Clarifying the CHGO / Madhouse Podcast Transition

Jay addresses the awkward podcast situation

Hey,

So a lot has happened since we last spoke and I want to go ahead and clarify things as best I can. Over the years, you’ve known me and James to be up front and honest about things. What we see on the ice. What happens off the ice. When we’re wrong. When we’re right. We’ve never lied to you…and that wasn’t the case as we transitioned the Madhouse Podcast to the CHGO Blackhawks podcast.

That said, I can see why some Madhouse Podcast fans feel misled or duped, so let me tell the whole story with total honesty, because we have nothing to hide.

In early February, the folks at CHGO reached out to me about me coming over to lead the new network’s Blackhawks coverage. The first question I asked was, “What about James Neveau?” I will keep some of the information between James, CHGO and me, but I was immediately told that James was absolutely in the plans. This would allow the Madhouse Podcast to live on while expanding the coverage for our audience.

When I had the idea for a Blackhawks podcast after the 2015 season, James was my first and only choice for a partner, and my instincts were correct. In James, I found a guy with a great hockey mind, and even more importantly, a great heart and compass. He has grown into one of my closest friends.

As the plan came together, both of us weighed a lot of possibilities. When the smoke cleared, I agreed to bring the Madhouse Podcast feed to CHGO while continuing to do the podcast several times a week with James Neveau joining me on the same part-time basis. Then, Mario Tirabassi and Greg Boysen…two of the city’s best hockey minds… would carry the load for the rest of the week.

As launch day approached, our employers questioned whether a relationship with CHGO, whom they viewed as a competitor, would be workable. Ultimately, those conflicts led to James’ decision to stay with NBC.

At the same time, I had a vacation to Florida planned for over a year. My wife’s grandma turns 100 this week, and it wasn’t something I would ever miss. She’s one of the most amazing people in the world. I’m lucky to know her and have her in my life, and while the CHGO podcast took a backseat from me for a couple of weeks, it doesn’t mean I’m not invested.

There will be more clarity coming soon, as I tie up some loose ends with Audacy and WBBM, but I promise you…you’ll be hearing more from me than you’ve ever wanted. You’ll probably be hearing too much from me, in fact.

James will also make frequent guest appearances on the podcast.

Here’s what I ask of you…the Madhouse Podcast listener. Trust.

It was never my/our intent to mislead or sell you a bill of goods. When we had our last Madhouse Pod, what we told you was what we thought would be happening, but when giant corporations get involved, things have a tendency to change. It was something we thought we had clearance on from both companies, but that wasn’t the case.

I also ask you to keep in mind that these things take time. Chemistry takes time to grow. Greg, Mario and I are working together for the first time. The CHGO Blackhawks podcast is already good. It will be great. I promise you more consistency. I promise you more of me. I promise you the show will only get better and better.

I’ll address this further LIVE FROM FLORIDA on Thursday night’s CHGO Blackhawks Podcast after the game.