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The Cripescast Podcast

145 Episodes

51 minutes | Mar 15, 2023
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.   Follow David on all platforms @davidkoechner and find tickets at davidkoechner.com  Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens Find the Bellied Up podcast wherever you get your podcasts and on all social media platforms @bellieduppod. Check out YouBetcha too at @ohhyoubetcha.  Make sure to check us out on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens. 
68 minutes | Mar 8, 2023
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.   Follow the Cripescast @cripescast and find us on Patreon patreon.com/charlieberens.
68 minutes | Mar 1, 2023
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! 
68 minutes | Feb 22, 2023
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.   Follow Brittany @brittanyschmitt, follow the Cripescast @cripescast and find us on Patreon patreon.com/charlieberens. 
82 minutes | Feb 15, 2023
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.   Follow Butch on Instagram @butchvigmusic and on Twitter @butchvig. Find us on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Make sure to check us out on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens. 
96 minutes | Feb 8, 2023
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. Follow Dallas on social media @dallasgoldtooth and watch Reservation Dogs on Hulu!    Find us on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens and check us out on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens. 
66 minutes | Feb 1, 2023
Episode 138 - LeRoy Butler Returns
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.   Follow the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and find us on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens.    Music behind the advertisements is "Double Polka" by Kevin McLeod. 
71 minutes | Jan 25, 2023
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.   Find Dan's book at your local bookstore or on Amazon and follow Dan on Twitter @danpatrickegan   Find us on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens, find us on Patreon too patreon.com/charlieberens    The music behind the advertisements is "Double Polka" by Kevin McLeod. 
52 minutes | Jan 18, 2023
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.   Find Laura on Instagram @lauraramseyofficial and @nias_arc. Order your lolly's at niasarc.com.    Find us on all platforms at @cripescast @charlieberens. Find us on Patreon, too for exclusive content and extended cuts patreon.com/charlieberens.    Thank you to our wonderful sponsors, JollyGood and Duluth Trading Company.    The music behind our ads is "Double Polka" by Kevin McLeod. 
67 minutes | Jan 11, 2023
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.    Check out Katherine's website katherineblanford.com and follow her on YouTube and Instagram @itskatherineblanford, on Twitter @thebizznizz and find her on Facebook at Katherine Blanford Comedy.    Follow us on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens and check us out on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens.    The music behind the ads is "Double Polka" by Kevin McLeod. 
39 minutes | Jan 5, 2023
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.”   Find out more about the Donald Driver Foundation at donalddriverfoundation.com and find Donald on all socials @donald_driver80.    Find us on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens. Find us on Patreon too patreon.com/charlieberens. 
56 minutes | Dec 28, 2022
Episode 133 - Jill and James Iverson
Manitowoc couple and recently accomplished "loopers" Jill and James Iverson join Charlie on the Cripescast this week to talk about their recent sailing trip on America’s Great Loop. 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. 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.   Find us on all platforms @cripescast and @charieberens  Find us on Patreon patreon.com/charlieberens    The music behind the advertisements is "Double Polka" by Kevin McLeod. 
69 minutes | Dec 21, 2022
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.    Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @charlieberens @cripescast and check out more about the show at cripescast.com.    The music behind the advertisements is “Double Polka” by Kevin McLeod. 
91 minutes | Dec 14, 2022
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.   Find us on all social platforms @cripescast @charlieberens and on Patreon patreon.com/charlieberens    The music behind the advertisements (aside from Maggie's beautiful rendition of "Jingle Bells") is "Double Polka" by Kevin McLeod. 
47 minutes | Dec 7, 2022
Episode 130 - Paul Virzi
Stand up comedian Paul Virzi joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. You may recognize him from his podcasts “The Virzi Effect” or “Anything Better” that he co-hosts with Bill Burr, or from his most recent comedy special “Paul Virzi: Nocturnal Admissions” on Netflix.   Paul shares the story of how he got into stand up and how having a family has changed his outlook on life and comedy. He and Charlie get into the specifics about shooting a comedy special and the importance of setting long and short term goals. They also talk about their first jobs, Paul as a pizza delivery man and Charlie a pretzel roller.    Find Paul on all socials @paulvirzi and find more tour dates at paulvirzi.com    Find us on all social platforms @cripescast @charlieberens and find us on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens    The music behind the advertisement is "Double Polka" by Kevin McLeod. 
83 minutes | Nov 30, 2022
Episode 129 - Ian Bagg
Comedian Ian Bagg joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. They compare the Midwest to Canada and pond hockey to river hockey. From working for a traveling carnival in Australia to mining gold in Canada, Ian walks us through his journey to comedy and his love of crowd work. Ian and Charlie trade some regional sayings, winter advice, and Ian shares about the time he accidentally got someone fired.    Get free tickets to see Ian at the Milwaukee Improv Dec. 8-10 by using code CRIPES at https://improv.com/milwaukee/comic/ian+bagg/   Find more of Ians dates at ianbagg.com and find him on social media @ianbagg    Find the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @charlieberens and @cripescast. Check out our site cripescast.com for all podcast information, tour updates and merch. For exclusive content, subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens.    The music behind the advertisements is "Double Polka" by Kevin McLeod. 
74 minutes | Nov 23, 2022
Episode 128 - Pete Lee
Stand-up comedian Pete Lee joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week and the two get lost on tangents about hotel and public restroom etiquette. He talks about growing up in Wisconsin, coming up in the Twin Cities’ comedy scene, and the time he almost opened for Bobcat Goldthwait. Pete’s dog Diesel makes an appearance as he opens up about his cursed streak of TV shows being cancelled right after he’s made a guest appearance including “The Days of our Lives,” along with many other funny stories.   Find Pete at Petelee.net (http://Petelee.net) and on social @peteleepeteleepetelee  Find the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast and @charlieberens  Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens    The music behind the advertisement is "Double Polka" by Kevin McLeod. 
74 minutes | Nov 16, 2022
Episode 127 - Lara Beitz
Comedian Lara Beitz joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to discuss her stand up career and growing up in the Midwest. Lara talks about coming up in the Milwaukee stand up scene, touring with Joe Rogan and Marc Maron, and, of course, bird watching. Lara indulges Charlie’s obsession with birds by sharing a few stories of her own fowl entanglements. Let’s just say they follow a goose down the rabbit hole.    Follow Lara @larabeitz and her podcast Slobs @slobspod  Follow the Cripescast @cripescast and Charlie @charlieberens  Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens   The music behind the advertisements is "Double Polka" and "Manic Polka" by Kevin McLeod. 
79 minutes | Nov 11, 2022
Episode 126 - Center for Veterans Issues
On a special Veterans Day episode of the Cripescast, Charlie is joined by Ed Garza, CEO and President for the Center for Veterans Issues (CVI), Dr. Berdie Cowser, Director of Development and Housing for CVI, and Jason Johns, V.P. of Corporate and Community Relations for CVI. The Center for Veterans Issues is a nonprofit based in Milwaukee that helps veterans across Wisconsin.   Along with two returning guests, Ed and Jason, Dr. Berdie makes her debut on the Cripescast and talks about her career with CVI, the challenges female veterans face, and what it means to be named Milwaukee County’s 2023 Veteran of the Year. They share updates on current projects happening at CVI, ways to give back, what Veterans Day means to them, and provide advice on how to thank a veteran for their service.    Interested in learning more about CVI or want to donate? Head to cvivet.org to read about what they’re doing, how you can help, and more.    Follow the Cripescast and Charlie on all platforms @cripescast @charlieberens. Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens. The music behind the ads are "Double Polka" and "Manic Polka" by Kevin McLeod. 
36 minutes | Nov 2, 2022
Episode 125 - Voting in Wisconsin
Investigative journalist and state government reporter for Wisconsin Watch, Jacob Resneck, joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. Jacob outlines how to register to vote in the state of Wisconsin, he highlights some important seats that are up for election this year, and he debunks some common misconceptions that circulate during election season.    Be sure to head over to myvote.wi.gov to register online, locate your polling place, and find any other information for this election season.   Find Jacob on Twitter @jacobresneck or find more of his work at wisconsinwatch.org or jacobresneck.com.    Find the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast and be sure to check out our Patreon at patreon.com/charlieberens for exclusive content you can't find anywhere else!    The music found in this episode is:  "Double Polka" by Kevin McLeod "Old Wisconsin Jubilee" by Berens & Greuel 
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