ALL GUESTS

Episode 155 - Hannah Berner

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.

Episode 154 - Joe Thomas

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.

Episode 153 - Nate Bargatze

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.

Episode 152 - Gilbert Brown

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.

Episode 151 - Get the Lead Out

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”.

Episode 150 - Grandma Sue, Aunt Mary and Grandma's Friend Lois

Live from a car ride to Ho Chunk Casino, Charlie chats with his Grandma Sue, his Aunt Mary, and Grandma Sue’s friend Lois Bentley. As a returning guest of the Cripescast, Grandma Sue shows the girls how it’s done as they trade funny stories including the time Mary got her bra caught on a ceiling fan at the local bar. Growing up together, Lois and Sue share stories about their late husbands Bob Bentley and Bob Berens, finding their children’s stashes of weed, and Grandpa Bob’s impression of Elvis. Being the first female prison guard at the Waupun prison, Lois recounts the time she found some risque items in the mail that were sent to the inmates. Just as they arrive in Baraboo, everyone offers up a piece of life advice to the audience and wishes each other well at the slot machines.

Follow us on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. For more bonus content from Charlie's trip to the casino, head to patreon.com/charlieberens.

Episode 149 - Laura Clery

Just when Laura Clery thought she was doing it all as a comedian, writer, and content creator, she discovered her potential as an inspirational speaker on this episode of the Cripescast. Moving from Illinois to Los Angeles at 18 years old to now having nearly 30 million followers across the internet, Laura is living the life that many dream of. Nicknamed “Cuffs” as a teen, she talks about being a troublemaker growing up and shares stories from her days as a shoplifter. Now reformed and sober 11 years, she explains how her children changed her outlook on life. She and Charlie share their thoughts on the price of nut butters, social media, and mental health, which leads Laura into playing therapist for Charlie halfway through the episode.

Episode 149 - Will Burkart

For having never taken a Chemistry class, comedian Will Burkart flexes his immense knowledge about the periodic table of elements on this week’s episode of the Cripescast. He and Charlie also discuss the rise of pickleball, Will’s burlesque expertise, and they trash talk Microsoft Office’s assistant Clippy. With videos of his stand up and crowd work taking off on social media, Will is now doing his first headlining tour across the country. Be sure to catch Will at the Milwaukee Improv Thursday, April 13th or at the Comedy Cabin in Janesville on April 14-15. For more information for dates near you, check out thewillburkart.com.

David Gborie and Langston Kerman Social Graphic

Episode 147 - David Gborie and Langston Kerman

Comedians Langston Kerman and David Gborie met in the most hopeless place: the LA open mic scene. As hosts of the “My Momma Told Me” podcast, a show under Will Ferrell’s and iHeartMedia’s Big Money Players Network, they dive deep into the most exciting, groundbreaking, and sometimes controversial Black conspiracy theories. In this episode they share their individual paths to comedy, break down their favorite conspiracy theories, and follow Charlie down a rabbit hole about ChatGPT.

Check out their podcast “My Momma Told Me” wherever you get your podcasts and follow Langston @langstonkerman and David @coolguyjokes87.

Cripescast Live with Mike Wagner Social Graphic

Episode 146 - Cripescast Live with Mike Wagner

Live from Comedy on State in Madison, Wisconsin, professor Mike Wagner explains what you need to know for the upcoming Supreme Court election on April 4. For the first ever live Cripescast episode, Charlie and Mike outline why it’s important to vote and the key issues that will potentially be impacted by this election. They take questions from the audience about reproductive healthcare, the legalization of marijuana, the effectiveness of political ads and more. For more information on registering to vote, go to myvote.wi.gov and vote on April 4 2023.

Episode 145 - Dustin Nickerson

Wrapped in a heating pad only a father could own, comedian Dustin Nickerson returns to the Cripescast this week to catch up with Charlie. While the two compare their experiences of self-producing a comedy special, Dustin one-ups Charlie by sharing that his new hour “Runs in the Family” is currently being edited by a man in a van. With no explanation other than “age”, Dustin shares how he threw out his back in an unglamorous way which sent them down a rabbit hole about aging. In true dad fashion, they talk about supportive shoes, lower back pain, classic rock, and they reminisce about touring together in the early days of the pandemic.

Check out his new special "Runs in the Family" that comes out on YouTube on March 28th and be sure to follow him @dustinnickerson.

Episode 144 - David Koechner

David Koechner’s journey from a small town to Hollywood is one that many dream of. Starting his comedy career at The Second City in Chicago, he went on to land notable roles including Todd Packer in The Office and Champ Kind in the Anchorman movies. While he attributes his sense of humor to his Midwest upbringing, he also shares how he was inspired by SNL at a young age and fell in love with improv and sketch comedy. David being 1 of 6 kids and Charlie being 1 of 12, the two share stories from growing up in a big family and they discuss the life cycle of reusable diapers. Stick around to the second half of the episode where Charlie and Myles the YouBetcha guy preview a portion of their podcast BelliedUp and talk about Myles’ wedding happening this week.

Episode 143 - Berens Sisters Part 2

In tandem with the Berens Sisters Part 1 episode of the Cripescast, Charlie’s four remaining sisters, Addie, Emily, Nora and Ellie, come on the show this week. Surprising Charlie by showing up dressed as him, complete with wigs and duck jackets, the girls come ready to play. They air out family grievances, take part in some games, and share stories of growing up with 12 siblings. The interview gets intercepted by a FaceTime call from Betsy, the eldest of the Berens Sisters, and her newborn baby. Charlie forgets important names, Nora tells cockroach stories, and Ellie teaches Charlie how to have good communication with their parents.

Episode 142 - Joey's Song

Joey’s Song is an annual benefit concert that raises money and awareness for epilepsy research and program services for children with special needs. Mike Gomoll started Joey’s Song in 2010 following the death of his four-year-old son Joey who suffered from Dravet Syndrome. Each year Mike brings musicians to Madison, Wisconsin to rock out and raise money for a great cause. On this special episode of the Cripescast, Charlie interviews a handful of artists who performed at this year’s concert including John Gourley, Eric Hook, and Kyle O’Quinn from Portugal. The Man, Dave Pirner from Soul Asylum, Chris Collingwood from Fountains of Wayne and Look Park, and Miles Nielsen from Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts.

For more information about Joey’s Song head to joeyssong.org to see the outstanding work they’re doing and how you can attend the benefit next January!

Episode 141 - Brittany Schmitt

Nothing is off limits for comedian Brittany Schmitt, who uses her dark sense of humor to tell jokes about her sobriety, past relationships, and family. Unlike other comics, she didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a stand up comedian. Rather, she broke into the scene after her coworker told her “you’re funny, and if you can’t afford therapy, you should try comedy”. Labeling her jokes as “painfully true” her blunt style of comedy has helped her gain attention from fans, get featured on notable platforms like Comedy Central and Don’t Tell Comedy, and is a guiding theme in her self-produced half hour special “From Ho to Housewife”. She and Charlie share stories from their worst bombs on stage, their unhealthy relationships with social media, and Brittany shares her dream to be a screenwriter.

Episode 140 - Butch Vig

Butch Vig, best known for producing Nirvana’s diamond record “Nevermind” or as the drummer for Garbage, is one of the biggest names in the music industry to come from Wisconsin. Having worked with popular bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Killdozer and many more, Butch explains how “happy accidents” during recording sessions have led to some iconic moments in music history. Starting at 15 years old playing in roadside taverns in Viroqua to creating his first record label in Madison, Butch explains how “I can travel around the world but you can’t take me out of Wisconsin”. Butch pulls out his guitar mid-interview and plays the first song he ever wrote called “You’ve Got it Bad” which prompts Charlie to share lyrics from the first song he wrote about his first heartbreak.

Find us on Patreon patreon.com/charlieberens

Episode 139 - Dallas Goldtooth

Dallas Goldtooth is successfully blending comedy and activism into his work, most notably through his role as Spirit on Hulu’s hit TV show Reservation Dogs. He explains how his Native American heritage has helped shape him into the writer, actor, and activist that he is today, and how it inspired him to form his sketch comedy group The 1491s. Dallas and Charlie break down the science of stand up comedy and brainstorm potential video ideas to collaborate on in the future. Stick around ‘til the end of the episode to find out which famous athlete Dallas went to school with back in the day.

Episode 138- LeRoy Butler

Hall of Famer and former Green Bay Packer LeRoy Butler returns to the Cripescast this week. LeRoy shares what it felt like being inducted into the Football Hall of Fame last year and letting Charlie try on his gold jacket at the after party. He tells stories from his time as a Packer including when he hit the jackpot at Oneida Casino with his teammates Robert Brooks and Edgar Bennett. The two make plans to go ice fishing, debate whether sheepshead or spades is the better card game, and LeRoy offers to give Charlie cooking lessons.

Stick around until the end of the episode to find out how you can win a Hall of Fame beer mug and cribbage board signed by Charlie and LeRoy. Proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Milwaukee.

Episode 137- Dan Egan

This week on the Cripescast Charlie is joined by Dan Egan, author of the New York Times best-selling book “The Death and Life of the Great Lakes”. Charlie and Dan discuss many environmental issues including the history of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the positive and negative effects of phosphorus, agriculture and more. Be sure to pick up a copy of his latest book “Devil’s Element: Phosphorus and a World Out of Balance” which is available now.

Episode 136 - Laura Ramsey

Joining Charlie on the Cripescast this week is actress and fellow Wisconsinite Laura Ramsey. Laura shares stories from when she moved to LA at 19 years old including landing her first acting gig, the culture shock she experienced upon arrival, and what she missed most about Wisconsin. The two brainstorm some Midwest-inspired flavors for her new botanical lolly company Nias Arc, including Old Fashioned and Brat-flavored popsicles.

Episode 135- Katherine Blanford

Comedian and co-host of the comedy podcast “Cheaties” Katherine Blanford joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. She shares stories from her career including when she got called to be on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Katherine talks about growing up as a horse girl, being a cleaning lady at the London Olympics, and how she balanced being a full-time nanny and stand-up comedian for eight years. The two bond over attending private Catholic schools growing up which leads to Katherine remembering her best confessions from second grade.

Episode 134 - Donald Driver

Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. He shares stories from his time as a Packer including going through his first training camp, how former GM Ron Wolf bought him his first jacket, and what it felt like to win the Super Bowl. Having had a rough childhood in Houston and growing up in poverty, Donald explains that his “hardships have allowed him to be the person he is today.”

Episode 133 - Jill & James Iverson

Manitowoc couple Jill and James Iverson join Charlie on the Cripescast this week to talk about their recent sailing trip on America’s Great Loop. Jim explains that while it isn’t as rigorous as climbing Mount Everest, being a “looper” is a rarer accomplishment. Traveling over 6,000 miles, the Iverson’s recount their trip that started in Lake Michigan, went down the Mississippi River, through the Gulf of Mexico, back up the East Coast and through Canada to return home in just over a year. Having spent their 40th wedding anniversary aboard their boat, Jill and James give advice for those who wish to set sail and tie the knot. Jill, being a birder and a fisher, allowed Charlie to geek out about both of her hobbies, and the two compared their Walleye fishing techniques.

Episode 132 - Danny Jolles

Actor and comedian Danny Jolles joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. You may recognize him from his role in the new Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie movie “Babylon” or from his recurring role as George on The CW’s “Crazy Ex Girlfriend”. He and Charlie discuss touring, social media’s impact on stand up, and Danny’s new interactive comedy special on YouTube called “You Choose”. They bond over their deep love for the 1991 movie “Hook”, trade airport conspiracy theories and Danny even shares a few stories from his time as a floor walker at Blockbuster.

Be sure to check out Danny’s special "You Choose" on YouTube and follow him on all the platforms @dannyjolles or check out his website dannyjolles.com.

Episode 131 - Berens Sisters (Part 1)

This week Charlie is joined by half of his sisters Betsy, Maggie, Mary Kate and Bridget, for a special episode of the Cripescast. They start the episode by opening a bottle of wine with a screw and hammer and share stories about growing up with 12 siblings. Highlights include Maggie’s story about Charlie getting picked up by the cops at 17, voting games that pin sibling against sibling, and Charlie getting advice on his upcoming commencement speech.