Full Show — April 17, 2026
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The Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show on April 17, 2026, delivers a dynamic and engaging sports roundup blending fan culture, team analysis, and lighthearted humor. The episode opens with a spirited debate on Cubs fan entitlement following their 2016 World Series triumph, contrasting it with the apathetic White Sox fanbase, while also examining the Mets’ offensive struggles despite Juan Soto’s absence. A live interview with Mets beat writer Abby Mastroco sheds light on internal team pressures, particularly on pitcher Kodai Senga. The discussion expands to the NBA playoffs, spotlighting the LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant rivalry and the rising star Victor Wimbanyama, while questioning the NBA’s inconsistent eligibility rules for players like Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham. The NFL segment features a mock draft strategy for the Chicago Bears, advocating for a focus on run defense and a potential trade-up for Caden McDonald, amid ongoing speculation about Illinois Speaker Chris Welch blocking stadium negotiations—though state rep Cam Buckner pushes back. Humor abounds with a 'halftime' food confession segment and a playful nod to Ray Grody’s soup diet and peach pie obsession. The final act is a pre-game preview of the Cubs vs. Mets showdown at Wrigley Field, celebrating the team’s recent offensive surge, depth in the lineup—including standout performances from Ian Happ, Alex Bregman, and Dansby Swanson—and resilience despite Cade Horton’s Tommy John surgery. The episode closes on a high note with Illinois officially recognizing the Italian beef and horseshoe as state sandwiches, uniting regional pride and adding a cultural touch to the sports narrative.
Cubs fans' sense of entitlement is rooted in a historic losing streak, making their 2016 World Series win a transformative cultural moment.
The Mets' offensive struggles stem from systemic issues beyond Juan Soto’s absence, indicating deeper lineup vulnerabilities.
The Chicago Bears are expected to prioritize run defense in the 2026 NFL draft, with a focus on defensive tackle and potential trade-ups.
Illinois’ official designation of the Italian beef and horseshoe as state sandwiches reflects regional pride and culinary identity.
The Cubs’ recent offensive outburst—scoring 10 and 11 runs in back-to-back games—is a rare and encouraging sign since 2023.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Cubs Fan Entitlement and Early-Season Optimism
“You don't even think the Cubs have first world problems. You think the Cubs have first class problems. Yeah. Do you see the tiers, the levels? A bunch of high class folks.”
Mets' Collapse and the Pressure on Senga
“This is the Mets, what could go wrong? Well, this is the Mets, what could go wrong? But also what could go right? Because you just never know with this team.”
NBA Playoffs and the End of an Era
The hosts shift focus to the NBA playoffs, highlighting the significance of the LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant matchup as a potential 'last hurrah' for two legends. They discuss the rise of Victor Wimbanyama and the changing landscape of the league, while also critiquing the current NBA season for lacking the urgency and stakes of past eras.
Taste Buds, Soup, and the Art of Alamode
The hosts joke about taste buds changing every seven years, with Ray Grody sharing his current diet of Progresso soup with added chicken and veggies, jokingly calling it 'stew.' They then dive into dessert culture, with a playful debate over 'Alamode' and the importance of ice cream on pie.
Five On It: Cubs, White Sox, and NFL Practices
“This was a debacle, folks. It was the worst.”
“This is the Mets, what could go wrong? Well, this is the Mets, what could go wrong? But also what could go right? Because you just never know with this team.”
“Indiana is a beard for the bears, and eventually it's going to get chopped off, shaved down to the – don't be stubble. It'll be a clean-shaven face when the bears head to Arlington Heights.”
“You don't even think the Cubs have first world problems. You think the Cubs have first class problems. Yeah. Do you see the tiers, the levels? A bunch of high class folks.”
Hosts
Guests
mark grody
person
chicago cubs
other
new york mets
other
marshall harris
person
chicago bears
other
laila rahimi
person
Cade Horton
person
Nico Horner
person
abby mastroco
person
Craig Council
person
Ian Happ discusses his hot start, Nico Hoerner's contract extension
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 15m • 3/31/2026
Edward Cabrera shines in his Cubs debut
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 15m • 3/31/2026
Examining the Bears’ receiver void
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 18m • 3/31/2026
5 On It: How confident are you in what Edward Cabrera can bring to the Cubs?
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 18m • 3/31/2026
Will White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami hit 40 home runs this season?
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 12m • 3/31/2026
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