Tell Karl Something

Send us a textKarl talks to Astro and Zero about Star Wars, beds, and what people need to know in 2025.

Karl talks to June about massage therapy, communicating boundaries, healing the individual, massage as a profession, and treadmills.SuNu Wellness: https://sunuwellness.com/

Karl talks to Zach about volunteering, when it's right for kids to watch PG-13 movies, why it's important to fall, starting a company in Minneapolis, and skateboarding as an artform. Links:dragonflyskateboards:https://dragonflyskateboardsforever.bigcartel.com/https://www.youtube.com/user/UnicornHeadButt?app=desktopOpen Arms Volunteering:https://www.openarmsmn.org/Thrasher Magazine:https://www.thrashermagazine.com/

Karl talks to Tom about his long-running poker group. They discuss the common pitfalls facing poker groups, how to handle the money, why gambling is important, whether or not to make the group co-ed, and how to start a new group today. Karl's father, Steve, who is also a founding member of the group, joins in to share memories and expand on the topic. Together, they answer Karl's questions while also recalling the ups and downs of a poker group that has played regularly for fifty years! 

Karl talks to Julie, nearly one year after their last conversation. They discuss the Adderall shortage, electric wheelchairs, progressive politics surrounding Medicare, population ethics, mini golf, and why she calls The White House daily.

Karl talks to the President of Literacy Minnesota, Anton Jones. They discuss abundance mindset, absurdist theatre, infinite curiosity, and the plurality of literacy. Please check out the links below for more information about Literacy Minnesota, Northstar Assessments, and volunteer opportunities.Links:Literacy Minnesota: https://www.literacymn.org/Northstar Digital Literacy: https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/Volunteers: https://www.literacymn.org/ways-to-volunteerAmericorps VISTA information: https://www.literacymn.org/americorps-vistaDonate: https://www.literacymn.org/giveAdult Literacy Hotline: https://hotline.mnabe.org/

Karl talks to Michael, his father's roommate. They discuss Michael's passion for Jesus, the healing power of positive language, the importance of mechanical maintenance, surviving against the odds, and how to grow a Lily patch.  

Karl talks to Jimi, a self-described adult child of an alcoholic, an Air Force veteran, a professional musician, a VA employee, and a man confronting his strengths and faults with integrity as a guide. This episode is split into two parts, and this is part two.Links:1. Jimi's FB page2. Jimi's Instagram3. MN Online High School4. Email: jim.jralliso@gmail.com

Karl talks to Jimi, a self-described adult child of an alcoholic, an Air Force veteran, a professional musician, a VA employee, and a man confronting his strengths and faults with integrity as a guide. This episode is split into two parts, and this is part one.Links:1. Jimi's FB page2. Jimi's Instagram3. MN Online High School4. Email: jim.jralliso@gmail.com

Karl talks to Steve, a VA Employee and combat veteran. They discuss the importance of filing a claim, the difference between active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, the positive side to being open about mental health struggles, and why a tenacious path forward is the brightest light.CORRECTION from Steve: at 1:01:48, Steve says "late July" but meant to say "late June."Links:1. Lone Survivor Book2. Lone Survivor Movie3. Operation Red Wings Foundation4. VA Compensation Claims5. Successful Filing Tips

Karl reflects on truth and the New Year in this Season 4 premier.

In this Season 3 finale, Karl talks to Jake, longtime friend and collaborator. They discuss his journey from band practice in the barn to contract negotiations in Nashville, the beauty of having drive that elevates out of betrayal, telling Kid Rock that you won't be cancelling your vacation with your wife, truth in Country Music, and watching Greg Joseph become slightly less of a disappointment live.Links:New Medicine: Facebook, TikTok, MusicJake Rose: Music"Fuck It" music video

Karl talks to his father, Steve. They discuss Steve's rather sudden pacemaker surgery, fasting as medicine, how to be a Vikings fan, why it's important to laugh, and why some medical events are a gift.

Karl talks with his his writing partner, Elizabeth. They discuss men's online dating profiles, outline the proper moral dilemma that good horror brings to the surface, and propose a sarcastic pirate-themed dating app called "Ahoy!"

Karl talks to Jaime, a local recycling champion. They discuss the saddest episode of TV in history, Spongebob Squarepants and his zeitgeist, the Prosperity Gospel circa 2000, girls lurking on Reddit, and tattoos in the workplace.

Karl talks to Dean, a sports psychologist, professor, author, and coach to several national and collegiate athletic teams in the United States and Peru. They talk about art that takes your breath away, the minuscule difference between athletics and theater upon a global stage, how to access your infinite human potential, and why appreciation is more elevated than being thankful. Link to Dr. Dean's website: http://drdeanhinitz.com/

Karl talks to Christin, a neighborhood activist, abolitionist, and school reform advocate. They discuss agreeing and disagreeing with your own team, tangible steps to reduce violence and suffering, the importance of redefining wealth and safety, and why it's important to take time for yourself.Links to support causes discussed in this episode:1. Southside Harm Reduction (https://linktr.ee/SouthsideHarmReduction)2. Sanctuary Supply Depot (https://linktr.ee/sanctuarysupplydepot)3. Freedom Street Health (https://linktr.ee/Freedomstreethealth)4. Truthout Movement Memos (https://truthout.org/series/movement-memos/)5. Marcia Howard 38th Street (https://linktr.ee/marciahoward38thstreet)6. REP MN (https://linktr.ee/REPMN)

Karl presents a solo episode, reflecting on passages from his unpublished book on teaching, "The Jungle Gym," weighing what's best to help improve education, and reflecting on what it means to create art with a purpose.

Karl talks to Lisa, a family friend, about marriage, changing (or not changing) your name, confessing every day, why God is real but the man-made rules are bullshit, and how to keep a best friend for fifty years.

Karl talks to Bruce, a professional jazz musician and educator. They discuss the healing nature of music, the vital importance of African-American music history, why the way forward is by inviting community, and where in MN you can have a great night out.Bruce's website: https://www.bruceahenry.com/

Karl talks to Laura, his mother, about anger, America's definition of production, why Old Country Buffet failed, and why Bill Maher can go fuck himself.

Karl talks with KerryJo Felder, a parent and neighborhood advocate running for MPS School Board. They discuss the vital importance of improving and funding public schools, the inherent beauty and power of Minneapolis, choosing empathy over sympathy, and why most people truly do want to get up and make their community better every day.KerryJo for School Board: https://www.kerryjo4schoolboard.com/

Karl interviews Long Pig, who happens to be visiting Minneapolis, and who also happens to play the very same dead video game Karl has played for nearly 20 years--Natural Selection. He and Karl discuss adventure, bartending, the COVID vaccine, and what sort of purpose and folly one can derive from video games played like a competitive sport.

Karl sits down with Collin, a lifelong educator, a small town and big city advocate, and a believer in pragmatic optimism. They talk about why he's running for Minneapolis School Board, why most people truly do want to get better, and why right now is a great time to get a dog.Beachy 4 School Board: https://www.beachy4schoolboard.com/https://www.facebook.com/beachy4schoolshttps://instagram.com/beachy4schools?igshid=YmMyMTAkinkshttps://mobile.twitter.com/beachy4schools?fbclid=IwAR3eiDWozTFw0qE_oxOQzZWiKy2vWNqH86qx0rvEctyXuStCjTQual_nxQU https://www.linkedin.com/in/collin-beachy-151138b1

Karl interviews his father, Steve, about his adventures with the late Alan Willis. Alan and Steve were best friends for nearly 60 years, and Steve tells about hopping freight trains, sneaking into movie theaters, and living life outside of the box--Alan style.

Karl talks to Lori, a former co-worker, a mom fighting for change and good trouble, and a candidate for School Board in Minneapolis. They talk about why the past five years felt like fifty, why the fight is worth it, and where to get the best biscuits in West Virginia.Norvell 4 School Board: https://www.norvell4schoolboard.com/

Karl talks to Casey about marching band, education, firehoses of money, punk rock, and why everyone is a "math person."Check out Casey's Twitter! https://twitter.com/rutherfordcasey

Karl talks to Sarah, an avid camper, van-life advocate, pre-school teacher, and mother of two about "Hiking Thru Life," living with your mother-in-law, and what makes a top-tier trail mix.Hiking Thru Life podcast:https://hikingthrulife.net/podcast-episode-101-my-little-legs-with-remona-htoo/My Little Legs, Children's Book:https://www.amazon.com/My-Little-Legs-Remona-Htoo/dp/0578328224?crid=3ULIOXN5C9QCV&keywords=my+little+legs&qid=1660495054&sprefix=my+little+legs,aps,189&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=htl0f-20&linkId=f5938e5731339a99fd35f110b964f4cb&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Karl talks to Kirsten, a former down-the-hall colleague and current Middle School English teacher, about motherhood, the state of education, and keeping it sudsy.Mark Taylor, Soapdish: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soapdish/id1523724199

Karl talks to Colonel Lee, the Law Wolf, about leadership, landing helicopters, unorthodox interviews, and the importance of levity in a crisis. Links to related content below!Ukraine News Story: https://youtu.be/CIn0usau0r4Thailand News Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8w-hn8dhKs&t=43sThe Colonel Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ce4qOZh2sKONHxJyIGohwThe Law Wolf: https://mylawwolf.com/

Karl chats with Jordan, a friend from high school after a nearly 20 year gap. They talk about Dad Life, women and daughters, sons and chickens, politics at work and at home, why he loves his wife, and why he will always wear a helmet on a dirt bike.

Karl chats with Matt Brady, longtime friend and travel companion. They discuss romance, fate, life phases, and humanity showing all of itself at the border crossing.

Karl interviews Lori and Steve about being high school sweethearts, growing up and living in Orono, having a pumpkin farm, using tractors as intended, life and death, how to save the world, and of course... rock and roll.

Karl talks to a family friend, Julie. She discusses deep tissue massage, Eastern medicine, living with multiple sclerosis, accounting mistakes from an accountant, and why everyone needs to have more sex. 

Karl talks to Ellie and Sam about mental health, nursing, living together as siblings, life in your twenties, Reggie the dog, and why abortion should be safe and accessible. Essentially, this week's episode is an extended advertisement for Reggie, why Reggie should be president, and why Reggie is the future.

Karl and his former church choir director Monte discuss art, Universal Small Theory, and which composer would have the most upsetting social contract. Be sure to listen to some classical music that challenges you today, folks!

Karl speaks to Todd, an avid Game Master, recent man of leisure, history buff, and strong advocate for narrative art. They tackle diversity in gaming, what binds humans together and gives us purpose, and whether Bram Stoker was an edge-lord.

After bringing "Curious Karl" to a close, Karl relaunches "Tell Karl Something" with Hannah, a friend and former Tinder match who discusses death, gender, 80 year olds in the COVID era, and raising the greatest dog in the world.

In this archival episode, Karl says goodbye to "Curious Karl."

In this archival episode, the final interview of "Curious Karl" and Season 2, Karl talks to Ray about combat tours, philosophy from comic books, "The Voyage of the Damned," and how to better improve the VA.

In this archival episode, Karl talks to John after a day of drinking and celebrating in Texas. They talk about how fucked up the impending loss of Roe V. Wade is, the cursed nature of fundraising and art, and why everyone should watch his film "The Pizzagate Massacre" in one sitting.

In this archival episode, Karl talks to Andy about sobriety, finishing the album, and how an invention can be fumbled by others.

In this archival episode, Karl talks to Eric about raising three daughters, challenging Christians who try to push inappropriately, and how to stop our earth from collapsing.

In this archival episode, Karl talks to Henry about amnesia, travel, and the nature of dreams intertwining with reality.

In this archival episode, Karl talks to Nate, his former high school English teacher. They discuss purpose, how to approach a flailing education system mired in a seemingly hopeless death spiral, and music.

In this archival episode, Karl and Derek discuss more details about the blended family mentioned in a previous episode.

In this archival episode, Karl talks to Liz about baby yoga, chest-feeding, and breaking up with toxic Christianity.

In this archival episode, Karl talks about blended families with two people who try to make it work.

In this archival episode, Karl talks to Kierstin about raising children, equity in work and life, and Wisconsin politics in action.

In this archival episode, Karl talks to Amanda about Texas, bodybuilding, and earning the right to eat during work meetings.

In this archival episode, Karl talks to Derek about their thoughts on the podcast.