The CripesCast Podcast

Kristopher Pollard eats, sleeps and breathes cinema. As Membership Manager for Milwaukee Film and co-host of the “Cinebuds” podcast, Kristopher is continually working hard to advocate for Milwaukee's film scene. He explains how Wisconsin is a hidden gem for the film industry and has a vibrant and receptive movie-loving community. He argues that the only difference between Milwaukee and cities with well-known film scenes is that people just aren't paying attention to Milwaukee yet. This week, he joins Charlie on the Cripescast to discuss the use of AI in filmmaking, he crushes it in a movie trivia game, and shares what Milwaukee Film is doing to preserve the city's historic theaters. Kristopher also explains the new state bill that aims to form a Wisconsin Film Office and dives into how it would create jobs, boost the economy, and amplify the local scene.  Follow @cinebudspodcast and check them out anywhere you get your podcasts! Follow Kristopher @kpollyart. For more information about Milwaukee Film, including screenings and membership, visit mkefilm.org and follow @mkefilm.  Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

This week Charlie celebrates the 200th episode of the Cripescast by answering all of your burning questions. Buckle up for his advice on dating, lawn care and how to craft the perfect junk drawer. He and his producer Colleen go on many tangents spanning from deep philosophical discussions to what cheese is best on a charcuterie board. Full episode out now! Interested in donating to Doctors Without Borders? Check out doctorswithoutborders.org to see how you can help.  Find the Cripescast on all socials @cripescast. 

Kristen Kish may be new to hosting “Top Chef” but she's no stranger to the show. Crowned the Season 10 champion in 2012, she became the second woman ever to claim the title and has since returned to host the show. After her 2012 win, she's gone on to open her own restaurant in Texas called Arlo Grey, release a cookbook, and host other TV shows like National Geographic's “Restaurants and the End of the World” and Travel Channel's “36 Hours”. In this episode, she and Charlie talk about both of their experiences on the show, her as the fresh-faced host and Charlie as an eager diner, with no culinary palette, in the second episode. As a Michigander, Kristen says she felt at home while filming the newest season of “Top Chef”, which was set in Wisconsin, because of the nasally accents and Midwest niceness. The two discuss everything from Wisconsin supper clubs to anxiety, and Charlie even walks away with some tips for cooking as a single guy.  Follow Kristen on all platforms @kristenlkish and be sure to catch this season of Top Chef! Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Comedian Cristela Alonzo isn't afraid to grab life by the horns. Having grown up squatting in an abandoned diner with her mother and three siblings, she knows what it's like to live like you've got nothing to lose. Her lifelong love for comedy had her jumping at the chance to work as an office manager at the Addison Improv in Texas circa 2003, even if it meant fudging some of the details on her resume to land the job. Fast forward to today, she's headlining the country and has made history as the first Mexican-American woman to create and star in her own US primetime sitcom, “Cristela.” With two Netflix specials under her belt and another on the way, Cristela shares that she's living comfortably with her bills on autopay and her “therapy money” in hand. This week, she joins Charlie on the Cripescast to chat about everything from professional wrestling, to her love for Wisconsin cheese curds, and of course Packers vs Cowboys. Follow Cristela on all platforms @cristela9 and be sure to check out her specials on Netflix! Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Christian Yelich has been a pillar for the Milwaukee community since he was first traded to Brewers in 2018. On the field, he's an MVP, a golden glove winner, and a silver slugger just to name a few. Off the field, he's a champion for the community by giving back with his annual Home Plate Charity Benefit that raises funds for Milwaukee little league teams. Today, Christian addresses the most common questions he gets about his personal life and confirms that yes, he can hear heckling fans when he's in left field. Charlie and Christian have been pals since their first video collab in 2022 and use this episode to catch up, discuss regretful tattoos, the weirdest things they've autographed, and who they root for in the Brewers sausage races.   Follow Christian on all platforms @christianyelich and for more information about Christian's Home Plate Charity Concert, head to visitmilwaukee.org/yelich. Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Nobody knows Wisconsin fish like Max Wolter. Having grown up with a passion for the outdoors, it only makes sense that Max would end up working as a senior fisheries biologist at the Wisconsin DNR. For more than a decade, he's been working to understand our state's fish, protecting their habitats, and educating folks about best fishing practices. In this episode of the Cripescast, Charlie asks all of his burning questions about the current state of Wisconsin's aquatic wildlife and where it's headed. They discuss the birds and the bees of fish spawning, the impacts of El Nino on this past ice fishing season, and the best way to catch a muskie. For more information about fishing in Wisconsin, head to dnr.wisconsin.gov and be sure to follow them on all platforms.  Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Despite never planning to become a comedian, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes has undeniably made a name for herself in the world of comedy. Starting out as an Oakland Raiders' cheerleader, then as an aspiring actress in Hollywood, she eventually found her home in stand up comedy after taking a joke writing class at her local church. Fast forward to today, Anjelah has put out six comedy specials, with her latest one being her first self-produced and self-financed hour called “Say I Won't” on YouTube. This week, Anjelah joins the Cripescast fresh off of headlining in Wisconsin, and she and Charlie discuss all things comedy, siblings, and gratitude lists. Anjelah shares her tips for dealing with anxiety, her career dreams, and how the pandemic changed her views of motherhood. Follow Anjelah on all platforms @anjelahjohnson and check out her specials, show dates, merch and more at anjelah.com. Find us on all platforms @cripescast and for Charlie's show dates, merch, Patreon, and all that, head to cripescast.com For continued donations and aid to Doctors Without Borders, head to doctorswithoutborders.org.

All bets are off whenever Grandma Sue joins the podcast. In this episode of the Cripescast, we're bringing you highlights from all three of her appearances on the show including her first solo interview and her two road trip episodes to the casino. From talking about "necking" at Stinky Point to giving unexpected dating advice, this episode is full of everyone's favorite moments with Grandma Sue, Aunt Mary and Lois Bently. For more information about donating to Doctors Without Borders, go to doctorswithoutborders.org. Find us on all platforms @cripescast and our website at cripescast.com.

Live from his garage in Colorado, Taylor Calmus, a.k.a. Dude Dad, makes his triumphant return to the Cripescast yet again. He and Charlie get comfortable on a vintage Davenport to shoot the breeze, answer fan questions, and sip on Charlie's new Brandy. As good friends and frequent collaborators, they spend this episode reminiscing on the sketches they've done, including their recent sequel of “Husbands of Target” that they shot for a Super Bowl ad for Target. The two share stories from pheasant hunting at Taylor's family farm in South Dakota to life on tour, and even debate the proper etiquette for changing sheets when guests come to town. To round it out, they share their favorite and least favorite thing about one another and talk about the time that Taylor's wife Heidi signed a woman's breast in Milwaukee. Follow Taylor on all platforms @dudedad.  Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Masood Boomgaard has made a name for himself around the world with his viral (de)motivational character “Self Help Singh.” While struggling with his mental health and searching for a creative outlet during the pandemic, Masood posted his first video as Singh and his life was forever changed. With that first video instantly gaining millions of views, Masood has since adapted the character for live shows and has performed in over 20 different countries. He explains how the relatable and universal topics he covers in the show is what makes it resonate with audiences across the globe. In this episode of the Cripescast, he and Charlie bond over starting out in broadcast journalism, Midwest goodbyes versus Indian goodbyes, and Masood even shares the craziest thing he ever saw while MC-ing a wedding. Follow Masood on all platforms @masood_boomgaard. Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Nimesh Patel never planned on being a stand up comedian. In fact, he graduated from NYU with a degree in finance and fully planned on pursuing a career in that field. However, a lack of passion for the industry paired with the difficulty of finding a job during the Great Recession led him to take a writing class and, eventually, to stand up comedy. Immediately hooked from his first open mic, Nimesh kept his day job in finance while pursuing comedy at night. His persistence paid off when he was discovered by Chris Rock, who hired him to write for the 2016 Oscars. Today, after three self-produced comedy specials, multiple late night sets, and an Emmy nomination for his work at Saturday Night Live, Nimesh is ready to slow down a bit and do some “actual living”. In this episode of the Cripescast, he and Charlie reflect on the reality of burnout, life on the road, and having to make the conscious decision to switch off their work brains.  Follow Nimesh on all platforms @findingnimesh and get tickets at https://punchup.live/nimeshpatel Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Everything in Joel Hodgson's life led him to creating Mystery Science Theater 3000, or MST3K. From performing magic as a kid to doing stand up in college, Joel attributes his comedy chops to his Midwest upbringing. Joel explains that every opportunity in his career has been a stepping stone to MST3K, whether he was performing stand up on Late Night with David Letterman or designing toys for Tonka. However, he says it wasn't until a conversation he had with Jerry Seinfeld that the seeds for MST3K were planted. Now, 13 seasons later, MST3K has been named one of Time Magazine's “100 best television shows of all time” and has become a cult classic. In this episode of the Cripescast, he and Charlie dive into Joel's career, bond over their shared experience of growing up in Wisconsin, and discuss the weirdest parts of their families' lineage.  Check out MST3K on Netflix or on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFzph9x-n9FR52BI94Zfgww  Follow the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and for Charlie's tour dates, merch, Patreon and more head to cripescast.com.  For continued support of the work by Doctors Without Borders in the Middle East, find more information and donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Having grown up in a small northwoods town in Wisconsin less than 50 miles away from the Minnesota border, comedian Mary Mack considers herself a “border child.” In the wake of her college polka band breaking up and her roommate signing her up for various open mics, Mary made her way to stand up comedy and has been doing it ever since. It wasn't long until she found her stride and after only a year of doing open mics, she dove head first into a career in comedy. Since then she's released multiple comedy albums and appeared on Late Night shows such as Conan, the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Present day she is touring the country doing stand up and co-starring in Hulu's animated series Solar Opposites. In this episode of the Cripescast, she and Charlie share their thoughts on roundabouts, Taylor Swift, and Boeing's recent plane mishaps.  Follow Mary on all platforms @marymackcomedy and visit https://www.marymackcomedy.com/ to find information on her tour and tickets.  Follow the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and for Charlie's tour dates, merch, Patreon and more head to cripescast.com.  For continued support of the work by Doctors Without Borders in the Middle East, find more information and donate at doctorswithoutborders.org. 

Milwaukee musician Brett Newski goes way back with Charlie... like, all the way back to the first grade. From their days as elementary school classmates to both being raised by tough Midwestern dads, the two reminisce on their shared childhood experiences in this episode of the Cripescast. In more recent years, Brett can be found touring the world playing music with his band NEWSKI, advocating for mental health awareness, and drinking lots of half-caf coffee. Full of inspiring stories, he discusses everything from his time living in Vietnam making jingles for tampon commercials, to the process of creating his book It's Hard to Be a Person. The two go down an existential rabbit hole of what it's like to be a creator in the age of TikTok, and Charlie even shares some tips for how to succeed on the platform.  Follow Brett on all platforms @newskimusic and online at https://newskimusic.com/ for tour dates and to get his music.  Follow the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and for Charlie's tour dates, merch, Patreon and more head to cripescast.com.  For continued support of the work by Doctors Without Borders in the Middle East, find more information and donate at doctorswithoutborders.org. 

Kim and Penn Holderness know a thing or two about working in media. Despite their established online presence as The Holderness Family, working in social media was never part of their plan, let alone doing so for 10 years. Like Charlie, Kim and Penn both started out working in news and the three bond over their shared experiences on this episode of the Cripescast. This week they discuss everything from Penn's new book on ADHD, how they embrace their kids calling them “cringey parents”, and how they won the 33rd season of The Amazing Race. Between a decade of working together and nearly two as a married couple, Kim and Penn have no shortage of stories to tell and marriage advice to offer. They share how they met, Kim's giddy encounter with George Clooney, and they even play a game of “who's most likely to” with Charlie.  Follow the Holderness Family on all platforms @theholdernessfamily and check out their website https://theholdernessfamily.com/.  You can also find us on all social platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. For all things Cripescast head to cripescast.com and for exclusive content go to patreon.com/charlieberens  For continued humanitarian relief, donate to Doctors Without Borders for helping in Gaza at doctorswithoutborders.org

For Chef Luke Zahm, food is more than just fuel. Rather, it's about community, history, and tradition. As host of PBS's Emmy award-winning show, Wisconsin Foodie, and owner of The Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, Wisconsin, Luke is all about celebrating the Midwest through cooking. In this episode of the Cripescast, he and Charlie discuss their favorite things about Midwestern culture and the easiest way to impress guests with your cooking. They also talk about their humble beginnings as fast food workers, Charlie a pretzel roller at Auntie Anne's, and Luke as a sandwich artist for Subway Sandwiches. The conversation even takes a saucy turn when they each share some of the wildest DMs they've received from fans. Check out our merch, tour dates, content and more at cripescast.com and find BTS exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens. Follow us at @cripescast on all platforms. 

NFL legends and former Green Bay Packers LeRoy Butler and Gilbert Brown make a triumphant return to the Cripescast this week. Having spent years as neighbors in the Packers' locker room, LeRoy and Gilbert share endless stories from back in the day, including one story about a teammate riding a bike into the sauna wearing nothing but cowboy boots and a jockstrap. From being pranked by Brett Favre, to trash talking opponents together, to their shared admiration for Reggie White, they reflect on some of their favorite moments in the NFL. Charlie asks Gilbert and LeRoy some fan questions, they pick their New Year's resolutions, and they finally set the record straight on the right way to pronounce LeRoy's name. Follow Gilbert @gilbertbrownrip93 and Leroy @leap3636. Find the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and check out our show at cripescast.com. Find exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens.

The holidays are here, which means lots of time spent with family. This week on the Cripescast, we're throwing it back with a compilation of the fan-favorite siblings episodes. From Charlie's sisters dishing juicy stories, to squashing the beef with his brothers, this episode is full of all the best moments.  Find the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and check out our show at cripescast.com. Find exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens.

Live from the green room in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, it's the Cripescast on the Road. Joined by his opener, Bill Deucette, his music partner, Adam Greuel, and his producer, Dante Williams, you get a glimpse of life on the road for Charlie on this episode of the Cripescast. Having performed both comedy and music, Adam, Bill, and Charlie discuss the similarities and differences between the two artforms, while Dante shares some not-so-glamorous stories from life on the road involving food poisoning. In the wake of their latest album Dive Bar Dinner, Adam and Charlie explain their songwriting process and how going with the flow brought them to new creative territories. Adam even gets a little spiritual with it and offers insight about embracing the chaos of life and finding zen in creative moments. Having spent so much time together it's clear to see the foursome has gotten close, perhaps too close, as their conversations about Catholic school confessions, Billy's body temperature and urinal preferences can confirm. Be sure to follow Bill @billydeuce86, Adam @adamgreuel, and Dante @dantesnotimpressed. Check out the new Berens & Greuel album, Dive Bar Dinner, available now at cripescast.com under the merch tab! Find the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and check out our show at cripescast.com. Find exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens.

Whether you're familiar with Nev Schulman or not, you've probably heard of his hit TV show Catfish. For those who aren't familiar, catfishing is when someone is lured into a relationship by means of a fictional online persona. On this episode of the Cripescast, Nev explains the show's journey. Starting as a documentary based on his own catfish experience, to then being picked up by MTV for a series, to it being part of the cultural zeitgeist today, Catfish has taken on a life of its own. Beyond that, he and Charlie discuss everything under the sun from their love of minivans to their own personal manscaping preferences. While he may be from New York originally, Nev explains that he wants to settle down in the Midwest, specifically in Michigan. They bond over using cleaning as a form of therapy and Charlie promises to gift Nev a vintage vacuum cleaner next time he's in town.  Find Nev on all platforms @nevschulman and check out his show Catfish: The TV Show on MTV.  Find the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and check out our show at cripescast.com. Find exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens.  For donations to Doctors Without Borders humanitarian aid to Gaza, head to doctorswithoutborders.org.

With Winter rapidly approaching, there's no better time for Allison Madison to educate us about the harmful effects of road salt. As the program manager at Wisconsin Salt Wise, she's bringing awareness to salt's effect on our environment, economy and infrastructure. On this episode of the Cripescast, she shares that “it only takes 1 teaspoon of salt to pollute 5 gallons of water to toxic levels.” Beyond that, she explains how it's also affecting our wallets in that “for every $1 of salt laid on the road, we're doing $10 of damage to our infrastructure.” Not all hope is lost though as Allison provides Charlie and our listeners many alternatives for both plow drivers and the average shoveler to reduce their salt while keeping the roads and sidewalks clean and safe. Check out Wisconsin Salt Wise at WIsaltwise.com and @wisaltwise across all socials. To donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.com to provide humanitarian relief in the Middle East right now. Check out our merch, tour dates, content and more at cripescast.com and find BTS exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens. Follow us at @cripescast on all platforms.

For comedian Sam Jay it was love at first open mic. From putting out multiple stand up specials, to having written on Saturday Night Live, to co-creating and starring on Peacock's Bust Down, her commitment to the art of comedy is steadfast. Sam explains how failing in front of an audience is a necessary growing pain for young comedians and how going through hard life experiences can develop a comedic voice. She and Charlie dive into her comedy goals, the future of network television, and how social media has changed the comedy scene. Like any good Cripescast episode, she and Charlie fall down a rabbit hole about the 1991 film Hook and unpack the true lessons and meaning behind the movie. Be sure to follow @samjaycomedian on Instagram and check out her new special Salute Me or Shoot Me streaming on HBO.  Check us out on all platforms, @cripescast @charlieberens and @manitowocminute. For all things podcast related head to cripescast.com and for exclusive content, go to patreon.com/charlieberens. To donate to humanitarian aid in Gaza, head to doctorswithoutborders.org.

From ranking superheroes to debating whether or not they're going to Heaven, no topic is off limits for Patrick Johnson II and Mike Esibou. As fellow Milwaukeean podcasters, Pat and Mike dive into current events, take calls from fans, and shoot the breeze on their weekly show the Crash Dummies Podcast. This week on the Cripescast however, they go on tangent after tangent with Charlie and discuss everything from train conductors, to email scams, to the legality of marrying cousins in the US. Pat and Mike share the story of how Crash Dummies came to be, their insights on social media clips, and memories from their childhood, including Mike's 3-year stint in Nigerian boarding school.   Be sure to check out The Crash Dummies Podcast on all podcasting platforms. Follow @crashdummiespodcast, @pjohnsonjr_ and @mike.esiobu on all platforms.  Check us out on all platforms as well @cripescast @charlieberens and @manitwoocminute and for all things podcast related head to cripescast.com and go to patreon.com/charlieberens for exclusive content.

It's time to buckle in for a Cripescast episode all about Birding. UW-Madison Life Science Communications teacher, Dexter Patterson, is a self-proclaimed “Bird Nerd” and as any dedicated listener of the show knows, Charlie is too. Dexter is working to make birdwatching accessible to everyone, whether it's through sharing his adventures to his followers or by co-founding the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin. He's on a mission to bring diversity to birding and to create a welcoming community for people of color outdoors, a space where they've historically been left out. In this episode, Charlie and Dexter nerd out about their “spark birds,” discuss how getting outdoors can improve mental health, and how simply going birding is a form of environmental activism.  Follow Dexter at @wiscobirder and find out more information about the BIPOC Birding Club at bipocbirdingclub.org.  Find us on all platforms @cripescast @charliebererns @manitowocminute and for merch, tour dates, show info and more go to cripescast.com. Find exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens.  For donating to humanitarian aid in Gaza, head to doctorswithoutborders.org. 

Returning to the show for the fourth time, Myles Montplaisir (aka the “You Betcha” guy) makes history as the Cripescast guest with the most podcast appearances. Aside from being one of Charlie's close friends and co-host of The Bellied Up Podcast, a Midwestern call-in advice show, Myles is an entrepreneur, content creator, and conversationalist through and through. Having gotten hitched since his last time on the show, Myles catches us up on married life and provides his top three tips for a happy marriage, which includes defending his “hippie haircut” to Charlie. Along with answering some fan questions and playing Midwest “Red Flag or Green Flag”, the two brainstorm ideas for a Midwestern prank show, plans for a Bellied Up live taping, and share their first impressions of one another. Follow Myles at @ohhyoubetcha across the board and the Bellied Up Podcast at @bellieduppod.  Follow us on all platforms @cripesast @charlieberens @manitowocminute.  For more Cripescast information go to cripescast.com and find us on Patreon for exclusive content at Patreon.com/charleiberens. 

Polar explorer and expedition guide Eric Larsen isn't one to shy away from the cold. Having completed more North and South Pole expeditions than any other American in history, it's safe to say he thrives in below freezing temperatures. From being a park ranger in Alaska to a sled dog herder in Minnesota, Eric's spent his life in the cold and his story has become the subject to several documentaries. Traveling in such extreme environments comes with no shortage of challenges or close encounters with wildlife. In fact, on this episode of the Cripescast, Eric shares stories of both including being chased by a moose and being stalked by a polar bear. He and Charlie bond over what it was like growing up in Wisconsin, their first jobs as bike mechanics, and their shared passion for preserving the outdoors. Follow Eric on Instagram at @elexplores and book a trip with him to explore the North Pole at ericlarsenexplore.com. For donating to humanitarian relief in the Middle East, head to doctorswithoutborders.org and follow them on all platforms @doctorswithoutborders. Find the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and Charlie @charlieberens. For live show tickets, merch, comments and more head to cripescast.com.

RENEW Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to the advancement of clean renewable energy in the dairy state since 1991. On this episode of the Cripescast, Charlie is joined by RENEW's Communications Manager, Alex Beld, and their Emerging Technology Director, Francisco Sayu, to discuss what RENEW is doing in the state of Wisconsin. Their mission is “seeking to power a strong, healthy and vibrant state by implementing environmentally friendly energy systems,” while simultaneously looking out for the economy and general public health. Francisco and Alex outline their latest ongoing initiative of getting electric school buses in all of Wisconsin's school districts, while also explaining the health impacts of diesel emissions on students and the economic advantage EV buses could provide to schools.  For more information on their work and how to nominate your school to receive free electric buses in Wisconsin, head to renewwisconsn.org. Find them on all platforms @renew_wisconsin and RENEW Wisconsin. Find us on all platforms @cripescast @charlieberens @manitowocminute. To donate to Doctors Without Borders, head to doctorswithoutborders.org.

Jeff Ditzenberger takes mental health very seriously as a farmer and a veteran, two communities with some of the highest suicide rates in the country. When it comes to asking a friend how they are, he explains that “I'd rather spend an hour listening to all the things that are causing you angst, than sit and listen to your eulogy for five minutes.” He stresses the importance of being vulnerable, regardless of gender, generation or occupation, and encourages people to talk about the uncomfortable parts of life. As a return Cripescast guest, he updates the listeners about his non-profit TUGS, provides resources for those struggling with mental health, and shares a story about how he saved someone's life with a simple act of kindness. Jeff and Charlie taste test some pickle-flavored ranch and debate whether or not Charlie “stole” or “borrowed” a glazer from Jeff the first time he was on the show. For more information about TUGS, go to tugsgroup.com or find them on Facebook at @tugsgroup, and you can find Jeff on Instagram at @ditzisms or on Facebook at Jeff Ditzenberger.  For those interested in more information about Doctors Without Borders' humanitarian relief in the Middle East, check it out here: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/.  Find us on all platforms @cripescast, @charlieberens, @manitowocminute and find tour dates, Patreon, merch and more at cripescast.com.

No one is safe from being thrown under the bus on this episode of the Cripescast. Just as unfiltered as the last time they were on the show, Charlie is joined by his Aunt Mary, his Grandma Sue and her best casino friend Lois Bentley, as they make their way to the casino. Whether it's prying information out of Mary about her new boyfriend, asking Charlie about his love life, or learning what “watching the submarines” meant for Sue and Lois back in the day, everyone has their time in the hot seat. Throughout the road trip they marvel at the fall colors, share Grandpa Bob stories, and by the end of the ride Sue and Lois earn some scandalous nicknames that are inspired by their glory days in the 1950s.

Though he's a Detroit Lions fan, Xavier Prather knows what it takes to win. Drawing from his skills as an attorney, he strategically won Big Brother and made history as the first Black winner of a regular season in the show's entire series. Dubbing the experience as “The Truman Show meets summer camp,” Xavier goes into detail about what it was like being constantly filmed and having no contact with the outside world. While the circumstances were far from ordinary, he looks back fondly on his experience and the friendships he made within The Cookout Alliance and beyond. He and Charlie debate whether Wisconsin or Michigan is the true “mitten state”, if it's called “soda” or “pop”, and the best way to eat a PB&J. Check out the full episode to find out what Xavier did with his Big Brother prize money.  Follow Xavier on Instagram at @xaviereprather and find us on all platforms @cripescast @charlieberens @manitowocminute. Find us online at cripescast.com or for exclusive content at Patreon.com/charlieberens.

Though he was born and raised in Illinois, comedian Kyle Kinane has nothing but admiration for Wisconsin. In fact, he uses this episode of the Cripescast to reminisce about vacationing in the Dells, closing Wolski's, and Spring breaking in Milwaukee. From starting out in the Chicago open mic scene in the early 2000s, to having multiple stand up specials and touring the country today, Kyle explains that his key to staying grounded has been his Midwest upbringing. He and Charlie bond over their love for watching thunderstorms from the porch, the pains of mountain biking as you get older, and growing up as guilty Catholics. Follow Kyle on all platforms @kylekinane and get tickets to see him live at kylekinane.com.  Follow us on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens and check us out at cripescast.com. 

After great anticipation, Charlie is joined by his brothers Andy, Bill, and John for the final installment of the Berens sibling podcast episodes. In this quasi-family therapy session, the brothers unpack childhood trauma, air out some dirty laundry, and commiserate about growing up with 8 sisters. Coming prepared with heartfelt apologies, each brother says sorry to one another, with some apologies ending in resolution and others reopening some old wounds.  Find us on all platforms @cripescast, for tour dates, merch, and all podcast information at cripescast.com. For behind the scenes footage and exclusive content, go to Patreon.com/charlieberens. 

Comedian Joe Gatto lives to make people laugh. You may recognize him from the hit TV show Impractical Jokers, starring him and his three best friends in a hidden camera comedy series. He shares stories from their humble beginnings in his parents' basement, his favorite moments from the show, and the best punishment he came up with for his castmate Sal Vulcano. Today he's touring the country doing stand up, hosting a weekly podcast with Steve Byrne called “Two Cool Moms”, and rescuing animals through his charity Gatto Pups and Friends. Being the youngest child of a big Italian family, Joe knows a thing or two about practical jokes, and he attributes his sense of humor to his parents. Be sure to stick around for the end to hear his recipe for the perfect practical joke. Follow Joe on all platforms @joe_gatto and @GattoPupsAndFriends. Check out his shows at joegattoofficial.com to see him live in a town near you! Find us on all platforms @cripescast and for more information about the show, Charlie's tour dates, merch and more, head to cripescast.com.

Live from the iconic Memorial Union Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin, Charlie interviews a panel of environmental experts about the phosphorus levels in our lakes. The panel includes director of UW-Madison's Center for Limnology, Jake Vander Zanden, professor of Grassland Ecology from the Department of Agronomy, Randy Jackson, and return Cripescast guest and author, Dan Egan. They answer questions from the crowd while having an open discussion about key sources of phosphorus, its implications on everyday life, and what we can do to help clean our lakes.  To get involved, head to cleanwisconsin.org or grasslandag.org and check out the Wisconsin Idea wisc.edu/wisconsin-idea/. Also be sure to pick up a copy of Dan's latest book “The Devil's Element: Phosphorus and a World out of Balance” anywhere you get your books.  Find us on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens and at cripescast.com. Check out our behind the scenes footage at Patreon.com/charlieberens.

On a special episode of the Cripescast this week, Charlie answers fan questions about birding, tour, the Midwest and more of his favorite things. Find us on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens and check us out on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens

Ed Bieber, A.K.A. Ed the Diver, is cleaning up bodies of water across the Midwest one dive at a time. You may recognize him from his videos online, where he dives into lakes and rivers and retrieves anything from sunglasses, to car batteries, to engagement rings. He and Charlie bond over their love for fishing and their disdain for losing tackle when it gets caught on something in the water. Ed explains how he started his underwater recovery business, some of the craziest items he's found along the way, and he shows Charlie his museum of lost items. Find Ed on all platforms @edthediver and check out his merch and upcycled lures at edthediver.com Find us on all platforms @cripescast and for tour dates, merch, show updates and all the info head to cripescast.com. For behind the scenes footage, deleted scenes, extended podcasts and exclusive ticket deals head to patreon.com/charlieberens.

Entrepreneur and founder of Funky Fresh Spring Rolls, TrueMan McGee, is always looking for the silver lining in life by turning obstacles into opportunity. In this episode of the Cripescast, he explains his motto of “collecting pennies” as the process of picking up big and small lessons throughout life, and why failure is necessary for success. From starting his business with money from his son's piggy bank, to having his spring rolls available in 150 stores across the state today, TrueMan stresses the importance of believing in yourself and visualizing your goals. He and Charlie talk about the art of airfrying, they workshop TrueMan's stand up material, and brainstorm ideas for a future joint business venture of bloody mary flavored spring rolls. Follow Funky Fresh Spring Rolls on all platforms @funkyfreshspringrolls and find more information about TrueMan and the company at funkyfreshspringrolls.com. Follow us on all platforms @cripescast @charlieberens @manitowocminute and for tour dates, merch, podcast info and more, go to cripescast.com. Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens for all the behind the scenes content you could ever want.

Major General Baker signed up for the military at just 17 years old after his father, who also served, recommended that he join. Now, after many years, a variety of positions, and numerous awards and decorations, he joins Charlie on the Cripescast to discuss the Army Reserve and what they do.  Major General Baker touches on the recruiting issues that the US military is experiencing, and emphasizes the wide range of educational and career based opportunities available within the Army Reserve and National Guard. They also discuss mental health issues that ex-soldiers face and what the military is doing to help lower veteran suicide rates. Since it wouldn't be an episode of the Cripescast without Charlie mentioning artificial intelligence, the two discuss how the military is using AI to its advantage and how cutting edge technology will change the military jobs of the future. Visit www.usar.army.mil for more information on the Army Reserve. Find us on all platforms @cripescast and for tour dates, new merch, and all the podcast info your heart desires, head to cripescast.com.

Executive Director for the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, Tracy Hames, has a wealth of knowledge about Wisconsin's water supply and ecosystem. On this episode of the Cripescast, he and Charlie discuss wetland preservation from environmental and economic perspectives, and its impact on the average Wisconsinite. “We don't try to get people to like ducks and frogs and pretty flowers if they don't already like those things,” Hames explains. “Instead, we get them to care for wetlands because wetlands are important to maintaining the things they already care about.” He explains that hunting, fishing, and clean water are just a few of the many areas of our day to day life that are dependent on wetlands and urges the listeners to get out in the mud and start exploring.  For more information on what you can do in your community, visit wisconsinwetlands.org and get in the mud. Find us on all platforms @cripescast and for tour dates, new merch, and all the podcast info your heart desires, head to cripescast.com.

For his triumphant return, stand up comedian Andrew Roffe joins the Cripescast this week to share his best and worst memories from life on the road opening for Charlie. Like an old married couple, the two air their grievances, express their pet peeves, and Andrew suggests they go to couples counseling. They discuss some of their favorite video collabs, the stand up comedy scene today, and Charlie's environmentalist habits that drive Andrew nuts. Stick around for the end of the episode where they play a “Honeymooners Game for Comedy Partners” where all secrets get revealed.  – Follow Andrew on all platforms @asap_roffe and get tickets at andrewroffe.com to see him live or at charlieberens.com to see them perform together. Find us on all platforms @cripescast @charlieberens and @manitowocminute as well as on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens for behind the scenes footage, tour dates, deleted scenes and more!

Against better judgment, Charlie plays therapist for comedian Rory Scovel on this episode of the Cripescast. Together they unpack the trauma of being former altar boys, their time in local news, and bombing on stage. From his first try at doing stand up at a poetry open mic in Spartanburg, South Carolina to becoming a regular comic on Conan, Rory's struck success throughout his comedy career. Rory attributes his ability to endure criticism on stage to him failing the 10th grade and his love for making people laugh, whether it's with him or at him.  Find Rory on all platforms @roryscovel and find tickets to his shows near you at roryscovel.com.  Find us on all platforms @cripescast @charlieberens @manitowocminute and on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens.

Milwaukee Riverkeeper Cheryl Nenn is advocating for the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic rivers on this episode of the Cripescast. Cheryl explains how the key issues she deals with day to day in Wisconsin are a microcosm for the rest of the world's water supply. Charlie, a self-proclaimed environmentalist, picks her brain about clean water issues and the implications on public health, fishing, and more. Stick around for the end of the episode where Cheryl gives tips on how to get involved with both the Milwaukee Riverkeepers and within your own community. For more information on Cheryl's work, head to milwaukeeriverkeeper.org or find them on social media @mkeriverkeeper. Follow us on all platforms @cripescast and find more information about the show cripescast.com and patreon.com/charlieberens. To get your own Midwest and USA proud merch, head to manitowocminute.com.

Shortly after being in a hit and run accident, comedian and writer Rosebud Baker hops on a call with Charlie for this week's episode of the Cripescast. With her first child on the way, Rosebud speculates whether motherhood will change her perspective on life and is excited for all the potential bits it'll bring to her act. After being encouraged by her friends to try stand up, it only took trying open mic once for her to get hooked on comedy. Since then, she's written on shows like That Damn Michael Che, put out her comedy special “Whiskey Fits” on Comedy Central, and is currently a writer on Saturday Night Live. She and Charlie share their disdain for crowdwork clips, upsetting their families with their material, and debate whether “Saved by the Bell” or “Full House” was a better show growing up.  Want to see Rosebud Baker at @improvmilwaukee July 13-15th? Use code CRIPES at improv.com/milwaukee/ for $5 tickets. Follow Rosebud on all platforms @rosebudbaker and get tickets for her shows at rosebudbaker.com. Follow us on all platforms @cripescast and cripescast.com - find us on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens

Mary Jo Wheeler-Schueller is a trailblazer in the Wisconsin automotive industry. As President of the Wheeler Family Auto Group, she is passionate about making electric vehicles (EV) accessible to everyone in Wisconsin. She outlines the process of building EV chargers into the state's existing infrastructure, as well as the roadblocks she's faced in trying to do so. Eager to shake things up, she explained how she became GM's first US dealer to implement EV chargers by saying “nobody remembers who got second in the Super Bowl." She and Charlie talk about EV's impact on climate change, the common concerns from consumers, and the future of the automotive industry.  To contact Mary Jo, email her at ⁠maryjo.w@wheelersgm.com⁠ or follow her on socials @maryjowheeler or for more information, head to ⁠https://www.wheelersgm.com/⁠.  Find us on all social media @cripescast, tour dates at cripescast.com/tour, and our merch at cripescast.com. For behind the scenes, extended cuts and deleted scenes go to patreon.com/charlieberens. 

Chad Daniels made history as the first and only skateboard paperboy known to man. With his six comedy albums reaching over a billion streams, he's had a successful stand-up career, all while staying in the land of 10,000 lakes. Growing up in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Chad talks about the small-town rumor mill and how he proudly holds his bad-boy reputation, even though it's not true. He and Charlie partake in the classic Minnesota vs. Wisconsin debates like casserole vs. hotdish, soda vs. pop, and which state has more lakes. Chad also explains his tube-pulling philosophy, which is to knock his kids off as soon as he can. Find Chad's tour dates at chaddaniels.com/tour and find him on social media @thatchaddaniels on Instagram and Twitter, @chaddanielscomedian on Facebook. Find us on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens and new tour dates for Charlie announced at charlieberens.com/tour and cripescast.com/tour. Wanna see deleted scenes, extended cuts and Charlie get beat by Colleen in basketball? Check us out on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens.

Damian Buchman has defied one in a million odds not once but twice in his life. Diagnosed with a rare bone cancer at 13 years old and having endured 28 knee surgeries since, he embodies what it means to have grit and tenacity. Knowing what it feels like to have to sit out because of a disability, Damian's life work has been dedicated to creating spaces that are accessible to all. He and Charlie talk about his work with the Ability Center in Milwaukee, including the plans for a multi-million dollar Universal Park to be built in Wauwatosa. Damian explains that “people aren't used to following their dreams, mostly because we're stomped down by someone who lost theirs,” and encourages everyone to block out the doubters and follow their dreams.  For more information about Damian's story, check out his website at damianbuchman.com and follow him on all platforms @damianbspeaks. Check out the Ability Center at tacwi.org.  Find us on all social media platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens and find us on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens.

Having dated not just one, but two Bucky Badgers during her time at UW-Madison, Hannah Berner begrudgingly identifies herself as a furry chaser on this episode of the Cripescast. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she talks about the culture shock she experienced when coming to Wisconsin, including being introduced to cheese curds and duck hunting. She shares stories from her time as a D1 athlete, how she used to sneak into the KK through the kitchen, and the time she was hit by a car on the way to tennis practice. Going down a rabbit hole of technology conspiracy theories, she explains that while she doesn't trust AirPods she's okay with the government watching her through her computer camera. Charlie has Hannah play a game where she compares the Midwest and the East Coast with topics including bagels, beer, manners and men.  Follow Hannah on all platforms @hannahberner and find her tour dates at hannahberner.com.  Find us on all platforms @cripescast, @charlieberens, @manitowocminute and for more information about the podcast, head to cripescast.com. For even more fun, find us on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens for behind the scenes, fan Q&A's and more!

Former offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns, Joe Thomas, leaves his mark on the Cripescast this week by being the first guest to sign the studio wall. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, Joe shares stories from his career and explains how Browns and Packers fans are pretty similar. From finding out he was being drafted while fishing with his dad to hearing the news that he was inducted into the Hall of Fame from his son, Joe says his football career wouldn't be possible without his family. Like true Wisconsinites, Charlie and Joe discuss important Midwest topics including fishing, hunting, and whether or not it's sacrilegious to poke a brat while grilling. Find us on all platforms @charlieberens and @cripescast, find tour dates and merch at cripescast.com and charlieberens.com. Check us out on Patreon for exclusive content for our top fans at patreon.com/charlieberens.

Ready your pens and grab your notebooks folks, class is now in session. Comedian Nate Bargatze offers a crash course on stand up comedy in this episode of the Cripescast. With his Netflix specials “The Tennessee Kid,” “Greatest Average American,” “The Stand-Ups,” and his latest special “Hello World!” on Amazon Prime, Nate knows a thing or two about producing a stand up special. He and Charlie deep dive into all things comedy including joke writing, their comedic role models, open mic stories, and going through their notes app joke ideas. Nate explains that his slow Southern drawl was an advantage when he was first starting out because it kept him from making the common mistake made by young comics of rushing through their jokes. Want to see Nate on the road? Check out his tour page at natebargatze.com or on all social media platforms @natebargatze. Find us on all platforms @charlieberens and @cripescast, find tour dates and merch at cripescast.com and charlieberens.com. Check us out on Patreon for exclusive content for our top fans at patreon.com/charlieberens.

Former Green Bay Packers' nose tackle, Gilbert Brown, toys with the idea of trying stand-up comedy on this episode of the Cripescast. Nicknamed after his infamous tackle celebration “The Gravedigger,” Gilbert shares the dance's origin, how he got into football, and his favorite Packer memory with Reggie White. As a self-proclaimed “devout momma's boy,” Gilbert explains how rewarding it was to fulfill the promise he made to his mom by making it into the NFL and buying her a house. He and Charlie talk about their first cars, Marvel and DC comics, fishing, and the work Gilbert gets to do with the Gilbert Brown Foundation. Having endured the trade of Brett Favre to the Jets in 2008, Gilbert offers advice to Packers fans and encourages them to “get on the Jordan Love train and let Rodgers go.” Follow us on all platforms @cripescast, follow Gilbert @gilbertbrown on Twitter and @gilbertbrownfoundation on Instagram. For more information on the Gilbert Brown Foundation go to gilbertbrownfoundation.org. Check out our Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens for exclusive behind the scenes content for life at Cripes Inc.

After hearing Charlie talk about lead head jigs on the Bellied Up podcast, folks from Get the Lead Out messaged Charlie about the impact of using lead fishing tackle on the Loon population. Get the Lead Out (GTLO) is a program within the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that works to reduce the use of lead fishing tackle and minimize its toxic impact on wildlife, including their state bird the Common Loon. Two members from the GTLO team, Kelly Amoth and Stephen Yang, came onto the Cripescast to talk about their work and share why the Loon population is important to the ecosystem, where to find lead-free alternatives, and provide tips on cleaning your tackle box. Of course with Kelly and Stephen being from Minnesota, Charlie couldn't resist bringing up the classic border war topics of who has more lakes and whether it's “casserole” or “hot dish”.  Want to win a sample pack of lead free tackle to try for yourself? Follow us on Instagram @cripescast and comment on our video with Kelly and Stephen for a chance to win. Find us on all platforms @cripescast and on Patreon at pateron.com/charlieberens