Podcast
Stand Up Scuttlebutt
Hosted by Rick Fink Jr · EN
Hang out for conversations with comics in Boston and beyond. We talk about the behind-the-scenes stuff and life in general from the perspectives of comics, which is rarely normal.
Check us out online: standupscuttlebutt.com
Follow us on Instagram: @standupscuttlebutt
Proudly sponsored by APC Pest Control, Perez Martial Arts, Royal Pizza, and Winslow Design.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
E292: Matt McArthur, Comic, Bagpipe Legend & World Cup Folk Hero
1w ago00:58:34Tap to summarizeA 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.
Transcribe →E291: Ajay G — Betting on Yourself and Trusting the Process
2w ago01:07:13Tap to summarizeAjay 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.
Transcribe →E290: Carolyn Plummer, Comics Come Home, Nudist Resorts & Electric Grills
3w ago01:22:37Tap to summarizeComedian Carolyn Plummer joins Rick for the first episode of the newly rebranded Stand-Up Scuttlebutt. Carolyn is one of New England's most recognized comics, having performed at TD Garden as part of Comics Come Home. Carolyn shares stories from her comedy journey, including performing at a nudist resort, which is as awkward as it sounds. Then Rick and Carolyn discuss the challenges of moving, the summer jobs that helped shape them, and why neither of them has ever gotten a tattoo. Carolyn's also attempts to justify buying an electric grill. The episode wraps up with spirited opinions about music as Carolyn shares her love of the Grateful Dead and Rick explains why Phish is the worst band to ever exist. Sponsored by APC Pest and Termite Control - APCPest.com
Transcribe →E289: Heart Attacks, Hoops & Comedy with PJ Thibodeau
Jun 301:31:11Tap to summarizePJ Thibodeau is one of New England's most respected stand-up comics, a longtime basketball coach, and a guy who's somehow managed to shrug off two heart attacks and keep moving forward. PJ joins Rick for a conversation about life in your 50s, from AARP memberships and staying healthy to simplifying life and focusing on what really matters. They also pull back the curtain on stand-up comedy, sharing stories from the road, observations about the comedy scene, and the interesting characters you meet along the way. It's a funny, honest conversation about aging, perspective, and finding the humor in all of it.
Transcribe →E288: Steve Wheeler: Comedy, Alaska & Bad Social Skills
May 2701:08:32Tap to summarizeRick and Steve Wheeler talk comedy scene personalities, the quirks comics all seem to have, and the social behaviors that probably shouldn’t happen in public. They also get into growing up playing sports and how that shaped their personalities, confidence, and approach to life.Steve shares what it’s really like splitting time between New England and Alaska — the endless daylight, what people actually do for fun, and whether the dating scene lives up to the rumors.
Transcribe →E287: One-on-One w/ Will Noonan
May 2001:46:17Tap 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!?
May 1300:46:47Tap 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
Apr 2900:58:45Tap 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.
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