I saw Bad Santa on opening night because I love Billy Bob Thornton and would watch him in anything. I knew that it was going to be filled with bawdy humor, but I did not know that I would laugh the loudest. Before the lights came up in the theater, I ran out because I was worried that my fellow audience members would look for the loud laugher, see me and think that I was a complete perv. History repeats itself. I love anything featured by The Official This Week in Blackness Network, so when TWiB offered After Black, I decided to give the show a chance. The founder of TWiB seemed somewhat horrified and embarrassed that he was honoring the risque side of his comedy origins, which was understandable since he seemed to be creating a more serious brand. Once again, despite being personally conservative (and for the record, I think that animals cannot give consent to any human relations so kill the animal rapists-Old Testament judgment), I found myself cracking up at the ratchet and irreverent humor offered by hosts Jess Wood and Josh Homer. When After Black stopped airing as TWiB expanded its podcast empire, I was disappointed, but not surprised. When Jess Wood decided to produce a podcast, The Ratchet Hatchet, with no prior technical experience, I had to give it a chance. Jess is joined by a world weary Josh Homer who works full time at a day job, maintains his comedy career, is a good father and husband among many other things. I am never disappointed while always horrified by the abundance of material. Laughing is a great way to process the news’ parade of stupid criminals. Jess Wood is our Wife of Bath (Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales) and holds nothing back-anything is funny, including her own experiences surviving sexual and drug abuse, so how can you not laugh. Josh Homer provides perspective for those who can relate to The Hulk when reacting to daily disrespect and rudeness. I would not recommend this show to someone who cannot listen to humor involving sexual situations, perversions and generally the seedy side of the post-modern world. I would have thought that included me, but it doesn’t. Anything is funny, especially when you have two great comedians such as Jess Wood and Josh Homer at the mike. I listened to one podcast episode that was almost unintelligible with scratches because The Ratchet Hatchet consistently makes me smile. Thank you, Jess, for keeping the show alive!