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- May 8, 2002
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When Dan Bernsteindeparted Chicago’s 104.3 The Score just over a year ago, the news reached a fever pitch industry-wide. Following what Bernstein described as a “moment of personal lapse on social media,” there was speculation about whether he would return to the Chicago airwaves after such a public and controversial departure.
In the months that followed, Bernstein used the time away to self-reflect. He focused on identifying the root causes of what occurred in his final days at a station he called home for nearly thirty years. Even today, Bernstein admits he is still a work in progress.
“Judging from how I feel now, I don’t think I would do anything differently,” explained Bernstein. “I had a lot of work to do with my therapists. There’s no way that I would have been ready with my mental health to immediately go back to work full time. I needed not just the off time, but also to reevaluate my relationships with work and social media. There was a lot of heavy lifting that I’ve done that remains an ongoing process.”
While still navigating his personal reevaluation in the months following his departure, an opportunity emerged that sparked his curiosity. Bernstein admits it was largely a product of fortunate timing. As John Goforth, VP/GM of Gamut Podcast Network & Podcasts at Hubbard Radio, explored ways to cater to sports audiences within a company rooted in music brands, the idea for 312 Sports took shape.
As luck would have it, while Goforth considered who would serve as the face of the new venture—based on the success of SKOR North in Minnesota—the focus shifted to Bernstein and former 104.3 The Score producer/host Matt Abbatacola.
“I got extremely lucky that someone with the vision of John Goforth happened to have the ear of the company and the role he had with Gamut [Podcast Network], finding me as a free agent at the exact time they wanted to launch 312 Sports. That’s just luck,” explained Bernstein. “While we’re still figuring things out, I’ve never been happier to come to work every day.”
Following his departure from 104.3 The Score, Bernstein believed he would have a “second act” in his career. While he admits he will never rule anything out, the 312 Sports opportunity was the one that intrigued him most.
He notes that transitioning to podcasting after nearly three decades in radio remains an ongoing adjustment. It has required unlearning familiar sports radio techniques, such as holding audiences through quarter hours and teasing segments. Instead, Bernstein says he feels more comfortable in an environment that allows for long-form discussion.
“The autonomy of podcasting was attractive to me,” said Bernstein. “There is a comfort level that suits me best at this stage of my career.”
Another key factor in joining 312 Sports was the guidance of his former producer, Matt Abbatacola. The two worked together at 104.3 The Score during Bernstein’s peak years alongside co-host Terry Boers.
“Matty is here because I knew I needed a grown up. When it comes to producers, I needed someone who was experienced, wise, and someone who would never have any difficulty telling me what I need to hear over what I want to hear,” explained Bernstein. “Where he is with his life professionally, his creativity and work ethic—that was one of the best things that happened with getting him involved with this project.”
Bernstein says he has embraced the opportunity to learn a new side of the industry. He enjoys working with sales, marketing, and digital teams at Hubbard and Gamut, gaining a better understanding of how those areas collaborate for growth.
Having Abbatacola also provides Bernstein with a trusted voice for feedback—someone he has relied on for years, both during and beyond their time at 104.3 The Score. That relationship has influenced Bernstein’s evolving approach to social media, which remains essential for digital content.
Rather than engaging directly with audiences online, Bernstein now uses social media strictly as a promotional tool. He avoids checking mentions and limits his activity to sharing content with those who choose to follow him.
Another shift for Bernstein involves his consumption habits when it comes to radio and sports content.
“I listen to radio a lot less, but I’m watching more games. This change for me has rekindled a lot of my love for sports that I feel had been grinding down during my years of work,” said Bernstein. “Being a part of 312 Sports has really helped me get back a genuine love for sports that had eroded over time.”
Since launching in August of last year, 312 Sports has grown to include four podcasts, all featuring Bernstein as either a host or co-host. He differentiates the content by using Forward Progress, Organizations Win Championships, and Off The Ivy to inform listeners on key topics.
By contrast, the platform’s flagship program, Dan Bernstein Unfiltered, serves as his outlet to interpret and react to the headlines.
“The idea of Unfiltered is for me to tell you what I think about this. No one is influencing what I think. It’s my opportunity to share what matters to me and why,” notes Bernstein. “I don’t have to chase the pack. If there’s something that’s not as interesting to me, I don’t have to feign interest. I’m not pretending that something is important to me when it’s not.”
As 312 Sports approaches the completion of its first full year in the on-demand content space, the platform has achieved several positive milestones. Expanding from one to four brands, along with adding new creators and management staff, reflects that growth.
However, 2026 began on a somber note for Bernstein. Chicago sports media was stunned to learn his longtime 104.3 The Score co-host Terry Boers had passed away in January. Days later, the station honored Boers’ legacy with a seven-hour tribute featuring contributions from colleagues and those influenced by his career.
This tribute included an extended in-studio appearance by Bernstein, marking his first time back at 104.3 The Score since his departure.
“Being there was weird, but it wasn’t about me. It was easy to not think about that. I was there for him, about him,” said Bernstein. “I just kept telling myself it’s not about you. Get over your own feelings. Get out of your head, and go do the best job you can to honor the life of Terry Boers.”
Bernstein said his return to the Score studios felt welcoming. Much like the support he received from many following his dismissal months earlier. He continues to root for the station’s success as it evolves within a content landscape he believes has room for everyone.
“Radio is just a job. Sports are sports. None of this is life or death. Our lives are short, and it’s important to understand that,” explained Bernstein. “Terry Boers taught me that, and never lost sight of that.”
In many ways, Bernstein’s journey over the past year has not been about a comeback as much as it has been about recalibration. The voice that once thrived in the structure and urgency of daily radio has found a different rhythm. One that allows for reflection, honesty, and, perhaps most importantly, growth.
What 312 Sports represents is not just a new platform or a second act. It is proof that evolution in this business does not always come from chasing what is next, but from understanding what matters. For Bernstein, that means prioritizing mental health, and embracing creative freedom. But also rediscovering a genuine connection to the games and conversations that built his career in the first place.
“I’m happy to wake up every day let alone know what I’m doing at any given point,” joked Bernstein. “To be able to start something from scratch and help determine everything it could be has been fascinating. I couldn’t be happier than to be with this company right now.”
In an industry often defined by noise, speed, and constant reaction, Bernstein’s path serves as a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful progress comes from stepping back, doing the work, and returning with a clearer sense of purpose—even if that purpose looks a little different than before.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
John Mamola
John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at [email protected].
linktr.ee/johnmamola
The post Dan Bernstein Opens up About His Second Act in the Second City With 312 Sports appeared first on Barrett Media.
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In the months that followed, Bernstein used the time away to self-reflect. He focused on identifying the root causes of what occurred in his final days at a station he called home for nearly thirty years. Even today, Bernstein admits he is still a work in progress.
“Judging from how I feel now, I don’t think I would do anything differently,” explained Bernstein. “I had a lot of work to do with my therapists. There’s no way that I would have been ready with my mental health to immediately go back to work full time. I needed not just the off time, but also to reevaluate my relationships with work and social media. There was a lot of heavy lifting that I’ve done that remains an ongoing process.”
While still navigating his personal reevaluation in the months following his departure, an opportunity emerged that sparked his curiosity. Bernstein admits it was largely a product of fortunate timing. As John Goforth, VP/GM of Gamut Podcast Network & Podcasts at Hubbard Radio, explored ways to cater to sports audiences within a company rooted in music brands, the idea for 312 Sports took shape.
As luck would have it, while Goforth considered who would serve as the face of the new venture—based on the success of SKOR North in Minnesota—the focus shifted to Bernstein and former 104.3 The Score producer/host Matt Abbatacola.
“I got extremely lucky that someone with the vision of John Goforth happened to have the ear of the company and the role he had with Gamut [Podcast Network], finding me as a free agent at the exact time they wanted to launch 312 Sports. That’s just luck,” explained Bernstein. “While we’re still figuring things out, I’ve never been happier to come to work every day.”
The Second Act
Following his departure from 104.3 The Score, Bernstein believed he would have a “second act” in his career. While he admits he will never rule anything out, the 312 Sports opportunity was the one that intrigued him most.
He notes that transitioning to podcasting after nearly three decades in radio remains an ongoing adjustment. It has required unlearning familiar sports radio techniques, such as holding audiences through quarter hours and teasing segments. Instead, Bernstein says he feels more comfortable in an environment that allows for long-form discussion.
“The autonomy of podcasting was attractive to me,” said Bernstein. “There is a comfort level that suits me best at this stage of my career.”
Another key factor in joining 312 Sports was the guidance of his former producer, Matt Abbatacola. The two worked together at 104.3 The Score during Bernstein’s peak years alongside co-host Terry Boers.
“Matty is here because I knew I needed a grown up. When it comes to producers, I needed someone who was experienced, wise, and someone who would never have any difficulty telling me what I need to hear over what I want to hear,” explained Bernstein. “Where he is with his life professionally, his creativity and work ethic—that was one of the best things that happened with getting him involved with this project.”
Bernstein says he has embraced the opportunity to learn a new side of the industry. He enjoys working with sales, marketing, and digital teams at Hubbard and Gamut, gaining a better understanding of how those areas collaborate for growth.
Changing Habits
Having Abbatacola also provides Bernstein with a trusted voice for feedback—someone he has relied on for years, both during and beyond their time at 104.3 The Score. That relationship has influenced Bernstein’s evolving approach to social media, which remains essential for digital content.
Rather than engaging directly with audiences online, Bernstein now uses social media strictly as a promotional tool. He avoids checking mentions and limits his activity to sharing content with those who choose to follow him.
Another shift for Bernstein involves his consumption habits when it comes to radio and sports content.
“I listen to radio a lot less, but I’m watching more games. This change for me has rekindled a lot of my love for sports that I feel had been grinding down during my years of work,” said Bernstein. “Being a part of 312 Sports has really helped me get back a genuine love for sports that had eroded over time.”
Balancing Content
Since launching in August of last year, 312 Sports has grown to include four podcasts, all featuring Bernstein as either a host or co-host. He differentiates the content by using Forward Progress, Organizations Win Championships, and Off The Ivy to inform listeners on key topics.
By contrast, the platform’s flagship program, Dan Bernstein Unfiltered, serves as his outlet to interpret and react to the headlines.
“The idea of Unfiltered is for me to tell you what I think about this. No one is influencing what I think. It’s my opportunity to share what matters to me and why,” notes Bernstein. “I don’t have to chase the pack. If there’s something that’s not as interesting to me, I don’t have to feign interest. I’m not pretending that something is important to me when it’s not.”
As 312 Sports approaches the completion of its first full year in the on-demand content space, the platform has achieved several positive milestones. Expanding from one to four brands, along with adding new creators and management staff, reflects that growth.
Lessons From Terry Boers
However, 2026 began on a somber note for Bernstein. Chicago sports media was stunned to learn his longtime 104.3 The Score co-host Terry Boers had passed away in January. Days later, the station honored Boers’ legacy with a seven-hour tribute featuring contributions from colleagues and those influenced by his career.
This tribute included an extended in-studio appearance by Bernstein, marking his first time back at 104.3 The Score since his departure.
“Being there was weird, but it wasn’t about me. It was easy to not think about that. I was there for him, about him,” said Bernstein. “I just kept telling myself it’s not about you. Get over your own feelings. Get out of your head, and go do the best job you can to honor the life of Terry Boers.”
Bernstein said his return to the Score studios felt welcoming. Much like the support he received from many following his dismissal months earlier. He continues to root for the station’s success as it evolves within a content landscape he believes has room for everyone.
“Radio is just a job. Sports are sports. None of this is life or death. Our lives are short, and it’s important to understand that,” explained Bernstein. “Terry Boers taught me that, and never lost sight of that.”
In many ways, Bernstein’s journey over the past year has not been about a comeback as much as it has been about recalibration. The voice that once thrived in the structure and urgency of daily radio has found a different rhythm. One that allows for reflection, honesty, and, perhaps most importantly, growth.
What 312 Sports represents is not just a new platform or a second act. It is proof that evolution in this business does not always come from chasing what is next, but from understanding what matters. For Bernstein, that means prioritizing mental health, and embracing creative freedom. But also rediscovering a genuine connection to the games and conversations that built his career in the first place.
“I’m happy to wake up every day let alone know what I’m doing at any given point,” joked Bernstein. “To be able to start something from scratch and help determine everything it could be has been fascinating. I couldn’t be happier than to be with this company right now.”
In an industry often defined by noise, speed, and constant reaction, Bernstein’s path serves as a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful progress comes from stepping back, doing the work, and returning with a clearer sense of purpose—even if that purpose looks a little different than before.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
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John Mamola
John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at [email protected].
linktr.ee/johnmamola
The post Dan Bernstein Opens up About His Second Act in the Second City With 312 Sports appeared first on Barrett Media.
Continue reading...
