ALL GUESTS

Episode 246 - Greg Warren

Comedian Greg Warren has some unfinished business with Frito-Lay. Before starting his career in comedy, Greg spent a decade working for Procter & Gamble selling products like Jif and Pringles – an experience that later became fuel for his comedy and podcast “The Consumers.” Fresh off the release of his second comedy special “The Champ,” he joins Charlie to talk about a whole host of topics ranging from hotel parking fees to the cutthroat world of high school band, and so much more. Stick around to the end of the episode where Greg answers Charlie’s burning question: Are people really “doin’ it” in the St Louis Gateway Arch?

Episode 245 - Derek Hoppe

For Milwaukee sanitation worker Derek Hoppe, the job is more than just a routine; it’s almost meditative. Whether he's soaking up fresh air while collecting garbage cans or finding intense focus behind the wheel of a snowplow, Derek finds a rhythm that makes the hours fly by. Longtime friends, Charlie sits down with Derek this week to dig into the world of municipal sanitation. From the most bizarre discoveries on his route to serious fire hazards caused by household batteries, Derek reveals the highs, the lows, and the deeply rewarding parts of his job. Whether you’re considering a career in public works or simply wondering what really happens to your trash, this episode pulls back the curtain on the essential work that keeps Milwaukee moving.
Visit milwaukee.gov/jobs to see available public works jobs in the city of Milwaukee. For more information on what can and cannot be recycled in Milwaukee, head to milwaukeerecycles.com.

Episode 244 - Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo is more than just a basketball player. Whether it’s his career on the court, his podcast Thanalysis, or some other entrepreneurial venture, he believes that success is about creating an ecosystem rather than just focusing on one thing. In this week’s episode, he opens up about his late father’s quiet strength, as well as the ways that his Greek and Nigerian roots influence him as an immigrant to the United States. He and Charlie cover everything from American food to parkour, personal growth, and what comes after basketball. And stick around to the end of the episode to watch Thanasis try his very first brat!

Episode 243 - Ike Wynter

Artist Ike Wynter has a deep appreciation for what most people throw away. Growing up in his family’s junk removal business, he learned early on how to spot beauty in the discarded. When he started turning salvaged wood from old furniture, picket fences, and abandoned buildings into art, everything fell into place. His distinctive work quickly gained attention online, attracting major clients like the Milwaukee Brewers, the NHL, and Mike Tyson. Fresh off his biggest project yet — reimagining all 32 NFL team logos for this year’s Draft in Green Bay — Ike joins Charlie to talk about his wildest salvage finds, his teenage years playing in bands, and the infamous abandoned boat on Milwaukee’s Bradford Beach.

Episode 242 - Kevin Florek

For Tellurian Behavioral Health CEO Kevin Florek, helping those in crisis is in his blood. Started by his uncle in the 1970s, Tellurian was a response to the addiction and mental health issues that Vietnam veterans faced after returning home from the war. Since then, Tellurian has expanded across the entire state of Wisconsin to serve over 9,000 people annually – many of whom would otherwise end up in worse conditions. This week, Kevin and Charlie discuss the government red tape and underfunding that Tellurian faces, the growing dangers of unregulated substances like Delta 8, and the sad reality that addiction doesn’t discriminate against anyone. Also stick around until the end to hear about the upcoming Celebrity Golf Outing this May with Brett Favre, Gilbert Brown, and many more. For more information on how you can support, go to www.tellurian.org.

Episode 241 - Craig T Nelson

You might know him as “Coach” or the voice of “Mr. Incredible,” but Craig T. Nelson takes on a deeply personal and dramatic role in Green and Gold (2025). He portrays Buck, a struggling Wisconsin dairy farmer who bets everything on the Packers’ 1993 season while trying to mend a fragile bond with his granddaughter Jenny, played by Madison Lawlor. This small-budget indie film was a true passion project for Nelson, a lifelong Packers fan with roots in Wisconsin tracing back to Norwegian immigrant relatives. This week on the Cripescast, Craig sits down with Charlie to talk about his experience making the film, diving into Buck’s complex relationship with his family, his land, and his animals. He also shares stories of working as a sewing machine repossessor in Los Angeles and singing the national anthem at Lambeau Field for the Green and Gold premiere.

Episode 240 - Daniel Van Kirk & Bill Doucette

This week on the Cripescast, comedians Daniel Van Kirk and Bill Doucette are back! Though it’s their first time meeting, you'd never know it—their chemistry is instant as they dive into hilarious stories and banter like old friends. Alongside Charlie, they swap some core childhood memories, from the time Charlie was convinced his grandparents were getting divorced, to Bill’s childhood aversion to sleeping in socks. They also give us some of their best bird calls and Daniel reveals the origin of eggs as an Easter tradition.

Episode 239 - Grandma Sue, Aunt Mary, and Grandma's Friend Lois

Everyone’s favorite gambling ladies are back! This week, Charlie makes yet another trip to the casino with Grandma Sue, Aunt Mary, and Lois Bentley. Along the drive Grandma Sue gives us a health update, Lois shares STD gossip from living in The Villages, and Aunt Mary learns about swingers and “sliding in the DMs.” Of course, no episode of the Cripescast with these gals would be complete without a look into Mary’s love life. Stick around to watch Charlie and Grandma Sue hack into Mary’s online dating profile and send messages to some eligible bachelors.

Episode 238 - Michelle Miller

Michelle Miller, aka "The Farm Babe," traded Rodeo Drive for the rodeo and never looked back—except when it comes to shoes. Growing up in the Midwest with 4-H and horses, she now advocates for farmers by educating consumers about food. On this episode of the Cripescast, she debunks farming myths and jokes about the slim dating pool for farm boys. She also shares stories of her adventurous life, from traveling the world and working odd jobs to clubbing with Paris Hilton in LA—all leading her back to Midwest farming. Tune in as she and Charlie test their ‘80s Midwest commercial knowledge, recall her first job at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, and sip Brandy Old Fashioneds made by Charlie with his brandy.

Follow Michelle @thefarmbabe and follow the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast!

Episode 237 - Joel Brammeier

Joel Brammeier is passionate about the Great Lakes. Whether it was as a kid exploring their shorelines in the Detroit suburbs, or as the president and CEO of Alliance for the Great Lakes today, he's always been drawn to them. With 20% of the Earth’s fresh surface water belonging to the Great Lakes, Joel explains how crucial it is that we start taking microplastics seriously and that “regulation” doesn’t need to be a bad term when it comes to water. Instead, it can be a helpful tool that puts laws into place that keeps not only our drinking water clean, but our beer too. He and Charlie discuss the Great Lakes Compact, why microplastics are bad for us, and what the implications of recent government budget cuts will mean for environmental agencies. Joel also shares what makes him say “cripes!” which is something all parents of teenagers can relate to. All that and more on this episode of the Cripescast.

Episode 236 - Dana Ehrman

Dana Ehrman didn't tell her first jokes to an audience, she told them to Lake Michigan. West Allis native and Wisconsin State Fair aficionado, Dana has become a staple in the Milwaukee comedy scene and was even Charlie’s very first opener back in 2017. This week, she joins the Cripescast to share her bizarre introduction to comedy, play some Wisconsin trivia, and talk about Wisconsin’s most notorious serial killers. Off stage, she spends her time advocating for Alzheimer’s awareness and research ever since she became a caretaker for her mother, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2022. The two also discuss the difficulties of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s and Dana provides some helpful advice for caregivers and those around them.

Episode 235 - Eric Howk

This week, Portugal. The Man’s lead guitarist Eric Howk joins Charlie for a conversation from a green room in Portland to talk all things touring. Having grown up in a small town in Alaska, Eric moved to Seattle at 18, diving head first into life as a young and hungry musician. From his early days living out of a van, to adjusting to life on the road after a paralyzing accident at age 26, to joining Portugal. The Man in 2015, Eric’s spent a collective 25 years on the road. Now, at 44 years old, he’s ready to take a step back from touring to enjoy life on his farm. In this episode, Eric shares wild stories about his grandfather’s airplane junkyard, Charlie gives us a taste of his harmonica playing skills, and the two of them joke about starting a blues band.

Episode 234 - Daniel Van Kirk

If you have an accent, it’s likely Daniel Van Kirk has already picked it up. Whether it’s a byproduct of being a comedian or his ability to connect with people, he’s a colloquial chameleon and he just can’t help it. He and Charlie start this episode of the Cripescast off hot by rewatching old, yet seductive, Sybaris Hotel commercials and reminiscing about their Midwest upbringings. Although he’s technically a FIB, Daniel uses today’s episode to reaffirm his love for Wisconsin. From his summers spent growing up at his family’s cabin in the Dells’ to his first stand-up set at Comedy on State in Madison, his ties to the state run deep. The two also debate important topics such as yard sales vs. estate sales, what your sock preference says about you and mini golf vs. real golf. Charlie gives Daniel the basic do’s and don’ts of ice fishing and Daniel shares a recent story of his run in with the local Dells’ police. All that and more on this episode of the Cripescast!

Episode 233 - Dr. Lawrence Pratt

It’s estimated that 8 million tons of plastic enter the world’s oceans every year. But did you know, the plastic we see floating on the oceans’ surface, is only ~1% of those 8 million tons? As for the 99% below the surface? They’re still a mystery to the scientists studying microplastics today. One in particular is Dr. Lawrence Pratt, senior scientist at the Wood’s Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) in Massachusetts, who is working on figuring out where the oceans’ currents carry these mystery plastics. The goal of his research is to locate where plastics and microplastics congregate, so that when filtering technology becomes accessible, we know exactly where to start. In this episode of the Cripescast, Larry defines microplastics, how they pose a threat to humans and animals alike, and what we can do to reduce their existence in the first place. He and Charlie also chat about Wisconsin winters, scuba diving, and sharks.

Episode 232 - Bill Doucette Returns

This week, Bill Doucette, otherwise known as Billy Deuce, returns for his second solo appearance on the Cripescast. Charlie’s long time friend and frequent collaborator, the two spend this episode cracking jokes and trying out bits. Equipped with an acoustic guitar, Bill reveals a song that he wrote in high school, gives his best musical impressions, and shares a tune from his career as a children’s musician. Ladies: stick around to the end to find out if you’re Bill’s dream woman.

Episode 231 - Anders and Davin Lindwall

For filmmakers Anders and Davin Lindwall, telling a story about farming and the Green Bay Packers was deeply personal. They explain how their new movie, “Green and Gold”, was directly inspired by their childhood growing up on their grandfather’s dairy farm in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The film stars Craig T. Nelson as Buck, a struggling dairy farmer who wagers everything on the Packers’ 1993 season, while his granddaughter Jenny, played by Madison Lawlor, balances her music dreams with farm life. This week, Anders and Davin join Charlie on the Cripescast to discuss the making of the film, their choice to shoot on real Wisconsin farms, and their advice for emerging independent filmmakers. They also reveal the strange story of filming a calf’s birth for one scene in the movie, including how they managed to cheat the moments that couldn’t be captured on camera.

Episode 230 - Nathan Deming

Filmmaker Nathan Deming believes that Wisconsin is full of stories worth telling. That’s exactly what he hopes to accomplish with his 12-part interconnected film series called the “Year Project”. Each film showcases a different month of the year about unrelated subjects and tells unique stories, but what ties them all together is their backdrop: the state of Wisconsin. His most recent installment, “February”, tells the story of a Mexican immigrant, Miguel, who struggles to feel at home in his new town in Western Wisconsin. That is, until he discovers a passion for ice fishing. This week, Nathan joins Charlie on the Cripescast to discuss the project, the film industry at large, and the shortcomings of AI. The two also dive into the nitty gritty of filmmaking in Wisconsin, highlighting the fact that it’s one of few states in the country without a film office or production tax incentives. “February” sets out on a state-wide tour beginning on January 25th. For information on cities and showtimes, visit februaryfilm.com/screenings.

Episode 229 - Feroze Sidhwa

Trauma surgeon and humanitarian physician Feroze Sidhwa has worked in healthcare systems across the globe. From volunteering in Ukraine to Haiti, from Zimbabwe to Burkina Faso, Feroze has seen it all. However, his extensive time in Gaza is what inspired him to write an open letter to the White House, detailing the humanitarian crisis he had observed there. That letter, signed by dozens of other doctors working in Gaza, was eventually published by the New York Times. This week, he joins Charlie on the Cripescast to discuss his open letter, the response to it, and more of what he experienced working as a trauma surgeon and physician abroad.

Episode 228 - Wayne White and Joel Hodgson

The perfect way to start the new year? A brand new Cripescast episode chock full of inspiration. Supplying the advice is Wayne White, renowned artist and Emmy award-winning designer for Pee-wee’s Playhouse, and Joel Hodgson, creator of Mystery Science Theater 3000 and return Cripescast guest. The two join Charlie to discuss the importance of creativity throughout their careers and the impact of AI on art today. Beyond their mutual concern for AI taking over the world, the three bond over their involvement in and love for Joey’s Song, an annual charity event held in Madison, Wisconsin to raise money and awareness for epilepsy research. While Charlie’s unable to attend in person this year, he’s helping Wayne and Joel with their comedy show on January 10th, 2025.

Episode 227 - Best of 2024

It’s the Cripescast Wrapped episode! This week we’re using our final episode of the year to highlight some of our best moments from 2024. From Grandma Sue getting pulled over, to the weirdest things Christian Yelich has ever autographed, to so much more. Buckle in for an episode full of our guests’ wildest stories, funniest moments, and juiciest bits of gossip. Thanks for listening this year and we’ll see ya in 2025! Until then, watch out for reindeer. 🦌

Episode 226 - Buddy Huffaker

Wisconsin environmental conservationist Aldo Leopold never could have imagined the global impact that his 1949 book A Sand County Almanac would have on the world. To celebrate its 75th anniversary, president and executive director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, Buddy Huffaker, joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. Having worked for the foundation for over 20 years, Buddy is one of millions that have been inspired by A Sand County Almanac. So much so that he’s made conservation and education his life’s work. In this episode, Buddy and Charlie discuss Aldo’s writings, as well as the work that the foundation does, not only to maintain land, but to keep Aldo’s message alive.

Episode 224 - Ryland Tews

Ryland Brickson Cole Tews knew that he was a part of something special while filming Hundreds of Beavers. The critics agree. The 2022 film has taken off in unimaginable ways by screening in over 70 film festivals since its release, receiving a 97% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and earning a spot as the second-highest rated movie of 2024 on Letterboxd. Filmed in Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula over two winters, Hundreds of Beavers is a black and white, “no-dialogue”, slapstick comedy reminiscent of Buster Keaton films and Saturday morning cartoons. Ryland joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to talk about the process of making the movie, from start to finish, how his dad became prop master, and using beer as a form of payment. As a true Wisconsinite, Ryland shares that his biggest pet peeve is warm beer.

Episode 223 - Yannis Pappas

Yannis Pappas remembers the old way of comedy. Having gotten his start in New York City in the early 2000s, with the likes of Mark Normand and Nate Bargatze, Yannis has witnessed first hand the changes that social media has brought to the industry. In this episode of the Cripescast, Charlie has met his match as the two go down the existential rabbit hole, reflecting on the effects of social media, climate change, and artificial intelligence. Despite the existentialism, Yannis highlights his silver lining: discovering a passion for doing his popular podcasts “The Yannis Pappas Hour” and “History Hyenas” with Chris Distefano. He and Charlie discuss Milwaukee’s must-do activities, the ways in which parenting humbles a person, and Yannis’s dream to establish daddy-daughter public bathrooms for all the girl dads out there.

Episode 222 - Becky Robinson

Becky Robinson loves character work. This is evident through her numerous online personas, including her most viral one, “The Entitled Housewife”. Before the hard seltzer-drinking and golf-loving housewife catapulted her comedy career, Becky spent a decade working hard on her stand up chops as well as picking up random odd jobs to make ends meet. This week, she joins Charlie on the Cripescast and the two discuss their parents’ initial reactions to their sketches, the drama-filled reality of country clubs, and both of their career goals. Stick around to the end of the episode to hear Charlie’s Midwest Dad character get into a heated debate with the Entitled Housewife.