Starting out comedy in New York City in the early 2000s, Yannis Pappas has seen how stand up has changed over the last 20 years. You proabbly recognize him from his numerous stand up specials or from his podcasts “The Yannis Pappas Hour” or “History Hyenas” with Chris Distefano. Needless to say, he’s seen it all. In this episode, Charlie has met his match as they go down the existential rabbit hole about social media, climate change, and AI. Beyond the spiral, they talk about Milwaukee hot spots, the ways in which parenting humbles a person, and Yannis’s petition for more daddy-daughter public bathrooms for all the girl dads out there. Follow Yannis on all platforms @yannispappas and get tickets to his December 6th & 7th shows in Milwaukee at yannispappascomedy.com. Find us on all social platforms @cripescast and at cripescast.com for all show information. Visit patreon.com/charlieberens to get access to bonus content, early ticket information, giveaways, and more! To continue supporting Doctors Without Borders, follow them at @doctorswithoutborders or donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

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 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.  Follow Becky @beckyrobinson4 and @entitledhousewife, and find her tour dates at beckyrobinsonthegreat.com. Find us on all social platforms @cripescast and at cripescast.com for all show information. Visit patreon.com/charlieberens to get access to bonus content, early ticket information, giveaways, and more! To continue supporting Doctors Without Borders, follow them at @doctorswithoutborders or donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

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.  Follow Kathleen on Instagram @officialkathleenmadigan or X @KathleenMadigan. Check out her website kathleenmadigan.com for tour dates and tickets, including tickets to her special taping at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee in April! Find us on all social platforms @cripescast and at cripescast.com for all show information. Visit patreon.com/charlieberens to get access to bonus content, early ticket information, giveaways, and more! To continue supporting Doctors Without Borders, follow them at @doctorswithoutborders or donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

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.  Follow Mike on X @prowag.  Find us on all social platforms @cripescast and at cripescast.com for all show information.  To continue supporting Doctors Without Borders, follow them at @doctorswithoutborders or donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

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.” Follow Chapel Hart on all platforms @chapelhartband. Pre-save their upcoming Christmas album, Hartfelt Family Christmas, here: https://originsrecords.lnk.to/hartfeltfamilychristmas?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaQ18lfVytaS1qZ_mD2qsdf3nqlRJ3WeoG8wrcJr5GbCugc2uOtNw3kA1w_aem_kcyVoQ7PusvJyN3X-5JoaQ Find us on all social platforms @cripescast and at cripescast.com for all show information.  To continue supporting Doctors Without Borders, follow them at @doctorswithoutborders or donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

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.  Follow Jessie on Instagram and X at @jessieopie and follow her work at the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com.  Find us on all social platforms @cripescast and at cripescast.com for all show information.  To continue supporting Doctors Without Borders, follow them at @doctorswithoutborders or donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Yia Vang’s new Minneapolis restaurant, Vinai, is a place of restoration. Named after the Hmong refugee camp in Thailand where Yia’s parents met and where he was born, the restaurant serves as a love letter to his family and heritage. Both of his establishments, Vinai and Union Hmong Kitchen, are some of the first ever dedicated Hmong cuisine restaurants in the United States. On top of being a critically-acclaimed chef, he also hosts a cooking show called “Feral” on the Outdoor Channel, and has made appearances on shows like “Iron Chef” and “Good Morning America”. This week on the Cripescast, Charlie steps in as Yia’s sous chef and helps him prepare a dish using Berens Old Fashioned Brandy. While they cook, Yia shares some of the cultural details woven throughout Vinai’s decor, how he learned to cook, and his preferred method of drinking Charlie’s brandy. Find Yia on Instagram and TikTok @yiavang70 and on Facebook and X @chefyiavang. Visit his restaurants Union Hmong Kitchen and Vinai if you’re in the Minneapolis area! Follow us on all platforms @cripescast and visit cripescast.com for all show information. To continue supporting Doctors Without Borders, follow them at @doctorswithoutborders or donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Steve Treviño’s career isn’t what defines him, being a husband and father does. With six comedy specials under his belt and spending decades as a touring comedian, he explains that despite all his success, he still lives a normal life. Whether it’s taking the stories from growing up, raising his kids, or squabbling with his wife, he strives to relate with his audiences when he’s on stage. This week, Steve joins Charlie on the Cripescast to talk about everything from coaching little league, to developing a strong work ethic, to going viral in the early days of social media. Follow Steve on Instagram and TikTok @texastrevino, @MrSteveTrevino on X, and on all other platforms @stevetrevino.  Find us on all social platforms @cripescast and at cripescast.com for all show information.  To continue supporting Doctors Without Borders, follow them at @doctorswithoutborders or donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

When Matteo Lane started doing stand up comedy in 2011, the world looked very different. In fact, Matteo had never even seen a gay man do stand up until he was 23 years old, and it was then that he realized he could do it too. He says that, despite being gay in a time where it was “just acceptable,” he found a supportive community in the world of comedy, filled with like-minded people who were equally as passionate about the craft and didn’t care where you came from. Now, 16 years later, Matteo describes himself as a stand up comic “through and through.” This week he joins Charlie on the Cripescast to discuss growing up in Chicago, his Midwest family, and his envy for people with great hair. Follow Matteo everywhere @matteolane and find tickets to his show in Milwaukee and beyond at matteolanecomedy.com Find us on all social platforms @cripescast and at cripescast.com for all show information. To continue supporting Doctors Without Borders, follow them at @doctorswithoutborders or donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

The viral comedy account Content Machine goes way back. In fact, the co-creators Mike Mazzitelli and Tyler John Perry met in the third grade in Hopkins, Minnesota. When the pandemic left them with nothing to do, they took a leap of faith and turned their lifelong hobby of making videos together into their full time jobs. From hanging out together as kids, to attending college 10 miles apart, and now to being roommates in Los Angeles, they’ve never left each others’ sides. This week on the Cripescast, Charlie joins them at their home to swap childhood stories, discuss Midwest dads, and compare California to Minnesota. Mike shares what he misses the most about the Midwest and Tyler explains how living in LA has changed his style.  Follow Mike and Tyler on Instagram @the_content_machine or on YouTube @content_machine.  Find us on all social platforms @cripescast and at cripescast.com for all show information.  To continue supporting Doctors Without Borders, follow them at @doctorswithoutborders or donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

LeRoy Butler can’t stay away from the Cripescast for too long. Returning for his fourth podcast appearance, the NFL Hall of Famer and former Green Bay Packer joins Charlie in the studio once again. With football season officially here, the two talk all things Packers. They cover everything from Jordan Love to the season opener in Brazil to the importance of the “Mr. Irrelevant” title in the NFL draft. In true LeRoy fashion, he offers up life advice and explains how he keeps his positive attitude regardless of life circumstances. Beyond that, he and Charlie share behind the scenes stories from shooting LeRoy’s soon to be released cooking show and we even learn LeRoy’s biggest pet peeve (hint: it’s leftovers).  Follow LeRoy on Instagram @leap3636 and X @leap36. Find us on all social platforms @cripescast and at cripescast.com for all show information. To continue supporting Doctors Without Borders, follow them at @doctorswithoutborders or donate at doctorswithoutborders.org. 

The Husbands of Target are back. This week, Taylor Calmus, Penn Holderness, and Myles Montplaisir join the show for a reunion episode of the Cripescast. The boys get cozy in Charlie’s hotel room to reflect on their 2020 viral sketch and how it led them to shooting national advertisements with Target this year. No topic goes untouched as they debate things like the pros and cons of sheet cake, if AI will destroy the world, and whether babies are color blind. They also share what makes ‘em go “Cripes!” with answers ranging from Chipotle orders to obscene throw pillows.  Follow Myles @ohhyoubetcha, Taylor @dudedad, and Penn @theholdernessfamily.  Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Most people know Don Davey as a former defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers and the Jacksonville Jaguars. But that’s only where his list of accomplishments begins. After earning his Master’s of Engineering at UW Madison and getting drafted by the Packers in 1991, he played for a total of 9 seasons in the NFL. Don’s transition out of pro football felt like losing a sense of his identity, but he explains that it motivated him to find meaning in other areas of life. Since then, he’s explored entrepreneurship and business, owning Firehouse Subs franchises in Wisconsin and Florida, as well as his own financial consulting firm. He’s dabbled in real estate, completed 13 IronMan triathlons, and currently spends his spare time coaching his daughters in flag football and participating in charity bike rides. Don joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to discuss the changing landscape of college football, the charities he’s passionate about, and his Friday fish fry pet peeves.  Follow Don on Instagram @ddavey919992 and on X @davey919992. For more information on the charities he’s involved with and to learn how to contribute visit teamonemile.com, ironmanfoundation.org, and firehousesubsfoundation.org.  Find us on all social platforms @cripescast and at cripescast.com for all show information.  To continue supporting Doctors Without Borders, follow them at @doctorswithoutborders or donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Comedian Nate Russ’ hard work is paying off. After 10 years of creating content, Nate’s comedy series “Buggin” recently went viral and transformed his career into something he never imagined. With the first video earning over 25 million views on Instagram alone, and its sequels not far behind, he’s taking the opportunity to capitalize on the momentum. Comedy wasn’t always his goal though. Not knowing what he wanted to do with his life after high school Nate joined the Air Force. It was there, he explained, that he began making videos in his barracks and fell in love with sketch comedy. This week, he joins Charlie on the Cripescast to discuss the cultural differences between the Midwest and the South, the similarities of growing up Catholic vs Baptist, and Nate explains why he absolutely loathes whistling.  Follow Nate on all platforms @naterusscomedy and check out his upcoming show at ATLcomedytheater.com.  Find us on all social platforms @cripescast and at cripescast.com for all show information.  To continue supporting Doctors Without Borders, follow them at @doctorswithoutborders or donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Whether you watched him compete on Hell’s Kitchen or you’ve been to his Milwaukee restaurant Egg & Flour, it’s safe to say that Adam Pawlak knows a thing or two about food. From humble beginnings as a Jimmy John’s cashier, to becoming a sous chef, an executive chef and now the owner of his own restaurant, he made his lifelong dreams of working in the culinary world a reality. Adam joins Charlie in the Cripescast studio this week and brings with him the most adorable entourage, his four month old miniature Dachshund puppy Alfredo. Charlie and Adam discuss the process of applying for reality cooking competitions, the correct way to clean a cast iron pan, and Adam’s newfound pet peeves about other dog owners. Adam’s improv and culinary skills are put to the test in a game called “Will it Pasta?” where Adam has to explain how he’d repurpose classic Midwest foods and drinks into pasta dishes.  Follow Adam on Instagram @adam_pawlak23.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org. Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.

Fashion Designer Elena Velez finds beauty in unlikely places and attributes her industrial artistic style to her Midwest upbringing. Raised by a single mother who worked as a ship captain on the Great Lakes, Elena spent much of her childhood surrounded by heavy machinery and unique landscapes, and its influence can be seen in her work today. Though she always knew she wanted to be a fashion designer, she felt underrepresented in the industry. However, being an outsider isn’t stopping her from finding success. Velez has gained notoriety through prestigious awards, success at New York Fashion Week, and dressing celebrities like Taylor Swift and Julia Fox. She dreams of building up American fashion by opening a production house in Milwaukee, thus proving that the industry doesn't solely belong in creative capitals like New York or LA. In this episode of the Cripescast, she and Charlie discuss the obstacles of the fashion industry, debate whether staples of Midwestern fashion are runway ready, and even workshop Charlie’s runway walk for his fashion week debut.  Follow Elena on Instagram @elenavelez and check out her work at elenavelez.com. Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org. Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.

With the 2024 election approaching, Steven Olikara returns to discuss the importance of bipartisanship in an increasingly divided political landscape. Early listeners of the Cripescast may remember Steven’s first episode, where he and Charlie dove into the impact that social media and cable news outlets have on our civility. Today they analyze what’s changed since 2020, provide solutions for stopping polarization, and emphasize the importance of a diverse media intake regardless of party lines. Having grown up as a minority in a predominantly white community, Steven still found ways to come together with his peers despite having different backgrounds and worldviews. It’s this upbringing, he explains, that helped prepare him for his work today at Bridge Entertainment Labs, a media company that encourages healthy conversation and disagreement with the goal of healing the divide within our democracy. Follow Steven on Instagram and X at @stevenolikara, and keep up with his work at @futurecaucus or @bridgeentlabs. Check out everything else he’s up to at stevenolikara.com.  Find us on all platforms at @cripescast and for more information on the show, visit us at cripescast.com. Donate to Doctors without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.com

Live from Lake Winnebago with Green Bay Packers’ tight end Luke Musgrave, it’s the 4th anniversary episode of the Cripescast. In this special episode, Luke and Charlie get to know each other the best way anyone can: while fishing for walleye… and the occasional sheepshead. They’re also joined by outdoor expert, fishing guide, and return Cripescast guest, Larry Smith, who teaches them a thing or two about hearing which fish is on the line. Having grown up in Bend, Oregon with a passion for fishing, Luke fits right in on the water. He and Charlie swap childhood fishing stories, they trade techniques for taking the best fish pictures, and they even enjoy some on-the-boat old fashioneds made with Charlie’s brandy. Luke shares how he made it to the NFL, his love for Green Bay, and some insights from his time working at a Goodwill in high school. Follow Luke @lukemusgrave_ and Larry @larrysmithoutdoors. Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org. Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.

Charlie is back again with everyone’s favorite gambling and gossiping gals, Grandma Sue, Aunt Mary, and Lois Bentley. As they road trip for another day at the casino, Aunt Mary gives us an update on her love life and Charlie even chimes in to help her develop a dating profile. No conversation is off the table for the four of them, whether it’s the birds and the bees, Lois’s broken leg, or the story of how Mary accidentally sprayed gasoline in her face. And that’s not all. Stick around to the end of the episode to find out why Grandma Sue gets pulled over and whether or not the officer uses his pink handcuffs on Aunt Mary.  For donating to Doctors Without Borders head to doctorswithoutborders.org. Find the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and online at cripescast.com.

Whether it’s transforming an ordinary fence across from Lambeau Field into the infamous “Packers Fence” or customizing an average sneaker into every sports fan’s dream shoe, Zane Statz has a gift for reinventive art. As a muralist, custom artist, and Packers fan, Zane is living out his dream by having his custom-painted cleats worn by NFL players including Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Kenny Clark, just to name a few. While it’s fun having his shoes worn by Packers, Yung Gravy and even Charlie, Zane explains the most fulfilling work he’s done has been pieces that involve the community like the BayCare Clinic community mural. Zane joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to talk about his Midwest upbringing, the strange art in men’s bathrooms and Charlie even commissions Zane to paint his tailgating grill.  Follow Zane @zane_statz and check out more of his work at zasdesigns.com. Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org. Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.

Charlie goes down the AI rabbit hole again this week but this time he’s joined by an actual AI expert, UW-Madison Provost Charles Isbell. Provost Isbell has been fascinated with computers since he was 8 years old, and in turn has dedicated his life’s work to them by becoming a researcher, computationalist, and educator in the field of computer science. From studying at Georgia Tech, to earning his PhD at MIT, and eventually becoming the Provost at UW-Madison, it’s safe to say he has rightfully earned the title of “expert” in his field. In this week’s episode Charlie finds answers to all of his burning questions about AI, like how it will affect job security, Wisconsin’s role in AI advancement, and how we can learn to use these new technologies for good. Perhaps most importantly, he finds out whether or not the robots will really take over the world.  For more information on Provost Isbell and his work, check it out here: https://provost.wisc.edu/meet-the-provost/  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org. Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.

Kristopher Pollard eats, sleeps and breathes cinema. As Membership Manager for Milwaukee Film and co-host of the “Cinebuds” podcast, Kristopher is continually working hard to advocate for Milwaukee’s film scene. He explains how Wisconsin is a hidden gem for the film industry and has a vibrant and receptive movie-loving community. He argues that the only difference between Milwaukee and cities with well-known film scenes is that people just aren’t paying attention to Milwaukee yet. This week, he joins Charlie on the Cripescast to discuss the use of AI in filmmaking, he crushes it in a movie trivia game, and shares what Milwaukee Film is doing to preserve the city’s historic theaters. Kristopher also explains the new state bill that aims to form a Wisconsin Film Office and dives into how it would create jobs, boost the economy, and amplify the local scene.  Follow @cinebudspodcast and check them out anywhere you get your podcasts! Follow Kristopher @kpollyart. For more information about Milwaukee Film, including screenings and membership, visit mkefilm.org and follow @mkefilm.  Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

This week Charlie celebrates the 200th episode of the Cripescast by answering all of your burning questions. Buckle up for his advice on dating, lawn care and how to craft the perfect junk drawer. He and his producer Colleen go on many tangents spanning from deep philosophical discussions to what cheese is best on a charcuterie board. Full episode out now! Interested in donating to Doctors Without Borders? Check out doctorswithoutborders.org to see how you can help.  Find the Cripescast on all socials @cripescast. 

Kristen Kish may be new to hosting “Top Chef” but she’s no stranger to the show. Crowned the Season 10 champion in 2012, she became the second woman ever to claim the title and has since returned to host the show. After her 2012 win, she’s gone on to open her own restaurant in Texas called Arlo Grey, release a cookbook, and host other TV shows like National Geographic’s “Restaurants and the End of the World” and Travel Channel’s “36 Hours”. In this episode, she and Charlie talk about both of their experiences on the show, her as the fresh-faced host and Charlie as an eager diner, with no culinary palette, in the second episode. As a Michigander, Kristen says she felt at home while filming the newest season of “Top Chef”, which was set in Wisconsin, because of the nasally accents and Midwest niceness. The two discuss everything from Wisconsin supper clubs to anxiety, and Charlie even walks away with some tips for cooking as a single guy.  Follow Kristen on all platforms @kristenlkish and be sure to catch this season of Top Chef! Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Comedian Cristela Alonzo isn’t afraid to grab life by the horns. Having grown up squatting in an abandoned diner with her mother and three siblings, she knows what it’s like to live like you’ve got nothing to lose. Her lifelong love for comedy had her jumping at the chance to work as an office manager at the Addison Improv in Texas circa 2003, even if it meant fudging some of the details on her resume to land the job. Fast forward to today, she’s headlining the country and has made history as the first Mexican-American woman to create and star in her own US primetime sitcom, “Cristela.” With two Netflix specials under her belt and another on the way, Cristela shares that she’s living comfortably with her bills on autopay and her “therapy money” in hand. This week, she joins Charlie on the Cripescast to chat about everything from professional wrestling, to her love for Wisconsin cheese curds, and of course Packers vs Cowboys. Follow Cristela on all platforms @cristela9 and be sure to check out her specials on Netflix! Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Christian Yelich has been a pillar for the Milwaukee community since he was first traded to Brewers in 2018. On the field, he’s an MVP, a golden glove winner, and a silver slugger just to name a few. Off the field, he’s a champion for the community by giving back with his annual Home Plate Charity Benefit that raises funds for Milwaukee little league teams. Today, Christian addresses the most common questions he gets about his personal life and confirms that yes, he can hear heckling fans when he’s in left field. Charlie and Christian have been pals since their first video collab in 2022 and use this episode to catch up, discuss regretful tattoos, the weirdest things they’ve autographed, and who they root for in the Brewers sausage races.   Follow Christian on all platforms @christianyelich and for more information about Christian’s Home Plate Charity Concert, head to visitmilwaukee.org/yelich. Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Nobody knows Wisconsin fish like Max Wolter. Having grown up with a passion for the outdoors, it only makes sense that Max would end up working as a senior fisheries biologist at the Wisconsin DNR. For more than a decade, he’s been working to understand our state’s fish, protecting their habitats, and educating folks about best fishing practices. In this episode of the Cripescast, Charlie asks all of his burning questions about the current state of Wisconsin’s aquatic wildlife and where it’s headed. They discuss the birds and the bees of fish spawning, the impacts of El Nino on this past ice fishing season, and the best way to catch a muskie. For more information about fishing in Wisconsin, head to dnr.wisconsin.gov and be sure to follow them on all platforms.  Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Despite never planning to become a comedian, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes has undeniably made a name for herself in the world of comedy. Starting out as an Oakland Raiders’ cheerleader, then as an aspiring actress in Hollywood, she eventually found her home in stand up comedy after taking a joke writing class at her local church. Fast forward to today, Anjelah has put out six comedy specials, with her latest one being her first self-produced and self-financed hour called “Say I Won’t” on YouTube. This week, Anjelah joins the Cripescast fresh off of headlining in Wisconsin, and she and Charlie discuss all things comedy, siblings, and gratitude lists. Anjelah shares her tips for dealing with anxiety, her career dreams, and how the pandemic changed her views of motherhood. Follow Anjelah on all platforms @anjelahjohnson and check out her specials, show dates, merch and more at anjelah.com. Find us on all platforms @cripescast and for Charlie's show dates, merch, Patreon, and all that, head to cripescast.com For continued donations and aid to Doctors Without Borders, head to doctorswithoutborders.org.

All bets are off whenever Grandma Sue joins the podcast. In this episode of the Cripescast, we're bringing you highlights from all three of her appearances on the show including her first solo interview and her two road trip episodes to the casino. From talking about "necking" at Stinky Point to giving unexpected dating advice, this episode is full of everyone’s favorite moments with Grandma Sue, Aunt Mary and Lois Bently. For more information about donating to Doctors Without Borders, go to doctorswithoutborders.org. Find us on all platforms @cripescast and our website at cripescast.com.

Live from his garage in Colorado, Taylor Calmus, a.k.a. Dude Dad, makes his triumphant return to the Cripescast yet again. He and Charlie get comfortable on a vintage Davenport to shoot the breeze, answer fan questions, and sip on Charlie’s new Brandy. As good friends and frequent collaborators, they spend this episode reminiscing on the sketches they’ve done, including their recent sequel of “Husbands of Target” that they shot for a Super Bowl ad for Target. The two share stories from pheasant hunting at Taylor’s family farm in South Dakota to life on tour, and even debate the proper etiquette for changing sheets when guests come to town. To round it out, they share their favorite and least favorite thing about one another and talk about the time that Taylor’s wife Heidi signed a woman’s breast in Milwaukee. Follow Taylor on all platforms @dudedad.  Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Masood Boomgaard has made a name for himself around the world with his viral (de)motivational character “Self Help Singh.” While struggling with his mental health and searching for a creative outlet during the pandemic, Masood posted his first video as Singh and his life was forever changed. With that first video instantly gaining millions of views, Masood has since adapted the character for live shows and has performed in over 20 different countries. He explains how the relatable and universal topics he covers in the show is what makes it resonate with audiences across the globe. In this episode of the Cripescast, he and Charlie bond over starting out in broadcast journalism, Midwest goodbyes versus Indian goodbyes, and Masood even shares the craziest thing he ever saw while MC-ing a wedding. Follow Masood on all platforms @masood_boomgaard. Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Nimesh Patel never planned on being a stand up comedian. In fact, he graduated from NYU with a degree in finance and fully planned on pursuing a career in that field. However, a lack of passion for the industry paired with the difficulty of finding a job during the Great Recession led him to take a writing class and, eventually, to stand up comedy. Immediately hooked from his first open mic, Nimesh kept his day job in finance while pursuing comedy at night. His persistence paid off when he was discovered by Chris Rock, who hired him to write for the 2016 Oscars. Today, after three self-produced comedy specials, multiple late night sets, and an Emmy nomination for his work at Saturday Night Live, Nimesh is ready to slow down a bit and do some “actual living”. In this episode of the Cripescast, he and Charlie reflect on the reality of burnout, life on the road, and having to make the conscious decision to switch off their work brains.  Follow Nimesh on all platforms @findingnimesh and get tickets at https://punchup.live/nimeshpatel Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find tour dates, merch, our Patreon, video clips and more at cripescast.com.  Donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Everything in Joel Hodgson’s life led him to creating Mystery Science Theater 3000, or MST3K. From performing magic as a kid to doing stand up in college, Joel attributes his comedy chops to his Midwest upbringing. Joel explains that every opportunity in his career has been a stepping stone to MST3K, whether he was performing stand up on Late Night with David Letterman or designing toys for Tonka. However, he says it wasn’t until a conversation he had with Jerry Seinfeld that the seeds for MST3K were planted. Now, 13 seasons later, MST3K has been named one of Time Magazine’s “100 best television shows of all time” and has become a cult classic. In this episode of the Cripescast, he and Charlie dive into Joel’s career, bond over their shared experience of growing up in Wisconsin, and discuss the weirdest parts of their families’ lineage.  Check out MST3K on Netflix or on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFzph9x-n9FR52BI94Zfgww  Follow the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and for Charlie’s tour dates, merch, Patreon and more head to cripescast.com.  For continued support of the work by Doctors Without Borders in the Middle East, find more information and donate at doctorswithoutborders.org.

Having grown up in a small northwoods town in Wisconsin less than 50 miles away from the Minnesota border, comedian Mary Mack considers herself a “border child.” In the wake of her college polka band breaking up and her roommate signing her up for various open mics, Mary made her way to stand up comedy and has been doing it ever since. It wasn’t long until she found her stride and after only a year of doing open mics, she dove head first into a career in comedy. Since then she’s released multiple comedy albums and appeared on Late Night shows such as Conan, the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Present day she is touring the country doing stand up and co-starring in Hulu’s animated series Solar Opposites. In this episode of the Cripescast, she and Charlie share their thoughts on roundabouts, Taylor Swift, and Boeing’s recent plane mishaps.  Follow Mary on all platforms @marymackcomedy and visit https://www.marymackcomedy.com/ to find information on her tour and tickets.  Follow the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and for Charlie’s tour dates, merch, Patreon and more head to cripescast.com.  For continued support of the work by Doctors Without Borders in the Middle East, find more information and donate at doctorswithoutborders.org. 

Milwaukee musician Brett Newski goes way back with Charlie... like, all the way back to the first grade. From their days as elementary school classmates to both being raised by tough Midwestern dads, the two reminisce on their shared childhood experiences in this episode of the Cripescast. In more recent years, Brett can be found touring the world playing music with his band NEWSKI, advocating for mental health awareness, and drinking lots of half-caf coffee. Full of inspiring stories, he discusses everything from his time living in Vietnam making jingles for tampon commercials, to the process of creating his book It’s Hard to Be a Person. The two go down an existential rabbit hole of what it’s like to be a creator in the age of TikTok, and Charlie even shares some tips for how to succeed on the platform.  Follow Brett on all platforms @newskimusic and online at https://newskimusic.com/ for tour dates and to get his music.  Follow the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and for Charlie’s tour dates, merch, Patreon and more head to cripescast.com.  For continued support of the work by Doctors Without Borders in the Middle East, find more information and donate at doctorswithoutborders.org. 

Kim and Penn Holderness know a thing or two about working in media. Despite their established online presence as The Holderness Family, working in social media was never part of their plan, let alone doing so for 10 years. Like Charlie, Kim and Penn both started out working in news and the three bond over their shared experiences on this episode of the Cripescast. This week they discuss everything from Penn’s new book on ADHD, how they embrace their kids calling them “cringey parents”, and how they won the 33rd season of The Amazing Race. Between a decade of working together and nearly two as a married couple, Kim and Penn have no shortage of stories to tell and marriage advice to offer. They share how they met, Kim’s giddy encounter with George Clooney, and they even play a game of “who’s most likely to” with Charlie.  Follow the Holderness Family on all platforms @theholdernessfamily and check out their website https://theholdernessfamily.com/.  You can also find us on all social platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. For all things Cripescast head to cripescast.com and for exclusive content go to patreon.com/charlieberens  For continued humanitarian relief, donate to Doctors Without Borders for helping in Gaza at doctorswithoutborders.org

For Chef Luke Zahm, food is more than just fuel. Rather, it’s about community, history, and tradition. As host of PBS’s Emmy award-winning show, Wisconsin Foodie, and owner of The Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, Wisconsin, Luke is all about celebrating the Midwest through cooking. In this episode of the Cripescast, he and Charlie discuss their favorite things about Midwestern culture and the easiest way to impress guests with your cooking. They also talk about their humble beginnings as fast food workers, Charlie a pretzel roller at Auntie Anne’s, and Luke as a sandwich artist for Subway Sandwiches. The conversation even takes a saucy turn when they each share some of the wildest DMs they’ve received from fans. Check out our merch, tour dates, content and more at cripescast.com and find BTS exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens. Follow us at @cripescast on all platforms. 

NFL legends and former Green Bay Packers LeRoy Butler and Gilbert Brown make a triumphant return to the Cripescast this week. Having spent 9 years as neighbors the Packers’ locker room, LeRoy and Gilbert share endless stories from back in the day, including one story about a teammate riding a bike into the sauna wearing nothing but cowboy boots and a jockstrap. From being pranked by Brett Favre, to trash talking opponents together, to their shared admiration for Reggie White, they reflect on some of their favorite moments in the NFL. Charlie asks Gilbert and LeRoy some fan questions, they pick their New Year’s resolutions, and they finally set the record straight on the right way to pronounce LeRoy’s name. Follow Gilbert @gilbertbrownrip93 and Leroy @leap3636. Find the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and check out our show at cripescast.com. Find exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens.

The holidays are here, which means lots of time spent with family. This week on the Cripescast, we’re throwing it back with a compilation of the fan-favorite siblings episodes. From Charlie’s sisters dishing juicy stories, to squashing the beef with his brothers, this episode is full of all the best moments.  Find the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and check out our show at cripescast.com. Find exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens.

Live from the green room in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, it’s the Cripescast on the Road. Joined by his opener, Bill Deucette, his music partner, Adam Greuel, and his producer, Dante Williams, you get a glimpse of life on the road for Charlie on this episode of the Cripescast. Having performed both comedy and music, Adam, Bill, and Charlie discuss the similarities and differences between the two artforms, while Dante shares some not-so-glamorous stories from life on the road involving food poisoning. In the wake of their latest album Dive Bar Dinner, Adam and Charlie explain their songwriting process and how going with the flow brought them to new creative territories. Adam even gets a little spiritual with it and offers insight about embracing the chaos of life and finding zen in creative moments. Having spent so much time together it’s clear to see the foursome has gotten close, perhaps too close, as their conversations about Catholic school confessions, Billy’s body temperature and urinal preferences can confirm. Be sure to follow Bill @billydeuce86, Adam @adamgreuel, and Dante @dantesnotimpressed. Check out the new Berens & Greuel album, Dive Bar Dinner, available now at cripescast.com under the merch tab! Find the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and check out our show at cripescast.com. Find exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens.

Whether you’re familiar with Nev Schulman or not, you’ve probably heard of his hit TV show Catfish. For those who aren’t familiar, catfishing is when someone is lured into a relationship by means of a fictional online persona. On this episode of the Cripescast, Nev explains the show’s journey. Starting as a documentary based on his own catfish experience, to then being picked up by MTV for a series, to it being part of the cultural zeitgeist today, Catfish has taken on a life of its own. Beyond that, he and Charlie discuss everything under the sun from their love of minivans to their own personal manscaping preferences. While he may be from New York originally, Nev explains that he wants to settle down in the Midwest, specifically in Michigan. They bond over using cleaning as a form of therapy and Charlie promises to gift Nev a vintage vacuum cleaner next time he’s in town.  Find Nev on all platforms @nevschulman and check out his show Catfish: The TV Show on MTV.  Find the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and check out our show at cripescast.com. Find exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens.  For donations to Doctors Without Borders humanitarian aid to Gaza, head to doctorswithoutborders.org.

With Winter rapidly approaching, there’s no better time for Allison Madison to educate us about the harmful effects of road salt. As the program manager at Wisconsin Salt Wise, she’s bringing awareness to salt’s effect on our environment, economy and infrastructure. On this episode of the Cripescast, she shares that “it only takes 1 teaspoon of salt to pollute 5 gallons of water to toxic levels.” Beyond that, she explains how it’s also affecting our wallets in that “for every $1 of salt laid on the road, we’re doing $10 of damage to our infrastructure.” Not all hope is lost though as Allison provides Charlie and our listeners many alternatives for both plow drivers and the average shoveler to reduce their salt while keeping the roads and sidewalks clean and safe. Check out Wisconsin Salt Wise at WIsaltwise.com and @wisaltwise across all socials. To donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.com to provide humanitarian relief in the Middle East right now. Check out our merch, tour dates, content and more at cripescast.com and find BTS exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens. Follow us at @cripescast on all platforms.

For comedian Sam Jay it was love at first open mic. From putting out multiple stand up specials, to having written on Saturday Night Live, to co-creating and starring on Peacock’s Bust Down, her commitment to the art of comedy is steadfast. Sam explains how failing in front of an audience is a necessary growing pain for young comedians and how going through hard life experiences can develop a comedic voice. She and Charlie dive into her comedy goals, the future of network television, and how social media has changed the comedy scene. Like any good Cripescast episode, she and Charlie fall down a rabbit hole about the 1991 film Hook and unpack the true lessons and meaning behind the movie. Be sure to follow @samjaycomedian on Instagram and check out her new special Salute Me or Shoot Me streaming on HBO.  Check us out on all platforms, @cripescast @charlieberens and @manitowocminute. For all things podcast related head to cripescast.com and for exclusive content, go to patreon.com/charlieberens. To donate to humanitarian aid in Gaza, head to doctorswithoutborders.org.

From ranking superheroes to debating whether or not they’re going to Heaven, no topic is off limits for Patrick Johnson II and Mike Esibou. As fellow Milwaukeean podcasters, Pat and Mike dive into current events, take calls from fans, and shoot the breeze on their weekly show the Crash Dummies Podcast. This week on the Cripescast however, they go on tangent after tangent with Charlie and discuss everything from train conductors, to email scams, to the legality of marrying cousins in the US. Pat and Mike share the story of how Crash Dummies came to be, their insights on social media clips, and memories from their childhood, including Mike’s 3-year stint in Nigerian boarding school.   Be sure to check out The Crash Dummies Podcast on all podcasting platforms. Follow @crashdummiespodcast, @pjohnsonjr_ and @mike.esiobu on all platforms.  Check us out on all platforms as well @cripescast @charlieberens and @manitwoocminute and for all things podcast related head to cripescast.com and go to patreon.com/charlieberens for exclusive content.

It’s time to buckle in for a Cripescast episode all about Birding. UW-Madison Life Science Communications teacher, Dexter Patterson, is a self-proclaimed “Bird Nerd” and as any dedicated listener of the show knows, Charlie is too. Dexter is working to make birdwatching accessible to everyone, whether it’s through sharing his adventures to his followers or by co-founding the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin. He’s on a mission to bring diversity to birding and to create a welcoming community for people of color outdoors, a space where they’ve historically been left out. In this episode, Charlie and Dexter nerd out about their “spark birds,” discuss how getting outdoors can improve mental health, and how simply going birding is a form of environmental activism.  Follow Dexter at @wiscobirder and find out more information about the BIPOC Birding Club at bipocbirdingclub.org.  Find us on all platforms @cripescast @charliebererns @manitowocminute and for merch, tour dates, show info and more go to cripescast.com. Find exclusive content at patreon.com/charlieberens.  For donating to humanitarian aid in Gaza, head to doctorswithoutborders.org. 

Returning to the show for the fourth time, Myles Montplaisir (aka the “You Betcha” guy) makes history as the Cripescast guest with the most podcast appearances. Aside from being one of Charlie’s close friends and co-host of The Bellied Up Podcast, a Midwestern call-in advice show, Myles is an entrepreneur, content creator, and conversationalist through and through. Having gotten hitched since his last time on the show, Myles catches us up on married life and provides his top three tips for a happy marriage, which includes defending his “hippie haircut” to Charlie. Along with answering some fan questions and playing Midwest “Red Flag or Green Flag”, the two brainstorm ideas for a Midwestern prank show, plans for a Bellied Up live taping, and share their first impressions of one another. Follow Myles at @ohhyoubetcha across the board and the Bellied Up Podcast at @bellieduppod.  Follow us on all platforms @cripesast @charlieberens @manitowocminute.  For more Cripescast information go to cripescast.com and find us on Patreon for exclusive content at Patreon.com/charleiberens. 

Polar explorer and expedition guide Eric Larsen isn’t one to shy away from the cold. Having completed more North and South Pole expeditions than any other American in history, it’s safe to say he thrives in below freezing temperatures. From being a park ranger in Alaska to a sled dog herder in Minnesota, Eric’s spent his life in the cold and his story has become the subject to several documentaries. Traveling in such extreme environments comes with no shortage of challenges or close encounters with wildlife. In fact, on this episode of the Cripescast, Eric shares stories of both including being chased by a moose and being stalked by a polar bear. He and Charlie bond over what it was like growing up in Wisconsin, their first jobs as bike mechanics, and their shared passion for preserving the outdoors. Follow Eric on Instagram at @elexplores and book a trip with him to explore the North Pole at ericlarsenexplore.com. For donating to humanitarian relief in the Middle East, head to doctorswithoutborders.org and follow them on all platforms @doctorswithoutborders. Find the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and Charlie @charlieberens. For live show tickets, merch, comments and more head to cripescast.com.

RENEW Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to the advancement of clean renewable energy in the dairy state since 1991. On this episode of the Cripescast, Charlie is joined by RENEW’s Communications Manager, Alex Beld, and their Emerging Technology Director, Francisco Sayu, to discuss what RENEW is doing in the state of Wisconsin. Their mission is “seeking to power a strong, healthy and vibrant state by implementing environmentally friendly energy systems,” while simultaneously looking out for the economy and general public health. Francisco and Alex outline their latest ongoing initiative of getting electric school buses in all of Wisconsin’s school districts, while also explaining the health impacts of diesel emissions on students and the economic advantage EV buses could provide to schools.  For more information on their work and how to nominate your school to receive free electric buses in Wisconsin, head to renewwisconsn.org. Find them on all platforms @renew_wisconsin and RENEW Wisconsin. Find us on all platforms @cripescast @charlieberens @manitowocminute. To donate to Doctors Without Borders, head to doctorswithoutborders.org.