Published by Wisconsin On Demand
ESPN reporter Jen Lada teams up with Packers Hall of Famer Mark Chmura and longtime ESPN Milwaukee host Gabe Neitzel as they provide unique and raw perspectives on local and national sports headlines.
Listen on Apple PodcastsThe crew opens with a full reaction to the Dodgers landing Tarik Skubal and debates whether the Brewers did enough to try to acquire the ace before the trade deadline. They discuss Milwaukee's philosophy on prospects, whether the front office should push all-in for a World Series run, and if any remaining move can realistically close the gap with Los Angeles. Brewers fans weigh in throughout the hour with frustration, optimism, and plenty of trade deadline opinions. Later, Mike Golic Jr. joins the show to talk about the Skubal deal, college football, the Packers' outlook, and his return to ESPN Radio alongside his father.
The Brewers' pursuit of Tarik Skubal is over, and the crew debates whether the Dodgers have created an impossible mountain for Milwaukee to climb. They discuss whether the Brewers should stay aggressive at the trade deadline, if the organization is too protective of its top prospects, and what kind of move could realistically close the gap with baseball's biggest powerhouse. The conversation also dives into MLB's competitive balance, payroll disparities, and whether the Skubal deal fuels the push toward a future salary cap. Plus, Chewy delivers another unforgettable travel story after red wine, the wrong shuttle, and an expensive suit collide before a wedding in Colorado.
The crew reacts to the annual flood of Packers training camp hype and debates whether the early praise is deserved or just another case of "the gush." Chewy explains why he's skeptical of players already claiming the Packers can have the NFL's best offensive line or defense, while Jason Wilde joins live from Green Bay with updates on Keyshawn Nixon's contract situation, Aaron Banks, and the first days of camp. Plus, the guys discuss how the culture around athletes and self-promotion has changed over the years before wrapping up with a few lighter moments from around the sports world.
The Brewers trade deadline dominates the conversation as Jen, Gabe and Chewy debate whether Milwaukee should make an aggressive push for Tigers ace Tarik Skubal and how much prospect capital is too much. Chewy also explains why today's Packers training camps don't prepare players the same way they did during his playing days and what that means for offensive line play. Craig Karmazin joins the show to share his expectations for the Brewers at the deadline, LeBron's move to Philadelphia, and why he's buying Jordan Love sports cards. Plus, the crew reacts to Packers training camp optimism and makes their predictions for whether the Brewers strike before the weekend is over.
The first Packers training camp practice is in the books, but it immediately sparked debate over whether today's NFL teams get enough work before the season begins. Chewy questions the dramatic reduction in practices compared to his playing days, while the crew reacts to Matt LaFleur's comments about injuries limiting competitive reps. Jason Wilde joins the show with his biggest takeaways from Day 1, including the Packers' kicker plan, Tucker Craft's contract situation, and why Keyshawn Nixon's absence has everyone wondering. Plus, the crew discusses which players have the leverage in Green Bay as contract negotiations continue.
With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the crew debates whether the Brewers have become the favorites to land reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, comparing reports from Jeff Passan and former GM Jim Bowden while breaking down what Milwaukee would have to give up to get the deal done. They discuss why this deadline feels like the Brewers' best opportunity since the CC Sabathia trade, which prospects should be considered untouchable, and why the organization is in position to make an aggressive move without sacrificing its future. The conversation also shifts to alternative trade targets like Mason Miller and Freddie Peralta if Skubal lands elsewhere, before the crew wraps up with a Top 8 at 8, a discussion about quarterback ratings, and a look back at the surprisingly quiet first day of Packers training camp.
The Packers officially open training camp, but the biggest surprise comes before the first practice as Green Bay releases Lucas Havrisik, clearing the way for rookie kicker Trey Smack with virtually no competition. The crew debates whether the Packers are taking a gamble at kicker, discusses the biggest questions that won't be answered until the regular season, and makes predictions for who will become the first "training camp darling" after Day 1. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter joins the show to discuss Tucker Kraft's contract negotiations, the Packers' expectations entering camp, and the latest news from around the NFL as training camps open across the league. The hour wraps with more Packers discussion, including Josh Jacobs' unresolved situation and why patience may be required before several key storylines are settled.
With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the crew breaks down the Brewers' options, debating whether a reunion with Freddie Peralta makes sense, why Mason Miller's asking price seems unrealistic, and if Milwaukee should push all its chips in for Tarik Skubal. They also connect the latest trade rumors and prospect movement while discussing why the Brewers' front office has earned plenty of trust. As Packers training camp officially gets underway, Mark Chmura shares hilarious stories from his days living in the St. Norbert dorms, from prank-filled nights to unforgettable locker room memories, while the group compares the old training camp experience to today's NFL. They also touch on Tucker Kraft's contract negotiations and wrap up with some of the strangest injury stories baseball has ever produced.
Chewy returns to the show and officially declares football season has arrived, even if it's still weeks away from meaningful games, as the crew debates the value of preseason football and the annual flood of training camp hype. Jason Wilde joins to discuss Tucker Kraft opening camp on the PUP list, why a new contract could be part of the equation, and whether Packers fans should be concerned about Aaron Banks' health after another offseason injury. They also break down Micah Parsons' recovery timeline and the latest injury updates as training camp begins. The hour wraps with a conversation about the Packers' financial messaging following the shareholder meeting and whether the organization is laying the groundwork for future public funding requests.
Jeff Levering joins the show to marvel at another historic outing from Jacob Misiorowski, discuss Cooper Pratt's impressive start, and explain why the Brewers have the prospect capital to make a significant move before the MLB trade deadline. Gabe and Chewy react to growing national speculation that Milwaukee could be one of baseball's most aggressive buyers, debating whether the club needs another frontline starter for October. The conversation then shifts to the Packers, where the hosts question Green Bay's financial messaging following the shareholder meeting and discuss the organization's reluctance to fund future stadium projects on its own. They wrap up by looking ahead to the start of Packers training camp and Chewy reflects on the emotions that always came with reporting for camp as a player.
Alex Strouf fills in as the Cousin Sub of the Day, but quickly finds himself defending whether his weekend stop was actually a water park or just a pool. The conversation shifts to Jacob Misiorowski's latest dominant outing, as the crew marvels at his historic strikeout performance, triple-digit fastballs, and why every start feels like must-watch baseball. They also discuss the Brewers' position atop the National League standings, managing Miz's workload for October, and why Milwaukee is in prime position for another postseason run. The hour wraps with a lighthearted debate over Arizona State's new content creation degree and whether becoming an influencer belongs in the college curriculum.
With Packers training camp just days away, Jen, Gabe, and Alex Strohf debate which position battles actually matter and why the offensive line deserves far more attention than the cornerback competition. They react to a national ranking that places Green Bay's offensive line near the bottom of the NFL and discuss whether Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, and the rest of the unit can prove the skeptics wrong. The crew also breaks down the Packers' kicking situation and whether there's any real competition heading into the preseason. They wrap up by shifting to the Brewers, explaining why this year's club is built to make a serious World Series push and why the front office should be aggressive before the MLB trade deadline.
The 7am hour opens with Homer joining Jen in studio before the conversation shifts to the Brewers' trade deadline strategy and whether Milwaukee should pursue blockbuster additions like Tarik Skubal or Mason Miller. Jason Wilde joins the show to discuss ESPN Wisconsin's new Badgers radio partnership, expectations for Luke Fickell, and what Jordan Love's success says about Brian Gutekunst's drafting. The crew also debates whether Green Bay has done enough outside of quarterback in the first round and what it will take for the Packers to become true Super Bowl contenders. Plus, they preview the Bob Uecker documentary while looking ahead to another busy Wisconsin sports weekend.
The 8am hour centers on the new Uke documentary, as Jen and Homer share their reactions before co-director Steve Farr joins the show to discuss bringing Bob Uecker's remarkable life to the screen. They dive into the emotional final scenes, Uecker's private battle with cancer, and the challenge of balancing humor with the legendary broadcaster's lasting legacy. The conversation also shifts to the Packers' biggest training camp storyline, debating how Green Bay can avoid another late-season collapse. Plus, Craig Karmazin stops by to talk Brewers trade deadline possibilities and ESPN Wisconsin's exciting new partnership with Wisconsin Badgers athletics.
Which Green Bay Packers rookie will have the biggest impact during the 2026 season? Jen, Chewy and Josh break down the first-year players who could earn immediate roles, including cornerback Brandon Cissé, offensive lineman Jagger Burton, edge rusher Deny Dennis-Sutton and kicker Tristian Mack. Could Burton win a starting job protecting Jordan Love? Does Cissé have the clearest path to playing time in Green Bay’s uncertain cornerback room? Plus, the crew debates whether Packers fans should expect any rookie to become a true difference-maker right away and reacts to some of the strangest food and drink creations headed to the Minnesota State Fair.
The Wisconsin Badgers are officially returning to WTMJ and now on ESPN Milwaukee as well, and Mark Tauscher joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy to discuss what the partnership means for Badgers fans across Wisconsin. Tausch also dives into Luke Fickell's expectations, why Wisconsin needs to return to its physical identity, the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, the patience level for rebuilding the program, and why the Badgers must dominate the line of scrimmage to get back among college football's elite. Plus, the crew debates Wisconsin's Notre Dame uniforms and tests their Badgers history knowledge with the Top 8 at 8.
Hour 1 of Jen, Gabe & Chewy kicks off with a public service announcement that somehow turns into one of the show's most passionate debates: why don't Wisconsin drivers know how to zipper merge? The crew breaks down the proper way to navigate construction zones, reacts to listeners defending their driving habits, and even gets ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter's take on the controversial traffic topic. Plus, Schefter discusses NFL training camp storylines, sleeper teams for 2026, Jordan Love's place among the league's quarterbacks, and why star players matter more than roster depth. The hour wraps up with an unforgettable conversation about baseball cups, mouthguards, and one of the most painful injuries you'll ever hear about.
Hour 2 of Jen, Gabe & Chewy centers around Rob Demovsky's breakdown of whether each Packers offensive position group is better, worse, or the same heading into 2026. The crew debates Jordan Love's progression, the outlook for the offensive line, whether the running back room actually took a step back, and why Matt LaFleur's offensive approach may be the biggest key to unlocking the offense. Plus, the gang discusses what the Packers are still missing to become true Super Bowl contenders, whether they need more star power or simply better health, and identify the one move they'd make to push Green Bay over the top.
The Brewers reached the 100-game mark with the best record in Major League Baseball after taking down the Mets, but should they really pursue a reunion with Freddy Peralta at the trade deadline? Jen, Gabe, and Chewy debate Christian Yelich's prolonged slump and whether Pat Murphy needs to shake up the lineup despite Milwaukee's success. Jason Wilde joins the show to break down the Packers' extension for Devonte Wyatt, why Green Bay continues to bet on its young core, and whether Brian Gutekunst has changed his team-building philosophy. Plus, Jason shares his thoughts on Aaron Rodgers' apparent family reconciliation and what it says about the Steelers quarterback entering what could be his final NFL season.
Jeff Levering joins the show to discuss why the Brewers continue to win, Jacob Misiorowski's workload management, and Lance McCullers' impressive Milwaukee debut. The crew also revisits Christian Yelich's struggles and debates whether it's time to move him down in the batting order while trusting Pat Murphy's long-term approach. Plus, they celebrate the Brewers' best record in baseball, share stories from around the ballpark, and wrap things up with Chewy's always entertaining State Fair-themed Power Rankings.