Joining us today is Carl Radke, star of Bravo’s Summer House and author of the new memoir, Cake Eater. Carl is at Mall of America for a special book event, and we’re grateful he took the time to sit down with us.
In Cake Eater, Carl shares a candid and deeply personal look at his life, navigating career shifts, family dynamics, profound loss, and his journey through recovery. It’s an honest, vulnerable story that reminds us growth and joy often come from the moments that challenge us most.
In this conversation, Carl opens up about what inspired him to write the book, how sharing his story has changed him, and what he’s still learning about authenticity, resilience, and staying grounded. It’s a thoughtful discussion about change, self-awareness, and what it really means to redefine success.
NOTE: Please be aware, there is the use of some colorful language in this episode.
2:15 An early Mall of America story from Carl Radke (been here many times)
5:00 Talking about writing a book, vulnerability and the platform to share his story
7:40 Getting men to speak out about critical issues, mental health, emotional issues
9:30 Learning from 10 seasons of Summer House (and life)
13:15 Cake Eater, how Pittsburgh, golf, and The Mighty Ducks helped inspire the book title
19:00 Launch of Carl’s new bar/café in New York: Soft Bar, it’s about intentionality
29:00 The world of running – and the community it builds
31:00 Wrapping up the visit with rapid fire questions
For the book tour: https://cakeeatertour.com/
For Cake Eater visit: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Cake-Eater/Carl-Radke/9781998076765 (or Barnes + Noble and other booksellers)
To visit Soft Bar: https://soft-bar.com/
For info on Loverboy: https://drinkloverboy.com/
Guests: Carl Radke, star of Summer House and author of Cake Eater
Your host: Jill Renslow, Sara Johnson
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.
