The gang sounds off on the latest parenting trend: birthday gift registries for kids. Is this thoughtful or just tacky consumerism wrapped in a bow? Plus, a new “New Rick vs. Old Rick” moment as he wrestles with how to handle an airline inconvenience — Zen traveler or vengeful passenger? Liz questions when it’s time for kids (and adults) to hang up the Halloween candy bag, and Evan reels in a massive fish — along with a boatload of online haters. It’s a classic mix of accountability, absurdity, and laughs from the Scuttlebutt crew.
This week on Small Town Scuttlebutt, Rick kicks things off with big news about a new comedy show he’s hosting. Then Evan dives into the NBA gambling scandal with his trademark mix of excitement and conspiracy. Finally, Liz opens up about her 17-year-old son’s shifting priorities and the parental struggle of trying to keep a teenager grounded in reality.
Three hosts. Three stories. One show cut short because of a spam call that stopped the recording going into the second half.
When does “living with Mom” stop being traditional and start being tragic? There is a growing trend of grown men staying home while their mothers head to work—and pay the bills. Also, Rick enjoys a trip to NYC while hoards of angry people in his small town assemble on street corners for No King's Day, Evan gets caught in a coven of witches, and Liz falls in love with a chatbot!
In this episode, Rick talks with Richie Welch — a contractor by day and a stand-up comedian by night. Richie represents the fourth generation of his family working at Welch Corp, a major player in Boston’s construction and redevelopment scene. When he’s not on a job site, he’s performing or producing comedy shows around Boston.
Rick and Richie also get into parking etiquette, New England sports teams, and the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade — plus a few other topics along the way.
This week on Small Town Scuttlebutt, Rick, Liz, and Evan cover the kind of news that makes you wonder if anyone’s in charge anymore. A brand-new house gets built on land that was never even sold, a squirrel goes feral, and Rick finds himself fending off a pack of 30 cyclists who confuse the road for a parade route. Meanwhile, Liz greenlights her son’s mid-season football debut, and Evan witnesses his nephew’s spectacular crash-and-burn attempt at wedding romance. It’s local logic meets national nonsense—with all the judgment you’ve come to love.
Rick sits down with his longtime friend Jim James for a conversation that’s less about winning arguments and more about asking questions. The two dive into current headlines—Pete Hegseth shaking things up at the Department of Defense, Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, Bad Bunny snagging the Super Bowl Halftime slot, and a few other cultural curveballs.
The twist? Rick and Jim don’t see eye-to-eye on much, and that’s the point. They trade insights, laugh at the absurdities of the news cycle, and prove that you can disagree without being disagreeable. Ten-plus years of friendship and plenty of global chaos later, they’re still finding common ground where it matters: enjoying the conversation.
In this episode, Rick sits down for an in-depth one-on-one with Pablo Gazmuri, AI & Healthcare Technology Leader at Microsoft. They dive into the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence—what it can already do, what’s coming next, and how it’s transforming the way we monitor and manage our health. Pablo shares practical insights into the future of AI-powered healthcare, along with tips on how individuals can use these tools today. The conversation takes a fun turn as they explore Pablo’s passion for astrophotography—and yes, Rick makes sure to ask him about aliens.
You've seen the altercation where a crazy lady gets in a guy's face about a baseball. Now let's talk big picture here, she was wrong but is it alright for society to endlessly mock, condemn, and chastise her? 67% of the hosts of this show say, "yes!". Also, starting your day with a jump-scare, kids don't like starting school later, and getting your annual physical every seven years.
Most people in your community know where to find answers regarding town affairs. The others go to Facebook because, well, um, meh - we don't know. Liz presents a case study in passive aggressive bitchery (yes, that's a word). It's been going on for almost a week! Are these two "ladies" done yet? Also, Evan is mad that school starts before Labor Day and Rick is still reading the school emails that have flooded his inbox.
Everyone’s chasing happiness, but some folks need GPS. Rick brings an article busting the myth that minimalism brings joy, suggesting community involvement instead. Liz hates it for a billion reasons, and Evan’s just thrilled his kid’s at summer camp for two weeks.
Rick "went on vacation in Belmont, MA" and spent six days at McLean Hospital, a renowned psychiatric care, research, and education facility. He talks about what led him to admit himself, and walks us through the whole experience from intake to discharge. Did Rick come out a better man? You decide!
RICK'S MESSAGE TO LISTENERS - If you are suffering from depression and do not know where to begin recovery, please call 988. It is the mental health number for crisis support in the United States and is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. You can also reach out to the National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787.
Sydney Sweeney wears jeans and some angry people made it about Nazis? Also, Rick and Mike share the gayest straight camping trip, and Liz sees Rod Stewart perform in concert at age 82.
A Mom stirs it up when she encourages her kid to fight his bully. Some parents love the idea while others think diplomacy in the principal's office is the higher road. Also, TV show recommendations, GILFS, and Rick emails his neighbors to complain about their landscapers.
Rick hangs out with Carolyn Plummer. She's a 20-year veteran in the Boston comedy community and has travelled all over the country. Her biggest stage was Denis Leary's Comics Come Home 26 at the TD Garden for the Cam Neely Foundation. Rick and Carolyn also talk about the upcoming show they are doing together in Wolfeboro, NH with Steve Hytner, A.K.A. "Kenny Bania" from Seinfeld.
End of Days may be upon us because a pedophile was one "I do" away from tying the knot with a kid at Disney Land Paris. Also, Rick and Evan each have a hall pass for the same super model, which parlays into the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, which segues into unhealthy body image expectations. Time for a donut.
Just when you thought customer service couldn’t spiral further into the abyss, here strolls in Gen Z with zero f*cks to give. No “hello,” no “how can I help you,” just a little turd staring at you, daring you to initiate the order. Your move—order or silence? Also, Evan is an allergy-sufferer with vim and vigor, Liz tries to coach up her teenage son in the kitchen - on how to move things in the fridge to find what you're looking for, and Rick blasts off about the app he had to download onto his phone to operate the remote vacuum in his saltwater swimming pool - poor guy. Maybe he should start a Gofundme campaign.
One mom finally snaps and calls out her kid’s school for treating parents like unpaid interns — all in the name of mental health. Hear what kind of reaction she's getting! Also, Rick praises one of his daughter's teachers, Evan defends wearing crocs and free t-shirts, and Liz reflects on a recent parenting decision.
Every week for five years we have delivered a marginally funny show so let's celebrate. Not so much for us, but for you the listener who's tolerated us this long. Rick, Liz, and Evan share their observations of the week, read listener emails, and pay tribute to their sponsors, APC Pest Control, Perez Martial Arts, Royal Pizza, and Winslow Design. Then, Boston-Based Headliner, Kathe Farris sits down for an interview.
We get it. You have a dance recital, a graduation, a baseball game, and need to find time for groceries. You're the one who decided to provide enriching lives for your children, not us! Nonetheless, we commiserate with you. But first, Rick shares the biggest laugh you'll get from the internet and a rant on "Mom Hockey".
Mrs. Hemmingsworth isn't taking her top off at the July 4th cookout but she is ranting like a lunatic at a referee on a soccer field because her kid is not playing enough. We brag about being the "independent, latch-key kids, who didn't care!" What happened? Also, TV commercial characters, shoulder-slung fanny packs, and child neglect!