ALL GUESTS

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 225 - Charlie Q&A

It’s that time again! This week Charlie is back with another Q&A episode of the Cripescast, where he reveals his deepest fears, his favorite conspiracy theories, and his thoughts on the new Wicked movie.

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.

Episode 221 - Kathleen Madigan

Kathleen Madigan is a Midwest girl through and through. Although she’s spent the last 33 years doing stand up comedy around the world, her Missouri roots still make the Midwest feel like home. Over the course of her career, Kathleen has made over 40 appearances on daytime and late-night talk shows, performed for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has earned over 10 million downloads on her podcast Madigan’s Pubcast. With six comedy specials already under her belt, she’s currently gearing up to film her seventh at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee. Aside from comedy, she and Charlie connect over growing up in large Catholic families, their love for common hobbies like fishing and gambling, and commiserate about the worst parts of golfing. Kathleen also shares her airplane grievances and which Midwest-ish city she thinks is America’s best kept secret.

Episode 220 - Cripescast Live with Dan Shafer & Steve Scaffidi

Live from the Vivarium in Milwaukee, the Cripescast is back with another installment of election discussions and fan questions. This time around, Charlie is joined by Dan Shafer, Political Editor at Civic Media and founder of The Recombobulation Area political column, and Steve Scaffidi, host of WTMJ’s The Steve Scaffidi show and former mayor of Oak Creek. With November 5th less than a week away, many people still have questions about the issues at stake in this election. Luckily, Dan and Steve are here to help break it down. They guide our listeners through an insightful discussion and answer crowd audience questions about many issues including reproductive healthcare, election reform, and the importance of local elections, just to name a few. As members of opposing political parties, Dan and Steve exemplify the importance of having civil political conversations to hopefully reduce the division amongst Americans. For more details about voting in Wisconsin, visit myvote.wi.gov and don’t forget to vote on November 5th!

Episode 219 - Cripescast Live with Mike Wagner

Live from Comedy on State in Madison, Wisconsin, journalism professor Mike Wagner makes his return to the Cripescast to answer more election questions. With November 5th right around the corner, there’s no better time to discuss pressing topics that Amercians feel are at stake in this presidential election from social to economic issues. While America feels more divided than ever due to misinformation and sensationalized news, Mike reminds us of the importance of seeking out the truth and remaining open minded, regardless of party lines. In this episode, Mike and Charlie discuss topics ranging from AI to national debt to border control. They also take questions from the audience about the environment, third party voting, and where individuals can go to find unbiased information. For more details about voting in Wisconsin, visit myvote.wi.gov and don’t forget to vote on or before November 5th.

Episode 218 - Chapel Hart

Country trio Chapel Hart never envisioned themselves pursuing a career in music, much less earning a Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent. For these Mississippi sisters, Danica and Devynn, and their cousin Trea, family is quite literally everything. With over 100 cousins and nearly 20 aunts and uncles, many of whom are also musically inclined, the girls never saw their talents as anything out of the ordinary. At least not until they started busking on the streets of New Orleans. Their crowds grew, they gained the attention of country music stars like Darius Rucker, and eventually, America’s Got Talent came calling. Having found success on the show with their original song “You Can Have Him Jolene,” Chapel Hart has gone on to tour the country, perform at the Grand Ole Opry, and earn recognition as one of CMT’s “Next Women in Country.” This week, Danica, Devynn, and Trea join Charlie on the Cripescast to discuss family dynamics, learn about ice fishing, and share stories from their blossoming career. They also reveal their hot takes on “cosplay cowboys” and whether or not Nashville can really be considered “the South.

Episode 217 - Jessie Opoien

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Jessie Opoien has been covering politics in Wisconsin for over a decade. With the 2024 presidential election just around the corner and with several hot button issues on the ballot, many Americans have questions about what’s really at stake this November. Luckily, Jessie brings her expertise to the Cripescast this week to answer viewer submitted questions. She sheds light on topics such as election integrity, how to register to vote, and whether or not we can put an end to increasing political polarization. In true Charlie fashion, the two go down the rabbit hole of artificial intelligence and its impending implications in the media and in energy policy. Along with giving Charlie the inside scoop on all things politics, Jessie slips into her best Midwest accent to reveal her biggest grammar pet peeve and to have a taste of Berens Old Fashioned Brandy.