So, I'm back. Any news you may have heard regarding my demise was greatly exaggerated. I did, however, take gravely ill for a few months and needed some time off. I have returned, better than ever, with the dark powers of the eldritch underworld coursing through my . . . Well, whatever.

My guest for this episode is Erin Bennett, otherwise known as The Gigglechick. Her comedy blog, www.gigglechick.com is consistently one of the highest rated humor blogs in the country. She's been featured on MSNBC and also runs the wildly popular Gigglechick Open Mic, a resource for Stand-Up comics and fans. She's also a stand up comic in her own right, which you'll hear on the show. In this episode, she'll give us all great insight into men, dating, her Darth Mom, Turkey Porn (you'll just have to hear it) and online stalkers of both the endearing and, ahem, less endearing kinds. She's a very funny woman and we had a great time with the interview.

The musical guest for this episode is Adam Brodsky. A Philadelphia musician with a razor with and a command of language that borders on domestic abuse, Adam combines Folk and Punk in ways that will have you running the song back just to hear how he makes words into little bitches. It's not his fault, though, they make him hurt them. Just ask him. I've been a fan of Adam's work for years and it's a pleasure to have his music on the show. Be sure to stop by his website, www.adambrodsky.com, and for the love of all that is holy buy a CD or two before he beats your adjectives into little bloody prepositions. Don't worry about using the passive voice;  Adam doesn't have one.

In other news, if you're in the New York City area on Wednesday, July 26^th, you'll have a chance to attend the recording of a new series of Laugh Riot programs. At the New York Improv, at 8:00pm that night, I'll be hosting and recording the first of a series called The Laugh Riot, Live from The New York Improv. I've got a lineup of comics from Comedy Central, MTV, NBC and a few others that will be one of the best nights of comedy you can find anywhere. Call 212-613-1649 for reservations and seek directions and whatnot at www.newyorkimprov.com. It's going to be an incredible night and you'll be able to play the episode and tell people "Yeah, I was there." If you are too far away (from some of the emails I've gotten I know some of you live as far away as New Zealand) you'll be able to download the show the following weekend. As always, thoughts, comments, suggestions and cash offers can be sent to podcast@joshuareynolds.com.

Baron Vaughn is a New York City based stand up who's career is taking off like an Atlas rocket. He's been featured in several nationally syndicated television commercials; you may remember him ruining a co-workers lunch in an AOL commercial or espousing a secret love for country music in a Radio Shack spot. He's performed on Broadway with the Manhattan Theater Club and performs constantly in dozens of clubs around New York. He's also a featured act in this years HBO Aspen Comedy Arts Festival. Baron is intelligent, articulate and, most importantly, exceptionally funny. His website is "www.baronvaughn.com", but for a more complete schedule see his myspace page "www.myspace.com/baronvaughn." The musical act for this episode is Stepper's Heaven. This Boston based group is phenomenally talented. Their mix of Reggae, Blues, Soul and Rock and Roll is not only original and exciting, but also shows the kind of musical craftmanship not often seen these days. Bobby Bishop (the clumsy ninja himself) has a voice laden with authenticity and versatility. Terrell Brown and Bobby pass the lead guituar baton back and forth throughout their sets and, though she doesn't have nearly the number of years behind the axe that he does, it's tough to tell when they switch. Eric Meyer and Mark Smith round out the ensemble with complex rhythms and deft bass work, respectively. "www.steppersheaven.com" Links to a full set for Baron and a few of Steppers Heaven's tunes are available on my website "www.joshuareynolds.com"

The Laugh Riot with Josh Reynolds is a monthly podcast radio show dedicated to comedians. From up and coming new talent to familiar faces from comedy clubs and television, you'll get an in-depth look at the art of stand up and the people who make it funny. I also showcase independent musicians from any genre. New episodes should be available monthly or bi-monthly depending on how often I can get folks to interview and then get the show edited. Feel free to email questions or suggestions to podcast@joshuareynolds.com. Particularly interesting or witty emails may be featured on the show. You can also find links for every comic and musical act featured in the show. I hope you enjoy the shows. Thanks!