Best Charlie Berens Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 810: Charlie Berens, Patrick Somerville, Phil Cook

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3d 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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Rules of The Midwest Junk Drawer #169 1:04:47

4d ago1:04:47

1:04:47

Charlie grills Myles about being an NSYNC fan. Our first caller 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 caller takes us on a wild ride with a history lesson about monster trucks. ENJOY Tap here for Prizepicks: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/ivHR/bell…

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

5d 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

10d 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

11d 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

12d 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

17d 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

18d 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

19d 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

24d 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

25d 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

26d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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 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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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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"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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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…

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Dating in Milwaukee: Call-Ins you won’t believe & other CRAZY stories… 1:17:04

3M ago1:17:04

1:17:04

A date at Melting Pot Brookfield gone wrong, a caller with her ex’s name tattooed on her back and much much more on this month’s dating in Milwaukee ep. Marley’s dating glow-up: meeting her new guy at the NFL Draft and surviving Appleton fishing trips Deja’s unexpected cruise romance and plans to show Milwaukee off Relationship advice from Karen in…

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Secrets Your Mechanic Won't Tell You #157 1:09:48

3M ago1:09:48

1:09:48

We’re at CJ’s Tavern in Fargo, North Dakota! Paige the Therapist gives us a belly-laugh-filled update and leads Myles and Charlie through an unexpected couples counseling session. Then we hear from Jiffy Lube Joe, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look under the hood at his Jiffy Lube job, along with some wild stories from his personal life. Finally…

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Mr New York: Untold Stories from Legendary Milwaukee DJ 46:12

3M ago46:12

46:12

He started throwing parties in his teens (one led to an evening in a police car), never went to college, has headlined Summerfest and has been spinning records in Milwaukee and for celebrities around the country for more than a decade (even though he’s not that old compared to Richie). In this episode we sit down with Mr New York and cover the foll…

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Midwest Boyfriend Refuses To F****** Clean #156 57:42

3M ago57:42

57:42

Charlie shares a funny story about his struggles with a parking garage. The first caller (6:45) calls in asking for tips on how to get her boyfriend to start cleaning the house and help with household chores instead of avoiding em. She’s also a dedicated Green Bay Packers shareholder. The next caller, (34:21) from Montreal, wants advice on how to h…

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Taylor Amann: American Ninja Warrior BTS & Must-Try Places in MKE 38:49

3M ago38:49

38:49

Taylor Amann, Milwaukee native and all-around badass, just made it to the American Ninja Warrior semi-finals — but what’s it actually like to run a ninja course at 6:30 AM with zero practice and a million bucks on the line? We get the full behind-the-scenes scoop (spoiler: lots of hanging, barely any sleep), plus her wedding plans (it’s next week!)…

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NFL Mascot Wants to Be a Lawyer #155 1:04:19

4M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

We're live from Frank's Lounge in Fargo, ND! Our first caller is a woman frustrated with her husband who won’t stop wearing camo (we think he sounds awesome). Then we hear from a lifelong mascot who just graduated college and is now considering trading in the costume for law school. And to wrap things up, we’ve got the purr-fect special guest joini…