The Cripescast Podcast

Episode 146 - Cripescast Live with Mike Wagner

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 145 - Dustin Nickerson

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 tw...

Episode 144 - David Koechner

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 143 - Berens Sisters (Part 2)

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 142 - Joey’s Song

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joey’s Song is an annual benefit concert that raises money and awareness for epilepsy research and program services for children with special needs....

Episode 141 - Brittany Schmitt

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 140 - Butch Vig

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 139 - Dallas Goldtooth

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dallas Goldtooth is successfully blending comedy and activism into his work, most notably through his role as Spirit on Hulu’s hit TV show Reservati...

Episode 138 - LeRoy Butler Returns

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Fo...

Episode 137 - Dan Egan

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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”....

Episode 136 - Laura Ramsey

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 year...

Episode 135 - Katherine Blanford

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian and co-host of the comedy podcast “Cheaties” Katherine Blanford joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. She shares stories from her ca...

Episode 134 - Donald Driver

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 133 - Jill and James Iverson

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Manitowoc couple and recently accomplished "loopers" Jill and James Iverson join Charlie on the Cripescast this week to talk about their recent sailin...

Episode 132 - Danny Jolles

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 131 - Berens Sisters (Part 1)

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 episo...

Episode 130 - Paul Virzi

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stand up comedian Paul Virzi joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. You may recognize him from his podcasts “The Virzi Effect” or “Anything ...

Episode 129 - Ian Bagg

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 tr...

Episode 128 - Pete Lee

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ta...

Episode 127 - Lara Beitz

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 126 - Center for Veterans Issues

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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. Be...

Episode 125 - Voting in Wisconsin

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Investigative journalist and state government reporter for Wisconsin Watch, Jacob Resneck, joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. Jacob outlines h...

Episode 124 - Hansel Canady

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

From giving his first hair cut at 10 years old in the projects of South Side Chicago to becoming the official barber of the Green Bay Packers, Hansel ...

Episode 123 - Alannah Vellacott

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Alannah Vellacott, a coral restoration specialist, marine ecologist, and ocean advocate, joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week.From playing in a m...

Episode 122 - Shapel Lacey

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week stand up comedian Shapel Lacey joins Charlie on the Cripescast. Even though his comedy career started on a dare, he eventually wound up at t...

Episode 121 - White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Live from Washington DC, Charlie sits down with a variety of guests from the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health. Guests include: S...

Episode 120 - Chris Distefano

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stand up comedian and host of the “Chrissy Chaos” and “Hey Babe!” podcasts Chris Distefano joins Charlie this week. Chris talks about his firs...

Episode 119 - Michael Yo

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week comedian Michael Yo joins Charlie on the Cripescast where the two talk about Michael’s career, stand up and his new special “I Never Tho...

Episode 118 - TJ Therrien

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week Charlie is joined by content creator TJ Therrien. TJ talks about growing up in Minnesota, his goals to break into different areas of comedy ...

Episode 117 - Nick Colletti

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, comedian and content creator Nick Colletti joins Charlie on the Cripescast. Nick talks about starting out on Vine and his ambitions on the ...

Episode 116 - Charlie Answers Fan Questions

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week Charlie is answering all your fan submitted questions.    Find us on Patreon, patreon.com/charlieberens    Find us on all socials @cripe...

Episode 115 - Tracey Ashley

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Emmy-nominated screenwriter and comedian Tracey Ashley joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. Tracey is the head writer on "A Black Lady Sketch Sh...

Episode 114 - Bill Doucette

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week Charlie is joined by musician and comedian Bill Doucette. The two talk about Bill’s time on the East Coast, performing at the State Fair a...

Episode 113 - Tumua Tuinei

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week Charlie is joined by comedian Tumua Tuinei. The two talk about their similar career paths and how they use comedy to honor where they're fro...

Episode 112 - Jim Burke

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Academy Award winning producer and Charlie’s close friend, Jim Burke, joins the Cripescast this week. He and Charlie talk about how they met, growin...

Episode 111 - Greg Gard

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers Men’s Basketball team, Greg Gard, joins the Cripescast this week. He talks about starting his coaching career wi...

Episode 110 - Ton Johnson

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian Ton Johnson joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. You may recognize him from his shows across the Midwest or collaborating with Charlie ...

Episode 109 - Bellied Up Crossover with Myles and Charlie

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week Charlie is joined by his long-time friend and fellow Midwest content creator, Myles Montplaisir, aka the You Betcha guy. They talk golf, Mid...

Episode 108 - Rachel Harrison

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel Harrison, advocacy coordinator for the Milwaukee human trafficking non-profit Fight to End Exploitation (FEE) joins Charlie on the Cripescast t...

Episode 107 - Questions for Charlie

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week Charlie answers some fan questions. Wanna get a question answered? Email us at [email protected].

Episode 106 - Jim Kearney

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Charlie’s high school English teacher, Jim Kearney, joins the Cripescast. They talk about the book “Hero With a Thousand Faces” by Jo...

Episode 105 - Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Charlie is joined by the hosts of the “And That’s Why We Drink” podcast and authors of the new book “A Haunted Road Atlas: Siniste...

Episode 104 - Ryan Busse

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Busse, a former firearms executive for Kimber America and author of “Gunfight: My Battle Against the Industry that Radicalized America” comes...

Episode 103 - Jon Reep

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stand-up comedian and actor Jon Reep joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. You may know him from "Last Comic Standing", from his own podcast "Cou...

Episode 102 - Dan Cummins

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stand-up comedian Dan Cummins joins Charlie this week on the Cripescast. You may recognize him from his half-hour special on Comedy Central, his appea...

Episode 101 - Vince Herman

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bluegrass legend Vince Herman joins the Cripescast this week. He and Charlie talk about his start in music, how bluegrass has evolved over the years, ...

Episode 100 - Molly & Dick Berens

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For the 100th Episode of the Cripescast, Charlie invited on his folks Molly and Dick Berens. They came ready with embarrassing stories of Charlie and ...

Episode 99 - Now Mow May with Israel Del Toro Ph.D. and Relena Ribbons Ph.D.

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Israel Del Toro Ph.D. and Relena Ribbons Ph.D., faculty for the Lawrence University environmental studies program and leaders for the No Mow May initi...

Episode 98 - Joe Dombrowski

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian Joe Dombrowski joins the Cripescast this week to talk about growing up in Michigan, his path to comedy and how he blends his teaching career ...

Episode 97 - Taylor Calmus (aka Dude Dad) Returns

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

He’s back! Taylor Calmus a.k.a Dude Dad returns to the Cripescast to talk about his new book “A Dude’s Guide to Baby Size“, improv, the best p...

Episode 96 - Chastity Washington

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian and teacher Chastity Washington joins Charlie on the Cripescast to talk about the Milwaukee comedy scene, incorporating her job into stand up...

Episode 95 - Sasheer Zamata

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian Sasheer Zamata joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to talk about her experience on SNL, her role on ABC's “Home Economics”, and her...

Episode 94 - Jeff Foxworthy

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to talk about comedy, his new Netflix special “The Good Old Days” and his love f...

Episode 93 - Kevin Pollak

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week comedian and actor Kevin Pollak joins Charlie on the Cripescast. You may recognize him from his roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “...

Episode 92 - Joey Clift

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week comedy writer Joey Clift joins Charlie on the Cripescast. Joey is an enrolled member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. They discuss Native repres...

Episode 91 - Larry Smith

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fishing guide and television host Larry Smith joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to discuss their recent fishing trips, how the outdoors can br...

Episode 90 - Cripescast Snowed In

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Live from New Hampshire, it’s the Cripescast snowed in! This week, Charlie is joined by his opening acts, Andy Roffe and Bill Doucette, and the Crip...

Episode 89 - Dr. Corey Pompey

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Director for Athletic Bands at UW-Madison, Dr. Corey Pompey, joins the Cripescast to discuss his career path, the audition process, upholding importan...

Episode 88 - LeRoy Butler Returns

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Packers legend LeRoy Butler returns to the Cripescast this week to talk about being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, stories from his chil...

Episode 87 - Brittney Arndt

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

USA Olympic Luge team member Brittney Arndt joins Charlie to discuss what it takes to compete in the Winter Olympics, how climate change is affecting ...

Episode 86 - Scott Dikkers

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Former owner and editor-in-chief of The Onion, Scott Dikkers, joins Charlie on the Cripescast to discuss how The Onion started, the space for satire a...

Episode 85 - Julie Nolke

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week comedian Julie Nolke joins Charlie on the Cripescast to talk about her rise to success during the pandemic, Canada vs. the Midwest, and the ...

Episode 84 - Sharon McMahon

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Former high school government and law teacher turned viral non-partisan educator Sharon McMahon joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to discuss t...

Episode 83 - AJ Dillon

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to talk about his journey to becoming a Packer, his love for Door C...

Episode 82 - Cam F Awesome

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Multi-time National Champion Heavyweight Olympic boxer, diversity consultant and motivational speaker Cam F Awesome joins the Cripescast this week to ...

Episode 81 - Klassik

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Multi-instrumentalist, performing artist and producer Klassik joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week where they talk about building Milwaukee’s m...

Episode 80 - Casey Creech

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Casey Creech, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer for Everlight Solar, comes on the Cripescast to discuss the solar power industry and how his compan...

Episode 79 - Samantha Longshore

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Resource recovery program manager for the City of Milwaukee, Samantha Longshore, joins the Cripescast this week to discuss the dos and don’ts when i...

Episode 78 - Ira Madison III

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Television writer, actor, and host of the podcast "Keep It!", Ira Madison III, joins Charlie this week to discuss content creation, podcasting, and gr...

Episode 77 - Rick Banks and Ayrton Bryan

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

MKE Black’s co-founder, executive director, and board president, Rick Banks and director of strategic partnerships and initiatives, Ayrton Bryan, jo...

Episode 76 - Emma Daisy Gertel

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Milwaukee-based digital artist and muralist Emma Daisy Gertel joins Charlie this week on the Cripescast to discuss her recent works, the benefits of a...

Episode 75 - Kristin Brey

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kristin Brey, creator of As Goes Wisconsin and video columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to discus...

Episode 74 - The Midwest Survival Guide Part 2 - Hunting & Hockey

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Charlie's giving you a sneak peek at his upcoming book "The Midwest Survival Guide." If you like what you heard, pre-order it here: https:/...

Episode 73 - Mad Dog & Merrill and Alex Okray

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Charlie is joined by a few special guests including Midwest cooking duo Mad Dog and Merrill and Wisconsin potato grower Alex Okray. They di...

Episode 72 - Ahalya Lettenberger

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Paralympic silver medalist Ahalya Lettenberger joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to talk about competing in the Olympics, growing up as an ath...

Episode 71 - Skylar Grey

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and record producer Skylar Grey joins Charlie on the Cripescast. She discusses growing up in Wisconsin, her new si...

Episode 70 - Drew Lynch

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, stand up comedian Drew Lynch joins the Cripescast to talk about his path to comedy, his new stand up special and what it means to be a cont...

Episode 69 - Wisconsin Olympians

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On a special episode of the Cripescast, we have not one, but two Olympic medalists and runners for team USA, Molly Seidel and Kenny Bednarek. Also, we...

Episode 68 - Rashan Gary

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary joins the Cripescast to talk all things Packers, his love for Kwik Trip, and living in the Midwest.

Episode 67 - Mark Normand

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Stand-up comedian Mark Normand (The Tonight Show, Conan, and The Late Show) joins Charlie on the Cripescast to talk about the art of writing great sta...

Episode 66 - Daulton Varsho

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher, Daulton Varsho, joins Charlie this week to discuss all things baseball and what he misses most about the Midwest.

Episode 65 - Josh Wolf

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian, actor, and writer, Josh Wolf, joins Charlie this week to talk about stand-up, social media and comedy, politics, and his worst bomb ever.

Episode 64 - Eduardo M. Garza Jr.

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lt. Eduardo M. Garza Jr. joins the Cripescast to talk about his work at the Center for Veterans Issues, resources for veterans re-entering civilian li...

Episode 63 - Kate Witkowski

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Professional lumberjack and outdoor educator, Kate Witkowski, joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to talk about life as a lumberjack, survival s...

Episode 62 - Anders Holm

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Workaholics star and co-creator, Anders Holm, joins the Cripescast this week. He and Charlie talk about Anders’ career path, his advice for people s...

Episode 61 - Danielle Robay

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Correspondent for NBC 4-LA, host for IMDb, and host of her own podcast "PRETTYSMART”, Danielle Robay, joins Charlie on the Cripscast this week. They...

Episode 60 - The Midwest Survival Guide

05 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Charlie reads an excerpt from his upcoming book "The Midwest Survival Guide" because he messed up and didn't get a guest.    Pre-order you...

Episode 59 - Chris Vos

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Record Company’s Chris Vos joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. They discuss Chris’ journey from growing up on a farm to his successful ...

Episode 58 - April Stone

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

April Stone is the last black ash basket weaver of the Bad River Ojibwe people. She joins Charlie on this week’s Cripescast to discuss the cultural ...

Episode 57 - Andrea Boehlke

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host of People in 10, three-time competitor on Survivor, and Random Lake native, Andrea Boehlke joins the Cripescast this week. She and Charlie discus...

Episode 56 - Grandma Sue

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On a very special episode of the Cripescast this week, we have our first-ever Berens family interview with none other than Grandma Sue. She and Charli...

Episode 55 - Roy Wood Jr.

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Daily Show correspondent and comedian Roy Wood Jr. joins Charlie this week on the Cripescast. The two discuss the comedy industry, Roy’s take on pol...

Episode 54 - Maanaan Sabir

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Milwaukee-based Entrepreneur Maanaan Sabir joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. Maanaan shares tips for being an entrepreneur, navigating racial...

Episode 53 - DJ Shawna

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Shawna Nicols (aka DJ Shawna) is the official DJ and producer of the Milwaukee Bucks. She joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to discuss her car...

Episode 52 - Grace Weber

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Grammy-winning singer and Wauwatosa native Grace Weber joins the Cripescast this week to talk about her journey in the music industry. She and Charlie...

Episode 51 - Scott Laeser

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Laeser, farmer and Water Program Director for Clean Wisconsin, joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week to discuss some of the top water issues...

Episode 50 - Yia Vang

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Chef Yia Vang, co-owner of Twin Cities restaurants Union Hmong Kitchen and Vinai, joins Charlie this week on the Cripescast. Yia talks about his love ...

Episode 49 - Leanne Morgan

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Charlie is joined by stand-up comedian Leanne Morgan. She talks about the South, her family, finding her truth in comedy, and getting her s...

Episode 48 - Charlie Berens

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s an off week for the Cripescast but that didn’t stop Charlie from talking. We’ve got updates on all things Cripescast, Manitowoc Minute, Cha...

Episode 47 - Preston Cole

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Preston Cole, joins Charlie on the Cripescast this week. They discuss PFAS in Wiscon...