Charlie Berens Talks Midwest Lifestyle Ahead Of Duluth Show

Wisconsin's most famous influencer, comedian, actor, journalist, bluegrass musician, podcaster (and what else?) Charlie Berens joined us today to promote his upcoming show at the Decc Symphony Hall in Duluth. He's coming back on October 5th for two shows, and you won't want to miss it.

I've been following Charlie for years, and I first had the chance to interview him in 2018 when he was coming to UWS for his stand-up act.

Charlie, do you remember having to cancel your show in Superior after the refinery blew up almost 10 years ago?

Charlie: Oh yeah, I do remember that. That... was a bummer. But, hey, we rescheduled the show, and we had a good time eventually. But oh yeah, that was the first refinery blow-up before a show; I'll tell you that much. Yeah, I can't believe it was that long ago; golly, time flies like a banana.

You have a lot of content about Wisconsin Lake Life and being out on the water; do you ever get time to still do that?

Umm, you know, I have to make the time. I've been really big into my garage as of late. You know, I have this massive scrap wood situation going on after taking this deck down, so I've been organizing it and trying to figure out how to use it. That's what I've been doing for fun - which is a little weird, I'll admit it, but that's what I'm doing for fun.

Why not just build a deer stand with it?

Charlie: Yeah, I have a build going. The blueprints are in dispute with some family members, like my cousin, but I think it's going to be just fine, and my cousin doesn't have to hunt there if he doesn't want to.

You're always saying, "Watch out for deer." Have you ever hit a deer?

Charlie: Yeah, I have, or I guess I should say the deer actually hit me. I did not find the deer, so I wouldn't even say rest in pieces, I think he got off okay, but it's tough to say in these troubled times. He just hit the side of my car.

When you do get time to go fishing, what's your go-to walleye rig?

Charlie: Yeah, okay, that's a good one. For walleyes, you know, it depends on when you're going and where you're going. For walleyes, you really can't go wrong with a jig and a crawler, and switch up the colors depending on the water clarity. You also have those low-runner Rapalas or Ruhpallas if you're French. You don't have to use the whole crawler, just the ass half- the beaver tail, if you will; otherwise, that's just asking for the perch and the bluegills to nip away at it. Bottom bouncers work great, too. Or you can just drift. Get in your little 14-footer and row out to the middle of the drink and let the wind take you. Maybe anchor and see if you've got a lone wolf or a pack down there.

Sounds like you have walleye fishing dialed in?

Charlie: No, I don't! If I did, I'd only tell you one thing. It's just about trying different things for walleye, you know.

I loved your video about docking a boat, and when you get close to the dock, someone stands right in your sightline and is completely useless.

Yeah, that was a video I did with Bill. The other thing I have to do a video about is when you're with your family, and you decide to go on a boat ride. Oh my gosh. First, you've got to get everyone down to the dock, and then someone has to go to the bathroom. And then someone asks if we need another cooler of beer, and you're like Yeah, why would you even ask that? Then someone else is like, "Should we fish?" and then you have to get to the poles. With my family, it's like a Midwest goodbye, but it's a Midwest boat ride. You have to start the process two hours before you actually want to leave the dock. Is that just a me thing, though, or is that because I have 12 siblings?

Charlie Performs In Duluth October 5th - Two Shows

Tickets are still available to see Charlie and his Lost and Found Tour on October 5th at the DECC Symphony Hall. You can buy them online through Charlie's website or on Ticketmaster.