North Caldwell, New Jersey

Tiny town. Big secrets. One suspiciously spiritual traffic light.

Birch beer, buried mafia lore, an abandoned sanitarium, and a Church of the Traffic Light that really leans into metaphysics — Margo Escott brings us back to North Caldwell, NJ, and Podcast Town builds a delightfully deranged local variety show around it. Expect tomato politics, a Sopranos-adjacent tour, electrocution "illuminators," and at least one tomato to the face.

In this episdode:

• Host Billy Merritt interviews Margo about growing up in a town with no stores and no traffic lights — until suddenly there is one.

• The town's favorite podcast - "Tonight in North Caldwell," complete with call-ins, commercials (Tony Soprano Tours; Freddie's Funeral Home), and a fireman's picnic parade gone very, very sideways.

• Highlights include: the Overbrook Sanitarium ruins, Big Al's Maserati Tomato Farm and its overprotective daughter, the Church of the Traffic Light, and the surprise Tomato Queen pageant (chaos, chanting, and tomato splatter included).

Standout lines (for the quote-tweet pile)

• "Praise all stoplights."
• "Traffic light be with you."
• "Who dat bitch?"

Cast & Credits
Host: Billy Merritt. Guest & town chronicler: Margo Escott. Full Podcast Town improv troupe — characters include Mildy/Lisa, Tim, Luke, Big Al, Tia (Traffic Light priest), and more.

Heads up / Trigger note
Contains playful references to mental-health institutions, prisons, and mock electrocution scenes (improv, not real). Listener discretion advised for anyone sensitive to those themes.\

Enjoy — and remember: if you're ever confused by a new traffic light, consult the parish. 🚦

Sponsors: Annual Firemen's Picnic, Church of the Traffic Light, Big Al Maserati's Tomato Farm, Dr. Wilson - Death Therapist and Child Illuminator, Tony Soprano Tour Guide Company, Freddie's Funeral Home.

DIRECTOR/CREATOR: Billy Merritt
Producer/Editor: Hill Kane

CAST:

• Luke Bovard: Host Luke- Tonight in North Caldwell Podcast
• Hill Kane: Alison Maserati (Big Al's kid), one of Tim's kids
• Brent Kohler: Producer - Tonight in North Caldwell Podcast
• Don Slovin: Big Al, caller, one of Tim's kids, Freddie
• Lisa Steckman: Host "Mildie" - Tonight in North Caldwell Podcast, "Bianca"
• Thea Marie Thorkildsen: Priest of the Holy Traffic Light Church
• Flannery Wilson: Dr. Wilson - Death Therapist

And special guest, Margot Escott as the real Tomato Queen.

"Podcast Town" Improv is part of The BIT Comedy Network.

MUSIC: "Memfish" performed by Little Kahunas | Produced by Peter Miller ©

Production Assistance from Luke Bovard (thank you) - ya gotta have a plan B!

Audio Production, Graphics/Art, Show Notes by Hill Kane of Raising Kane Media + Marketing.

Hosting Platform: Libsyn.com

"The BIT" and "The BIT Comedy Network" are Trademarks owned by Billy Merritt.
© 2024-2025 Billy Merritt - All Rights Reserved
Inquiries + Notices + Requests: TheBitComedyNetwork@gmail.com

Rodeo clowns. Radiohead. Room 105. Welcome to Lakeside, CA—population: weird.

Host Billy Merritt welcomes ER doctor–turned–improviser Devlyn Corrigan, who takes us on a tour of his dusty hometown: Lakeside, California. What starts as a stroll down Main Street quickly gallops into full-blown rodeo madness, local teen drama, and a possibly haunted motel room.

Then, the Podcast Town players transform this dusty slice of Americana into a fully improvised audio fever dream, featuring:

• 🎸 A Radiohead benefit concert at the rodeo (yes, that Radiohead)

• 🏨 Creepy conspiracies about Room 105

• 🐄 Clydesdales, clown training, and hitching fees

• 🎤 A shaky rendition of the national anthem

• 🧶 Crochet horse blankets, Dairy Queen showdowns, and mysterious spring water (bonus scene)

• Billy Merritt (Narrator/Director)
• Devlyn Corrigan (Special Guest and real person)
• Fananary Wilson (Not a bananary)
• Brett Hickory (Clown-in-Training)
• Gail (Podcast Town's ultimate producer… maybe witch?)

"Don't stick it in your mouth. ...Sorry, it tastes delicious."
"If anything weird happens in Room 105, I'd love to interview you about it."

🛒 Sponsors & Local Businesses

• Bukkee's Radio Head (not the band) Supply Shop
• Bud's Big Ass Horse Watch
• Tilly's Tack Shop
• Maya's Main Street Crochet Caravan
• 7-Eleven (Unofficial)

DIRECTOR/CREATOR: Billy Merritt
Producer/Editor: Hill Kane

CAST:

• Terry Armstrong - Bud, Todd, etc.
• Amber Bellsdale - Dottie (ex rodeo/prom queen turned DQ manager)
• Luke Bovard - Mysterious man in 105
• Peg Davis - Tilly
• Hill Kane - Gail (be sure to watch SHUT UP Gail on the BIT spotlight)
• Brent Kohler - Brett Hickory, Horsin' Around Podcast Host
• Don Slovin - Bukkee and various weirdos about town
• Jason Spiro - Thom Yorke of Radiohead and the ghost in 105 (bonus scene)
• Jim Tripp - 7/11 Owner and Thom Yorke fan
• Flannery Wilson - Fananery Wilson, Horsin' Around Podcast Host

"Podcast Town" Improv is part of The BIT Comedy Network.

MUSIC: "Memfish" performed by Little Kahunas | Produced by Peter Miller ©

Production Assistance from Luke Bovard (thank you) - ya gotta have a plan B!

Audio Production, Graphics/Art, Show Notes by Hill Kane of Raising Kane Media + Marketing.

Hosting Platform: Libsyn.com

"The BIT" and "The BIT Comedy Network" are Trademarks owned by Billy Merritt.
© 2024-2025 Billy Merritt - All Rights Reserved
Inquiries + Notices + Requests: TheBitComedyNetwork@gmail.com

Welcome BACK to Pennan, Scotland!

The BIT Crew has the month off so we picked one of our MOST FAVORITESISTED episodes to replay for you. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we love hearing the sound of our own voices :-).

We'll be back with new episodes starting in September!

Pennan became famous in the 1980s for being used as one of the main locations for the film Local Hero. Film enthusiasts have come from all over the world to make a phone call in the red telephone box in the village.

Lesser known, perhaps, is Pennan's Seagull Competition. Sources vary on the purpose, rules, and outcomes of the annual event. There is a whisper campaign that Dr. Who will be in attendance this year.

In recent years, seagulls have become increasingly aggressive and have chased off the once-thriving mackerel (pronounced Mack-Ah-Rell) population to the more habitable coastal waters of Norway (home to Charlie Chaplin).

If you hang out at the phone booth or one of Pennan's many golf courses, you may bump into local bachelor Jake (or is it Jack)? For 2 euro, you can take a selfie with him in the phone box.

Please enjoy three of the Pennan Podcast Network's delightful podcasts.

• How's That Work?: Hosted by Marcie Bonnet and Seafarin' Sequoia. They think they have cracked the code to how the local telephones work without lines.
• Where's Nessie? Nessie believer/host Dean welcomes Nessie Hunter/skeptic Don to determine whether Nessie inhabits the local bodies of water.
• Where Are They (Those Fish)? Janine and Patty host the show. Something or someone is scaring Pennan's mackerel off, and they aren't returning. Janine has enlisted Patty to shepherd them back to Pennan if she has to swim in the sea to do so.

Sponsors include The BBC, Sam's Seagulls, Jody (Dr. Who's Companion), Jake's Fantasy Dates, and George, the forgetful and perpetually lost garbage guy!

DIRECTOR/CREATOR: Billy Merritt
Producer/Editor: Hill Kane

CAST:

• Dean Aisles (Himself)
• Konrad Andrew (Sam of Sam's Seagulls)
• Terry Armstrong (Support Player)
• Amber Bellsdale (Patty)
• Luke Bovard (Seafarin' Sequoia)
• Don Slovin (Himself)
• Jason Spiro (Jody, Dr. Who's trusted companion)
• Lisa Steckman (Marcie Bonnet)
• Thea Marie Thorkildsen (Jake/Jack)
• Katya Vasilaky (Janine)
• Flannery Wilson (George)

Special appearance by BILLY MERRITT as Shamus.

"Podcast Town" Improv is part of The BIT Comedy Network.

MUSIC: "Memfish" performed by Little Kahunas | Produced by Peter Miller ©

Production Assistance from Jason Spiro (thank you)!

Audio Production & Graphics/Art by Hill Kane of Raising Kane Media + Marketing.

Hosting Platform: Libsyn.com

"The BIT" and "The BIT Comedy Network" are Trademarks owned by Billy Merritt.
© 2024-2025 Billy Merritt - All Rights Reserved
Inquiries + Notices + Requests: TheBitComedyNetwork@gmail.com

Welcome to Willoughby, population 872.

"What's Going On In Willoughby" is the town's official podcast and primary source of news and information. Konrad and Flannery co-host this little ditty and are regarded as A-list celebs. Flannery suspects that our tiny town is the inspiration behind her favorite Twilight Zone episode. You'll have to listen to the end to find out if she's correct.

It's not all fun and games in Willoughby; it has a tortilla surplus, a leaky dam, and its first rock music festival happening at the same time.

Podcast sponsors include: J. Tanner Smith - Attorney at Law, Oliver's Photography School, Willoughby Parks & Rec, Designer Foodie Restaurant, Pollies Pies & Pastries, Elke Sommer, Pierre's Patisserie, First Agnostic Church of Maybe's Annual Religion Draft, Willoughby Elementary Frency Club, WILLOUGHBY ROCK FEST 2025, Tortilla's R Us, Willoughby's French Cultural Society, Willoughby PD, and Willoughby's only rock band "ROCK HOUSE!"

If you haven't already, head on over to our MOVIE! MOVIE! Podcast!

DIRECTOR/CREATOR: Billy Merritt
Producer/Editor: Hill Kane

CAST (in order of appearance):

• Billy Merritt (himself, director, narrator)
• Don Slovin (himself, autograph-seeker Thomas, French Club Teacher, and Elke Sommer fan)
• Flannery Wilson (herself, Co-Host of "What's Going On In Willoughby" podcast)
• Konrad Andrew (himself, Co-Host of "What's Going On In Willoughby" podcast, and extra credit seeking student)
• Luke Bovard ("What's Going On In Willoughby" production intern, ROCK FEST organizer, ROCK HOUSE lead guitarist/vocalist, and ROD STERLING )
• Brent Kohler (Tortilla Salesman, Pierre, and Dam Engineer #1)
• Laura "Nuthin More Rock n' Roll Than a Burrito" Powell (Oliver and perpetually late ROCK HOUSE drummer)
• Yuehan Liu (Tortilla Nana and ROCK HOUSE multi-instrumentalist)
• Geoff Taylor (Grandkid and Darn Engineer #2)
• Hill Kane (Bratty Grandkid and Polly)

"Podcast Town" Improv is part of The BIT Comedy Network.

MUSIC: "Memfish" performed by Little Kahunas | Produced by Peter Miller ©

Audio Production & Graphics/Art by Raising Kane Media + Marketing.

Hosting Platform: Libsyn.com

"The BIT" and "The BIT Comedy Network" are Trademarks owned by Billy Merritt.
© 2024, 2025 Billy Merritt - All Rights Reserved
Inquiries + Notices + Requests: TheBitComedyNetwork@gmail.com

HAPPY 100th

Bigford's most popular podcast, "Bigford Town News with Maggie and Donnie," is celebrating its 100th episode. It's a huge deal. These two have been keeping the locals up to date on all the community goings on.

Bigford is a tiny town with a huge heart and chock full o' quirky characters.

Podcast sponsors include Miss America Beauty Shop, Bigford City Council/Mayor's Office, Sally's Hardware, Bernie's BBQ, and Eddie's Espresso.

If you haven't already, head on over to our MOVIE! MOVIE! Podcast!

DIRECTOR/CREATOR: Billy Merritt
Producer/Editor: Hill Kane

CAST (in order of appearance)

• Brent Kohler (Donnie, LMFC, and Co-host of Bigford Town News)
• Amber Bellsdale (Maggie - Co-host of Bigford Town News)
• Hill Kane (Gail - Producer of the "Bigford Town News" Podcast)
• Terry Armstrong (Miss America)
• Katya Vasilaky (Jenny the Mayor and Maggie's sister)
• Geoff Taylor (Michael Strahan, Sign Holder, Murialist/Muralist)
• Peg Davis (Unemployment Office Worker, Sally, Maggie, and Mayor Jenny's Mom)
• Konrad Andrew (Eddie)
• Flannery Wilson (Bigford City Council Liaison, Theresa aka Lil' Wreck)
• Don Slovin (Bernie)

"Podcast Town" Improv is part of The BIT Comedy Network.

MUSIC: "Memfish" performed by Little Kahunas | Produced by Peter Miller ©

Audio Production & Graphics/Art by Raising Kane Media + Marketing.

Hosting Platform: Libsyn.com

"The BIT" and "The BIT Comedy Network" are Trademarks owned by Billy Merritt.
© 2024, 2025 Billy Merritt - All Rights Reserved
Inquiries + Notices + Requests: TheBitComedyNetwork@gmail.com

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Beacon Hill, SATX — A Fiesta of Secrets

This month, Podcast Town heads to San Antonio's first suburb, Beacon Hill (population: 6,300ish), where things get weird, warm, and watchful. Director Billy Merritt turns the mic on producer/editor Hill Kane to uncover the truth behind:

• The Blanco Strip

• The mysterious obelisk traffic circle

• Why the restaurants are never open

• And the power of a good neighborhood block connector

Meanwhile, the town prepares for its beloved FIESTA celebration... but is something else going on beneath the papel picado?

💡 Featured shows from the Beacon Hill Podcast Network

🎧 The Obelisk Can Communicate
Hosted by Kubrick-obsessed Thea Thea and local believer Peter Stevens, this show insists the Beacon Hill obelisk is transmitting messages—and the locals would be wise to obey.

👀 WE ARE WATCHING YOU
Ronnie and Penelope are back, and yes, they saw that. Beacon Hill's unofficial (and very nosy) neighborhood watch is on the case, fueled by gossip, binoculars, and good intentions.

🍀 Super Superstition
Jazzy and Jonathon Buttons return! Can Jazzy find her annual four-leaf clover in time to prevent disaster? Will Jonathon's unwavering optimism be enough?

🛍️ This episode is made possible by:
Julia's French Bistro, Sam Houston's Siesta Shack, Hello Fresh, Ma's Home Cooking, So-Hill Cafe, Beacon Hill Public Library, Don's Rebel Cafe, The Good Luck Store, and the FIESTA Organizing Committee.

🎬 Don't forget to check out our sister show, MOVIE! MOVIE!

DIRECTOR/CREATOR: Billy Merritt
Producer/Editor: Hill Kane

CAST (in alphabetical order)

• Amber Bellsdale (Jazzy Button)
• Peg Davis (Penelope)
• Brent Kohler (Sam from Sam's Siesta Shack, Highway Patrolman Rich Hanford)
• Hill Kane (Herself, Jean Francis, kid with rabbit, Jaquelline)
• Jason Luna (Peter Stevens)
• Thea Marie Thorkildsen (Herself, Shopper, Brad)
• Don Slovin (Don's Rebel Cafe)
• Jason Spiro (Jonathon Button)
• Lisa Steckman (Ronnie)

"Podcast Town" Improv is part of The BIT Comedy Network.

MUSIC: "Memfish" performed by Little Kahunas | Produced by Peter Miller© (1959 - 2015 RIP friend)

Audio Production & Graphics/Art by Raising Kane Media + Marketing.

Hosting Platform: Libsyn.com

"The BIT" and "The BIT Comedy Network" are Trademarks owned by Billy Merritt.
© 2024, 2025 Billy Merritt - All Rights Reserved
Inquiries + Notices + Requests: TheBitComedyNetwork@gmail.com

Our 11th Podcast Town escapade finds us in the real-life town of Marshfield, Massachusetts. Billy interviews the hilarious Peg Davis, our literal resident expert. Peg cleverly explains why the town is called MARSH VEGAS and confirms that Steve Carrel indeed owns the general store that his sister-in-law runs because...well...he's a busy celebrity type guy.

Find out what else Peg reveals and how the BIT Players bring the town to life with their podcast segments and scenic adventures!

Enjoy these highlights from the Marshfield Podcast Network:

• The DIY Show - YOU CAN DO IT: Hosted by newlyweds Molly and Hal Cunningham. This week's projects include making your own boat and birdhouses. The couple bravely embarks on their homemade dinghy's maiden voyage while trying to avoid the many surfers dotting the shoreline. We are unsure how Hal got trapped in the rafters at Bob's Steakhouse, but we hope he finds his way out!
• YOU BETCHA!: Hosted by the semi-nefarious Gamblerino siblings, Gil and Gilda. These two find ways for Marsh Vegans (VAY-Gans, not Vee-Gans) to bet on everything from little league games to Pickle Bowling and surf lessons. Gil even hosts a "speakeasy" game night in the house they inherited from their Granny Sisterino Gamberino. We are convinced that the fix is in at the Senior Center, but you can form your own opinions. (NOTE: Gilda and Molly are high school besties.)
• Hall of Fame - Marshfield: Bobby and Robby may or may not be broadcasting from the Senior Center's basement. We are unsure where they come from, how they know each other, or why they have a podcast. We DO know that they have an intense bromance going, and Robby's ancestors fought on the "wrong side" of the American Revolution. Their podcast conjures up historical characters, like Benedict Arnold, primarily to shame Robby and guilt him into paying for their Surf Fest entry fees and lunch overlooking a decorative balcony.

Sponsors include Mom's Donuts, Levitate Shops, 2025 St. Patrick's Day Surf Festival, BoB's Steakhouse, the Gamblerino Kids, Kane's Sign Shop, the Marshfield Senior Center, The Pickle Bowling Association of Massachusets, and the National Pickle Bowling Association.

If you haven't already, head on over to our MOVIE! MOVIE! Podcast for a two-part homage to Wes Anderson films we call "The Grand Cosmic Hotel."

DIRECTOR/CREATOR: Billy Merritt
Producer/Editor: Hill Kane

CAST (in alphabetical order)

• Konrad Andrew (Gil Gamblerin from the You Betcha! podcast, Surfer)
• Amber Bellsdale (Molly Cunningham of the DIY - You Can Do It podcast)
• Peg Davis (Herself, Proprietor of Mom's Donuts and Levitate, Mrs. Cooper, Surfer)
• Hill Kane (Gilda Gamblerino from the You Betcha! podcast, Surf Instructor)
• Brent Kohler (Hal Cunningham of the DIY - You Can Do It podcast)
• Don Slovin (Bobby from the Hall of Fame Marshfield podcast)
• Jason Spiro (Robby from the Hall of Fame Marshfield podcast)
• Flannery Wilson (Bob from Bob's Steakhouse, Surfer)

"Podcast Town" Improv is part of The BIT Comedy Network.

MUSIC: "Memfish" performed by Little Kahunas | Produced by Peter Miller ©

Audio Production & Graphics/Art by Raising Kane Media + Marketing.

Hosting Platform: Libsyn.com

"The BIT" and "The BIT Comedy Network" are Trademarks owned by Billy Merritt.
© 2024, 2025 Billy Merritt - All Rights Reserved
Inquiries + Notices + Requests: TheBitComedyNetwork@gmail.com

Welcome to Tønsberg! Tønsberg is Norway's oldest city. Tønsberg is best known for its annual music festival—Slottsfjell, Castle Rock Tower—Slottsfjelltårnet, and its Viking origins.

More recently, Tønsberg's inhabitants have discovered Podcasting. They have more podcasts per capita than Norway's capital, OSLO! Imagine that!

This episode highlights the following three pods from the hundreds available on the Tønsberg Podcast Network:

• Braids & Beards: Hosted by Sven and Sandy Percy. Their marriage may be on the rocks, but their knowledge of seasonal braids and artificial beards is second to none!
• Who Needs Ikea Anyway: Hosted by Braun Holtzmann and Phil. Braun may have a method to his madness, but dropping Phil in Ikea with only 15 minutes to escape does seem cruel.
• Valhalla: Blissfully married couple, Astrid and Bjorn Olsen share control and instruct listeners on incorporating "olde-world Viking traditions" into the modern-day home.

Sponsors include Oseberg Ship Experiences, Marvel Locations Tours, Do We Have a Match, Tønsberg Ikea, Slottsfjell, Sir Anthony Hopkins Vertshus, Magnus' Diner, Viking Funerals, Olsen Jams, Horny Cups, Pickles, and a few others... you know who you are!

DIRECTOR/CREATOR: Billy Merritt
Producer/Editor: Hill Kane
Location Supervisor: Thea Marie Thorkildsen
Interviewer: Dean Aisles

CAST:

• Dean Aisles (Sven Percy | Braids & Beards + Erik Erikson | Slottsfjell Petition Guy)
• Terry Armstrong (Dewey | Do We Have a Match + Anti-Bed Wetting Spouse)
• Amber Bellsdale (Bjorn Olsen | Valhalla)
• Hill Kane (Astrid Olsen | Valhalla)
• Brent Kohler (Braun Holtzmann | Who Needs Ikea Anyway Host)
• Yuehan Liu (Magnus | Magnus' Diner + Townsperson)
• Jason Luna (Phil | Who Needs Ikea Anyway + Kurt | Marvel Locations Tour Guide)
• Don Slovin (Sven | School for the Obvious + Townsperson)
• Jason Spiro (Phil | Who Needs Ikea Anyway Sidekick + TONY)
• Thea Marie Thorkildsen (Bjork | Oseberg Ship Proprietor)
• Michael Watzkan (Ollie/Olaf | Tønsberg Ikea Spokesperson + Bed Wetting Spouse)
• Flannery Wilson (Sandy Percy | Braids & Beards)

"Podcast Town" Improv is part of The BIT Comedy Network.

MUSIC: "Memfish" performed by Little Kahunas | Produced by Peter Miller ©

Production Assistance from Jason Spiro (thank you)!

Audio Production & Graphics/Art by Hill Kane of Raising Kane Media + Marketing.

Hosting Platform: Libsyn.com

"The BIT" and "The BIT Comedy Network" are Trademarks owned by Billy Merritt.
© 2025 Billy Merritt - All Rights Reserved
Inquiries + Notices + Requests: TheBitComedyNetwork@gmail.com