Charlie Berens gives 2022 University of Wisconsin-Madison Commencement Speech

Congrats class of 2022, keep 'er movin' and watch out for deer 🎓
MERCH: manitowocminute.com/collections
Follow me at these places:
Twitter: @CharlieBerens
Instagram: @CharlieBerens
Facebook: charlieberensTV
For more Manitowoc Minute click here: • Manitowoc Minute

[@TheRealMtnDewMike]

This is glorious, feels like a Midwest dad telling stories

[@seanA416]

This was phenomenal!

[@gus473]

​@@LM-id1bbYeah, in a good way..... 😎✌🏼

[@HopeRock425]

Is this real? It looks very strange.

[@CuriousCatAtHome]

This is literally a Midwest dad. Lol

[@HLBear]

​@@HopeRock425It's real.

[@djnysted6140]

As one of the students who was in the graduating crowd for this- I just want to say thank you for making Commencement something special that I’ll remember. Other speeches are definitely going to fade (and honestly, they already mostly have…), but I’ll always remember you telling us about… what was it again? In all seriousness, this was an awesome speech and myself and the rest of the grads all enjoyed.

[@infiniteaaron]

This was real then?

[@pissedoff911]

@@infiniteaaron no they were all actors🙄🤫

[@dgeneeknapp3168]

I'd have given anything for be a commencement speech that I could remember one single thing about. I graduated in '98 and can't recall who spoke, about what, or why. This would have been so much better. I think it was my a congressman that spoke? Someone no one gives two hoots about and was it worth the effort to recall in the least. Charlie.... THAT'S a commencement speaker!!

[@mkjirak]

I can't remember who did my commencement. I remember my sister's (UW Madison, class of '09, same as Charlie) was Bud Selig. I know the Wisconsin folks were probably thrilled, but I'm a Twins fan and I never forgave him for trying to kill my team.

[@makattak88]

“Once your soul is lit, the path will reveal itself.” Brilliant.

[@lopaka76]

"Once your soul is lite, your path will reveal itself." Great words.

[@MalloryNewcomb]

“And on the path *Watch out for Deer*”

[@sidv192]

Charlie reminds us of an old Chinese proverb: The successful man; you can not tell when he is working and when he is playing

[@Kevin_Carlson]

This is the greatest commencement speech I've ever heard. So glad that Charlie decided to do what was in his heart. Sometimes we all need to forget the mountain and head to the lake

[@catcherboy96]

I just moved to the mountains. Always thinking about the lakes back home.

[@davidsamson4141]

Best commencement speech ever

[@benny7634]

I guess, you haven't met Conan O'Brien yet!

[@davidsamson4141]

@@benny7634 not a fan

[@benny7634]

@@davidsamson4141 OK!

[@RealDuckyVr]

I haven’t watched it yet but I’m hoping he tells them to watch out for deer

[@youtubehandlessuckass]

the caption says that :)

[@StacySanseverino]

Oh you betcha!

[@DOLsenior]

Tee shirt reveal at end!

[@jillsy2815]

he does

[@DiamondEpsilon]

I saw this live (friend was graduating) gotta say its amazing to see it in person and I am glad its been uploaded. Congrats to everyone graduating UW Madison. Make sure to watch out for deer.

[@ddebenedictis]

Tell your folks I said "Hi".

[@loki2240]

As someone born and raised in B1G Country, who also graduated in the Winter, I also want to congratulate all of the UW grads!

[@ddebenedictis]

@@loki2240 nice win yesterday, congrats to the Badgers!

[@Christian-gr3gu]

Geez Louise I can't believe he's on the big stage

[@MaraJade91]

Okay, you know what? I loved this. This was very touching. I graduated high school in 2017. Started college that fall for a degree in nursing. I ended up dropping out of college in 2020 because it was too much for me (no, COVID had NOTHING to do with it). Moved back home under the condition that I would go to college locally. But now, almost two years later, I have my own apartment, no debt, got out of a very toxic relationship that started at the first college, and have a job that I love more than I would have loved nursing. I still am going to school, but on my terms You're right: no one cares. Do what you love and it's worth it. Thanks, Someone Who Appreciates This Speech More Than You Know

[@Cletus_the_Elder]

When you don't have songs, passed down from one generation to the next, to sustain you in drought, in harsh winters, when crops fail, when a job is lost, you will have humor and good stories if you are lucky. Thank you, Charlie.

[@pollykent2100]

That was really good. I got a little misty-eyed at the end. How is it that so many of us graduate into a recession? Class of 1979 here.

[@coasterincalifornia]

because the ones that don’t, are to famous to say

[@natedefrees5862]

Graduated in Fall 08, right into the recession.

[@choconutsclips1488]

i graduated high school, directly into the pandemic. not technically a recession but it friggin sucked.

[@pollykent2100]

@@choconutsclips1488 it absolutely did suck. I'm so sorry!

[@concettaworkman5895]

Banksters.

[@zubrickadvisors6742]

Good Job Charlie. "Once your soul is lit, your path will reveal itself". And so it does.

[@mikesandate3222]

Paid more attention here than my own graduation ceremony

[@RM-xl1ed]

This man is a national treasure.

[@rebvanwinkelstein2578]

International☝️ I watched this from Germany and loved it, too 😍

[@justgonnaskedaddle6715]

As a native midwesterner living in the south, you bring me so much joy and sentimental memories about growing up in the Midwest. I look forward to each new episode of the Bellied Up podcast because it takes me back to those great memories and a much simpler time. You’re doing great things and everything you do is sincerely appreciated.

[@gw10758]

You made it to the big time my friend..... Merry Christmas from Montana!!! Where men are men and sheep are nervous.

[@kh3612]

@gw10758 Gee, I thought that was Scotland! 😉☮️

[@hfjjor3681]

@@kh3612 I heard it was N. Dakota!

[@AsianManZan]

@@hfjjor3681 nah I don’t tuck my pants in my boots but I hear Montanans have Velcro gloves.

[@nader3236]

This is a certified “I was out sick, what did I miss?” classic.

[@gmoneyhockey]

Geez Louise, Excellent job, now keep er movin’

[@rogerjokela6383]

"find the thing that lights up your soul"...I left Wisconsin after I wrote my first few songs in the early 90's - moved to Nashville to be around that community and spent 18 years there learning the craft of songwriting - been in the Florida Keys for 10 years making a great living doing exactly what I want to do. I never want to retire!

[@WORLD_OF_M4V3R1CK]

Honestly, this was the best speech ever given. Do what ignites your soul, the money, but more importantly, the happiness, will follow. More profound and true than words can say. Bravo 👏

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Your comedy lights my soul, Charlie!

[@solomonchild3398]

So awesome glad they called you for this

[@joshuawiedenbeck6944]

For anyone who doesn't know yet. Charlie has a podcast with Myles called "Bellied Up" that's basically 45 minutes per episode of pure Midwest hilarity. The ditch chickens episode is particularly good.

[@bmneukie]

perfect job Charlie!!

[@AldensAntlers]

keep er movin!

[@gmg9010]

Keep er movin! KZbin translate to English lol

[@Baker-H]

@@gmg9010 It translates to keep is movin lol

[@idcanthony9286]

Fucking translate to English. That’s amazing.

[@faolan2174]

I'm so glad you turned to comedy, Charlie! Your videos always make me laugh. I hope you're loving your life as it is right now, even if it's not what you'd envisioned when you graduated. You're doing great. Thank you.

[@patchouleigh_]

Great message for any age. Well done. 👏👏

[@ddebenedictis]

Yes, I really love his closing "once your soul is lit, the path will reveal itself"! 🧡

[@joans6047]

Cute name and icon!!

[@realShadowKat]

been watching Charlie for years now.... Very awesome, this just made me smile the whole time

[@m.leland459]

I wish I had a commencement speech like that when I graduated 33 years ago! It's been a long road, but I'm doing what I love, I'm successful at it, and I don't have to be somewhere every morning at 7:30. Overall, my life is more fulfilling and much less stressful than someone in upper management.

[@sinical1031]

Way to make it all about yourself. Jeez Louise...

[@MarkBarrack]

Like Charlie said, "no one cares"

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

What do u do? Do u have a family?

[@wallacetaylor5893]

An awesome job, I didn’t know what to expect when I started watching. An awesome job sir.

[@slindke]

Charlie, you're great brother. Wish you the best in 2023

[@BattlestarCanada]

Oh Jeez. What a speech.

[@skeletun6203]

This is such a good speech

[@solaris_molaris]

You listens here there pal, this is so motivating hearing as someone who wants to entertain through the medium of streaming but is primarily going into Comp Sci. I don’t know what my path looks like, but I damn sure hopes I get somewhere like you. Doing what you love surrounded by people who love you. Thanks Mr. Charlie

[@Godsfavorite1919]

That was a lot of people in the audience. You are amazing!

[@joeapple0011]

Love ur confidence

[@sharoneicher4131]

I am from the coasts and live in Kansas now. I spent 2 glorious years at UW and one in Minnesota. I love Berens for reminding me of what I loved in Bucky Land.

[@trudy285]

Great speech Charlie Berens! 👏😊 Sounds like you've paid your dues! 😉 Congratulations UWM 2022 Graduates!👏🎉🎊 Brightest Blessings Wishes Everyone For Your Futures! ☺️✌️❤️🦋🙏

[@trentyoung1135]

Great speech. I didn't know his background until now.

[@maryrudelich9000]

Amazing grace Charlie. Such an honor.

[@Eric_Richars]

I’m a sophomore in college right now and what comes next after college is a question that’s constantly on my mind. This was amazing to watch. I’ll keep this video in my back pocket for when it is my time to graduate. Thank you so much, watch out for deer, and tell your folks I says hi!

[@Rochelle937]

You seem intelligent and thoughtful so you will do fine. Just don't put pressure around yourself around money and things. . enjoy people and experiences, and take time out to smell the roses.

[@PresTeddy1901]

"Then I realized one of life's great secrets, nobody cares what you do. They may say they do. They don't. Those who love you will still love you. And as for the rest, they are too busy counting likes on Instagram to care how many likes you have." Charlie Berens

[@CMSVexuss]

Such a great way to describe life. Do what you love and your path will reveal itself

[@littlejack6123]

Congratulations, Charlie. What an honor! You fulfilled all expectations with high honors quality witt and wisdom...

[@rayallaire4423]

That was an awesome speech! They’ll never forget you

[@susiefairfield7218]

Charlie!! PhD of Ope!😄🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@sinical1031]

🤣

[@sarahkujawa5592]

Love your comedy Charlie! And such great insights in this very entertaining speech! Keep ‘er movin’!

[@bertuccigirl]

This was really good. I wondered at first if it was just going to be comedy but wow he really made great points!

[@sipssometea5526]

Watched it 4 or 5 times and still it's so relaxing to listen to him

[@tarim2822]

A very good speech, thoughtful and insightful. Thank you for uploading and sharing!

[@dmwi1549]

Excellent advice Charlie. What a speech!

[@danielw4995]

This is really amazing. Congrats on a great honor, Charlie!

[@joshfallen8069]

Glad I watched all of this. Well done! Great advice

[@ddarrenput8]

That was friggin Awesome! Truly better then all those other people who were too busy to deliver the speech! Cheers to more great things and content in 2023!!!!

[@lambaman]

This was so sweet…. I’m so glad for your comedy, it makes my life better each day

[@jayashreelaxmekuppuswami8600]

You did a great job charlie!!!!! U really gave a humble and sincere speech on what matters in such a simple amd direct and kind way.....they are all gonna appreciate your vision into what life should be handled as❤❤❤ go charlie❤

[@vintageaudiophile5535]

As a fellow 2009 grad from UWSP thanks for following your dreams. Agree you gotta do what makes you happy!! Tho living now in Bear land it does get hard staying true at time.

[@anninwhack1998]

Great speech from a class of ‘93 grad at Penn State. I also graduated in a recession year. I tell young people all the time the idea those of us in the past graduated w a great job is a myth. Your advice speaks to me as a 50 year old who kept taking the other path and still had a great life w a lot of unusual and good experiences. I’m a lake camper at heart. Love your show and your message.

[@jimlahey3919]

We Are. Class of 06

[@kbaker9804]

I wish I had had someone like this for my commencement speech, then I might remember it. Great job, Charlie.

[@frankierzucekjr]

Well done buddy, you're a good dude and deserve all the success coming your way. God bless I freakin love your comedy

[@kemmow25]

Very good Job. I think your Mom, Dad and Sisters will be happy.

[@tokyosan7906]

Heavens to betsy for just a winter commencement it looked packed in there.

[@sethmick8817]

It’s Wisconsin, they only have winter commencements.

[@whitneyreagan5142]

Such a fantastic speech, Charles! Well done

[@rebeccat4331]

Best advice ever “no one cares what you do “ 100 percent true.

[@gamechanger1687]

You nailed it Charlie..they will never forget the words of that night..keeper Movin boss.

[@aimeetaylor7099]

This is exactly what I needed to hear: I will be listening to this over and over again

[@sleepyhunter]

Amazing speech. I can definitely relate to choosing to change careers after putting in some time into your chosen career path in college. It's true you find your passion and everything else falls in place.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Unless ur passion is not culturally valued Then ur in poverty lol

[@JujuS93]

I just sent this to my daughter. A winter grad from the University of Iowa 2019. Aspiring actor in New York. Hilarious inspiration from a fellow Wisconsinite!

[@jlsson05]

Thank you Charlie!!!

[@TylerDeWaard]

I applaud Charlie as a Minnesotan. A true man of the people.

[@katherineclare4642]

Alight now, Charlie, if I wasn't homesick for Madison already... Geez Louise, Bud. Sincerely, thanks for sharing the memories from one of the best places. 🥳🥰

[@mattanderson344]

I was hoping that you would post this.

[@augenmaugen]

That was hilarious, but actually surprisingly beautiful. I was choked up at the end.

[@twisted_topologist1701]

This was amazing. Thank you.

[@BrentTharp]

This is truly phenomenal. Really well done.

[@lauriedreier5492]

So much wisdom wrapped in familiar Midwest comfort

[@esperanzavencetarot]

Duuude…i’m old enough to have lived in Ogg West! And ogg east was still a smoking dorm 😆 binging on Berens before farm season starts back up…thanks for all the great content!

[@MoMoLuv87]

This was very inspirational for me. Great job 👏🏼 ❤

[@oldtavernfarm]

This is the best reminder that we all start somewhere. I didn't know who Charlie was 2 months ago. Now, I'm addicted. Rise up future generations...and have a sense of humor.

[@belindaelisa5618]

He's right: if you are going to be making doughnuts for a business at 4 in the morning, watch out for deer while driving.

[@tvanderson1960]

🤣

[@the_man34]

Keep her moving

[@AndyfnB]

My daughter and I were cracking some packs yesterday (baseball cards) and about did a double take when I saw your mug on one. You know you've made it when Topps makes you a card.

[@StacySanseverino]

So moving for a comedian! Love you, Charlie!

[@ellemarie4271]

Literally the best advice in the world. "No one cares what you do."

[@Rochelle937]

So true.

[@kazTHEcomic]

Beautiful, brother. Very funny and very inspirational. Thank you for sharing.

[@lc2748]

Lololollll, I love it! ❤️ This is funny but also touching in it's honesty.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I love Charlie!

[@IDrawToothpicks]

I'm watching this all the way through before sending this to my mother.

[@flixbix11211]

Loved this! Great advice

[@bakert7000]

Great speech. It was funny and full of wisdom. Great ending to watch out for deer.

[@lolapalloza183]

This turned out to be more inspiring than I expected

[@star222333]

I really liked that, lots of honesty and humor. 😊

[@micheletherese3503]

Great Job Charlie, I know your folks are proud, tell 'em I says hi.

[@alanpranke3299]

Graduated from the UW 45 years ago. Still have occassional dream of showing up for chemistry final and never attended a class. 😵‍💫

[@demetriscott7880]

Wow that was probably one of the best speeches ever 👏 I've graduated 3 colleges and this tops it off!

[@7349yt]

Good man! God bless you.

[@mitchelllee879]

Very inspirational ending. Charlie crushed it

[@nicholascoyle3210]

Love the recession bit