Scott Wallis, co-founder of the long-running Swish Edition pop culture and comedy podcast, has announced that starting with today’s Episode 452, his other best friend, Kristin Talastas, will join him on the show, from her very own ‘secret underground studio’ just outside of Washington, DC.

“Last week, Dale Blades, my co-host since we created the show back in 2010, officially switched off his microphone,” Scott said. “His decision was a shock to our beloved podcast’s tens and tens (That’s a running joke. We have more than a handful of listeners. Geez!) of devoted fans, but Dale decided to pursue other opportunities, and I wish him well.”

Kristin and Scott have been the bestest of friends for a whopping 38 years, so the substitution was an obvious one. They have an easy rapport, much familiarity, and myriad tales to tell from high school, college, and beyond. While they share a love for many things, they can also spar and debate on the most important topics of the day, such as the respectability of Kim Kardashian and whether or not The Red Hot Chili Peppers deserve a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Naturally, Scott will continue to host and executive produce the weekly episodes from parent company Bethwick Media’s headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada, while Kristin will beam in from her new recording studio just outside of our nation’s capital…not far from where the Swish Edition originated 15 years ago.

Getting to Know Her 

Kristin has made Northern Virginia home since college, where she lives with her husband, Rob, and their young son. By day, she runs her own HR consulting firm, helping companies build great workplaces—but her true passion is finding any excuse to be in her kitchen. “I love cooking and eating,” Kristin said, “as well as tracking down the best food finds at Costco, and running around trying to keep up with my seven-year-old.” When she’s not cooking up something delicious, you’ll find her cheering on the Washington Commanders, exploring local wineries, or soaking up the sun on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. “I’m always up for a good meal, a great conversation, and, of course, a hilarious trip down memory lane with Scott.”

While Scott retains editorial control over the show (duh!), he has promised Kristin he will not embarrass her. He realizes she is an HR executive (with clients who might listen), as well as a wife and mother with a large extended family, so it’s best that he doesn’t expose her dark secrets and checkered past. (Kristin does not have dark secrets nor a checkered past. Scott is trying to be funny; sometimes he tries too hard.)

The new duo will start with an audio episode this week, but they plan to add a video version in the very near future and they are thinking about developing a daily, Monday-through-Friday version to feature fresher content. They are also kicking around the idea of launching a touring mime show, a line of active wear for dogs, soy-scented candles, and a cookbook for the blind. (The first sentence in this paragraph is true. The second, not so much.)

An Escape From Politics As Unusual…At Least for An Hour

“The Swish Edition features news and sometimes-snarky commentary on the entertainment industry, travel, Sin City happenings, curious marketing trends, crazy celebrities, and whatever else we think might peak our dear listeners’ interest,” Scott said. “We always steer clear of talking politics though, because we’re all getting way too much of that everywhere these days; am I right?”

The podcast has been downloaded in over 144 countries around the globe, has featured hundreds of guests from all walks of life (including Oscar, Emmy, Tony, and Grammy award winners), has taped on location in DC, New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas…as well as on cruise ships in front of live studio audiences. And, once upon a time, the Swish Edition reached the top 2% on Apple Podcasts' comedy list. “That alone has been the icing on our podcast cake,” Scott said proudly.

New episodes drop on Wednesdays, from Labor Day through Memorial Day each season, because the hosts take the summer months off so they can perpetually feel like kids. (It’s not really working.)

Listeners can stream, download, and/or subscribe to the Swish Edition on leading podcast distribution apps and websites, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeart Radio, Audible, and Podbean. Alternatively, every episode produced since 2018 is always available at www.swishedition.com.

For more information, contact Scott Wallis at talkback@swishedition.com.