Michelle Miller, aka "The Farm Babe," traded Rodeo Drive for the rodeo and never looked back—except when it comes to shoes. Growing up in the Midwest with 4-H and horses, she now advocates for farmers by educating consumers about food. On this episode of the Cripescast, she debunks farming myths and jokes about the slim dating pool for farm boys. She also shares stories of her adventurous life, from traveling the world and working odd jobs to clubbing with Paris Hilton in LA—all leading her back to Midwest farming. Tune in as she and Charlie test their ‘80s Midwest commercial knowledge, recall her first job at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, and sip Brandy Old Fashioneds made by Charlie with his brandy.

Find Michelle on all platforms @thefarmbabe and on Facebook @iowafarmbabe. Find the Cripescast on all platforms @cripescast.

Joel Brammeier is passionate about the wellbeing of the Great Lakes. Whether it’s growing up enjoying them in the suburbs of Detroit, or testifying on their behalf before Congress, or by being President and CEO of Alliance for Great Lakes for the last 15 years, one thing is clear: Joel advocates for the Great Lakes. With 20% of the Earth’s fresh surface water belonging to the Great Lakes, Joel explains how the Midwest being the leaders for microplastic discussions and initiatives gives him hope for clean water in the future. While he’s hopeful, he still makes the point that “regulation” doesn’t need to be bad term when it comes to water. Instead, it can be a helpful thing that puts laws into place that keeps not only our drinking water clean, but our beer too. He and Charlie discuss the Great Lakes Compact, why microplastics are bad for us, and what the implications of recent government budget cuts will mean for environmental agencies. Charlie uses this episode to geek out on all things environment and he somehow weaves AI into the discussion too, go figure. Of course, Joel shares what makes him say “cripes!” which is something all parents of teenagers can relate to. All that and more on this episode of the Cripescast!

For more information about Joel’s work and to get involved head to www.greatlakes.org.

Follow the Alliance for Great Lakes on social:

Bluesky – @alliancegreatlakes.bsky.social

Instagram – alliance4greatlakes

Facebook – AlliancefortheGreatLakes

Check out his latest Op-ed in the Sun Times: https://chicago.suntimes.com/other-views/2025/03/20/epa-cuts-great-lakes-states-clean-water-lead-lines-flooding-joel-brammeier

Dana Ehrmann didn't tell her first jokes to an audience, she told them to Lake Michigan. West Allis native and Wisconsin State Fair aficionado, Dana has become a staple in the Milwaukee comedy scene and was even Charlie’s very first opener back in 2017. This week, she joins the Cripescast to share her bizarre introduction to comedy, play some Wisconsin trivia, and talk about Wisconsin’s most notorious serial killers. Off stage, she spends her time advocating for Alzheimer’s awareness and research ever since she became a caretaker for her mother, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2022. The two also discuss the difficulties of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s and Dana provides some helpful advice for caregivers and those around them.

Follow Dana @danajokes and follow the Cripescast @cripescast.