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Can't Turn it Off

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.
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Can't Turn it Off
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All Episodes
Archives
Now displaying: 2017
Dec 6, 2017

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. 

Nov 5, 2017

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.

Oct 25, 2017

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.

Oct 15, 2017

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.

Oct 9, 2017

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. 

 
 
 
 
Jul 24, 2017

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.

Jun 26, 2017

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.

Jun 19, 2017

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.

Jun 12, 2017

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. 

May 10, 2017

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.

Apr 23, 2017

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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Apr 23, 2017

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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Apr 9, 2017

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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Apr 1, 2017

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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Mar 25, 2017

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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Feb 28, 2017

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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Feb 20, 2017

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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Feb 12, 2017
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.
 

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Jan 30, 2017

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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