Podcast Summary: TBTL Episode #4361 - "The JARCy Boys"

Podcast Information:

• Title: TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live
• Host: Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh
• Episode: #4361 The JARCy Boys
• Release Date: December 18, 2024
• Description: TBTL is a daily show hosted by two longtime friends navigating the world with humor and camaraderie. In this episode, Luke and Andrew delve into quirky topics ranging from kitchen utensils to bidet myths, intertwined with personal anecdotes and listener interactions.

1. Opening Banter and Anecdotes (00:00 - 02:21)

Luke Burbank kicks off the episode with a nostalgic story about his childhood habit of naming every type of nut, much to his mother's dismay. This light-hearted introduction sets the tone for the episode's blend of humor and personal storytelling.

Luke Burbank [00:00]: "I used to be able to name every nut that there was... peanut, hazelnut, cashew nut, macadamia nut. That was the one that would send her into going crazy."

Andrew Walsh responds with a humorous wish to extract all of Luke's thoughts, highlighting their playful dynamic.

Andrew Walsh [00:38]: "I would like to take this straw and stick it in your ear and extract everything you've ever thought."

The hosts introduce the day's topic, briefly mentioning tarps and preparing the audience for the upcoming discussions.

2. Black Spatulas and Health Myths (02:19 - 08:44)

The conversation shifts to the peculiar headline from the Seattle Times: "Should You Be Afraid of Your Bidet?" This segues into a discussion about misinformation, focusing on claims that black plastic spatulas are harmful.

Andrew Walsh [04:17]: "I kept seeing this headline everywhere leading up to Thanksgiving, which was, stop using your black spatulas. If you have utensils that are made of black plastic, they are killing you."

**Andrew shares a personal story about his black spatula, emphasizing his skepticism towards unfounded health claims.

Andrew Walsh [05:13]: "She got it at Spatula City. It was the classic kind with, like, a black plastic handle... it's just one that spoke to me because it reminded me of the one that was around the kitchen when I was a kid."

The hosts critique the sensationalism in media headlines and discuss the retraction of such misleading information.

Andrew Walsh [09:15]: "And I didn't even click on them because here's the deal... I feel good in ignoring this. It was just one of those headlines that I can't explain."

Notable Quotes:

• Listener [00:51]: "Or felt or seen or even dreamed about your profession."
• Andrew Walsh [10:32]: "Please clap."

3. Bidets: Cultural Perspectives and Health Concerns (08:44 - 46:00)

The discussion deepens into the topic of bidets, exploring both cultural acceptance and health implications. They reference studies from the "Journal of the Anus, Rectum and Colon," highlighting concerns about bacterial contamination in bidet nozzles.

Andrew Walsh [46:31]: "The answer is... bacteria contamination."

**Luke expresses his discomfort with the intimate nature of bidets, contrasting it with the widespread acceptance in places like Japan.

Luke Burbank [53:00]: "I do think that one of the reasons I am turned off by the idea of a bidet is... it feels just like way too intimate and potentially gross to have something that is shared."

The hosts debate the practical aspects of bidet usage, maintenance, and cultural norms, intertwining factual information with personal opinions.

4. Personal Stories: Chubby and Tubby Christmas Trees (41:36 - 75:02)

A heartfelt segment where Lizzie shares memories of exchanging Dick's cheeseburgers for Christmas trees at Chubby and Tubby, a beloved local hardware store in Seattle.

Lizzie [71:00]: "For several years we had like maybe two or three Christmas trees because we just kept going to get them with cheeseburgers from Sketchy Nick who worked at Chubby and Tubby."

Andrew reminisces about the iconic Chubby and Tubby storefronts, highlighting their nostalgic value to the community.

Andrew Walsh [73:12]: "It sounds like a goddamn delight."

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Walsh [74:43]: "Back to school shopping when I was a kid."
• Lizzie [72:22]: "We had like, like slingshots and BB guns. You could buy nails. They had every single thing."

5. Listener Emails and Voicemails (77:02 - 86:00)

The hosts engage with listener submissions, addressing topics such as dishwasher efficiency, water conservation, and lawn irrigation.

Rebecca's Email:

• Dishwashing Efficiency: Rebecca highlights that dishwashers use less water compared to hand washing.

  Rebecca: "Dishwashers use 4 to 7 gallons per load. Hand washing is 10 to 15 gallons."

• Water Utility Advice: She advises turning off irrigation valves for winter to prevent leaks.

  Rebecca: "Please remind everyone to turn off their irrigation for the winter by shutting off the irrigation valves."

Andrew and Luke discuss the importance of responsible water usage and maintenance, tying it back to broader environmental concerns.

Lizzie's Voicemail:

• Chubby and Tubby Memories: Lizzie recounts trading cheeseburgers for Christmas trees and paints a vivid picture of the store's eclectic offerings.

  Lizzie: "My older brother's buddy worked at Chubby and Tubby, and he was sort of infamous amongst the Ballard High School teenage boys that if you brought him Dick's cheeseburger, he would throw you a Christmas tree over the back fence."

6. Closing Remarks and Sign-Off (86:00 - End)

The episode concludes with Luke and Andrew thanking their donors, sharing final thoughts on tarps, bidets, and water conservation, and sending off well-wishes to their listeners.

Listener [77:31]: "Have a great Wednesday. Take care of yourselves. May none of your tarps rip and may all your articles submitted to Jark be peer reviewed and found to have scientific merit."

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Walsh [77:36]: "Be strong and your jarks even stronger."
• Listener [77:45]: "It's like a fart transplant."

Key Takeaways:

• Misinformation Awareness: The episode underscores the importance of critically evaluating sensationalist health claims, using the black spatula myth as a case study.
• Cultural Insights on Bidets: A deep dive into the differing global perspectives on bidet usage, balancing cultural practices with personal comfort levels.
• Nostalgic Community Stories: Heartwarming memories of local businesses like Chubby and Tubby highlight the show's emphasis on community and personal connections.
• Environmental Responsibility: Listener interactions emphasize the significance of water conservation and proper maintenance of household utilities.
• Humor and Camaraderie: Throughout the episode, Luke and Andrew maintain a humorous and friendly rapport, making complex topics engaging and relatable.

This episode of TBTL showcases the hosts' ability to blend informative discussions with personal anecdotes and humor, providing listeners with a rich and entertaining experience.