If you’ve ever sat in a Chicago sports bar on a Tuesday morning, you know the vibe. It is loud. It is opinionated. It usually involves someone yelling about why the Bears' offensive line is a catastrophe while someone else defends a backup point guard like he’s their own son. That is exactly what listening to the Kap and J Hood podcast feels like every single day. It’s a localized explosion of passion that broadcasts out of the ESPN 1000 studios, and honestly, if you aren't dialed in, you’re missing the actual pulse of the city.
David Kaplan—everyone just calls him Kap—and Jonathan Hood are an odd couple that just works. Kap is the high-energy, "bleeding Chicago" veteran who has been around the block more times than a CTA bus. J Hood is the smooth, analytical, yet deeply passionate counterweight. Together, they anchor the morning slot, but the podcast version is where the real meat lives for those of us who can't be tethered to a radio at 7:00 AM.
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The Chemistry That Keeps the Kap and J Hood Podcast Moving
Most sports shows feel like a lecture. This one feels like a debate at a tailgate. You’ve got David Kaplan, a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve to the point where you can almost see his blood pressure rise when the Cubs blow a lead. He’s a guy who celebrates the wins with a level of "Take That!" energy that drives half the city crazy and makes the other half cheer.
Then there is J Hood.
Jonathan Hood brings a different flavor. He’s seasoned. He’s been a staple of Chicago airwaves for years, often holding down the late-night or weekend shifts before this morning's pairing became the flagship. He provides the perspective of someone who sees the long game. When Kap is ready to fire the coach after one bad play call, Hood is usually the one pulling the parachute cord, though even he has his breaking points.
The Kap and J Hood podcast succeeds because it doesn't try to be "national." You aren't going to get 40 minutes of talk about LeBron James’ legacy unless the Lakers are playing the Bulls that night. It’s hyper-local. It’s about the grit of the South Side versus the expectations of the North Side. It’s about the "Monsters of the Midway" and the seemingly eternal quest for a franchise quarterback.
Why the Morning Transition Worked
For years, the Chicago morning sports slot was a bit of a revolving door or dominated by different personalities. When ESPN 1000 pivoted to Kap and J Hood, there was a segment of the audience that wondered if the styles would clash too much. Kap is "unfiltered" personified. Hood is "The Underdog" advocate.
What actually happened was a masterclass in radio pacing.
They don't just agree with each other. That would be boring. They grind gears. But there is a fundamental respect there that prevents it from becoming a "shock jock" shout-fest. They treat the listeners like they are part of the conversation, which is why the call-in segments and the social media interactions feel so seamless when they hit the podcast feed.
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Navigating the Bears Obsession
Let’s be real: if you are listening to a Chicago sports podcast, you are there for the Bears. The Kap and J Hood podcast knows this. They could talk about a Blackhawks rebuild or a White Sox fire sale, but the needle always moves back to Halas Hall.
The depth they go into regarding the quarterback situation is borderline obsessive, but that’s what we want. They aren't just reading stats. They are talking about the "vibe" in the locker room. They are discussing the coaching decisions of Matt Eberflus with a level of scrutiny that feels like a forensic audit.
- They break down the tape—not literally on audio, but through the eyes of the reporters they bring on.
- They argue about the "Chicago Toughness" factor.
- They pivot to the business side, discussing the stadium move to Arlington Heights (or staying at Soldier Field) with actual insight into the city’s politics.
Not Just the "Big" Stories
What I personally appreciate about the show is the love for the "other" guys. J Hood has always been a massive proponent of prep sports and smaller college programs. He knows the names of the kids coming out of the Public League. This adds a layer of authenticity that a lot of national-level broadcasters lack. They aren't just looking at the pro stars; they care about the pipeline.
And then there’s the food.
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Seriously, half of the Kap and J Hood podcast experience is hearing them talk about where to get the best beef, the best pizza, or the best wings. It’s lifestyle content for the blue-collar fan. It grounds the sports talk in the reality of living in the 312 or 773.
The Evolution of David Kaplan
Kap has changed over the years. He used to be the "Get off my lawn" guy in certain respects, but his move to the morning show with Hood has softened some of those edges while sharpening his wit. He’s become more of a storyteller. Whether he’s talking about his time as a scout or his interactions with legendary coaches, those anecdotes provide a bridge between the "good old days" and the modern, analytics-driven era of sports.
How to Actually Listen and Get the Most Out of It
You can find the show on the ESPN Chicago app, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. But here is a tip: don't just listen to the "Best Of" clips. The magic is in the full-length episodes where the conversation has time to breathe. You want to hear the buildup. You want to hear the caller from Joliet who has a "theory" about the Bulls' front office because that’s where the humor lies.
The podcast usually drops in segments throughout the morning. If you’re a commuter, the "Opening Drive" is essential. If you’re looking for something to get you through a workout, the middle hours where they bring on guests like Jesse Rogers or Courtney Cronin are the sweet spots.
Managing Expectations
Is the show perfect? Kinda, if you love Chicago. If you’re a fan of the Green Bay Packers, you’re probably going to hate it. Kap isn't shy about his biases. He’s a homer in the best sense of the word. He wants these teams to win because he lives and breathes it. If you want "objective, unbiased journalism," go watch a documentary. If you want to feel the heat of the Chicago sports fan's soul, stay right here.
The audio quality is top-tier because it’s a major market ESPN affiliate, so you don't have to deal with the "guy in a basement" echo that plagues so many sports podcasts. It’s professional, fast-paced, and genuinely funny.
Actionable Steps for the New Listener
- Subscribe to the full feed: Don't just rely on YouTube clips. The nuance of their arguments often gets lost in 30-second soundbites.
- Follow the "Hoodie" on Socials: J Hood often posts behind-the-scenes content that adds context to their on-air disagreements.
- Listen to the "Transition" segments: If you can catch the crossover with the other shows (like the one with Bleck and Abdalla or Waddle and Silvy), do it. The chemistry between the different show hosts at ESPN 1000 is some of the best in the country.
- Check the Guest List: They frequently pull in the heavy hitters from The Athletic and ESPN. If you see a specific beat writer on the schedule, that’s the episode to prioritize for deep-dive info.
The Kap and J Hood podcast isn't just a radio rebroadcast. It’s the daily diary of a city that cares way too much about sports. It’s a place where "Wait until next year" is a dirty phrase and where every win feels like a parade. Whether you’re walking the Lakefront or stuck in I-90 traffic, it’s the best company a Chicagoan can have.