Best Charlie Berens Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 810: Charlie Berens, Patrick Somerville, Phil Cook

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25d ago

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This week on "BETA,"we’ll chat with the one and only Charlie Berens and find out what so funny about bein’ from Wisconsin.Then we’ll chat with Green Bay’s own Patrick Summerville about his work on the HBO series Station 11.And we'll talk with Eau Claire native Phil Cook about how he and birds make music together on his album Appalachia Borealis.…

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Who is Ruining Michigan? #171 1:17:47

5d ago1:17:47

1:17:47

We’re live from a sports bar in Fargo, North Dakota! The first caller (18:29), Ralph from Pennsylvania, talks about friends taking advantage of his hunting land. Then (44:59) Russel from Nicolet stops in for a chat. Finally, (53:16) Jason shares a story about his confusing father-in-law. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/ivHR/belliedup use promo code: …

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Bre & Richie on Midwest Legends and a Milwaukee Uncut Q&A 45:23

6d ago45:23

45:23

Richie asked Bre out where? Do they get sick of going to tailgates? What’s in store for Milwaukee Uncut in 26’? Just a few of the questions answered on this episode. First Richie and Bre take some questions and next is a segment from Rusell Nicolet’s new podcast Midwest Legends from when Bre and Richie were on last week. Topics covered: Should Bre …

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Is Ethan Breaking Up With His Goth Girlfriend? #170 1:00:01

13d ago1:00:01

1:00:01

In this episode, we catch up with everyone’s favorite — Ethan — for (6:41) a full Bellied Up update. He shares what his current living situation looks like and what he’s been up to for work lately. Then (35:08) we take a call from Griffin, who tells us about his uncle’s house before getting distracted by an unexpected friend. Finally will listen to…

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Inside “No Packers. No Life.” - A New Doc About the Japanese Packers Cheering Team’s Journey to Title Town 39:51

13d ago39:51

39:51

If you’re a Packer Fan and curious what it’s like to host 20+ rabid Japanese Packer fans in Green Bay, WI this is a great one for you. I’m joined by the creators of the “No Packers. No Life” Documentary: Entrepreneur Ty Morse and YouTube sensation Craig Benzine. We discuss: How Ty discovered Packer fans in Japan Hosting the Japanese Packers Cheerin…

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Bellied Up LIVE: Milwuakee 1:00:50

20d ago1:00:50

1:00:50

This was recorded August 25th, 2025. At the Vivarium in Milwaukee. First guest tells us about his very awkward first date. Next (12:48) we find out about a nasty divorce. Next guest (23:09) tells us about a lively drive with their grandma. Finally, (37:20) we have a classic speed dating situation. Tap here for Prizepicks: https://prizepicks.onelink…

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Dating in Milwaukee: Hard to believe call-ins, favorite date spots & the Red Rock Dating Show is Back. Presented by Kesslers Diamonds! 1:03:00

20d ago1:03:00

1:03:00

A caller who met someone on Reddit has a story that will blow your mind. An intriguing update from Daniel Slade who found love at a Great Clips Convention Red Rock stories and more! PS: The Red Rock Dating show “Love on the Rocks” is back on October 16th - sign up here: https://posh.vip/e/love-on-the-rocks-3 We’re joined by Quincy, Caden and Gracie…

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Rules of The Midwest Junk Drawer #169 1:04:47

26d ago1:04:47

1:04:47

Charlie grills Myles about being an NSYNC fan. Our first caller (15:25) needs help after his wife reorganized the junk drawer—so Charlie and Myles share funny tips on how to rebuild it from scratch. Then, another (41:51) caller takes us on a wild ride with a history lesson about monster trucks. ENJOY Tap here for Prizepicks: https://prizepicks.onel…

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Crazy Story Behind Oktoberfest in MKE, Top German Restaurants, Fish Frys and more! 1:06:44

27d ago1:06:44

1:06:44

If you love some good Milwaukee history, beer, festivals, fish frys and… dive bars we’ve got a great one for you! Joined by Michael Sampson of Swarmm Events and Julian Kegel of Kegel’s Inn who have spearheaded the efforts to bring Milwaukee Oktoberfest to the Summerfest grounds for the first fulfilling Henry Maier’s prophecy from over 60 years ago …

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Episode 705: Demetri Martin, Priyanka Mattoo, Alexandra Tanner

1M ago

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This week on BETA, comedian Demetri Martin deconstructs his Netflix special. Also, filmmaker Priyanka Mattoo tells all in her memoir, “Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones.” And Alexandra Tanner on her Seinfeldian debut novel, “Worry.”

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How to Get Banned From a Family Reunion #168 1:01:20

1M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

We’re at Burnsie’s in West Allis, WI! Tom (1:15) stops by to share a wild story about his ex-girlfriend (buckle up). Our first caller, Gerald (9:55), absolutely hates his family reunion—so he’s cooked up a plan to get himself banned from it. Then, we help Cara (33:26) promote her organic soap business and find a way to market it to men. Tap here fo…

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Gary Witt & JR Lockwood: Incredible Stories behind the PABST Theater Group and Green Monké one of the fastest growing infused sodas in the country 53:50

1M ago53:50

53:50

Interested in incredible business stories? How bout' the Milwaukee music scene? We've got you covered. Gary Witt who took the PABST Theater Group from one theater that was losing (a lot of) money back in 2002 to a group of 6 venues that now does over 800 shows a year in the Milwaukee area. JR Lockwood through a lot of trial & error and hustle has t…

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Episode 810: Ottessa Moshfegh, Megan Abbott, Karen Russell

1M ago

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We're revisiting conversations with some of our favorite authors. Ottessa Moshfegh will talk with us about her novel "My Year of Rest and Relaxation," and Megan Abbott will discuss writing for HBO's "The Deuce" and her novel, "Give Me Your Hand." Also, Karen Russell joins us to talk about her beautifully written book, The Antidote.…

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Surviving Wisconsin as a Vegetarian #167 58:38

1M ago58:38

58:38

We’re at Burnsie’s in West Allis, WI for another episode! Our first caller (12:33) is debating getting engaged to his girlfriend—but the real issue is that really wants to hang out with her dad, who isn’t budging. Next, Russell from Nicolet Law stops by for a fun chat. Then, at (44:40), a Mennonite caller shares why he’s tired of being mistaken for…

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Milwaukee Fall Guide: Festivals, Road Trips, New Openings & Events w/ Claire from VISIT Milwaukee 30:19

1M ago30:19

30:19

Looking for some awesome things to do in and around Milwaukee this fall? We've got you covered. Richie sits down with Claire from VISIT Milwaukee to cover: Festivals Wine & Harvest Fest - Cedarburg, Sep 20-21 Oktoberfests MKE at Summerfest Grounds for the first time Germantown, Sept 27-28 Cedarburg, Oct 4-5 Bavarian Brew House Burlington, Oct 4 Lak…

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Episode 216: Allow Me To Reconstruct This

2M ago

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Noah Hawley, creator of the FX series, “Fargo” gives us the true story about adapting a masterpiece. Also, comedian Hari Kondabolu pulls the curtain back on his career and graphic […]

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Blue Collar Vs. White Collar #166 1:01:45

2M ago1:01:45

1:01:45

We’re at Kegel’s Inn in West Allis, WI! Our first caller’s (10:52) sister wants to date his best friend, and he shares a wild story about what’s been going on—we might have even blown his mind with the facts. Then, our next caller (35:16) is starting a new white-collar job and asks: how can you really tell if you have a blue-collar job or a white-c…

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DJ BG Good: From Day Job to National Tour 31:17

2M ago31:17

31:17

You may know him from his viral pop ups over the summer or some of his recent events and shows that have drawn thousands of people but that wasn’t always the case for Bryan Gorelik - now known as DJ BG Good. We cover: Graduating UWM, working a day job then telling his Russian parents he was quitting to go full time as a DJ Viral Pop up at the Milwa…

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Episode 808: Bob Odenkirk, Christine McKenna, Charlie Brooker

2M ago

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This week on "BETA," we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite TV and film personalities. Bob Odenkirk will join us to talk about his well-known character, Saul Goodman. And we’ll explore the creative and personal life of film director David Lynch with biographer Christine McKenna. Also, we’ll spend some time with Black Mirror creator Charli…

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The Strangest Reason to Hate Wisconsin #165 1:08:52

2M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

We’re live from Kegel’s Inn in West Allis, Wisconsin! Our first caller, Jeff, a true wordsmith, shares a hilarious story about why his mother-in-law can’t stand Wisconsin. Then Jared recounts the wild way he got a concussion, and finally, a listener stirs things up by saying Charlie is better looking than Myles. USE CODE"BELLIEDUP" ON PRIZEPICKS…

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There it is w/ 414Big Frank, Tommy Violet, Sunny Lou... and some Dating in Milwaukee call ins 58:47

2M ago58:47

58:47

They’ve racked up millions of views in the last month on the TikTok smash hit “There It Is” -- but who are the men behind the lyrics, the beat and the dance? We got to sit down with Milwaukee Hip Hop Artist 414 Big Frank, Tommy Violet and Sunny Lou and covered: 414 Big Frank’s long road from growing up on the North Side of Milwaukee to break out hi…

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Episode 415: Shea Serrano, Anthony Bourdain, Alix Ohlin

2M ago

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The one and only Shea Serrano talks about hip-hop…and other things. Also, writer and editor Laurie Woolever gives us an up-close and personal look at the life and career of […]

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Bellied Up LIVE: Chicago 50:56

2M ago50:56

50:56

This episode comes from our Bellied Up Live Show in Chicago on July 8th, 2025 at Zanies Comedy Club. We combined the best moments from both the 6 PM and 9 PM shows into one jam-packed recording. Gail shares a wild story about going to a concert, Ryan (12:35) debates whether he should get a vasectomy, and we sit down for a conversation with (25:06) …

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Violent Femmes’ John Sparrow: From Growing Up in Milwaukee to Touring the World 43:13

2M ago43:13

43:13

From playing in local Milwaukee bars to playing on stages in front of tens of thousands of people all over the world, John Sparrow’s story is incredible. PS: The Femmes will be back in Milwaukee at the PABST Riverside and just added a new show on October 19th (the October 18 show sold out)–you can get tickets here: https://www.pabsttheatergroup.com…

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Episode 807: Nick Lowe, Joe Boyd, Steven Hyden

2M ago

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Today on BETA we’ll look back at some of our favorite music conversations featuring Musician Nick Lowe on his latest record, Producer and author Joe Boyd dives into world music with his book, “And The Roots of Rhythm Remain.” And Music critic Steven Hyden considers the cultural significance of Radiohead’s 2000 album, Kid A.…

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Episode 308: Dwayne Kennedy, Hayao Miyazaki, Radiohead

2M ago

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Dwayne Kennedy on his socially piercing, provocative comedy. Author Susan Napier tells us how animator Hayao Miyazaki creates his magical cinematic universes. And music critic Steven Hyden on how Radiohead’s […]

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"I Had No Idea My Wife Was a Lesbian" #164 1:02:09

2M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

First caller had a wild marriage with his wife. He tells us the story of how the broke it off and how his ex father in law came after him after the marriage. Next caller is working at a christian summer camp, but strongly dislikes one of his peers, we give him some solutions to his problem. Finally we have a Farmer from Iowa that needs names for hi…

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Colin Blackwell: NHL Player Enjoying an MKE Offseason and Untold Hockey Stories from Harvard, the Admirals and the NHL 1:05:07

2M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

The NHL standout & Boston Native is back in Milwaukee for the offseason and dropped by to give his incredible backstory, some hilarious hockey stories, and why he loves living in the 414. Topics discussed: Weirdest fan interaction High school with Pat Connaughton and Joe Going to Havard Coming back from concussions and trying to play pro hockey Mak…

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Episode 723: Susan Morrison, Leah Kardos, Maggie Su

2M ago

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Susan Morrison joins us to discuss her definitive biography of SNL creator Lorne Michaels.Author Leah Kardos tells us why Kate Bush’s album, “Hounds of Love,” is as fresh as ever 40 years after its release.Also, Maggie Su on her very funny and very moving debut novel,“Blob: A Love Story.”

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Canadian is Upset With Charlie #163 1:06:07

3M ago1:06:07

1:06:07

In this episode, we’re at Will’s Northwoods in Chicago, IL. The first caller (14:35) plays us a tune on his mandolin and talks about his woodworking business. The next caller (36:21) is a Canadian living in New Zealand, and he’s got a bone to pick with Charlie about whether he’s a redneck or a hippie. Tickets to Bellied Up LIVE: https://www.pabstth…

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The Rise of Stallis w/ Lori Fredrich, Dana Spandet, Thi Chao and Carly Weber 39:03

3M ago39:03

39:03

The city neighboring Milwaukee has not always had the best reputation but has undergone a massive transformation over the last decade and there is no question that “Stallis” is and has been on the rise. How has this transformation taken place and what does the future of the city look like? On this episode we got to sit down with: Lori Fredrich: Awa…

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Episode 722: Clay McLeod Chapman, Paul de Jong, Karen Russell

3M ago

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This week on "BETA," ...Master of horror, Clay McLeod Chapman joins us to discuss his latest novel, “Wake Up and Open Your Eyes.”And musician Paul de Jong talks to us about his captivating found sound music.Also, MacArthur Genius Karen Russell sits down with us to talk her about her incredible novel, “The Antidote,”…

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How to Ruin a Marriage in 60 Days #162 1:06:10

3M ago1:06:10

1:06:10

Our first caller (13:07) is going through a tough divorce—and also just fell off a roof (seriously, ouch). Then we talk (39:36) to a bladesmith who runs his own knife-making business. He’s struggling to get things off the ground, so we offer some business advice to get his business growing.

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Wave Chapelle: MKE Artist’s’ Untold Stories with Drake & Lil Wayne, Milwaukee Music Scene and More! 54:03

3M ago54:03

54:03

What’s it like when you get pulled out of a college class because Drake wants to meet with you? Wave Chapelle got discovered shortly after moving to Memphis for college and his life went Zero to 100.. Real quick… after signing with Yo Gotti. In this highly entertaining episode we discuss: Getting his first big break Growing up in MKE Stories with L…

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Billion People Might Be Mad At Us #161 1:21:42

3M ago1:21:42

1:21:42

We're at Sluggers in Chicago in the heart of Wrigleyville! Our first caller (11:41) shares a wild story involving chickens, toddlers, and a tragic dog incident… then drops the bomb that he’s married to a sourdough-making Mormon hippie. We dive into Mormon beliefs, myths, caffeine rules, and more. Then, our second caller (52:46) is hit with heavy Ca…

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Best Hike & Brewery Trips in WI w/ Midwest Hikes and Hops 31:38

3M ago31:38

31:38

If you enjoy the outdoors, hiking and trying new breweries this episode is for you! We got to sit down (and have a beer with) Andrea and Derek Schwab, the couple behind the popular Instagram account Midwest Hikes and Hops who filled us in on all the must try hikes and breweries around the state (and some outside) including hidden gems we’d never he…

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The Ultimate Midwest Airplane #160 1:04:42

3M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

In this episode, we take a call from a Midwest aviation fan asking about essential tips for flying in the region. Another caller opens up about handling a strange coworker and wondering if it’s time to propose to his girlfriend. Then we play a funny voicemail from a listener who's scared to touch the thermostat when his dad's around. We played Jazz…

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Chef Adam's $15k Win, NM Annual Mtg & Music in Milwaukee 51:00

3M ago51:00

51:00

We catch up with Chef Adam Pawlak following his big Cutthroat Kitchen win, sit down with Jersey Frank Di Meglio to talk about Northwestern Mutual’s Annual Meeting and his updated top four pizza spots in Milwaukee, and chat with Allen Halas for recaps on Summerfest and Harley Fest—plus a spotlight on female Milwaukee artists to watch and more. Chef …

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Is Wisconsin Too Cocky? #159 1:00:00

3M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

We're at Snickers Bar and Grill in Chicago. First caller thinks that Minnesota is better at being "Wisconsin" than Wisconsin. Next caller thinks that she should be getting free beer from the bartender. Then we listen to a voicemail of a guy weed wacking.

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The Most Disrespected Sport #158 1:06:51

4M ago1:06:51

1:06:51

In this episode, we're recording from CJ's Tavern in Fargo, ND the drinks. First, a caller makes a passionate case for why bowling should be an Olympic sport. Should bowling be in the Olympics? We break it down and weigh in on the debate. Next, we hear from a professional cornhole player who gives us an inside look into the competitive cornhole wor…