Can't Turn it Off
84 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsDo 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.
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Episodes
083 - Hiatus Spectacular 20
February 14, 2024 23:09 - 19 minutes - 15.5 MBThis 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.
082 - Hiatus Spectacular 19
December 23, 2023 21:10 - 40 minutes - 32.7 MBAnother 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.
081 - Hiatus Spectacular 18
November 26, 2023 13:33 - 47 minutes - 38 MBWhat 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.
080 - Hiatus Spectacular 17
November 11, 2023 05:09 - 38 minutes - 30.5 MBThe 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.
079 - Hiatus Spectacular 16
October 02, 2023 02:20 - 49 minutes - 39.4 MBNot 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.
078 - Erin Dietrich
August 27, 2023 14:38 - 1 hour - 51.2 MBA 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.
077 - Phil Huston
April 30, 2023 22:32 - 1 hour - 53.4 MBPlenty 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.
076 - Crystal Zhao
April 23, 2023 21:28 - 50 minutes - 40.1 MBIs 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.
075 - Izzy Presley
November 06, 2022 23:43 - 47 minutes - 37.9 MBIt 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.
074 - Strange Days Indeed Vol. 6 — Halloween
October 30, 2022 14:42 - 52 minutes - 72.2 MBAs 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.
073 - Aaron Wallace
September 11, 2022 16:32 - 41 minutes - 33.2 MBIt'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.
072 - Ron "Boogiemonster" Gerber
August 01, 2022 04:31 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBThe 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."
071 – Sandy Ann Perez Photography
June 05, 2022 22:36 - 47 minutes - 38 MBThe 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...
070 – John Sherman
April 24, 2022 21:32 - 1 hour - 52.9 MBThe 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.
069 – It's Your Move
April 03, 2022 14:57 - 1 hour - 72.8 MBSeason 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.
068 - Hiatus Spectacular 15
February 28, 2022 03:02 - 50 minutes - 39.7 MBIt'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.
067 – Hiatus Spectacular 14
February 07, 2022 06:25 - 32 minutes - 25.3 MBAs 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.
066 - Hiatus Spectacular 13
January 17, 2022 15:37 - 37 minutes - 36.6 MBAfter 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.
065 - Comic Book Expo
November 15, 2021 03:26 - 44 minutes - 35.4 MBThe 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.
064 – Izzy Presley
September 25, 2021 23:01 - 35 minutes - 28.8 MBYou 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.
063 – Strange Days Indeed Vol. 5 — Las Vegas
August 30, 2021 00:20 - 43 minutes - 35 MBThe 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.
062 - Strange Days Indeed Vol. 4
August 22, 2021 15:47 - 44 minutes - 35.9 MBWhat 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.
061 - Free Blockbuster
August 01, 2021 22:33 - 22 minutes - 17.9 MBJimi 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.
60 - Sam Novak
June 27, 2021 14:11 - 55 minutes - 44.4 MBThis 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.
059 - Jeff Walker
June 06, 2021 17:31 - 58 minutes - 47.2 MBThis 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.
058 – Elmer Sherwin
May 30, 2021 15:16 - 35 minutes - 20.1 MBHere 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 ...
057 – Carl Ferris
May 03, 2021 02:56 - 45 minutes - 26.3 MBIt'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.
056 - Jahna Steele
April 19, 2021 17:14 - 48 minutes - 38.5 MBSeason 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.
055 - Hiatus Spectacular 12
December 21, 2020 14:02 - 31 minutes - 25.3 MBTwo 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.
054 - Hiatus Spectacular 11
October 25, 2020 14:36 - 48 minutes - 39 MBThe 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.
053 - Hiatus Spectacular 10
September 27, 2020 23:59 - 31 minutes - 25.3 MBIt'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.
052 - Jeanne Calment
September 13, 2020 13:36 - 37 minutes - 30.3 MBIt'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?
051 - Meggie Kwait
August 30, 2020 12:20 - 58 minutes - 47 MBHundreds 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.
50 - Bayfield Wisconsin
August 10, 2020 00:23 - 53 minutes - 73.1 MBIn 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.
049 - April Pease
June 28, 2020 13:52 - 58 minutes - 46.7 MBThe 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.
048 - Izzy Presley
June 14, 2020 22:39 - 59 minutes - 48 MBThe 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.
047 – Wonderhussy
April 19, 2020 17:42 - 46 minutes - 37.2 MBA 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.
046 – Strange Days Indeed Vol. 3 -- Minnesota State Fair
April 12, 2020 23:22 - 1 hour - 39.6 MBIt'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.
045 - Highrise Joe
March 29, 2020 18:50 - 45 minutes - 36.2 MBThe 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.
044 - Friendster
March 01, 2020 16:14 - 39 minutes - 31.4 MBDiscussion 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?
043 - Rosie, Frank and Breana
February 02, 2020 17:25 - 51 minutes - 41.3 MBSeason 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.
042 - Hiatus Spectacular 9
January 27, 2020 00:29 - 21 minutes - 16.8 MBThe 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.
041 - Hiatus Spectacular 8
November 17, 2019 22:51 - 34 minutes - 27.6 MBA truly spectacular hiatus!
040 - Hiatus Spectacular 7
August 25, 2019 20:02 - 46 minutes - 64.2 MBIt's a spectacular like you've never heard before.
039 - Izzy Presley
August 06, 2019 18:46 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBThe 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.
038 - Andy Strano
June 18, 2019 02:58 - 51 minutes - 41.4 MBYou 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
037 - Strange Days Indeed Vol. 2
June 10, 2019 14:21 - 50 minutes - 69.1 MBIt’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.
036 - Jason Becker
May 13, 2019 16:00 - 54 minutes - 43.9 MBThis 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.
035 - Strange Days Indeed Vol. 1
April 15, 2019 20:25 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBThe 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.
034 - Jodi Jill
March 13, 2019 01:39 - 1 hour - 44.7 MBTruth 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.