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.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
E290: Carolyn Plummer, Comics Come Home, Nudist Resorts & Electric Grills
Yesterday01:22:37Tap 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
2w ago01:31:11Tap 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
3w ago01:08:32Tap 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
4w 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!?
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.
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.
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