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Small Town Scuttlebutt

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Rating
★★★★★
4.5
from
33 reviews
This podcast has
300 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
Yes
Date created
2020/06/11
Latest episode
2026/10/03
Average duration
70 min.
Release period
8 days

Description

Making sense of what’s happening in our society is complicated. From the perpetual virtue-signaling to the over-reliance on water bottles, small towns across the globe are facing serious challenges. The man-bun, mommy blogs, and people who consider figure skating a sport; they’re all egregiously wrong! So, if your typical day is stymied by self-checkout machines that always need an employee override or your inbox is flooded with way too many over-worded emails from your kid’s school, we can commiserate. Join us as we critically examine these quandaries and more every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere else cool podcasts are found. Check us out online at smalltownscuttlebutt.com.

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Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Small Town Scuttlebutt podcast


E305: Kathy Gilmour, Boats, Bruins & Boys’ Clubs
2026/10/03
Kathy Gilmour has spent much of her life on the water—and now havigates the Boston comedy scene. Kathy joins Rick to talk about working on the open water, from New England all the way down to the Florida Keys. With a degree in marine biology, she’s done everything from sightseeing tours and fishing charters to ferrying boats up and down the East Coast during the offseason. With this comes great responsibilities like capturing pirates and punching sharks in the face (not really). She’s also a member of the Boston Garden Society and that makes her a regular at Boston Bruins games, which means she knows what she's talking about when the team needs to focus on their neutral-zone defense and force more turnovers, y'know? Kathy is a woman in the Boston comedy scene, but don’t expect a symposium on gender equity in the 21st century. She’s funny, candid, and has some great observations about the differences she’s encountered—and the absurdities that come with them. About Kathy Gilmour Kathy Gilmour is a New England stand-up comedian with a background that’s anything but typical. Before comedy, she built a career on the water, putting her marine biology degree to work on sightseeing tours, fishing charters, and boats traveling the East Coast from New England to the Florida Keys. These days, when she’s not performing comedy, there’s a good chance you’ll find her at TD Garden taking in a Bruins game. Sponsored by APC Pest & Termite Control This episode is sponsored by APC Pest & Termite Control. When pests move in, call in the Swat Team. Knockin’ ’em dead since 1981. apcpest.com
E304: Jay “Tank” Renaud, Hollywood Adventures & Building a Comedy Empire
2026/09/24
Jay “Tank” Renaud joins Rick to talk about his years in Hollywood as an actor and comedian who, ironically, never landed comedic acting roles. From appearances on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Boston Public to touring with Gallagher, opening for Brian Regan, and partying at Donnie Wahlberg’s house, Tank has plenty of stories from his time in the business. Now back in New England, Tank is putting his experience to work with Spanky’s Comedy, booking and producing shows while developing ambitious plans to help the next generation of stand-up comedians find their footing. About Jay “Tank” Renaud Jay “Tank” Renaud is a stand-up comedian, actor, booker, and producer whose career has taken him from Hollywood sets to comedy stages across the country. Today, he runs Spanky’s Comedy, producing live shows and creating opportunities for both established performers and up-and-coming comics. Sponsored by APC Pest & Termite Control If unwanted pests have moved in, trust the local professionals who've been knockin' 'em dead since 1981. Learn more at apcpest.com
E303: Lahna Turner — Come What May, Ralphie May & Pounds of Power
2026/09/17
Lahna Turner joins Rick while she’s in Boston for the screening of Come What May at the Boston Film Festival. The deeply personal documentary tells the story of her late husband, comedian Ralphie May, from his rise in comedy to his battle with addiction and the complicated reality of loving someone through it all. Rick and Lahna talk about grief, love, family, forgiveness, and her decision to tell Ralphie’s story honestly—both the good and the difficult. They also get into Lahna’s Pounds of Power comic books, which take the larger-than-life Ralphie May and reimagine him as an actual comic-book superhero. About Lahna Turner Lahna Turner is a comedian, writer, musician and filmmaker known for combining stand-up with original comedy songs. Her credits include the comedy special So... I Wrote a Song About It and several comedy albums. She is also the creator of Pounds of Power and producer and co-director of Come What May, continuing to tell Ralphie May’s story while maintaining a comedy career entirely her own. Sponsored by Winslow Design This week’s episode is sponsored by Winslow Design, an award-winning residential architecture firm specializing in renovations, additions and new construction. From rethinking the home you already love to designing something entirely new, Winslow Design creates thoughtful spaces built around the way families actually live. winslowdesign.net
E302: Rickey “Fish” Fennell — Maximum-Security Guard, Jamaica Plain & Childhood Close Calls
2026/09/09
Rickey “Fish” Fennell is a Massachusetts guy through and through—and if you somehow miss that fact, his accent should clear things up pretty quickly. This guy has stories! Rick can’t get off the subject of Rickey’s former career working as a unit guard overseeing 70 inmates at Boston’s maximum-security Nashua Street Jail. During his time there, the jail housed some nationally notorious inmates, including Aaron Hernandez, the Craigslist Killer, and the Killer Nanny. Needless to say, Rick has questions. Lots of them. Eventually, they make it out of jail and into Rickey’s childhood, which apparently wasn’t much safer. There’s the nun who split his head open with a ruler, the time he nearly got run over by a train, and plenty more adventures of a time gone by. About Rickey “Fish” Fennell: Rickey “Fish” Fennell is a Massachusetts-born stand-up comedian and a familiar face on the South Shore comedy scene. He regularly performs at venues throughout the area and has shared bills with some of Boston comedy’s longtime favorites, including a recent special-guest appearance alongside 25-year Boston comedy veteran Bob Niles. Fish brings an unmistakable Massachusetts personality to the stage and has become a popular name on local comedy lineups. Sponsored by Royal Pizza: This week’s episode is sponsored by Royal Pizza. Support the businesses that support Stand-Up Scuttlebutt, and when you’re hungry, give Royal Pizza a shot. Visit royalpizzamedfield.com.
E301: Mona Forgione, Singing Telegrams, Roller Derby & Stand-Up
2026/09/02
Mona Forgione enters the Scuttlebutt Studio for a conversation that proves stand-up comedy might not even be the most interesting thing she does. Mona performs singing telegrams, which can mean showing up to tap dance for a complete stranger or arriving dressed as Jesus and leaving an unsuspecting recipient dazzled, amazed. Then there’s her former life as a roller derby skater, where the list of injuries is so long it might have been easier to talk about what she didn’t break. We also get into the Boston comedy scene and finding your people within it. About Mona Forgione: Mona is a Massachusetts-born comedian now based in New Hampshire and a semifinalist in the 2020 Boston Comedy Festival. She has opened for comedians including Eddie Pepitone, Steve Bjork, Jimmy Dunn, and Myq Kaplan, and has performed throughout New England. Sponsored by APC Pest & Termite Control: From carpenter ants and rodents to mosquitoes, ticks, termites, and more, APC is here to protect your home. Visit APCPest.com — Knockin’ ’em dead since 1981.
E300: Good Vibes, Great Advice & the Man Behind the Character with Rodney Norman
2026/08/26
On a very special 300th episode, Rodney Norman sits down in the Scuttlebutt Studio for a wicked fun conversation. You might know him as that hippie on Instagram who interrupts your doom scrolling with daily affirmations delivered with equal parts sincerity and absurdity. Or maybe you’ve caught his stand-up somewhere around the country. Either way, if you’ve ever watched Rodney and wondered what he’s like when he’s not performing, this is the episode for you. Rodney talks about developing his character, which was partly inspired by his alcoholic grandfather, and why he deliberately takes a different approach from the endless supply of online self-help gurus. He talks about getting recognized in public, why he always makes time for those interactions, and what it’s like having his strange little nuggets of wisdom connect with so many people. And believe it or not, Rodney also served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps. We didn’t see that one coming either. So kick back, soak up some good vibes with Rodney Norman, and help us celebrate 300 episodes of Scuttlebutt. About Rodney Norman: Rodney Norman is a nationally touring stand-up comedian, actor, and social media personality known for blending philosophy, motivational wisdom, and wonderfully absurd comedy. His viral videos have built a massive online following through a character who somehow manages to be ridiculous, sincere, and occasionally profound all at once. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Rodney brings a life’s worth of experiences to a comedy style that is entirely his own. Sponsored by Winslow Design: From kitchens and baths to additions and full-home renovations, Winslow Design helps turn your ideas into spaces that work beautifully for the way you live. Learn more at winslowdesign.net.
E299: A Coach’s Advice for Youth Sports Parents with PJ Thibodeau
2026/08/19
PJ Thibodeau returns to the studio, and things get weird right out of the gate with funeral plans and taxidermy—two topics that somehow become intertwined. From there, Rick and PJ talk about embracing ADHD, PJ’s liberating approach to getting things done without lists, and their very strong opinions on keeping a calendar. Then PJ gets down to business with some perspective from his years coaching youth basketball: let kids play and have fun, work with coaches instead of against them, manage expectations, and encourage young athletes to play multiple sports rather than specialize too soon. About PJ Thibodeau: PJ Thibodeau is a veteran New England stand-up comic known for his sharp observations, storytelling, and ability to find the funny in everyday life. Away from the stage, he’s spent years coaching youth sports and working with young athletes and their families. He brings that experience to the conversation with plenty of humor and some genuinely useful perspective. Sponsored by Perez Martial Arts: Build confidence, discipline, and real-world skills through martial arts training for kids, teens, and adults. Visit perezmartialarts.com.
E298: New Jokes, Old-School Punk & No Tattoos with Aaron “Tiny” Smith
2026/08/12
Aaron “Tiny” Smith joins Rick to talk about the grind of performing stand-up comedy and the challenge of finding new material at 50. Tiny also looks back at his years as the singer for punk rock band The Thickness and how his time in music compares with life in comedy. Along the way, Rick and Tiny discover they’re both members of the increasingly exclusive no-tattoo club, weigh in on the popularity of video games, and talk about the comedians who have influenced Tiny and still make him laugh. About Aaron “Tiny” Smith: Tiny is a Boston-based comedian who has performed throughout New England, including comedy clubs and festivals around the region. His stand-up special The Spoons was recorded live at the Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain. Before comedy, Tiny was the frontman for Boston punk rock band The Thickness. Sponsored by Perez Martial Arts: Build confidence, discipline and strength at Perez Martial Arts with programs for kids, teens and adults. Find the right program for you at PerezMartialArts.com. "In Family We Trust."
E297: Mark Riley | Hockey, Comedy & Questionable Childhood Decisions
2026/08/05
Hattrick! Mark Riley is back for the third time! Beyond stand-up, he's host of Chirping Zebras, and a former NHL referee. Normally, you're not supposed to like refs but Mark is the rare exception. He shares hilarious stories from the rink and what it takes to control a hockey game when tempers flare. On a personal level, we discuss the questionable decisions we all made growing up in the late 1900s. Then we wrap up with a conversation about podcasting, including Mark's show Chirping Zebras, which recently featured Rick's childhood hero, Bruins legend Rick Middleton. This week's episode is sponsored by APC Pest Control. If unwanted pests have moved in, trust the local professionals who've been knockin' 'em dead since 1981. Learn more at apcpest.com.
E296: Rich Condon – One Man's Trash, Another Man's Next Project
2026/08/01
Stand-up comedian Rich Condon has built a reputation for finding the funny in everyday life, but offstage he's just as passionate about something else: bringing old, forgotten machines back from the dead. In this episode, Rich shares his love of rescuing everything from cars and mopeds to just about anything with an engine. Armed with patience, know-how, and an eye for a bargain, he buys unwanted projects on the cheap, breathes new life into them, and sends them back out into the world—often finding a new home through Facebook Marketplace.
E295: Marriage, Baseball & Stand-Up with Andrew Della Volpe
2026/07/22
Andrew Della Volpe is a New England stand-up comedian, host of The ADV Show podcast, and a former collegiate catcher whose baseball background still shapes the way he approaches comedy today. We talk about his meticulous restaurant research before a night out, celebrate his first wedding anniversary with stories from dating through married life, revisit his days behind the plate as a power-hitting catcher, and get his prediction for where the surging Red Sox will finish this season. We also dive into the discipline it takes to stick with stand-up, how baseball prepared him for the highs and lows of the comedy grind, and wrap things up with Andrew's upcoming appearance at the Hampton Beach Comedy Festival and his own podcast, The ADV Show.
E294: Uncle Yak, Magic, Mind Games & Studio Mayhem
2026/07/15
Uncle Yak has spent decades blending comedy and magic into a one-of-a-kind act. On this episode of Stand-Up Scuttlebutt, he talks about what first drew him to magic, dealing with skeptics, and why comedy became an essential part of his performances. Along the way, he leaves Rick completely baffled with impossible card tricks, reveals personal information he seemingly couldn't have known, lights a fire in the studio, and even shares stories from his days performing as a clown.
E293: Mary Beth Collins, Awkwardness, Online Dating & Off-the-Map Travel
2026/07/08
Mary Beth Collins is a comedian known for her sharp writing, self-deprecating style, and what she proudly describes as being "level 10 awkward." She also claims to be the oldest person living in Boston's Seaport neighborhood who occasionally gets mistaken for Owen Wilson. In this episode, Mary Beth joins Rick to talk about writing, refining, memorizing, and performing stand-up comedy. They also swap stories about the realities of online dating, living in Massachusetts while constantly traveling, and finding humor in awkward moments.
E292: Matt McArthur, Comic, Bagpipe Legend & World Cup Folk Hero
2026/07/01
A well-established Boston comic with years in stand-up, Matt found himself at the center of one of the wildest scenes Boston has seen in a while when 60,000 Scottish fans—better known as the Tartan Army—descended on the city for the World Cup. Armed with his bagpipes, Scottish heritage, and larger-than-life presence, Matt became a central figure in the celebration, helping strengthen a bond between Boston and Scotland that will last forever! From leading the charge in packed pubs across the city to appearing on Fox Sports alongside Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, Matt was everywhere. His run even earned him airtime on BBC back in Scotland. In this episode, Matt breaks down what it was like becoming an unofficial ambassador during Boston’s Scottish takeover, the surreal media attention that followed, and how a stand-up comic ended up becoming a citywide symbol of one unforgettable World Cup moment.
E291: Ajay G — Betting on Yourself and Trusting the Process
2026/06/24
Ajay G is one of the most unique voices in New England comedy—a Boston-based stand-up comic, award-winning storyteller, startup mentor, and tech entrepreneur originally from Mumbai, India. Known for his clean, sharp storytelling style, Ajay has performed on PBS, ABC, NPR, and stages across the U.S., Canada, Singapore, Indonesia, and India. He’s also a multiple-time Moth performer, comedy festival favorite, and somehow balances life as both a comic and a serious business mind. Ajay talks with Rick about Indian culture, the challenges of assimilating to life in America, and how a colonoscopy may have accidentally launched his stand-up career. Ajay also shares his unconventional path from dropping out of Harvard University to launching his own social networking platform, which has amassed nearly five million users. Along the way, he tells wild stories about entrepreneurship, reinvention, and betting on yourself.

Podcast reviews

Read Small Town Scuttlebutt podcast reviews


4.5 out of 5
33 reviews
★★★★★
Bboopma 2023/04/22
A much needed, weekly laugh at ourselves
Life is too short to take things so seriously. Rick and Liz remind us to lighten up and relax.
★★★★★
backwithnature 2023/02/07
Love this Podcast!
Just listen. You’re welcome 😀
★★★★★
Michelle in Delaware 2023/02/07
Love it!
I recently tried this podcast after a friend recommended it. No regrets! Now I’m listening to every new episode. Rick and Liz sound great together and...
★★★★★
Podcasts r my jam 2021/12/16
Great listen!
Small town scuttlebutt humorously examines current issues through the lens of a small New England town. Rick and Mike are our hosts, welcoming a wide...
★★★★★
jprophet 2021/12/16
Love the parade episode
Haven’t written a review before, but have listened from the start… as a recovering Facebook-a-holic, I appreciated living vicariously through your ins...
★★★★★
Rp112962 2021/11/05
Rp112962
Great show , they tell it like it is. All the funny things about living in a small town
★★★★★
KaraENeary0124 2021/10/13
The truth
I mean everything they say is freaking true, especially about bicyclist 😅😅
★★★★★
Mike Paige Studios 2020/12/24
Great Show
Doesn’t get more biased than this, but I’m a firm believer in leading by example.
★★★★★
Solarguy37 2020/12/24
Excellent!
This is a great one, and I’m not just saying that because my friend started it either. It’s hilarious and worth a listen. I’ve listened to a handful a...
★★★★★
jzem523 2020/12/24
A weekly respite from 2020 monotony
I look forward to this podcast every week, as a much-needed break from the stress & tedium of 2020. I might even like it enough to keep listening in 2...
check all reviews on apple podcasts

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