In this episode of Lore, Brett Taylor looks back on the unlikely arc of Bleacher Nation — from a side project in the early blog era to a daily stop for Cubs fans during the rebuild, the rise, and the championship.

The timing, fandom, and why community mattered more than access. Brett reflects on what Cubs fans needed during the lean years, what traditional media couldn’t always provide, and how Bleacher Nation found its voice by staying close to the reader.

It’s a conversation about luck, trust, and why the things that work eventually have to adapt — without losing what made them matter in the first place.

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.

Chicago sports radio voice and musician Matt Spiegel joins The Lore to talk about the moments and sounds that shaped how Chicago sports felt — from baseball broadcasts and iconic theme music to the Bulls’ dynasty and the songs that defined entire eras.

Spiegel reflects on how music and sports culture fused in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, why certain songs became inseparable from Chicago teams, and what it was like being behind the scenes at The Score during some of the city’s most defining moments.

It’s a conversation about memory, identity, and why the soundtrack of Chicago sports still hits just as hard as the highlights.