The Lore is a Chicago sports culture podcast for everyone — from the box-score junkie to the nostalgia junkie.
Host Tom Loxas sits down with Chicago sports voices to explore the stories, media, and mythology around the teams.
We talk about the stuff around the game as much as the game itself — the moments, narratives, and personalities that shape Chicago sports culture.
Some of those stories are history. Some are happening right now.
This is where Chicago sports becomes lore.
Chicago Sports. Zoomed Out.
The Lore is a Chicago sports podcast covering the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago sports media, and the culture around sports in Chicago.
Has Chicago Sports Radio Lost Its Edge? With Jeff Agrest
When something big happens in Chicago sports, who do you turn to?
Tom sits down with Chicago Sun Times media columnist Jeff Agrest to talk about the state of Chicago sports radio — from Dan Bernstein’s impact to whether today’s shows have lost some of the edge and tension that once defined them.
They dig into media power, trust, conflict, the rise of podcasts, and how Chicago’s sports ecosystem is changing.
It’s about how sports media shapes the way the city reacts.
24 Feb 2026
The Cubs Giveaway Calendar Is Mostly Great, Actually with Andy Dolan
Bobbleheads. Throwbacks. Cade Horton truck-stop couture.
The Cubs’ 2026 giveaway calendar might be one of their best — but what does it actually say about the brand?
Tom and Andy Dolan from the Pointless Exercise Podcast break it down, plus a quick detour into Chicago sports media power rankings.
10 Feb 2026
Brett Taylor on Why Bleacher Nation Worked and Changed
n this episode of Lore, Brett Taylor reflects on the unlikely arc of Bleacher Nation — from an early blog to a daily gathering place for Cubs fans through the rebuild, the rise, and the championship.
It’s a conversation about timing, trust, and why the things that work eventually change — without losing what made them matter.
27 Jan 2026
Luke Stuckmeyer on Why Beer Money Still Lives On
Luke Stuckmeyer of CHGO unpacks the origins and lasting impact of Beer Money, one of Chicago sports TV’s most beloved trivia segments. From its early inspiration to the moments fans still talk about years later, Luke walks through how the show found its voice — and its audience.
The conversation also dives into behind-the-scenes production, why embracing the absurd made the show work, and what Beer Money taught Luke about live TV, sports fandom, and Chicago’s unique media culture.
16 Dec 2025
Matt Spiegel on Chicago Anthems and Score Lore
Matt Spiegel discusses the intersection of music, sports, and personal memory, exploring how anthems and moments shape fan experiences in an interview with Lore.
14 May 2025
How will Cubs attack their flaws? With Matthew Trueblood
Tom is joined by Matthew Trueblood of Northside Baseball and Baseball Prospectus.
Matthew gives us his first impressions of Cade Horton. They break down the challenge of adding a front-line starter. Wonder if adding a "guy" in the pen for Craig Counsell to trust is the move. Discuss Ben Brown's best role.
7 May 2025
Cade Horton is ready for his close up/with Cubs on Deck's Greg Huss.
Cubs on Deck Pod's Greg Huss returns to the podcast.
-Cade Horton is ready.
-Matt Shaw is not far behind.
-Did we see this coming from PCA?
-Hernandez is a key trade asset for the Cubs.
In this conversation, Tom Loxas and Greg Huss discuss the current state of the Chicago Cubs, focusing on the team's prospects, including Cade Horton, Matt Shaw, and Moises Ballesteros.
They delve into the dynamics of the Cubs' defense, the impact of PCA on the team's performance, and the potential for trades as the season progresses.
Cade Horton is ready for the major leagues.
Matt Shaw is making adjustments to return to form.
Moises Ballesteros is an exceptional hitter despite defensive concerns.
1 May 2025
Regression or schedule let up for Cubs? Harper, Tucker and more with ESPN’s Jordan Bernfield.
WGN's Jordan Bernfield discuss the Chicago Cubs' surprising start to the season and sustainability.
The impact of Kyle Tucker on the ownership decisions for Tom Ricketts.
David Kaplan's report on Cubs willingness to sign Tucker.
They explore the dynamics of mega contracts in the current market and Jed Hoyer's performance.
24 Apr 2025
Jed Hoyer has boxed Tom Ricketts in. Ben Johnson's fingerprints on the Draft. Cubs/Sox concessions and more with Jon Greenberg.
The Athletic's Jon Greenberg discusses the landscape of Chicago sports management. The impact of Ben Johnson on Ryan Poles and the draft. How Jed Hoyer has put the onus on Tom Ricketts. The comparison of game experiences between the Cubs and White Sox. They also touch on the implications of Dan Bernstein's departure from the Score.
18 Apr 2025
The PCA Coaster, Circle of Trust, and Beer Bats with Cody Delmendo.
CHGO's Cody Delmendo talks Chicago Cubs.
PCA's fun ride and realistic expectations for this year?
How do the Cubs replace Justin Steele?
Who is currently in Cody's circle of trust in the bullpen?
Why Rick Sutcliffe is an occasional needed jolt to the booth.
Chapters
00:00 Craft Beer Conversations: A Taste of New Glarus
02:59 Cubs Nostalgia: Reflecting on Past Teams
06:12 2023 Cubs: Expectations and Surprises
09:02 Player Spotlights: Emerging Stars and Comparisons
12:00 Bullpen Blues: Analyzing the Relief Pitching
14:50 Looking Ahead: Future Prospects and Team Strategy
23:42 Assessing Player Performance and Team Dynamics
25:28 Injury Impacts and Roster Adjustments
29:34 Trade Strategies and Future Prospects
32:37 Ownership Decisions and Team Direction
38:40 Broadcasting Styles and Fan Engagement
10 Apr 2025
Cubs are fun again, not so much the bullpen. Evan Altman talks Wu Tang, Steele and more.
Tom and Evan discuss a variety of topics ranging from craft beer and concert experiences to the current state of the Chicago Cubs and their prospects for the season.
They share personal anecdotes about their favorite hip hop groups, the excitement surrounding the Wu-Tang concert, and delve into some fun examples of music sampling.
The discussion shifts to baseball, focusing on the Cubs' stellar offensive performance, Justin Steele injury concerns, and the obvious impact of Kyle Tucker.
4 Apr 2025
Cubs weird roadtrip and more fun payroll takeaways with Andy Dolan
Tom is joined by Andy Dolan of The Pointless Exercise Podcast, and formerly of The Athletic.
They discuss the return of the podcast, favorite beers, and insights into the weird opening road trip for the Chicago Cubs, including some very questionable ballparks.
They delve into recent speculation regarding the Cubs revenue/payroll disparity. The chance Tom Ricketts sees the value in resigning Kyle Tucker and Jed Hoyer's future.
They also touch on various TV shows, sharing recommendations and personal favorites, creating a blend of sports and entertainment discussions.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
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