Bellied Up Podcast Episode Summary: "Is Wisconsin Too Cocky?" (#159)
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Hosts: Charlie Berens & Miles (You Betcha Guy)
Introduction
In episode #159 of the Bellied Up podcast titled "Is Wisconsin Too Cocky?", hosts Charlie Berens and Miles delve into a spirited discussion about Wisconsin’s cultural pride compared to its neighbor, Minnesota. Set against the backdrop of Snickers Bar and Grill in Chicago, the episode combines comedic banter, listener call-ins, and personal anecdotes to explore whether Wisconsin's self-confidence has tipped into cockiness.
Hosts' Morning Anecdotes
The episode kicks off with Charlie and Miles sharing humorous recounts of their morning experiences. Miles humorously narrates an awkward encounter while on the news, highlighting the challenges of live broadcasting.
Miles [00:32]: "We were on the news though. Miles deuced in the green room."
Charlie and Miles also touch upon Charlie's chaotic morning involving lost car keys and a frenzied Uber exchange, showcasing their trademark humor.
Charlie [04:06]: "I was going down here waiting till I was at least 15 minutes out to give him a call, which I did."
Caller Discussion: Minnesota vs. Wisconsin
The core of the episode revolves around a caller named Michael from Illinois, who sparks a debate on whether Minnesota surpasses Wisconsin in aspects like beer consumption and outdoor activities. Michael argues that Minnesota's abundance of lakes and humble demeanor give it an edge over Wisconsin’s pride in beer drinking and outdoor culture.
Michael [10:20]: "Minnesota's got more lakes. I think Minnesota is just being humble when it comes to the beer drinking."
Charlie and Miles engage with Michael, challenging his observations by highlighting Wisconsin's larger number of lakes and robust beer culture.
Charlie [13:36]: "Minnesota drinks more beer than Wisconsin, and they have more lakes and they're more outdoorsy. Anything else?"
The discussion intensifies as Miles introduces a humorous angle, suggesting that Wisconsin’s reputation as the "drunkest state" might be the point where cockiness begins.
Miles [17:31]: "I think I can pinpoint the time that Wisconsin started to get a little bit full of themselves."
The hosts and caller dissect various stereotypes, including Wisconsin’s cheese production and outdoor sports, comparing them to Minnesota’s natural landscapes and cultural humility.
Charlie [17:55]: "More cows. Okay, America's dairyland. But also I think we have more lakes."
Free Drinks at Bars Segment
Shifting gears, the conversation transitions to a segment about bartenders and the expectation of free drinks. A caller named Sandra shares her frustration with a local bowling alley bar that refuses to offer free drinks, prompting Charlie and Miles to discuss the etiquette and business strategies behind such policies.
Sandra [32:25]: "Most bars I go to... they buy you one. I mean, even... they won't let their employees buy you a drink."
Charlie humorously berates the bar for its strict no-free-drinks policy, while Miles offers sarcastic advice on how to earn free drinks.
Charlie [33:12]: "What's the name of it? Name it and shame it."
Sandra's input leads to a lighthearted debate about the balance between customer expectations and business profitability in the bar industry.
Charlie [43:12]: "I think if you're my boss... would probably give me free Beer after work."
Notable Quotes
Throughout the episode, several memorable quotes underscore the hosts' comedic take on the topics discussed:
- Miles [10:07]: "You know what map I'm talking about. You've seen it."
- Charlie [16:07]: "Where have you experienced? When was the last time you were in Wisconsin?"
- Miles [23:45]: "Have you ever read the story about David and Goliath?"
- Charlie [34:09]: "What are the instances where you think it should be standard practice for a bar to give a free drink?"
Closing Remarks and Future Plans
As the episode wraps up, Charlie and Miles reflect on their engaging conversation, recognizing the depth of regional pride and the humorous extremes it can reach. They tease future segments and remain open to more listener interactions, emphasizing the podcast's interactive and entertaining nature.
Charlie [59:49]: "You know, we can't be asking for. For free drinks or expecting it. We gotta go in there and earn it."
Conclusion
"Is Wisconsin Too Cocky?" is a quintessential Bellied Up episode, blending humor with insightful commentary on Midwestern pride and cultural dynamics. Charlie and Miles offer a comedic yet thoughtful exploration of regional identities, making this episode both entertaining and relatable for listeners unfamiliar with the nuances of Wisconsin and Minnesota's friendly rivalry.
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