Podcast
Small Town Scuttlebutt
Hosted by Rick Fink & Liz Daly · EN
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.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
E287: One-on-One w/ Will Noonan
1w ago01:46:17Tap to summarizeRick sits down with comedian, actor, and director Will Noonan for a wide-ranging conversation about stand-up, creative ambition, and trying to make sense of the world we’re living in. Will reflects on building his comedy career between Boston and New York, producing comedy specials — including his own special, Live in Boston — and the realities of pursuing a creative life. Along the way, the conversation turns philosophical, covering success, authenticity, modern life, and what it means to keep evolving as a person and performer.Proudly sponsored by Royal Pizza.
Transcribe →E286: Interdimensional Alien Demons Are Here!?
2w ago00:46:47Tap to summarizeThe U.S. Government just released files on UFOs and UAPs from a kitschy-looking website that seemingly trivializes the material. So what exactly is going on? Are we talking aliens, interdimensional beings, or demons?Rick and Evan Walsh dive into the latest conspiracy theories flooding social media while trying to separate reality from algorithm-driven insanity. But in a world where AI can fake audio, video, and pretty much everything else, how do we know what’s real anymore?Rick brings his trademark skepticism and cynicism while Evan enthusiastically leans into the rabbit holes. Whatever these things are, one question remains: are they good for humanity… or very bad news?You decide.
Transcribe →E285: One-on-One w/ Paul Gillespie, Cheap Laughs
4w ago00:58:45Tap to summarizeRick sits down with Paul Gillespie of Cheap Laughs to talk about migration from city life to the suburbs. They get into what you gain, what you lose, and what just gets… more annoying.From adapting to a fast-moving, always-on world to the oddly specific frustrations of small-town living—it’s a mix of perspective, pettiness, and reality.They also dig into comedy: how their styles evolve, what audiences are responding to right now, and why everyday annoyances might be the best material out there.It’s a grounded, funny look at growing up, settling down, and still finding things worth complaining about.
Transcribe →E284: One-on-One w/ Sarah Fitz, Boston Comic
Apr 2201:04:26Tap to summarizeBoston comedian Sarah Fitz (@notsarahfitz) joins us for a wide-ranging conversation covering today’s economy, the rise of AI, and how both are shaping everyday life.We also get into lighter topics like Jeep truck design and culture, what’s showing up in our social media algorithms, and a candid look at stand-up comedy—writing styles, process, and habits within the scene.To close it out, we talk Boston sports, including the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins, along with thoughts on Boston Red Sox ownership.Follow Sarah on social: @notsarahfitz.Sponsored by: APC Pest Control and Royal Pizza - Medfield
Transcribe →E283: Lookmaxxing Is Out of Control
Apr 1500:49:40Tap to summarizeIs forgetting your wife’s birthday an honest mistake… or grounds for immediate separation? Rick and Liz kick things off by putting one husband on trial and deciding whether this is a harmless oversight or a career-ending marriage move.Then it’s time for the listeners to take over—and they do not disappoint. We read emails that roast the show, demand a strong stance on cottage cheese, and ask for advice on surviving a 10-day family vacation without losing your mind. As always, Rick and Liz are more than willing to share.In the second half, Liz introduces Rick to the bizarre world of lookmaxxing—a growing trend where guys try to “optimize” their appearance for status. Enter Public Douchebag #1: Claviclature, an influencer promoting everything from jawline obsession to bone smashing. Yes, that’s a real thing. No, we don’t recommend it.
Transcribe →E282: Houston, We Have a Conspiracy
Apr 800:40:33Tap to summarizeThis week, Rick and Evan blast off into the world of conspiracy theories—starting with the viral claim that Artemis II mission is being faked with green screens (because apparently NASA mastered CGI but still struggles with livestream buffering).From there, they break down the greatest hits of space conspiracies: the moon landing hoax, flat Earth theory, alien cover-ups, and the idea that space itself is too dangerous for humans to survive.Along the way, they ask the real questions:How many people would need to keep these secrets?Why do all conspiracies rely on technology they claim is fake?And how many people believe this stuff?It’s part science, part skepticism, and mostly a reminder that common sense is still allowed… even in space.
Transcribe →E281: AI That Thinks… and Acts? (Plus Rockets, Religion & Reality)
Apr 201:11:02Tap to summarizeWe kick things off by tipping our cap to NASA for the successful Artemis II launch—yes, including finally fixing the onboard toilet (progress comes in many forms). From there, we zoom out on why space exploration still matters, then get into the wild realities of launch: the speeds required to escape Earth’s atmosphere and the G-forces astronauts endure just to get there.Then Pablo Gazmuri returns—AI Healthcare Technology Leader at Microsoft—to bring us up to speed on what’s actually happening in AI right now. He explains OpenClaw, an emerging platform that doesn’t just generate answers like ChatGPT—it can actually execute tasks and take action for you.So the real question becomes: should you be putting something like this on your computer today?We break down the pros, cons, and real-world implications of the latest tech—without the hype, without the fear-mongering. Then things take a turn (as they do) into bigger territory: science, religion, and philosophy. What are we? Why are we here? And what’s waiting on the other side?A little existential… a lot practical… and plenty of laughs along the way.Special thanks to our esteemed sponsors, Perez Martial Arts and Winslow Design.
Transcribe →E280: The Dad Bod Reality Check
Mar 1100:55:30Tap to summarizeRick opens the show with a confession: he’s crossed the 200-pound line, and that’s the point where something has to change. For Gen X guys balancing work, family, and a slowing metabolism, the dad bod can sneak up quickly—and sticking to a plan is easier said than done.Evan follows with “Fat Guy Science,” presenting five tough decisions every middle-aged guy faces when trying to manage his weight.In the second half, Liz puts Rick and Evan through a 10-question health and diet survey, evaluating their habits and determining how realistic their chances are of getting back on track.The crew talks about why people fall off the fitness wagon, how to push past the feeling of resignation about gaining weight, and what a realistic game plan looks like.Sponsored by APC Pest Control and Royal Pizza. 🍕💪
Transcribe →E279: Public Behavior Hall of Shame
Mar 400:50:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Small Town Scuttlebutt, the crew dives into the ever-blurring line between comfort and basic public standards. Rick opens the show with a proclamation that’s apparently more controversial than it should be: pajamas should not be worn on airplanes. Inspired by a recent Boston Globe reader survey, the conversation explores whether showing up to a flight dressed for bed is harmless comfort or a sign that the bar for public behavior keeps getting lower.In the mid-show segment, “Cabin Pressure,” Evan puts the group through a series of real-world scenarios that test the boundaries of airplane etiquette. From questionable wardrobe choices to in-flight habits that drive fellow passengers crazy, the crew weighs in on what’s acceptable and what should probably stay grounded.In the second half, Liz zooms out to examine the broader trend of public etiquette slipping in everyday spaces. From small annoyances to full-blown social faux pas, the group debates whether these behaviors are just part of a more casual culture—or signs that common courtesy is quietly disappearing.Plus: sponsor shoutouts to Winslow Design and Perez Martial Arts!
Transcribe →E278: From Cuba to the U.S. — Rolando Perez’s Story
Feb 2601:05:49Tap to summarizeIn this one-on-one episode of Small Town Scuttlebutt, Rick talks with friend, sponsor, and local business owner Rolando Perez about his family’s journey from Cuba to the United States. His family left by boat during the Castro era with $47 and the risk of being captured. Although Rolando was only two years old at the time, he shares stories passed down to him — including an uncle sentenced to five years of hard labor cutting sugar cane after a failed attempt to defect, and a grandmother arrested for selling coffee to support the family.At a time when immigration is often discussed in negative terms, Rolando offers a different perspective. Now a grandfather and owner of a martial arts business, he reflects on his life, his family’s sacrifices, and why he believes the United States offers opportunity.Listen for a firsthand account of perseverance, family history, and perspective.
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