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Society & Culture
Mike Hanks
Do you enjoy a good story, with a side of observation? Join host Mike Hanks as he shares stories about the interesting world around him. His goal is to share a story so compelling that you Can't Turn It Off.
Total 89 episodes
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038 - Andy Strano

038 - Andy Strano

You don’t have to be a fan of the “Back to the Future” films to appreciate the dedication a Minnesota man has to celebrating the beloved movie franchise. But you will want to check out a few pictures of his dedication at our Facebook page: facebook.com/cantturnitoff
51:4018/06/2019
037 - Strange Days Indeed Vol. 2

037 - Strange Days Indeed Vol. 2

It’s an annual theme, and it’s making a second appearance this season in recognition of a 30-year tradition the host participates in each spring. Those memories will follow two unrelated tales that have nothin’ to do with anything.
50:1810/06/2019
036 - Jason Becker

036 - Jason Becker

This episode looks at the life of a masterful guitarist and songwriter whose career took an unexpected turn nearly three decades ago. His story follows an anecdote about a recent incident in the life of the host. It's an anecdote that has nothin' to do with anything. 
54:4413/05/2019
035 - Strange Days Indeed Vol. 1

035 - Strange Days Indeed Vol. 1

The host debuts an annual podcast feature during this episode and shares stories about two acquaintances from days gone by. Two people he remembers distinctly, two people that likely don't remember him, wherever they are. He knows where one of them is, without a doubt. 
01:01:4515/04/2019
034 - Jodi Jill

034 - Jodi Jill

Truth is stranger than fiction, they say. Is it possible that the story of a "syndicated columnist" contains a little of both? The host examines the story of a former "celebrity columnist," whose odd childhood has been documented more than once, including by a women's magazine that traces its history back to 1937. 
01:05:0913/03/2019
033 - Jennifer Figge

033 - Jennifer Figge

The story of an endurance athlete who made international news 10 years ago provides the host with an opportunity to reflect upon what we learned from the story, and how it applies to the world today.
40:1118/02/2019
032 - Old Chicago

032 - Old Chicago

This episode of the podcast looks back upon a failed chapter in suburban Chicago commercial development. What makes Old Chicago so interesting? It was a concept that isn't foreign to consumers today. And an Illinois man who has become the internet's leading Old Chicago historian will share stories and memories of a destination that is long gone. 
54:1104/02/2019
031 - Krissy Froelich

031 - Krissy Froelich

A Los Angeles woman shares the story about how she met a Hollywood celebrity. If you have listened to episode 21, you already know more than a few things about the celebrity.
36:0521/01/2019
030 - Jason Lillie

030 - Jason Lillie

Season 3 of the podcast begins, finally, with an in-studio interview. Although our guest's name may not conjure up memories from the first season, it turns out that he's "Jay," the subject of our very first episode. We'll revisit themes from that first podcast during the interview, and the host will learn something about himself when it's all over. 
37:5927/12/2018
029 - Hiatus Spectacular 6

029 - Hiatus Spectacular 6

The hiatus that never ends finally reaches its conclusion. The host continues his chat with two friends he interviewed during season 2. One is a friend he hadn’t seen in more than 20 years at the time of the interview, the other is a friend he had never met at the time of the interview. And a random co-host from another Jersey Studio podcast (Chuck) chimes in during the second conversation.
26:1303/12/2018
028 - Hiatus Spectacular 5

028 - Hiatus Spectacular 5

The slow churn of hiatus spectaculars continues with additional tidbits from two past guests. You’ll learn why one guest has never appeared on the game show “Jeopardy,” and the host will ask additional questions of a woman he met once, more than 20 years ago.    
25:3519/11/2018
027 – Hiatus Spectacular 4

027 – Hiatus Spectacular 4

It has been nearly three months since the conclusion of season 2, and we’re within two month of kicking off season 3. Until that time, here’s something you’ve never heard before from two of our past guests.
30:2118/09/2018
026 - Rensselaer, Indiana

026 - Rensselaer, Indiana

The host winds up the second season of the podcast by reflecting upon a recent odyssey to a small town in Indiana, one that came up in an earlier episode from season 2.
01:09:1521/06/2018
025 - Marlene Graham

025 - Marlene Graham

A Florida woman who spent a year traveling throughout the United States with her family during the late 1990s recounts the hows and whys of her trip. She'll do so after the host clumsily explains how a family he met at Minnesota's Mall of America recently reminded him of that late 1990s trip.
52:3804/06/2018
024 - Eugene Byon

024 - Eugene Byon

The host interviews a Houston man he has never met, but watched on TV earlier this year. The host will also discuss his failed attempt at game show immortality in 2014.
01:20:4221/05/2018
023 - Izzy Presley

023 - Izzy Presley

A Minnesota man who sold his soul to rock and roll years ago has lived in southern California for nearly five years. He hobnobs with an eclectic cast of characters in the greater Hollywood area and loves the California weather, but occasionally finds his way back home to land of 10,000 lakes. (He'll be back soon.) Whether he is serving as an emcee, playing the guitar or interviewing a guest on his own podcast, he's always got something going on, and something to say. And he's the first Can't Turn it Off repeat performer. Expect a question or two that follows up the conversations from episode 10. 
47:4414/05/2018
022 - Tony Ortiz

022 - Tony Ortiz

A Minneapolis area musician who has had a long and winding career talks about his music, his influences, his passions and his past. And it's a colorful past. The interview follows opening remarks by the host, who discusses the "one-hit wonder" phenomena.
41:3723/04/2018
021 - Angelyne

021 - Angelyne

The story of a Hollywood celebrity who personifies "famous for being famous" is the topic of this episode. The host will discuss the odd career of a woman whose Tinseltown credits date back to 1974. She's is a singer and actress, and there's a good chance you've never heard her music or seen her movies. But there's a decent chance you've seen her image, even if you didn't realize it.
45:1205/03/2018
020 - The Weinlicks

020 - The Weinlicks

In June of 1998, David and Elizabeth Weinlick were married. Their marriage and life after, is an unusual and somewhat famous story. This week's episode looks back upon their wedding day, but the host doesn't ask the Weinlicks to recall their marriage. Instead, he talks to an observer, Christy Hallas. 
42:3112/02/2018
019 – Craig Davisson

019 – Craig Davisson

An Indiana man shares stories from his life, and pretty good stories, at that. So why was the host interested in Craig Davisson's stories? That will all become clear within minutes of listening to episode 19 of the podcast.
41:2722/01/2018
018 – Bill Mantlo

018 – Bill Mantlo

The host examines the life of a man whose creativity should have made him a legend in the comic book industry. (Some would argue that he is, even if his name is not among the top tier of legendary comic book creators.) And as gifted as he was when it came to writing, Bill Mantlo was a sharp legal mind, too. If that wasn't enough, he also proved to be an above average physical specimen, at least when it came to inline skating. Bill Mantlo's name may not mean anything to you, but you already know something about him if you listened to season 1 of the podcast. 
38:0006/12/2017
017 - James Miller

017 - James Miller

The podcast returns for season two, and the host kicks off the new season with the story of a man whose name is not well known, but his contribution to sports history most certainly is. Today is the 24th anniversary of James Miller's most spectacular moment in the world of sports, and the host also discusses how the world has changed in the 24 years since that night in Las Vegas.
32:5005/11/2017
 016 – Hiatus Spectacular 3

016 – Hiatus Spectacular 3

It’s the final bonus episode before season 2 begins. In this episode you’ll hear tidbits about Las Vegas and Minnesota sports, as well as a wacky story about actress Minnie Driver.
47:2725/10/2017
015 – Hiatus Spectacular 2

015 – Hiatus Spectacular 2

The off-season bonus episodes continue. In this episode you'll hear stories about Pee-wee Herman and an angry Pete Rose. And we'll learn something about Minnesota musician extraordinaire Prince that surprises the host.
31:5915/10/2017
014 - Hiatus Spectacular 1

014 - Hiatus Spectacular 1

The off-season bonus episodes are finally rolling out. What will you get in exchange for your time? Give episode 14 a listen and find out. And the host will share details about the kick off of season 2.         
27:2609/10/2017
013 – Jay Allen Sanford

013 – Jay Allen Sanford

It's the season finale, and the final episode revisits the topic of a previous episode. But this time the host interviews a man who had a key part in the creation of the comic book company discussed in episode 9. Yes, it's the season finale. Season two is not scheduled to begin until November, but this isn't the last time you'll hear new content from the Can't Turn it Off team until then. You'll learn more about what's in store at the conclusion of this episode.
49:2624/07/2017
012 - Erik Burnham

012 - Erik Burnham

A Minnesota man who writes comic book stories, while continuing to live in central Minnesota, is the guest for this week's episode. And the guest's unlikely career as a comic book writer contributed to the host's return to comic book reading/collecting after more than 20 years. The host will, naturally, discuss that in excruciating detail.
35:2026/06/2017
011 - Harold Mintz

011 - Harold Mintz

The entire episode is devoted to the story of organ donor Harold Mintz. Most living organ donors have a personal story about their donation, and Harold is no exception. But Harold's story is unusual, and he joins the podcast crew from Malibu, California, to tell the story in his own masterful way.
44:4719/06/2017
010 - Izzy Presley

010 - Izzy Presley

The podcast returns, finally. The host interviews a Minnesota man he has never met, although he has followed the man's work for more than a decade. You'll hear references to places, people and events that won't mean anything to you, but you'll also hear the story of a man who has held a variety of jobs, in a variety of professions, throughout his adult life, and is a testament to the idea of following your dreams. The host also shares a story about how a decision he doesn't remember making forever changed the life of one of his friends. 
43:5912/06/2017
009 - Todd Loren

009 - Todd Loren

A man who died nearly 25 years ago is remembered for the way he challenged the status quo in the comic book and rock music industries. The host also reflects upon a series of events that occured 20 years ago, beginning in Minnesota.
43:4310/05/2017
008 – Puerto Vallarta (part II)

008 – Puerto Vallarta (part II)

The host continues to share tales from his recent vacation in Mexico. He'll discuss three memorable characters he encountered, how he wound up at two timeshare presentations and why he was nearly traumatized during his final night of vacation.  Follow Can't Turn it Off over at cantturnitoff.com
39:0023/04/2017
008 - Puerto Vallarta (part I)

008 - Puerto Vallarta (part I)

The host is the focal point of his podcast for the first time. He discusses the interesting sights and fascinating people he discovered during a recent vacation in Mexico. And he throws in a few geographic and historic tidbits for good measure. Follow Can't Turn it Off over at cantturnitoff.com
48:3023/04/2017
007 - Scott Roeben

007 - Scott Roeben

A man who experienced 15 minutes of fame sitting on a couch next to Chuck Woolery circa 1988 recounts the magic of television and the interesting woman he met as a result of it. The host also ponders the difference between game shows and reality TV, the latter of which he scoffs at. Follow Can't Turn it Off over at cantturnitoff.com  
41:0509/04/2017
006 - Jacob the Carpetbagger

006 - Jacob the Carpetbagger

Jacob the Carpetbagger is a North Carolina man who travels the country seeking out roadside attractions, abandoned buildings and quirky museums for his YouTube channel. Jacob joins the host for a discussion about the how and why of his videos, and discussion of some of the amazing places he has visited during his travels, including a roadside attraction in Kentucky that debuted in 1969 and has had a rather colorful history in recent years.   Follow Can't Turn it Off over at cantturnitoff.com  
39:2501/04/2017
005 - Michael Larson

005 - Michael Larson

The host discusses the life of Michael Larson, a man he never met, and a man who is arguably more famous 18 years after his death than he was in 1984, when he dazzled a television audience. The host also reflects upon why a simple game show from the 1980s is one of his favorites. Follow Can't Turn it Off over at cantturnitoff.com  
51:2625/03/2017
004 - Matthew

004 - Matthew

The host interviews a man who took a long time to travel from Minnesota to New Orleans, and learns what adventures await the Denver resident. The host also ponders what constitutes a tradition, and examines a few of his own. Follow Can't Turn it Off over at cantturnitoff.com  
32:2928/02/2017
003 - Vince Champ

003 - Vince Champ

The host discusses the career of a former stand-up comedian who made a name for himself during the 1990s, but no longer works the comedy circuit, or in the entertainment industry. The host also reminisces about the heyday of his favorite game show, a game show that dates back more than 50 years and is back on American television after a hiatus of 18 years. Follow Can't Turn it Off over at cantturnitoff.com
37:4620/02/2017
002 – The Human Fly

002 – The Human Fly

The host shares the story of a mysterious stuntman from the 1970s, and ponders how lengthy the list of gone, and nearly forgotten, comic book superheroes and villains is.   Follow Can't Turn it Off over at cantturnitoff.com  
24:4412/02/2017
001 - Jay

001 - Jay

The host shares a personal story about one of the most interesting people he knows, and details about a film he considers one of his favorite movies, despite the fact he has only seen it twice in 19 years.  The host mistakenly refers to 2008 when telling a story about Boston in 2012.   Follow Can't Turn it Off over at cantturnitoff.com
28:2830/01/2017