recent experiences with the food and service industry, best and worst of the week, and more. There is also a new segment called 'how much would it take?'
The Bears lose to the Saints in the first round of the playoffs and it is more clear than ever Mitch Trubisky is not the answer at QB. In the best and worst of the week, we share our excitement at the news of our show t-shirts being made and then our disappointment at the nation's divide.
The Bears make the postseason despite losing to the Packers. How did they look and do they have a chance in a playoff game? Plus: Iowa gets two victories, Ayo disappeared for Illinois, and then best and worst of the week reviewing New Year's Eve shenanigans and Sam's possible torn labrum.
Emergency episode reacting to the Cubs trading Yu Darvish to the Padres and the major financial trouble the Cubs are in.
Sam and Matt give their personal reflections of the year and what is ahead in 2021. Plus: The Bears keep rolling, Ayo leads Illinois, Iowa with a bad loss, and more. Sam also begins his Coke/Pepsi review with reports on two places he visited this past week.
The Bears post a win over the Vikings to stay in the postseason hunt, we give our weekly update on college basketball as Illinois began Big Ten play and Iowa fell to top-ranked Gonzaga, and Bret Bielema is hired as the new coach of Illinois football. Plus: The best and worst of the week, which is our best version of the segment so far. And stick around at the end for a new version of a popular Christmas song.
The Bears win for the first time since October, Iowa basketball is rolling while Illinois basketball is still finding their footing, best and worst of the week, and more.
The Bears lose (again), Len Kasper leaves Cubs television for White Sox radio, Kyle Schwarber is non-tendered, big basketball games ahead for Illinois and Iowa, Floyd Mayweather is officially fighting Logan Paul, and more.
Yes, the Bears lost. Yes, we talk about it. But there is much more on this episode! We break down the first week of college basketball for Illinois and Iowa, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson showing well in an entertaining boxing event Saturday, and Sam shares a story of a guy...following him?
Sam and Matt are puzzled about recent social media news as people get upset with a TikTok star and Logan Paul is going to (maybe) fight Floyd Mayweather. Also, Theo Epstein steps down as president of the Cubs. We reflect on Theo's legacy and his best trades. Plus, the Bulls draft Patrick Williams and college basketball begins. And the guys give their best and worst from the past week.
Instant reaction following the Bears 19-13 loss to the Vikings on Monday Night Football. The Bears have lost four straight games and are now 5-5 on the season.
The Bears lose their third straight game, this time a 24-17 defeat to the Titans. Sam and Matt break down the game and the big picture issues and questions surrounding the Bears. Plus, a review of TV coverage for Election Day, best and worst of the week, and more.
Wild game for the Bears as they lose 26-23 in overtime to the Saints. We break down the game along with big picture questions. Plus, the Dodgers (finally) win the World Series, the White Sox make a puzzling managerial hire, and once again Sam and Matt discuss what happened to them this past week.
Instant reaction following the Bears 24-10 loss to the Rams on Monday Night Football. Sam and Matt also give their personal lowlights and, well, more lowlights from the past week.
The Bears improve to 5-1 with a 23-16 win over the Panthers. Plus, the Dodgers force a Game 7 against the Braves in the NLCS, LeBron wraps up an NBA title with the Lakers, and Sam and Matt discuss their personal highlights and lowlights from the past week.
The Bears take down the GOAT as they post a 20-19 win over Tom Brady and the Buccaneers to improve to 4-1 on the season. While the offense couldn't get in a rhythm, the defense and special teams stepped up for Matt Nagy and company. Also: LeBron James can further his legacy with a championship for a third different team and we review Sam's performance in his most recent adult league baseball game.
The Cubs have been eliminated from the playoffs and we break it all down. Why the performance this week wasn't a surprise, the disappointment of the five core players, signs of frustration in 2018 or maybe even before that, the inability of the Cubs to develop players who have already reached the major leagues, who might be traded in the offseason, and more. But first...an epic opening rant by Sam.
Baseball playoffs are here and we have a preview episode for you! The Cubs play the Marlins at Wrigley Field. We break down the series from all angles. Whether or not the offense will produce when it matters, Hendricks and Darvish starting the first two games, the dominance of Kimbrel and if he should be the closer over Jeffress, other bullpen options, possible playoff lineups, and more. Let's enjoy the last run with this core of the Cubs.
The Bears make another comeback en route to victory, this time 30-26 over the Falcons. Nick Foles entered the game in the third quarter and promptly recorded three touchdown passes to give the Bears the push they needed. The defense stepped up late in the game as well. What does the change at QB mean for Mitch Trubisky? What is the outlook for the next couple games and beyond for this team? Let's enjoy the Bears being 3-0!
The Bears escape with a 17-13 win over the Giants to improve to 2-0. Have they had just two good quarters so far this season? Is Allen Robinson going to sign a contract extension? What are the other interesting storylines moving forward? Plus, the Cubs are still winning despite the core players continuing to struggle offensively, possible playoff seeding scenarios, and we light a candle for Jon Lester and his legacy on the north side.
What a weekend for Chicago sports. Down by two runs with two outs to go on Saturday, Jason Heyward hits a go-ahead 3-run homer to give the Cubs a win. Then the very next day, Alec Mills throws a no-hitter. We discuss the two possibly season-defining wins for the Cubs. Plus, trailing 23-6 in the fourth quarter, the Bears make a comeback to begin the season with a 27-23 victory. Why is Trubisky so good down the stretch of games? Let's celebrate the goods we got from these teams!
The Cubs continue to struggle offensively. Should the lineup be shuffled? Will Baez and Bryant bounce back? Where did David Ross go wrong this week with some of his decisions? Are Darvish and Happ candidates for Cy Young and MVP? Plus, the Bears named Mitch Trubisky the starting QB as the NFL season crept up on us.
We are off and running with the debut episode of Anything Goes. In our maiden voyage, we talk all things Cubs. The all or nothing nature of the offense, downward trends for Javier Baez, upward trends for Ian Happ, bullpen struggles, theories on why Yu Darvish has been so good, taking inventory on first-year manager David Ross, future lineups, and more.