Stand Up Scuttlebutt

The most-watched TED Talk was given by Sir Ken Robinson who posed the question, "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" A generation has passed since and yet, nothing has changed. Mark Riley sits in sharing his insights. Also, we talk about the comedy movie Mark wrote and his acting roles in various projects.

Evan Walsh joins us to share his Spring market update, recall some crazy expectations from buyers and sellers, and explain how selling a home with a dead body on the property has some challenges. Also, Liz gets a raise at work and Rick takes the stage at Nick's Comedy Stop.

Andrew Della Volpe sits in for Liz this week and shares his perspectives on hot-button small-town news stories like a recent cat rescue and the whereabouts of an antelope that escaped from the zoo. Also, listener email, and is saying, "ladies" really offensive?

There isn't an instruction manual to navigate the tribulations of daily life. But there is a Julie Dereshinsky! If you're not living your life, you can do something about it. Listening to this episode is a great start. You're on your own after that. Also, Three's Company references!

Sparkly sweater-thing? Check! Funny socks? Check! Stupid hat? Check! Congratulations, your kid is ready for another Spirit Day! Some parents beam with excitement for these special occurrences. We're not those parents. Also: a dumb husband story, a missed connection at the gym, and listener emails.

Paul Maleary visits the basement to share his experience as a homicide detective who's interrogated 30 murder suspects. Now he hosts, Paul Maleary's Ex-Jobs Downloaded Podcast , and is on the upcoming television series, Vivica Fox's Interrogation Room . Also on the show, we discuss writing roasts with a kid, the tribulations of texting with an iPhone, and the evils of "Big Wheelbarrow."

Your kid is going to summer camp but her kid is going to study abroad. Who cares? Well, she does, that's who! There are some moms out there making their children seem better, smarter, and more advanced than yours. Also, dads who serve as their kid's sports agents and "Travel Dad" crushes it in Las Vegas.

One day you have complete autonomy, personal space, and a perfectly curated Netflix queue. Then you get married and it's all gone. Love makes us do some crazy things. But that doesn't mean your spouse isn't going to annoy you sometimes. Let's all get on the same page and assess what is normal and what needs intervention. Also, dating advice for the recently divorced and a debate about Barry Manilo...

There are some great neighbors out there. We found some people in small towns across America that will make you feel good after hearing what they've done. Also, impatience at the drive-thru and moms who can't navigate a parking lot.

Who says referees don't have a sense of humor? Meet Mark Riley. He lasted a week in the NHL. Today he does it all; comedy, acting, and writing. Also, he loves Oprah.

We present five news stories involving people who handle situations with "alternative" solutions. Let's examine these behaviors and decide if they are justified or out of line! Also, Rick pisses off a teacher's assistant and Liz presents a new installment of "What's in the Box?"

Press "1" to waste your time. Press "2" to press more buttons. Press "3" to speak to someone who doesn't care. Let's be honest, customer service is abysmal these days. Thankfully, Rick and Liz have all the answers! Also, drills vs. impact drivers, doctor's office drama, and stupid contractor tricks.

We emerge from the basement to record before a live audience at the Zullo Gallery and Center for the Arts in Medfield, MA. Special guest Will Noonan performs stand-up and sits down for some fun conversation. Also, Townie Topics and other bits of fun!

There is a high school that believes withholding scholarships from high-achieving students is equitable. We believe that is the most asinine thing we've heard all week! Also, another weight loss product that's sure to disappoint, positive human experiences, and Turkish coffee is the new Adderall.

You have better things to do than argue on the internet. Yet, for some, it's a tough urge to fight. Don't be that guy. You're better than he/him/his! Also, breaking up with your gym, breakdancing is coming back, and things that "spark outrage!"

Boys and girls are different and so often is the approach to raising them. Why? We discuss this parental conundrum while citing our own double standards and biases. Also, the worst would-be bride in human history, our live show at the Zullo Gallery and Center for the Arts is sold out, and perfect pants for the effortlessly cool mom.

Have you ever heard someone refer to something as a "nothingburger" and thought, Damn! This guy is brilliant!? Neither have we. Leave the popular buzzwords, cliches, and office jargon for the marginally intelligent. You're better than them! Also, listener emails and perhaps the most asinine product of the week in human history.

Nobody delivers Top Ten lists like David Letterman, but we'll try anyway. Top Ten Things About People That Annoy Liz, Top Ten Scented Candles We Don't Need, and Top Ten Things Rick Loves About Small-Town Moms. Also, listener emails and a new Product of the Week.

Have you taken an online quiz to find out which character on Friends you are? So many time-wasting wormholes that trap us, but there's a new life skill that can save us all. It's called critical ignoring! Also, husband-wife laundry wars and frivolously designated parking spots.

Investing can be overwhelming for some of us, especially now, so we pulled in The Volatility Wiz! Scott Murray returns to the show to share his observations and predictions on the market as a derivatives trader. Also, we have two Bungholes of the Week; one involves questionable wardrobe choices, while the other has no interest in spreading goodwill.

This podcast is getting hit up with offers all over the WTF spectrum and decisions must be made! Also, teaching your teen how to get over their first crush, the enigma of the fax machine today, and a book that might help improve this show.

Rick picks all the topics to talk about. What a dick! We're talking about drama surrounding a community pizza party, The city of Concord, NH having the world's worst Christmas tree ever, and what to do when someone else's dog keeps shitting in your house. Also, we got a kick ass new website that you need to check out! Smalltownscuttlebutt.com.

We judge people to help maintain expectations in society. We take this responsibility so seriously that we asked to be judged too. How else are we going to get better if we don't get some feedback? Also, mini mom jeans, trad wives, and kids' birthday parties at Hooters!

He's a stand-up, Boston Duck Tours narrator, and the guy who always manages to get on the evening news. Welcome to the show, Mike O'Brien. We dial him up for a conversation about his experiences growing up in a small town in Western Mass. Also, trendy turkey prep, talk-to-text trauma, and how to piss people off without trying.

Dads. They are a unique species capable of burning dinner, fumbling with power tools, and misunderstanding their kids. Fortunately, we have sitcoms to set the record straight. Wait, whoah? We're talking about buffoon dads on sitcoms and movies! Also, mom cliques, how to crush your kid's dreams, and what it takes to be "fall cute".