Charlie Berens gives 2022 University of Wisconsin-Madison Commencement Speech

[@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.

[@HurricaneReba]

This is literally a Midwest dad. Lol

[@HLBear]

​@@HopeRock425It's real.

[@lehgatwo]

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.

[@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

[@lopaka76]

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

[@MalloryNewcomb]

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

[@makattak88]

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

[@tyronemcsanchez]

Best commencement speech ever

[@benny7634]

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

[@tyronemcsanchez]

@@benny7634 not a fan

[@benny7634]

@@tyronemcsanchez OK!

[@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.

[@zubrickadvisors6742]

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

[@JitkaJankovska]

💐I am a bit late but Congratulation. (Way to make your little sister proud).

[@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!

[@RM-xl1ed]

This man is a national treasure.

[@rebvanwinkelstein2578]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@mikesandate3222]

Paid more attention here than my own graduation ceremony

[@Christian-gr3gu]

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

[@TheRealFrontierStudio]

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!

[@DOLfirst]

Tee shirt reveal at end!

[@jillsy2815]

he does

[@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.

[@nader3236]

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

[@crabbygirl1969]

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

[@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!

[@ellemarie4271]

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

[@Rochelle937]

So true.

[@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.

[@AldensAntlers]

keep er movin!

[@gmg9010]

Keep er movin! KZbin translate to English lol

[@Baker-H]

@@gmg9010 It translates to keep is movin lol

[@PlanesPlease]

Fucking translate to English. That’s amazing.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 👏

[@gmoneyhockey]

Geez Louise, Excellent job, now keep er movin’

[@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?

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Your comedy lights my soul, Charlie!

[@solomonchild3398]

So awesome glad they called you for this

[@TylerDeWaard]

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

[@IDrawToothpicks]

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

[@colemant6845]

You can tell... He is VERY smart ! The way he ties words and sentences together (Without Reading) is a GIFT of intelligence. There is no Teleprompter, (Trump or Biden), no paper (or bar napkin) he reads from. It is all in his head. VERY smart guy. RARE indeed.

[@thesnoopydance645]

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!!

[@tokyosan7906]

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

[@Pennypincher2]

It’s Wisconsin, they only have winter commencements.

[@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!

[@bmneukie]

perfect job Charlie!!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@slindke]

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

[@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.

[@trudy285]

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

[@BattlestarCanada]

Oh Jeez. What a speech.

[@joeycrck1479]

True western new Yorker here. Mr berens has adopted us. I'll make sure to watch out for deer, play pickleball, hunt, fish, and watch out for the backs of my neighbors... But I still won't eat ranch. Love you man.

[@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]

🤣

[@Godsfavorite1919]

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

[@realShadowKat]

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

[@wallacetaylor5893]

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

[@CMSVexuss]

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

[@trentyoung1135]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@rayallaire4423]

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

[@skeletun6203]

This is such a good speech

[@augenmaugen]

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

[@susiefairfield7218]

Charlie!! PhD of Ope!😄🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@sinical1031]

🤣

[@lauriedreier5492]

So much wisdom wrapped in familiar Midwest comfort

[@sipssometea5526]

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

[@diana__s]

Ended up leaving college. Thanks for giving the graduation speech I wish I had ❤️ means more than you know

[@gamechanger1687]

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

[@maryrudelich9000]

Amazing grace Charlie. Such an honor.

[@bertuccigirl]

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

[@alanpranke3299]

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

[@joeapple0011]

Love ur confidence

[@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.

[@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!!!!

[@dmwi1549]

Excellent advice Charlie. What a speech!

[@littlejack6123]

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

[@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.

[@danielw4995]

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

[@markusorth5450]

Philly guy here. I love this guy.

[@BrentTharp]

This is truly phenomenal. Really well done.

[@TheOuroborosLoop]

You can literally just skip ANYWHERE in this video and it's Gold

[@Bellicose0311]

I’d take him over any Hollywood actor 8 days a week

[@kbaker9804]

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

[@david29k11]

I had a front row seat! Glad you were there for my graduation!

[@tvanderson1960]

Congratulations

[@ba2tripleO]

This turned out to be more inspiring than I expected

[@bloonboy5660]

Bring back the Manitowac Minute

[@nicholascoyle3210]

Hey it’s that guy from KZbin!

[@kemmow25]

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

[@dlrosbury]

Excellent! A Victory Speech for Charlie! Very well done!

[@whitneyreagan5142]

Such a fantastic speech, Charles! Well done

[@micheletherese3503]

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

[@aimeetaylor7099]

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

[@SheSmilesSlyly]

Once your soul is lit, the path will reveal itself ❤

[@williamj3359]

I wish I would have had someone like him give my commencement speech.

[@jacobparenti7475]

I’m a huge bears fan but Charlie is one of my favorite guys to watch and I think it’s hilarious how he makes fun of the bears

[@the_man34]

Keep her moving

[@pissedoff911]

BRING BACK THE MANITOWAC MINUTE!!

[@kwosilait2855]

So much better than the commencement speech I sat through--Wisconsin-Madison class of 1984.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Do u know what was even said in 1984 lol

[@ering7923]

OMG!!!! Best Commencement Speach EVER!!!!! #CHARLIEFORPREZ2024

[@gus473]

I'd vote for him! 🇺🇸

[@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. 🥳🥰

[@LiveLaughLoot]

This would be the best graduation ever ngl, I would prefer this over the president coming to do it

[@frankierzucekjr]

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

[@Fox-Mann-Fam]

J-school grad (winter 1993) here - you are a credit to us all!

[@Jojo-bq3es]

Very nice. Message is spot on.

[@andrewboudreau5279]

Good job Charlie! Watch for deer!

[@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!