ALL GUESTS
Episode 77 – Rick Banks & Ayrton Bryan
MKE Black’s co-founder, executive director, and board president, Rick Banks and director of strategic partnerships and initiatives, Ayrton Bryan, join the Charlie on the Cripescast this week. They talk about the work that MKE Black is doing, the importance of supporting Black owned businesses, and ways to help further their mission of promoting, advancing and empowering Black businesses in Milwaukee.
Find out more about MKE Black at mkeblack.org or download the app MKE Black.
Want to contribute to the movement? Please donate here to further support the MKE Black mission: https://mkeblack21.givesmart.com/
Find out more about MKE Black at mkeblack.org or download the app MKE Black.
Want to contribute to the movement? Please donate here to further support the MKE Black mission: https://mkeblack21.givesmart.com/
Episode 76 - Emma Daisy
Milwaukee-based digital artist and muralist Emma Daisy Gertel joins Charlie this week on the Cripescast to discuss her recent works, the benefits of art in our everyday lives, and the Midwest’s potential for harboring vibrant art scenes.
Episode 75 - Kristin Brey
Kristin Brey, creator of As Goes Wisconsin and video columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to discuss Wisconsin politics, gerrymandering, and the importance of voting for every election.
Episode 74 - Midwest Survival Guide - Hunting and Hockey
This week Charlie's giving you a sneak peek at his upcoming book "The Midwest Survival Guide." If you like what you heard, pre-order it here: https://m.lndg.page/wM30f0
Episode 73 – Mad Dog & Merrill and Alex Okray
This week, Charlie is joined by a few special guests including Midwest cooking duo Mad Dog and Merrill and Wisconsin potato grower Alex Okray. They discuss Wisconsin’s potato industry, the environment and best Midwest recipes.
Episode 72 – Ahalya Lettenberger
Paralympic silver medalist Ahalya Lettenberger joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to talk about competing in the Olympics, growing up as an athlete with arthrogryposis, and life in the Midwest.
Episode 71 – Skylar Grey
Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and record producer Skylar Grey joins Charlie on the Cripescast. She discusses growing up in Wisconsin, her new single "Last One Standing" with Eminem, and where her music is going next.
Episode 70 - Drew Lynch
This week, stand up comedian Drew Lynch joins the Cripescast to talk about his path to comedy, his new stand up special and what it means to be a content creator today.
Episode 69 – Wisconsin Olympians
On a special episode of the Cripescast, we have not one, but two Olympic medalists and runners for team USA, Molly Seidel and Kenny Bednarek. Also, we got a couple of special guests helping out with the intro, ad reads and outro, Myles “The You Betcha Guy” Montplaisir and Dude Dad, aka Taylor Calmus.
Episode 68 – Rashan Gary
Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary joins the Cripescast to talk all things Packers, his love for Kwik Trip, and living in the Midwest.
Episode 67 – Mark Normand
Stand-up comedian Mark Normand (The Tonight Show, Conan, and The Late Show) joins Charlie on the Cripescast to talk about the art of writing great stand-up jokes, opening for Seinfeld, and performing in the Midwest.
Episode 66 – Daulton Varsho
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher, Daulton Varsho, joins Charlie this week to discuss all things baseball and what he misses most about the Midwest.
Episode 65 - Josh Wolf
Comedian, actor, and writer, Josh Wolf, joins Charlie this week to talk about stand-up, social media and comedy, politics, and his worst bomb ever.
Episode 64 - Eduardo M. Garza Jr.
Lt. Eduardo M. Garza Jr. joins the Cripescast to talk about his work at the Center for Veterans Issues, resources for veterans re-entering civilian life, and mental health awareness for veterans.
Episode 63 - Kate Witkowski
Professional lumberjack and outdoor educator, Kate Witkowski, joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to talk about life as a lumberjack, survival skills and teaching in northern Wisconsin.
Episode 62 - Anders Holm
Workaholics star and co-creator, Anders Holm, joins the Cripescast this week. He and Charlie talk about Anders’ career path, his advice for people starting out in the biz, and their shared experience of owning a minivan while starting out in LA.
Episode 61 - Danielle Robay
Correspondent for NBC 4-LA, host for IMDb, and host of her own podcast "PRETTYSMART”, Danielle Robay, joins Charlie on the Cripscast this week. They talk about her career, her experience of being a woman in the news industry, and the importance of a Midwest work ethic.
Episode 60 - The Midwest Survival Guide
This week Charlie reads an excerpt from his upcoming book "The Midwest Survival Guide" because he messed up and didn't get a guest.
Pre-order your copy here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-midwest-survival-guide-charlie-berens?variant=33063504969762
Pre-order your copy here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-midwest-survival-guide-charlie-berens?variant=33063504969762
Episode 59 - Chris Vos
The Record Company’s Chris Vos joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. They discuss Chris’ journey from growing up on a farm to his successful music career, their shared love for the Milwaukee Bucks, and the need for more Sheepshead across the world.
Episode 58 - April Stone
April Stone is the last black ash basket weaver of the Bad River Ojibwe people. She joins Charlie on this week’s Cripescast to discuss the cultural significance of her craft, Indigenous life in northern Wisconsin and the environmental threats that may upend her passion.
Episode 57 - Andrea Boehlke
Host of People in 10, three-time competitor on Survivor, and Random Lake native, Andrea Boehlke joins the Cripescast this week. She and Charlie discuss her career path, the art of interviewing, her love of Wisconsin.
Episode 56 - Grandma Sue
On a very special episode of the Cripescast this week, we have our first-ever Berens family interview with none other than Grandma Sue. She and Charlie talk about her life in Wisconsin, meeting Grandpa Bob, and her love of family and Hallmark movies.
Episode 55 - Roy Wood Jr.
Daily Show correspondent and comedian Roy Wood Jr. joins Charlie this week on the Cripescast. The two discuss the comedy industry, Roy’s take on political satire, and advice for those who are trying to become a stand-up comic.
Episode 54 - Maanaan Sabir
Milwaukee-based Entrepreneur Maanaan Sabir joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. They talk tips for being an entrepreneur, navigating racial divides, and the re-opening of the Sherman Phoenix.
Episode 53 - DJ Shawna
Shawna Nicols (aka DJ Shawna) is the official DJ and producer of the Milwaukee Bucks. She joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to discuss her careers in music and basketball, her love of DJing, Milwaukee’s LGBTQ community and her upcoming debut single.
Episode 52 - Grace Weber
Grammy-winning singer and Wauwatosa native Grace Weber joins the Cripescast this week to talk about her journey in the music industry. She and Charlie discuss the release of her debut album “A Beautiful Space”, her creative process, and the proper way to grill brats.
Episode 51 - Scott Laeser
Scott Laeser, farmer and Water Program Director for Clean Wisconsin, joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to discuss some of the top water issues facing Wisconsin. They dive deep into many topics surrounding the agriculture industry and offer up some potential solutions for improving Wisconsin’s water.
Episode 50 - Yia Vang
Chef Yia Vang, co-owner of Twin Cities restaurants Union Hmong Kitchen and Vinai, joins Charlie this week on the Cripescast. Yia talks about his love for the Midwest, his family’s journey to America, and how food can help share their story.
Episode 49 - Leanne Morgan
This week, Charlie is joined by stand-up comedian Leanne Morgan. She talks about finding her truth in comedy, the South, family, and getting her start selling jewelry at parties. Leanne and Charlie also compare the way we talk in the North vs. the South.
Episode 48 - Charlie Berens
It’s an off week for the Cripescast but that didn’t stop Charlie from talking. We’ve got updates on all things Cripescast, Manitowoc Minute, Charlie’s stand up tour, and his recent trip to Alaska.
Episode 47 - Preston Cole
Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Preston Cole, joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. They discuss PFAS in Wisconsin water, transparency, working with the dairy industry, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the Wisconsin outdoors.
To get Grandpa Bob’s Tackle Box head here: https://merch.ambientinks.com/collections/manitowocminute/products/grandpa-bobs-tackle-box
To get Grandpa Bob’s Tackle Box head here: https://merch.ambientinks.com/collections/manitowocminute/products/grandpa-bobs-tackle-box
Episode 46 - Myles Montplaisir Returns
Myles Montplaisir aka Myles the You Betcha Guy rejoins Charlie this week as the Cripescast’s first returning guest. The two discuss their work ethic and business goals, the Sopranos, and of course they give an update on their recent bird watching experiences.
Episode 45 - Brad Leone
Brad Leone joins Charlie on the Cripescast and shares his experience of becoming a chef and host of It’s Alive with Brad Leone for Bon Appétit. They discuss Brad’s journey through various jobs, his affinity for rice dishes, and their shared love of fishing. Brad also gives Charlie some tips on archery, fly fishing and the art of grilled PB&Js.
Episode 44 - Jessika Greendeer
Jessika Greendeer, Seedkeeper and Farm Manager of Dream of Wild Earth and U.S. Army Combat veteran, joins Charlie for this week’s episode of the CripesCast. Jessika explains her work with Dream of Wild Earth, her efforts to growing and protecting our seed relatives, and her passion to build a prosperous future for the generations of seed growers to come.
Episode 43 - Dustin Nickerson
Standup comedian and host of “Don’t Make Me Come Back There” podcast, Dustin Nickerson, joins Charlie on the CripesCast this week. The two discuss stand-up, their time on the road together, and the magic of having a mustache.
Episode 42 - Mark Farner
Former lead singer and guitarist for Grand Funk Railroad and Michigander, Mark Farner, joins Charlie on the CripesCast this week. The two discuss Mark’s efforts in Veteran support, their shared love of fishing, and the time Mark met Jimi Hendrix.
Episode 41 - Josh Burstein
This week, the founder of Good Political and Charlie’s longtime friend Josh Burstein joins the CripesCast. The two discuss their similar career paths, their shared interest in politics and entertainment, and reminisce on when Charlie lived in Josh’s closet.
Episode 40 - LeRoy Butler
Former Green Bay Packer and inventor of the Lambeau Leap, LeRoy Butler, joins Charlie this week on the CripesCast. They talk about all things football, the Midwest, and rate other Packers' Lambeau leaps.
Episode 39 - Rep. Mike Gallagher
On this week’s CripesCast, Charlie is joined by Mike Gallagher who serves as U.S. Representative of Wisconsin’s 8th congressional district. They talk about conspiracy theories, money in politics, the Capitol riot and of course hunting in Wisconsin.
Episode 38 - Zuri Hall
Access Hollywood Correspondent, sideline reporter for American Ninja Warrior, and Charlie’s former co-host Zuri Hall joins the CripesCast this week. They talk about their careers in the entertainment industry and reminisce on their time working in Dallas.
Episode 37 - Adam Greuel
Today's guest is Adam Greuel, you may recognize him from Horseshoes and Hand Grenades or the recent Berens & Greuel album Unthawed. Adam talks to Charlie about music, fishing and growing up in Wisconsin.
Episode 36 - Kylie Morgan
Country artist Kylie Morgan joins Charlie in this week's episode of the CripesCast to talk about her journey in hte music industry. They discuss how she went from writing her first song at 12-years-old to eventaully going on the road with big names like Maren Morris, Kip Moore, Little Big Town and more before the pandemic.
Episode 35 - Emily Ford
This week on the CripesCast, Charlie talks to Emily Ford who is currently thru-hiking the Ice Age Trail. She will be the first woman and person of color to do this during the winter. They discuss the 1,200 mile journey with her dog Diggins, the pros of unplugging and how Britney Spears is stuck in her head.
Episode 34 - Sam Floyd
This week, Charlie is joined by Sam Floyd, the Founder of Operation Coffee. His company is dedicated to raising awareness about veteran suicide over a cup of his locally-sourced small batch roasted coffee. They discuss how Sam and many other veterans like him struggle with their mental health after serving and how to reach out to them.
Interested in buying his coffee? Head to https://shop.operationcoffee.com and find them on Facebook and Instagram @operationcoffeeroasters!
Veterans Crisis Line:
1-800-273-8244 (and press 1)
Visit the Veterans Crisis Line online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/hotline
Interested in buying his coffee? Head to https://shop.operationcoffee.com and find them on Facebook and Instagram @operationcoffeeroasters!
Veterans Crisis Line:
1-800-273-8244 (and press 1)
Visit the Veterans Crisis Line online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/hotline
Episode 33 - Josie Lee
Josie Lee, director of the Ho-Chunk Nation Museum and Cultural Center, joins Charlie this week on the CripesCast as they discuss the impact that the Ho-Chunk Nation has on the state of Wisconsin. Listen as they unpack crucial topics like racism, representation and rhetoric for the Ho-Chunk people.
Episode 32 - Wayne Larrivee
"And there is your dagger!" This week Charlie is joined by legendary Green Bay Packers Play-by-Play announcer Wayne Larrivee. They discuss the Packers current Super Bowl chances, how Wayne snuck his way into sportscasting, and achieving his lifelong goal of working for the Packers.
Episode 31 - Penn Holderness
Penn Holderness, who you may recognize as the father and husband of the Holderness Family, joins Charlie on the CripesCast this week to talk about their shared experience of going from local news anchors to content creators. They discuss their creative processes, their similar career paths and how to adapt to the changing demands and trends of social media and the entertainment industry. Charlie also shares a riveting story about finding coyote tracks and scat in the woods.
Episode 30 - Scott Evans
Scott Evans is not only Charlie's former roommate, he's also the host of World of Dance on NBC, co-host of Access Hollywood and has his own podcast, So Close. He and Charlie discuss the entertainment industry, growing up in the Midwest and of course the dangers of being Charlie's roommate. Before the interview, Charlie also talks about the recent breach of the US Capitol.
Episode 29 - Elgton Jenkins
Green Bay Packer's Pro Bowl Guard, Elgton Jenkins, joins Charlie to talk about football, fishing, and a heck of a lot of other things. Charlie also rambles about his New Year's Resolutions and bad back.
Episode 28 - Natalie Decker
From racing go-karts in Wisconsin to racing in NASCAR, Natalie Decker has made quite the name for herself in a very short time. At just 23 she is already one of the top young drivers in the game. Charlie talks with Natalie about her racing career, but also water skiing fails, her love of the Midwest and how to handle the ups and downs of social media.