This is glorious, feels like a Midwest dad telling stories

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

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

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

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

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.

Best commencement speech ever

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

This man is a national treasure.

Paid more attention here than my own graduation ceremony

"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!

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

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.

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.

Geez Louise, Excellent job, now keep er movin’

Your comedy lights my soul, Charlie!

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.

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

keep er movin!

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 👏

So awesome glad they called you for this

perfect job Charlie!!

Great message for any age. Well done. 👏👏

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.

Oh Jeez. What a speech.

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.

"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

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.

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

This is such a good speech

Charlie!! PhD of Ope!😄🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

Love ur confidence

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

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!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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❤

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!

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

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

Amazing grace Charlie. Such an honor.

Excellent advice Charlie. What a speech!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Such a fantastic speech, Charles! Well done

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

This is truly phenomenal. Really well done.

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

This turned out to be more inspiring than I expected

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. 🥳🥰

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

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

This was amazing. Thank you.

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!

So much wisdom wrapped in familiar Midwest comfort

Keep her moving

Thank you Charlie!!!

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

So moving for a comedian! Love you, Charlie!

Loved this! Great advice

I was hoping that you would post this.

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

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

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

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

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

Very inspirational ending. Charlie crushed it

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

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