Can't Turn it Off: Recent Episodes
Mike Hanks
Do you enjoy a good story, with a side of observation? Join host Mike Hanks as he shares stories about the interesting world around him. His goal is to share a story so compelling that you Can't Turn It Off.
How does the actor behind a beloved TV character such as Seinfeld's Cosmo Kramer fail to dazzle a television audience as the star of his own NBC sitcom? It wasn't hard, as it turned out, and Michael Richards proved it during the fall of 2000. The host examines how he did it. And after deconstructing a failed sitcom, the host's closing monologue unloads more opinions on pizza than any one person should be allowed to have.
During the early 1970s, a simple show about the merger of two half-families spawned characters that have lived on for generations. The host looks back at several ways a lovely lady, three very lovely girls and four men, living all together, have touched the lives of millions of Americans. And then he'll shake his head in disbelief at the musical variety show that first reunited them, and is remembered fondly by almost no one. Listen here!
The 1970s were a splendid time for television, at least it seemed like it at the time. In the spirit of all that was entertainment during the '70s, NBC introduced us to Pink Lady in 1980, and brought Jeff along for the ride. Who were they and why is their TV show frequently cited among the worst TV shows of all time. Find out here!
What did a group of Las Vegas showgirls have to do with the Fonz, Mr. C and the rest of the Happy Days gang? That's the beauty of a short-lived, unspectacular sitcom that most people couldn't name if their Final Jeopardy lives depended upon it. And rightfully so. But it's an impressive display of just how formulaic network television could be back in the day, when networks ruled the world. Beyond a look back at the glitz and glamour of Vegas, the host unloads one of his most famous tirades, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Was it a show ahead of its time, a show that was just too offensive or a show that was too progressive for its network? Perhaps it was all of those things, or maybe it was just a victim of the wrong place and the wrong time. The host looks at a 2001 sitcom that should have had more success than it did.
Turn back the clock to 2002, the geniuses at Fox Broadcasting had found a worthy successor to one of their early sitcom successes, "Married with Children." Or had they? They filmed eight episodes of a show they went on to cancel before you were able to see one of them. And what pairs better with a Fox sitcom than an American hot dog?
This time around, we turn back the clock to either 2006 or 2002, depending upon your perspective, as we look at a television series that never aired on network TV, despite seven intentions for it to do so. And just as important, the host commemorates the career of a retiring game show host.
Season 7 of the podcast is underway. The format is a bit different than past seasons, and the host is still learning how to cram 10 pounds of podcast into a five-pound sack. The podcast team will smooth out the edges soon enough. In the meantime, enjoy a visit to a mostly forgotten piece of history and buy a ticket to a WNBA game.
This is it, the long-awaited end of the longest season of Can't Turn it Off. After a few minutes of chat between the host and Brad Farrell, two nerds who love a forgotten, short-lived '80s sitcom starring Jason Bateman, the host closes out the season with a monologue sharing a footnote from his life.
Another holiday season is upon us, and in the spirit of the holidays, the host will share fond memories of a game show legend who passed away not so long ago, and would have turned 100 years old this month. And then it's onto new content with past guests. In this case, we revisit our conversations with two gentlemen who have spent a fair amount of time on the radio airwaves in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area over the years.
What better way to close out the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States than with a monologue from the host of the podcast, sending out sincere thanks to a variety of folks. And to top it off, enjoy more colorful conversation with a season 6 guest who will favor us with a few of his impressions of people you probably don't know.
The end of season 6 is underway, a season delayed thanks to both striking writers and actors. But the team perseveres, and this week we bring you bonus content from two women who were featured during season 6. You’ll hear from them after you hear the host boast and brag. And stumble once or twice. His mouth can’t keep up with his brain. There’s a scattershot of thoughts at the beginning and end of the episode, including an update about one of our past guests.
Not long ago, the podcast featured Erin Dietrich, a Minnesota woman who had a unique experience. The podcast is on its hiatus, so that means more from Erin, right? Not exactly, but we will learn more about her adventure as the hiatus begins. And we learn about it after we find out why the host thinks too many viewers of TV's Wheel of Fortune are ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. You haven't heard the host do a monologue in a while, so fasten your seatbelt, you're in for a doozy.
A Minnesota woman and her husband accomplished something few people do. She recalls their adventure after the producer tries to figure out what they did. Confused? You won't be after the next episode of Can't Turn it Off.
Plenty of people switch careers during their life, and our guest is one of them. Radio broadcasting today is far different than it was in the 1980s, and Phil Huston was part of that '80s scene, working for two prominent Minneapolis pop music stations. He reminisces about those days with the podcast host, who use to listen to Phil on WLOL way back when.
Thanks to Jeff Sibinski and radiotapes.com for the supplemental material in this episode.
Is this a Jeopardy podcast!? No, it's not, but this is the fourth time the host has interviewed a Jeopardy! contestant. in our season of celebrating Minnesota, where this podcast originates, we chat with a recent Jeopardy champion who didn't grow up here, but is investing part of her Jeopardy! winnings in a very Minnesota way.
It has been more than a year since our last chat with the podcast's annual guest, and the latest conversation goes off the rails a bit, but it was a lot of fun for both parties. A lot has changed since we last talked with Izzy, and this episode is very different from every interview we've ever done with the rock and roll prodigal son from Minnesota.
As children across the United States, and presumably elsewhere around the world, prepare for an evening of trick-or-treating, the host recalls his modest childhood fascination with the wacky world of haunted houses, and his adult experiences with the many entities that have haunted the greater Minneapolis area for the past 25 years. He'll ask questions he has no answer to and recount a vague, yet unforgettable, experience at a Minneapolis theater circa 2000.
It's 2022, and a Minnesota man dedicates a lot of time and effort to his blog, which focuses on two unrelated subjects. It's the latter of the two that has entertained the Can't Turn it Off host in recent years. And if you've ever reminisced about yesteryear in the town or city where you grew up, you'd be lucky to have your own version of Aaron Wallace.
The hiatus is over and the host returns with an interview featuring his new favorite radio show host. Yes, it's a radio show, not a podcast, but you don't have to dust off the old boom box to dial up the correct FM frequency, of course. You'll learn more than you ever imagined about the music of yesteryear, and how to hear it, during our interview with the host of "Crap From The Past."
The host has been following a Minneapolis-based photographer for about a year. In this episode of the podcast, he learns about the inspiration, methods and process involved in capturing her distinct, memorable images. And he does so without ever asking about the photography equipment she employs. Following the interview, the host finally explains when and how he realized celebrity autographs weren't as big of a deal as they once were. It's a story he rarely tells, and yes, he will name drop during the story.
The host welcomes his colleague, a longtime high school sports reporter, to the podcast. Yes, the colleague has many stories he could tell about his five decades covering boys and girls high school soccer, basketball and hockey. But those aren't the stories the host is most interested in.
Season 6 of the podcast begins with a deep dive into that failed 1980s sitcom the host never forgot, and talked about in episode 68. The host isn't the only person who remembers the show fondly, the foremost authority on the show joins the podcast to discuss the sometimes-brilliant sitcom known as "It's Your Move." That discussion follows the first guest of season 6, the host's former colleague who had a recent brush with cinematic greatness.
It's the season finale, really. Unless it's not. It's time to move forward with season 6, but not before a brief visit with our buddy Izzy Presley, who surprised the host with a recent Twitter revelation. But first, the host gets overly excited about a TV show you've never heard of, and spends too much time telling you about a chance encounter in Las Vegas.
As the hiatus nears its conclusion, this episode features a new story from season 5 guest Jeff Walker, who reminisces about his first trip to Vegas. Following Jeff, the host shares a few tidbits about past guests.
After a holiday hiatus following the close of season 5, the host returns with something you've never heard him do in any previous episode of the podcast. But first, it's story time. The host recalls his unexpected Halloween evening, spent in Las Vegas.
The podcast has had a longstanding invitation to take the show on the road, specifically to Bloomington, Minnesota, for a comic book show. As a podcast that has occasionally called upon the world of comic books for source material, it seemed like a logical destination. Don't read comic books? It shouldn't matter. We talked about things even we didn't expect to.
You never know what the podcast's annual guest is up to in Hollyweird, unless you follow him on a social media platform via @realizzypresley. This year's chat includes discussion of a new gig our buddy has landed. And we close with the story of a very Izzy road trip.
The Las Vegas version of Strange Days Indeed introduces us to characters whose peculiar actions leave the host wondering what the story was behind those moments when strangers crossed paths. The host's interactions, direct and indirect, raise questions that may never be answered, and most likely will not be forgotten.
What do Free Blockbuster, Jeopardy!, a baby named Robbie and a possible drug addict in Las Vegas have to do with each other? Even the host would admit, not a thing.
Jimi and Alison Nguyen are Minnesota's first ambassadors of the Free Blockbuster movement. They'll explain what it is and why they're a part of it. If you remember anything about the once mighty Blockbuster video rental chain, you'll enjoy hearing about how they're making Free Blockbuster happen in 2021.
This season’s second interview occurred while the host and producer were in Las Vegas earlier this month. You don't need to know anything about Sam Novak, or care about what he does, in order to enjoy our interview with him. Thoughtful and articulate only scratch the surface. This man should have his own podcast.
This season's first interview features a Canadian who affirms what the host knows, and doesn't know, about his neighbors to the north. And we learn a few things about how the state of Canadian radio is similar to its U.S. counterpart in 2021. The host concludes the podcast with his opening monologue, which seems appropriate for this episode.
Here comes another story the host is surprised he hadn't heard until recently. Elmer Sherwin won a lot of money in 1989, but that's not what makes his story so fascinating. His story, and an unrelated tale of woe, follow an addendum to episode 57, and the story of another of the host's once-lost friends. But wait, there's more! You get all the aforementioned content plus the big podcast announcement the host mentioned during the previous episode. We already told you we're taking the show on the road, now you'll find out where we're going!
It's not the music of Carl Ferris that intrigues the podcast host, it's how and why he performs it, nightly, for thousands of people. Carl's story follows recollections of how the host met, and reconnected with, one of his friends.
Season 5 of the podcast begins with a long, sorted tale from the host's past, inspired by the recent misadventures of his friend. From there, it's a tribute to the Las Vegas showgirl, including a former showgirl whose story the host had never heard until a few months ago.
Two factors changed plans for the final spectacular of season 4. The end result still includes a visit with a past guest, but it also includes a tribute to a game show host who died earlier this season.
The hiatus continues, and this spectacular offers a fun fact, a major announcement, new questions for a past guest and a Halloween nod to Highrise Joe.
It's a little of this, and a little of that as the season 4 bonus content begins. You'll hear new content from perennial guest Izzy Presley, learn about a new, convenient discovery the host has made involving Highrise Joe, (the subject of episode 45,) and enjoy the host and producer's modern day homage to Joe. As usual, Izzy's comments may not be appropriate for the host's 10-year-old niece.
It's the season 4 finale, and the host is lazy, so he glosses over the history of a French woman who lived longer than you will. But not before he revisits his recent trip to Bayfield, Wisconsin, and shares a tidbit he has since learned about his beloved Madeline Island. And what does Vanna White have to do with any of it?
Hundreds of people appear as contestants on TV's "Jeopardy!" every year. So why was Meggie Kwait's appearance so memorable? The host will explain as he learns many fascinating details about her road to, and appearance on, the game show.
In this episode, the host shares his fascination with island living, based upon a short vacation getaway to Wisconsin. And then he reminisces about a lost weekend to that same vacation destination, 29 years ago.
The host has a personal connection to a woman he has never met, and he discusses her complex story in this episode of the podcast. And how does a woman from Texas, whom neither the host nor April have met, figure into April's story?
To read more about April, visit bit.ly/aprilpease.
The podcast's only annual guest returns for season 4 and discusses how current events are affecting him and those who live and work in Hollyweird.
A Nevada adventurer who likes to explore the desert outside of her Las Vegas home may surprise you with a story or two from her past.
It's time for the host's annual recollections of assorted chapters of his life. This collection of stories revolves around the Great Minnesota Get Together (TM), culminating with memories of Aug. 27, 1993.
The host remembers a man he never met, but talked to more than once. What made Highrise Joe so quirky and unique? The host will explore that, after discussing how a once valuable commodity lost its luster.
Discussion of a ninth-grade social studies film, classic '80s tunes, the demise of Myspace and a woman who chronicles her desert exploration via YouTube are all sandwiched around the host's memorial to an early social network. Is there a point to all of this?
Season 4 of the podcast begins with three stories about three people who have likely never met, but all share something in common. The stories are improbable, bizarre, tragic and/or hilarious. We'll leave that for you to decide.
The conclusion to season 3 has arrived, and it features our guest from Episode 32, Paul Drabek, who will discuss his love of roller coasters and his travels around North America to ride them. The spectacular concludes with several minutes of conversation featuring Jason Lillie, our guest from Episode 31. Jason, the subject of our very first episode of Can't Turn it Off, and the host share their memories of how and why Jason earned his peculiar nickname.
The podcast's only recurring guest returns for the third consecutive season, and this time it's for the season finale. Izzy Presley is back to share stories about life in Hollyweird and what he's working on next, including a couple of things he hasn't talked much about prior to this episode, recorded Aug. 4, 2019, and streamed live on YouTube.
You don’t have to be a fan of the “Back to the Future” films to appreciate the dedication a Minnesota man has to celebrating the beloved movie franchise. But you will want to check out a few pictures of his dedication at our Facebook page: facebook.com/cantturnitoff
It’s an annual theme, and it’s making a second appearance this season in recognition of a 30-year tradition the host participates in each spring. Those memories will follow two unrelated tales that have nothin’ to do with anything.
This episode looks at the life of a masterful guitarist and songwriter whose career took an unexpected turn nearly three decades ago. His story follows an anecdote about a recent incident in the life of the host. It's an anecdote that has nothin' to do with anything.
The host debuts an annual podcast feature during this episode and shares stories about two acquaintances from days gone by. Two people he remembers distinctly, two people that likely don't remember him, wherever they are. He knows where one of them is, without a doubt.
Truth is stranger than fiction, they say. Is it possible that the story of a "syndicated columnist" contains a little of both? The host examines the story of a former "celebrity columnist," whose odd childhood has been documented more than once, including by a women's magazine that traces its history back to 1937.
The story of an endurance athlete who made international news 10 years ago provides the host with an opportunity to reflect upon what we learned from the story, and how it applies to the world today.
This episode of the podcast looks back upon a failed chapter in suburban Chicago commercial development. What makes Old Chicago so interesting? It was a concept that isn't foreign to consumers today. And an Illinois man who has become the internet's leading Old Chicago historian will share stories and memories of a destination that is long gone.
A Los Angeles woman shares the story about how she met a Hollywood celebrity. If you have listened to episode 21, you already know more than a few things about the celebrity.
Season 3 of the podcast begins, finally, with an in-studio interview. Although our guest's name may not conjure up memories from the first season, it turns out that he's "Jay," the subject of our very first episode. We'll revisit themes from that first podcast during the interview, and the host will learn something about himself when it's all over.
The hiatus that never ends finally reaches its conclusion. The host continues his chat with two friends he interviewed during season 2. One is a friend he hadn’t seen in more than 20 years at the time of the interview, the other is a friend he had never met at the time of the interview. And a random co-host from another Jersey Studio podcast (Chuck) chimes in during the second conversation.
The slow churn of hiatus spectaculars continues with additional tidbits from two past guests. You’ll learn why one guest has never appeared on the game show “Jeopardy,” and the host will ask additional questions of a woman he met once, more than 20 years ago.
It has been nearly three months since the conclusion of season 2, and we’re within two month of kicking off season 3. Until that time, here’s something you’ve never heard before from two of our past guests.
The host winds up the second season of the podcast by reflecting upon a recent odyssey to a small town in Indiana, one that came up in an earlier episode from season 2.
A Florida woman who spent a year traveling throughout the United States with her family during the late 1990s recounts the hows and whys of her trip. She'll do so after the host clumsily explains how a family he met at Minnesota's Mall of America recently reminded him of that late 1990s trip.
The host interviews a Houston man he has never met, but watched on TV earlier this year. The host will also discuss his failed attempt at game show immortality in 2014.
A Minnesota man who sold his soul to rock and roll years ago has lived in southern California for nearly five years. He hobnobs with an eclectic cast of characters in the greater Hollywood area and loves the California weather, but occasionally finds his way back home to land of 10,000 lakes. (He'll be back soon.) Whether he is serving as an emcee, playing the guitar or interviewing a guest on his own podcast, he's always got something going on, and something to say. And he's the first Can't Turn it Off repeat performer. Expect a question or two that follows up the conversations from episode 10.
A Minneapolis area musician who has had a long and winding career talks about his music, his influences, his passions and his past. And it's a colorful past. The interview follows opening remarks by the host, who discusses the "one-hit wonder" phenomena.
The story of a Hollywood celebrity who personifies "famous for being famous" is the topic of this episode. The host will discuss the odd career of a woman whose Tinseltown credits date back to 1974. She's is a singer and actress, and there's a good chance you've never heard her music or seen her movies. But there's a decent chance you've seen her image, even if you didn't realize it.
In June of 1998, David and Elizabeth Weinlick were married. Their marriage and life after, is an unusual and somewhat famous story. This week's episode looks back upon their wedding day, but the host doesn't ask the Weinlicks to recall their marriage. Instead, he talks to an observer, Christy Hallas.
An Indiana man shares stories from his life, and pretty good stories, at that. So why was the host interested in Craig Davisson's stories? That will all become clear within minutes of listening to episode 19 of the podcast.
The host examines the life of a man whose creativity should have made him a legend in the comic book industry. (Some would argue that he is, even if his name is not among the top tier of legendary comic book creators.) And as gifted as he was when it came to writing, Bill Mantlo was a sharp legal mind, too. If that wasn't enough, he also proved to be an above average physical specimen, at least when it came to inline skating. Bill Mantlo's name may not mean anything to you, but you already know something about him if you listened to season 1 of the podcast.
The podcast returns for season two, and the host kicks off the new season with the story of a man whose name is not well known, but his contribution to sports history most certainly is. Today is the 24th anniversary of James Miller's most spectacular moment in the world of sports, and the host also discusses how the world has changed in the 24 years since that night in Las Vegas.
It’s the final bonus episode before season 2 begins. In this episode you’ll hear tidbits about Las Vegas and Minnesota sports, as well as a wacky story about actress Minnie Driver.
The off-season bonus episodes continue. In this episode you'll hear stories about Pee-wee Herman and an angry Pete Rose. And we'll learn something about Minnesota musician extraordinaire Prince that surprises the host.
The off-season bonus episodes are finally rolling out. What will you get in exchange for your time? Give episode 14 a listen and find out. And the host will share details about the kick off of season 2.
It's the season finale, and the final episode revisits the topic of a previous episode. But this time the host interviews a man who had a key part in the creation of the comic book company discussed in episode 9. Yes, it's the season finale. Season two is not scheduled to begin until November, but this isn't the last time you'll hear new content from the Can't Turn it Off team until then. You'll learn more about what's in store at the conclusion of this episode.
A Minnesota man who writes comic book stories, while continuing to live in central Minnesota, is the guest for this week's episode. And the guest's unlikely career as a comic book writer contributed to the host's return to comic book reading/collecting after more than 20 years. The host will, naturally, discuss that in excruciating detail.
The entire episode is devoted to the story of organ donor Harold Mintz. Most living organ donors have a personal story about their donation, and Harold is no exception. But Harold's story is unusual, and he joins the podcast crew from Malibu, California, to tell the story in his own masterful way.
The podcast returns, finally. The host interviews a Minnesota man he has never met, although he has followed the man's work for more than a decade. You'll hear references to places, people and events that won't mean anything to you, but you'll also hear the story of a man who has held a variety of jobs, in a variety of professions, throughout his adult life, and is a testament to the idea of following your dreams. The host also shares a story about how a decision he doesn't remember making forever changed the life of one of his friends.
A man who died nearly 25 years ago is remembered for the way he challenged the status quo in the comic book and rock music industries. The host also reflects upon a series of events that occured 20 years ago, beginning in Minnesota.
The host continues to share tales from his recent vacation in Mexico. He'll discuss three memorable characters he encountered, how he wound up at two timeshare presentations and why he was nearly traumatized during his final night of vacation.
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The host is the focal point of his podcast for the first time. He discusses the interesting sights and fascinating people he discovered during a recent vacation in Mexico. And he throws in a few geographic and historic tidbits for good measure.
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A man who experienced 15 minutes of fame sitting on a couch next to Chuck Woolery circa 1988 recounts the magic of television and the interesting woman he met as a result of it. The host also ponders the difference between game shows and reality TV, the latter of which he scoffs at.
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Jacob the Carpetbagger is a North Carolina man who travels the country seeking out roadside attractions, abandoned buildings and quirky museums for his YouTube channel. Jacob joins the host for a discussion about the how and why of his videos, and discussion of some of the amazing places he has visited during his travels, including a roadside attraction in Kentucky that debuted in 1969 and has had a rather colorful history in recent years.
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The host discusses the life of Michael Larson, a man he never met, and a man who is arguably more famous 18 years after his death than he was in 1984, when he dazzled a television audience. The host also reflects upon why a simple game show from the 1980s is one of his favorites.
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The host interviews a man who took a long time to travel from Minnesota to New Orleans, and learns what adventures await the Denver resident. The host also ponders what constitutes a tradition, and examines a few of his own.
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The host discusses the career of a former stand-up comedian who made a name for himself during the 1990s, but no longer works the comedy circuit, or in the entertainment industry. The host also reminisces about the heyday of his favorite game show, a game show that dates back more than 50 years and is back on American television after a hiatus of 18 years.
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The host shares the story of a mysterious stuntman from the 1970s, and ponders how lengthy the list of gone, and nearly forgotten, comic book superheroes and villains is. Follow Can't Turn it Off over at cantturnitoff.com
The host shares a personal story about one of the most interesting people he knows, and details about a film he considers one of his favorite movies, despite the fact he has only seen it twice in 19 years.
The host mistakenly refers to 2008 when telling a story about Boston in 2012.
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