Episode Summary: Bellied Up Podcast - "Wisconsin VS. North Dakota (Midwest Trivia Showdown) #154"

Release Date: June 5, 2025

In this lively and humor-filled episode of the Bellied Up podcast, hosts You Betcha Guy (Myles) and Emmy-winning comedian Charlie Berens dive into a spirited Midwest trivia showdown between Wisconsin and North Dakota. The episode seamlessly transitions from competitive trivia to engaging listener interactions, showcasing the hosts' comedic chemistry and ability to connect with their audience.

1. Midwest Trivia Showdown

The episode kicks off with hosts Myles and Charlie engaging in a friendly yet competitive trivia game moderated by their friend Jared. The focus is on distinguishing facts about Wisconsin and North Dakota, leading to plenty of laughs and playful banter.

• First Question:

  • Jared: "Which 1980s TV sitcom was set in Milwaukee and starred Ron Howard and Henry Winkler?"
  • Myles: "Cheers."
  • Jared: "Is Happy Days the correct answer?"
  • Charlie: “First of all, it wasn't a 1980s show.” (02:29)

  The duo humorously navigates the question, revealing gaps in their trivia knowledge and setting a lighthearted tone for the competition.

• Second Question:

  • Jared: "What animal appears on the North Dakota state license plate?"
  • Charlie: "It's a bison." (03:21)

  Myles gives a tentative answer, leading to a brief correction and agreement between the hosts on the right answer.

• Third Question:

  • Jared: "Wisconsin's Door County is known for growing which fruit?"
  • Charlie: "Cherries." (03:59)

  Myles initially guesses apples, but Charlie swiftly corrects him, reaffirming their knowledge about local specialties.

• Final Questions:

  • The trivia continues with questions about Wisconsin's official state beverage and a popular highway in North Dakota known for its metal sculptures, with Charlie ultimately outpacing Myles in the competition. The segment is filled with humorous exchanges and witty remarks, highlighting the hosts' rapport.

2. Listener Call-In: Managing Multiple Hobbies

Transitioning from trivia, the hosts introduce a listener segment featuring Alex, who calls in to discuss his overwhelming number of hobbies. This segment delves into the humorous yet relatable struggle of balancing numerous interests.

• Alex's Dilemma:

  • Alex: "I got way too many hobbies and I can't afford to do half of them, which is fine, but I still want to do them."

  The conversation explores various hobbies Alex is passionate about, including skiing, fly fishing, bird watching, cooking, and more. The hosts humorously suggest strategies to manage or reduce hobbies, such as selling equipment on Facebook Marketplace or setting a trial period for new interests.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Charlie: "Let me just... get onto your other hobby and sell that on Facebook Marketplace, you know?" (16:39)
  • Myles: "If you can do that, you're just winning at life." (26:32)

  These exchanges underscore the playful yet practical advice offered by the hosts, blending humor with genuine support.

3. Humorous Insurance Pitch: Dispatcher Mishap

In a comedic twist, Myles and Charlie enact a fictional dispatcher scenario where Myles pretends to be a 911 dispatcher receiving absurd calls.

• Dispatcher Scenario:

  • Myles (as dispatcher): "I'm sending someone here. Hello?"
  • Charlie: "I got this car... I just got ripped off in a car accident."

  The skit parodies emergency responses with exaggerated and humorous outcomes, such as providing unsolicited advice about plumbing or insurance, adding an extra layer of comedy to the episode.

4. Voicemail Segment: Milk with Spaghetti Debate

The episode features a voicemail from Johnny, a new listener, posing a lighthearted yet contentious question about dining etiquette.

• Johnny's Question:

  • Johnny: "Is it acceptable to drink milk with your spaghetti? Because I've done it before and it's not intolerable, but it is kind of intolerable. But if you got chocolate milk, that's bonus points."

  The hosts engage in a humorous debate about the culinary pairing, reminiscing about their childhoods and the cultural norms of milk consumption with meals.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Charlie: "Milk pairs well with pretty much anything." (57:20)
  • Myles: "If someone’s offering me chocolate milk, I'm not just turning it down." (58:21)

  Their playful banter not only entertains but also resonates with listeners who may have similar quirky food preferences.

5. Advice Segment: Dealing with Awkward Wedding Gifts

Another caller, Nick, reaches out seeking advice on handling an unwanted wedding gift, specifically a limited edition clock from his Aunt Carol. This segment combines practical advice with humorous storytelling.

• Nick's Conundrum:

  • Nick: "When's the appropriate time to get rid of this gift? Because right now, you know, my Midwest heart, I've been holding onto it for like a year." (39:28)

  The conversation explores strategies for politely disposing of or repurposing unwanted gifts, with Charlie suggesting creative solutions like storage or humorous reimagining of the item.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Charlie: "Your parents' house is infinite storage... especially in the Midwest." (42:10)
  • Myles: "Honey, these aren't for some. These aren't new hobbies." (20:45)

  The hosts' empathetic yet comedic approach provides both comfort and laughter, addressing a common social dilemma.

6. Closing Banter and Final Thoughts

As the episode nears its end, the hosts continue their signature blend of humor and camaraderie. They reflect on the topics discussed, joke about future episodes, and maintain an inviting atmosphere for listeners.

• Final Exchanges:

  • Charlie: "All right, well, have a good one, man. Thanks for calling in." (33:55)
  • Miles: "Now on Carol, Miles and Charlie, say hi." (55:27)

  The hosts wrap up with lighthearted jokes and friendly goodbyes, leaving listeners with a sense of community and anticipation for future episodes.

Conclusion

Episode #154 of the Bellied Up podcast masterfully balances competitive trivia, listener interactions, and comedic skits, all rooted in Midwest charm. Hosts Myles and Charlie Berens showcase their ability to entertain while engaging with real-life issues and quirky questions from their audience. Whether debating the merits of milk with spaghetti or offering humorous advice on managing hobbies, this episode embodies the unique blend of comedy and relatability that defines the Bellied Up experience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Charlie Barrons: “Are you stupid? First of all, it wasn't 1980s show.” (02:29)
• Jared: “It's a bison.” (03:21)
• Charlie Barrons: “Cherries.” (03:59)
• Charlie Barrons: “Let me just get onto your other hobby and sell that on Facebook Marketplace, you know?” (16:39)
• Myles: “If you can do that, you're just winning at life.” (26:32)
• Charlie Barrons: “Milk pairs well with pretty much anything.” (57:20)
• Myles: “If someone’s offering me chocolate milk, I'm not just turning it down.” (58:21)
• Charlie Barrons: “Your parents' house is infinite storage... especially in the Midwest.” (42:10)
• Charlie Barrons: “All right, well, have a good one, man. Thanks for calling in.” (33:55)
• Miles: “Now on Carol, Miles and Charlie, say hi.” (55:27)

These quotes capture the essence of the hosts' humor and the episode's playful tone, providing memorable highlights for both regular listeners and newcomers.