Steve is back behind the wheel, and it doesn’t take long before some aggressive high-beaming nearly turns his return to the road into an altercation. Dag checks in from Edinburgh, where the band enjoys a fine Scottish meal without a single bite of haggis. Meanwhile, Ed witnesses what he considers one of the most egregious calls in his entire college football-watching life, leading to the only reasonable conclusion: Muck Fichigan.

Steve learns the hard way that technical workshop is best conducted with Ed somewhere in the vicinity. Buzz discovers what may be the greatest dog movie ever made and, naturally, walks everyone through the plot. Listeners weigh in on Buzz’s ongoing bat situation, and even without a winged roommate involved, Buzz still manages to find trouble by getting trapped in bridge traffic.

Steve continues working on the delicate art of keeping his inner monologue on the inside, and issues a retraction regarding the new wine shop in Western Springs. Meanwhile, Dag checks in from England, where he’s taking in the sights, playing shows and learning that international travel gets considerably more exciting when passports and visas enter the conversation. Despite the paperwork, Dag made it across the pond in one piece, which is really all anyone can ask.

Clever podcasters proliferate as Steve joins the show with a full update on his recovery, and Janet drives him to Jack in the Box. Ed recalls the time a girl convinced him to join a book club, while Steve’s been doing some reading of his own. Joe discovers that Ed was born on Chicago’s South Side and spent his early years in the same neighborhood, proving they were practically childhood friends who just never met.

Cast thine ears upon the DahlCast as Matt Dahl rides in to help Brendan recap a weekend filled with history, majesty and an alarming amount of heavy weaponry. Brendan apparently had a chance to party like royalty and somehow blew it, while Ed takes umbrage with his questionable Renaissance faire food choices. Matt is fresh from a dog day celebration and counting down the hours until the kids go back to school. Apparently the end of summer is magical for everyone, just for very different reasons.

Steve’s doctor is keeping a close eye on his heart rhythm, while Tom Thayer figures Steve has about 7 more days on the PUP list before it’s time to make a decision on him. Tom also reports back from Nashville, where he followed Steve’s advice and hit Puckett’s for some great brisket, live music and an Australian singer with a catchy new single. There’s also talk of Nashville’s endless bachelorette parties, Steve’s old allegiance to Stroh’s, Tom’s preference for PBR and the important revelation that if you spot Tom eating barbecue, you should absolutely say hello. He might give you some brisket.

Buzz Kilman joins Dag and Brendan with another collection of stories that somehow connects a bat loose in his apartment, a Grateful Dead show and a chance encounter with a blues legend at Mariano’s that nearly turns into a record deal. Buzz also has some thoughts on dog movies, Bill Murray and a letter he’d like to send Bob Dylan. But the real fun starts when Buzz breaks out the harmonica, Dag grabs his guitar and they put all the talking aside long enough for a live blues jam.

With Steve away, Dag prepares to head across the pond and tackles the important question of how many shirts a touring rock star really needs. Brendan gets fitted for a tuxedo, discovers the security of suspenders and considers dressing up for the blood moon. Mopping day sparks a debate over vinegar, harsh chemicals and how often anyone really needs to clean the their floors. Plus, the rules of cheese dogs and why a Dag-Richard Marx collaboration probably isn’t happening.

With Steve taking it easy today, the DahlCast briefly becomes the DollyCast as Dag, Brendan, Joe and Ed remember Dolly Parton and the remarkable career she left behind. Brendan makes a strong case for the enduring power of “9 to 5,” especially when there’s a dance floor involved, before turning his attention to the 2 glorious days of tacos he recently enjoyed. Joe finds himself caught in the middle of a bike lane dispute, Dag gets ready to hit the road, and Ed discovers that apparently he’s still not ready to talk calmly about Archer Avenue.

Steve’s blood pressure apparently didn’t appreciate yesterday’s appearance quite as much as the rest of us did, so he’s taking it easy today. Meanwhile, Brendan comes to the defense of Guns N’ Roses after Steve and Dag take a few shots at Axl Rose’s voice, declaring them the last truly dominant rock band. Brendan also explains why bringing an easel into his home studio seemed like a good idea right up until it was actually there, at which point he promptly gave it away. And Ed admits he drank TaB right up until they stopped making it, proudly defending one of America’s more questionable soft drink decisions. As for Steve, all we need is just a little patience.

Steve checks in with Dag, Brendan and Tom Thayer with an update on his recovery and, because it’s Tom, a little Bears talk inevitably breaks out. Tom shares his adventures in Cincinnati, including a sushi restaurant with approximately 4 servings of rice available for the evening. Rather than fight for one, he walked. Brendan’s attempt to find some sore throat relief for Hank leads to a couple of awkward encounters outside the pet store. And Dag and Expo ’76 head to Nordic Mountain for a wedding gig, where the scenery alone was worth the trip.

Birthday boy Buzz Kilman joins Brendan and Dag with the story of how a simple quest for cake nearly landed him in the stony lonesome. Buzz has apparently put his tequila days behind him, although there was a time when he could really put it away. He and Brendan compare notes on The Housemaid, including Sydney Sweeney’s performance, and find a little more common ground on Strays. Plus, Indiana is on Brendan’s mind, and we learn the important truth that there are neither eggs nor cream in an Egg Creme.

Steve continues to make progress at home, including 2 walks around the park while Janet gets some well-earned bench time. We also finally learn how the 30-plus-year relationship between Steve and Ed got started. Dag is deeply offended by a restaurant’s pretentious attempt at shepherd’s pie, Brendan has issues with a friend’s antiquated vocabulary, and the guys look at a couple of recent onstage disasters, including Rob Thomas accidentally clobbering his guitarist with a mic stand at the Illinois State Fair.

We get a very welcome call from Steve today, checking in from the passenger seat while Janet drives him to yet another doctor’s appointment. Most importantly, he sounds like Steve again, and it’s great to hear his voice. Joe Gaspar joins Dag and Brendan after spending an evening showing a visiting family member around Chicago by bike, while Dag discovers a great taco joint on Montrose before playing Welles Park with the Sunshine Boys. Brendan contributes scrambled eggs, while Ed spends the show at the board trying to work a little magic on an assortment of phone calls.

We hear from Steve himself today as he drops a voicemail to say hello and give us a quick update on his recovery, including a pricey trip to the fruit store with Janet. Tami Sagher joins Dag and Brendan with plenty of stories, including a religious experience at the ballpark on the South Side. We also discover that a few football players definitely aren’t on her Christmas card list. Brendan has an Anthony Rizzo story, Dag has a West Side Story story, and Tami shares the incredible and very literal origin story of Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Steve continues his recovery at home, and Tom Thayer officially places him on the P.U.P. list, although we’re still hoping to hear from the Stever in some fashion this week. Tom joins Dag and Brendan to talk about the Bears preseason win over Cleveland, celebrates a birthday with family and cupcakes, and remembers how Michael Jordan made bald cool for an entire generation. Dag had a busy weekend with Poi Dog Pondering in Aurora and a star-studded fundraiser for the Lin Brehmer Scholarship Fund at Metro, while Brendan tries his hand at play-by-play for the University of Chicago and comes away with a whole new appreciation for Tom and Jeff.

Steve continues his recovery at home as Brendan, Dag and Ed wrap up their 1st week holding down the fort without him. Buzz Kilman joins the guys for a Friday show filled with stories about living on an exotic chicken ranch, the early days of rock radio, some unusual interview techniques and a few must-see dog movies. There’s also a sea turtle being flown from Wales back to the Gulf of Mexico, which somehow leads to the disturbing world of turtle smuggling.

Steve’s recovery at home continues, with Janet discovering that replacing an entire hospital staff isn’t easy, especially when compression socks are involved. Dag recaps a packed and slightly horn-challenged Expo ’76 show at Simon’s, while Brendan discovers the wonders of the Army/Navy Surplus Store and gets some valuable advice for those of us with larger heads. Ed refuses to be talked into doing a grilling show and sets Brendan straight on a classic movie soundtrack as he gets ready for movie night.

Steve continues his recovery at home, where smiley-face balloons are helping keep things positive. Joe Gaspar joins Dag and Brendan to talk about what he’s up to at 2 Bici and his mission to make biking better. Steve Guttenberg reminds everyone that if you have something nice to say to a stranger, just say it. Ed Silha explains the right way to prepare a steak, which somehow leads to the Pope’s grilling technique. Dag has a dream about Steve and his never-ending quest for good audio, there’s a recap of Da Pope Night at Sox Park, and Brendan wonders if it might be time to let dental students work on his mouth after his dentist starts offering Botox. What could possibly go wrong?

Steve is home from the hospital and recovering, with more good news hopefully on the way. Steve’s longtime friend Ron Lewis joins Dag and Brendan to talk White Sox, including nearly making it to Disco Demolition Night and being there when Ozzie Guillén’s #13 was retired. They also get into Ron and Dag’s Expo ’76 connection, Brendan’s questionable past as a corrupt sea captain, his recent triumph on stage, and the realization that becoming an actor apparently means he now needs to own a tuxedo.

With Steve recovering, Dag and Brendan are joined by Tom Thayer and Ed Silha to check in on how Steve is doing and talk about the family support and well wishes surrounding him. There’s also some covert smuggling of Steve’s favorite snacks to improve the hospital fare, which prompts Tom to share his own experience as a hospital treat smuggler. Tom talks about the worst visiting-team locker rooms, some recent meal triumphs, the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, a fried chicken outing with John Henry at Harold’s, and what Dick Stanfel might say to speed Steve’s return to the microphone. Plus, Dag and Ed discover they’re fellow side sleepers, while Brendan apparently spends his nights rolling around lost in a dream.

Steve and Janet talk about their feelings regarding today’s open heart surgery. They also had a little dust-up about a headboard when Steve got home from his “hospital” haircut. Steve says he’s not worried about the procedure, but this show is actually their second attempt at recording it on Thursday night. Actually, the second one turned out better than the first one. Kind of like a batch of cookies. Thanks, again for all of the love and good thoughts, everyone.

Steve’s been tasked with a surprising amount of personal washing and general cleanliness protocol ahead of his operation, as today’s show reveals. Subscribers are also privy to the shaving that will occur before the procedure. Did Brendan really bike to Michigan City, or was it Instagram false advertising? Buzz joins us today, with his thoughts on “Obsession,” outliving Bob Dylan, and some general observations about the pant leg width, suit sizes and miraculous hair styles of the NBC 5 News.

Steve has officially been cleared for surgery, and with his recovery approaching, Ed Silha takes over engineering duties while Steve rides shotgun in preparation for the transition. Brendan summons three Johns in an eerie preview of an upcoming A Christmas Carol remake, the debate over Boomers versus Generation Jones continues, Steve wonders about the significance of the hairnet in gang culture, Joe Gaspar stands by for nursing duty if needed, and a legendary Irish bar gets a birthday shoutout from a Chicago expat.