The Truth Behind Carl Radke’s Name—and More About His Life and Journey
If you’ve been watching Summer House, you probably know him as Carl Radke, the guy with the easygoing charm and that unmistakable goofy smile. But here’s a fun little surprise: Carl’s real first name isn’t actually Carl. Yep, you read that right.
What’s in a Name? It’s William, Not Carl
During a recent chat with PopViewers on August 8, the 40-year-old reality star dropped the name bomb: his legal first name is William. “My middle name is Carl,” he explained. “My family — for whatever reason — we always went by the middle name. Even my brother went by his middle name.” So, while your ID and passport say William, the world knows him as Carl Radke.
He went on to say, “It’s a family thing. My mom has her own explanation that I don’t really get, but yeah, my full name is William Carl Radke.” Imagine that—going through life using your middle name! It’s quirky, a little confusing, but totally him.
Life Beyond Names: The Dating Scene and Personal Growth
Carl’s not just a reality star with an interesting name story—he’s also been navigating the world of dating, work, and self-growth. In a May interview with PEOPLE, he opened up about his dating life since his split from fellow Summer House star Lindsay Hubbard nearly two years ago.
“I’ve been dating a little bit,” he shared candidly, “but I’ve really been focused on work.” It sounds like Carl is balancing his time between his career and personal life, still hoping to find that special someone. What does that someone look like? “Someone who is smart, good with their family, and likes to be a little silly and giggle,” Carl said with a grin.
What Makes Carl, Carl? His Personality Shines Through
One thing Carl highlighted during the interview is how he sees himself in relationships. “I like to think I’m a good listener,” he told PEOPLE. “I’m very supportive. I show up for my partner. I really want to see them succeed and be successful.” Sounds like he’s the kind of guy who’s not just in it for the fun but genuinely cares about his partner’s happiness and growth.
Watching Himself on TV? A Trip Down Memory Lane
Reality TV moments can be a mixed bag—especially when it involves watching yourself make out on screen. Carl shared a funny take on how his family reacted to one of those intense TV moments.
“My mom would say watching me back was like watching me on steroids,” he joked. “Back then, I was partying a lot and doing all that, but now I appreciate how Jesse’s friends say, ‘It’s like actually seeing Carl.’” He explained that his friends now see the real him—“a little awkward, a little goofy”—and he takes that as a genuine compliment. It’s always interesting when reality shows peel back the curtain and show the authentic person behind the persona.
The Upcoming Memoir: Cake Eater and Carl’s Journey to Sobriety
If you thought Carl’s story was just about partying and dating, think again. Earlier this year, in March, he teased his upcoming memoir, titled Cake Eater. The book dives deep into some heavy topics: his battle with sobriety, confronting toxic masculinity, coping with the loss of his brother, and more.
The memoir’s synopsis paints a picture of someone who’s been through the wringer but came out stronger. “Whether processing grief, navigating sober relationships or confronting the public’s perceptions, Carl’s journey is one of resilience, growth and self-discovery,” it reads. And Carl doesn’t just share the struggles—he does it with vulnerability and humor, reminding readers that the most meaningful transformations come from within.
Quick Takeaways on Carl Radke
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Legal first name: William Carl Radke, but known as Carl.
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Family tradition: Using middle names is a quirky family thing.
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Dating: Focused on work but still open to finding someone who’s smart, family-oriented, and fun.
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Personality: A good listener, supportive partner, and unapologetically goofy.
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Reality TV: Comfortable embracing the real, awkward Carl viewers now see.
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Memoir: Cake Eater chronicles his sober journey, grief, and redefining what “fun” means.
Why Carl’s Story Matters
Carl’s name reveal might seem like a fun trivia fact, but it’s a neat entry point into understanding his unique outlook on life. Going by a middle name isn’t just a random quirk; it hints at how family and identity weave together in unexpected ways. And beyond the name, Carl’s willingness to be honest about his personal growth, struggles with sobriety, and the search for meaningful relationships makes him relatable to a lot of people.
The way he talks about showing up for his partner and being supportive shines a light on a refreshing kind of masculinity—one that embraces vulnerability and prioritizes emotional connection over macho posturing.
And then there’s Cake Eater, his memoir that promises to be a candid look at the ups and downs we don’t always see behind the reality TV scenes. It’s a reminder that the journey to self-discovery is messy but worth it.
Carl’s Reality Star Evolution
Fans of Summer House have watched Carl evolve on-screen. From the party scenes to heartfelt moments, he’s come a long way. His friends seeing the “real Carl” — awkward and goofy — is an important moment of authenticity for him. It’s like a behind-the-scenes pass into who he really is beyond the edited episodes and highlight reels.
That openness is part of why his story resonates. Reality stars often get boxed into stereotypes, but Carl’s candidness about his struggles, quirks, and growth breaks that mold.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for Carl? Beyond the memoir, fans will be watching his continued growth—both personally and professionally. Whether it’s new relationships, sobriety milestones, or more reality TV moments, Carl’s journey is far from over.
For now, we can all appreciate the fact that the guy we’ve come to know as Carl Radke actually has a few surprises up his sleeve—including a name twist, a memoir full of real talk, and a personality that’s all heart.
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