Podcast Summary: TBTL Episode #4338 - "Equal To Or Less Than Jake"
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Hosts: Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh
Title: Equal To Or Less Than Jake
1. Opening Banter and Donut Dilemma [00:00 - 04:00]
The episode kicks off with Luke Burbank sharing a humorous anecdote about his sister Katie’s artisanal donut selections. Luke expresses his frustration over Katie's sophisticated taste in donuts, contrasting it with his simpler preferences.
- Luke Burbank [00:00]: "She’s not looking for the donuts, that’s looking for a strong donut lead... These unrecognizable knick knacks... You won't like it and neither will I."
This light-hearted exchange sets a playful tone for the episode as the hosts navigate their differing tastes and frustrations.
2. Discussion on Media Consumption and MSNBC Ratings [04:01 - 17:18]
The conversation swiftly shifts to a pressing media concern. Luke and Andrew delve into a New York Times report indicating a significant drop in MSNBC's primetime ratings ("down by 53%") while Fox News sees an increase ("up by 21%").
- Luke Burbank [13:03]: "We need to keep our friends employed... If we don’t all do our part by turning it on in a room we’re not in and leaving it on for 24 hours a day, we may lose this vital resource."
Luke proposes a strategy to support MSNBC by keeping it running in the background, emphasizing its role as a counterbalance to right-wing media.
- Andrew Walsh [14:00]: "I have thoughts on this. I think... when your team is losing, there is a sense of wanting to withdraw... Maybe this is where everyone's going. Maybe listeners are flocking to TBTL."
Andrew compares the media ratings shift to sports team performance, suggesting that audience loyalty can fluctuate based on current events and team success.
3. Donor Acknowledgments and Community Engagement [29:42 - 31:58]
Luke and Andrew take a moment to thank their donors, highlighting the importance of community support in sustaining the podcast.
- Luke Burbank [31:03]: "Mike Brehm appreciates that. Mike is our first donor. We’re thanking today. Mike’s in Turlock, California. Thanks, Mike."
They humorously address a minor typo in Carl Norimbuena’s name, reinforcing their close-knit relationship with listeners.
4. Personal Stories: Delivery Anxiety and Home Projects [37:05 - 66:38]
The hosts transition into personal anecdotes, discussing the challenges of managing deliveries and home organization.
a. Delivery Anxiety and Package Management [25:02 - 44:31]
Luke expresses anxiety over vulnerable deliveries left outside his studio while he’s away. He shares a specific concern about expensive framed photographs intended for his new bedroom.
- Luke Burbank [38:01]: "I can't handle the idea of these pretty expensive large framed photographs sitting out for the whole weekend."
Andrew offers practical advice, suggesting reaching out to neighbors for assistance, but Luke explains his limited connections.
b. Illegal Dumping Incident [44:31 - 51:08]
Andrew recounts an incident where a mattress was illegally dumped near his property, sparking intense frustration and leading him to report it via a local app.
- Andrew Walsh [46:11]: "I just threw it... landed in a big ass muddy puddle... I was just so pissed off."
Luke empathizes, highlighting the emotional toll of such encounters and the importance of swiftly addressing them to prevent negative behaviors.
c. Home Organization and DIY Projects [51:08 - 66:38]
Both hosts discuss their struggles with home organization, shelving installations, and the psychological barriers to completing household projects.
- Luke Burbank [62:26]: "I might have considered black... but I really, really want to solve this in the next two hours of my life."
Andrew shares his own experiences with minimalistic shelving solutions, contrasting his approach with Luke’s more aesthetic considerations.
- Andrew Walsh [65:26]: "I did that, and I was sort of proud of myself... maybe you can pick some up for me at the organizer."
Luke reflects on his challenges with project completion, attributing some difficulties to possible ADHD and OCD tendencies.
- Luke Burbank [63:59]: "If I just take like two or three days of my life to... it's so hard to decide what the order of events should be."
5. Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul Fight and Political Associations [65:28 - 83:45]
A significant portion of the episode revolves around the upcoming boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, hosted on Netflix. The hosts dissect the fighters' backgrounds, political affiliations, and the broader implications for media and entertainment.
- Luke Burbank [73:42]: "Mike Tyson has been imprisoned for sexual assault... Jake Paul... takes power for himself... nihilist bros who think nothing matters."
Luke grapples with his feelings towards both fighters, acknowledging Tyson’s troubled past and his own conflicted views on Paul’s behavior and political leanings.
- Andrew Walsh [75:37]: "Would that. I'm just asking for the people out there... you think him beaten."
They discuss the economics behind streaming fights on platforms like Netflix versus traditional pay-per-view models, pondering whether Netflix's subscriber-driven approach aligns with live sporting events.
- Andrew Walsh [76:26]: "Do you think that anybody signs up for Netflix for this fight?"
Luke critiques the misalignment between live events and subscription-based streaming services, questioning the long-term value for platforms like Netflix.
- Luke Burbank [78:12]: "I have a feeling that’s a part of their calculation... One thing you can’t time shift is like live."
Andrew highlights the contrast between limited-time availability of live sports and the on-demand nature of streaming content.
6. Listener Engagement and Email Sharing [83:07 - 85:29]
The hosts emphasize the importance of listener feedback and community support, sharing a heartfelt email from a listener named Mike, who grapples with mixed emotions post-election.
- Andrew Walsh [85:29]: "Listener Mike... listened to TBTL and he said... 'personal relationships in all of our lives truly matter... small moments of shared humanity, nobody can take that away from us.'"
In response, Luke encourages listeners to share their coping mechanisms, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support within the community.
7. Closing Thoughts and Song Sharing [85:29 - 87:45]
To wrap up, the hosts play a song titled "Bittersweet Victory" by listener Mike, symbolizing the complex emotions many are experiencing during turbulent times. They offer final words of encouragement and a reminder of the collective resilience needed to navigate the upcoming challenges.
- Luke Burbank [86:54]: "Have a good weekend, take care of each other and please remember, no mountain too tall."
Andrew echoes the sentiment, wishing listeners well and reinforcing the message of unity and perseverance.
Notable Quotes:
- Luke Burbank [00:00]: "Katie shows up with a box. I'm frothing, I'm so hungry."
- Andrew Walsh [01:08]: "Guess what day it is. It's Friday."
- Luke Burbank [13:03]: "We do not need the MSNBC executives thinking that the answer is to tack right or to move to the center."
- Andrew Walsh [14:00]: "Maybe listeners are flocking to TBTL."
- Luke Burbank [73:42]: "Jake Paul... nihilist bros who think nothing matters."
- Andrew Walsh [75:37]: "They’re both trash, so blown ACLs to them both."
- Andrew Walsh [85:29]: "Small moments of shared humanity, nobody can take that away from us."
- Luke Burbank [86:54]: "Have a good weekend, take care of each other and please remember, no mountain too tall."
Conclusion:
In Episode #4338, Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh navigate a blend of personal anecdotes, media critiques, and community discussions. From addressing media consumption fears and supporting vital news outlets to sharing intimate household challenges and dissecting high-profile boxing matches, the hosts offer a multifaceted conversation that resonates with listeners seeking both entertainment and solace. The episode culminates in a heartfelt engagement with their audience, reinforcing the podcast’s role as a companion during uncertain times.