Podcast Summary: TBTL Episode #4365 "Holla At Sheboygan"
Date Released: December 24, 2024
Hosts: Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh
Guest: Nick Jarin
Location: Madrona Hill Studio, overlooking the Columbia River
1. Opening and Holiday Banter (00:00 - 06:10)
The episode kicks off with Luke and Andrew immersed in a festive, albeit chaotic, holiday atmosphere. Luke humorously portrays a "fun old-fashioned family Christmas," emphasizing unity despite the holiday hustle.
- Luke Burbank:
"No, no, we're all in this together." (00:00)
Andrew adds to the chaos, describing their situation as a "four-alarm holiday emergency."
- Andrew Walsh:
"This is a full blown four alarm holiday emergency here." (00:08)
The dynamic between the hosts is playful, with interruptions and jokes setting a lighthearted tone for the episode.
2. Introduction to the Film List Segment (06:10 - 07:08)
After some initial light-hearted exchanges, Andrew introduces the main topic of the episode: Nick Jarin's list of five films ideal for holiday parties. These films are selected for their ability to spur conversation without overshadowing the party's vibe.
- Andrew Walsh:
"Nick's list of five films that you can have playing kind of sort of in the background at your holiday party..." (06:10)
3. Deep Dive into Christmas Movies (07:08 - 45:55)
a. "A Christmas Story" (Number 5) (07:08 - 13:34)
Nick lauds the 1983 classic "A Christmas Story," highlighting its nostalgic feel and iconic elements like the leg lamp and the antagonistic neighbor.
- Nick Jarin:
"1983, an absolute classic... I double dog dare you, I triple dog dare you to name me a better Christmas movie than A Christmas Story." (07:08)
The discussion touches on the film's vintage charm and its representation of 80s culture. However, Luke raises concerns about racist scenes, specifically a depiction in a Chinese restaurant, sparking a conversation about handling outdated racial portrayals in classic films.
-
Luke Burbank:
"there's that racist scene in the Chinese restaurant. Do you know the one I'm talking about?" (11:16) -
Nick Jarin:
"I do think that it's important to keep that stuff around and continue to talk about it..." (13:05)
b. "Jingle All the Way" (Number 4) (19:46 - 22:05)
Nick discusses "Jingle All the Way," focusing on its portrayal of Black Friday madness and the fictional Turboman toy, drawing parallels to modern-day toy crazes like Buzz Lightyear from "Toy Story."
- Nick Jarin:
"...the hot toy of that year as well. Nobody wanted Woody. Everybody wanted Buzz Lightyear." (20:26)
The conversation humorously examines the film's exaggeration of holiday shopping frenzy and its relevance to current consumer behaviors.
c. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (Number 3) (23:30 - 28:35)
Nick introduces both the 1966 animated version and the 2000 Jim Carrey live-action adaptation. He praises Carrey's performance and the film's set design while also critiquing its departure from the beloved original.
- Nick Jarin:
"the Grinch is doing his daily schedule of all the stuff he has to do has now been kind of memeified on TikTok..." (25:35)
Luke expresses his unease with the film's visual portrayal, highlighting the lasting impact of iconic scenes.
d. "Home Alone" (Number 2) (28:35 - 35:05)
The hosts debate between the original "Home Alone" and its sequel, ultimately favoring the first film due to the sequel's intrusive Donald Trump cameo.
- Nick Jarin:
"we could definitely do one movie equals one episode... we're going with the first one." (28:43)
They delve into the film's slapstick humor and the unrealistic resilience of characters surviving elaborate pranks.
- Andrew Walsh:
"That's a traumatic brain injury that is manifest." (29:42)
e. "A Muppet Christmas Carol" (Number 1) (35:05 - 45:55)
Nick crowns "A Muppet Christmas Carol" as the top pick, appreciating its blend of Muppets' whimsicality with Michael Caine's heartfelt performance. The discussion explores the Muppets' unique ability to bring warmth and humor to classic narratives.
- Nick Jarin:
"this is hands down one of my favorite Christmas movies..." (37:11)
They muse about potential Muppet adaptations of other beloved films, suggesting creative mashups like "12 Angry Muppets."
- Nick Jarin:
"I would like to see Glengarry Glen Ross as a Muppet movie." (43:52)
The segment emphasizes the Muppets' timeless appeal and their capacity to infuse classic stories with charm and laughter.
4. Handling Racism in Classic Films (13:34 - 16:06)
The hosts address the presence of racist depictions in older films, advocating for open discussions rather than sanitization. Nick underscores the importance of preserving historical context to avoid erasing cultural memory.
- Nick Jarin:
"If we remove it from our art, we remove it from our cultural memory as well." (13:34)
Luke and Andrew contribute personal anecdotes, reinforcing the need to confront and understand problematic elements in beloved classics.
5. Birthday Celebrations and Lighthearted Moments (14:00 - 28:35)
Nick unexpectedly celebrates his birthday during the episode, adding a personal and humorous touch to the conversation. The hosts engage in playful banter, highlighting the camaraderie and spontaneous nature of the show.
- Andrew Walsh:
"That's my birthday! Happy birthday!" (14:01)
The segment includes humorous attempts to congratulate Nick, blending personal moments with the ongoing discussion.
6. Creative Ideas for Future Content (36:08 - 45:55)
Nick and the hosts brainstorm imaginative concepts for Muppet adaptations of various films, showcasing their creativity and deep appreciation for both classic movies and the Muppets' versatility.
- Nick Jarin:
"12 angry muppets." (40:54)
This playful exploration underscores the show's focus on blending humor with thoughtful commentary on film and culture.
7. Acknowledgments and Donors (46:08 - 51:36)
The episode transitions to recognizing and thanking the show's donors and supporters. Luke and Andrew express gratitude to individuals like Alan Jones from Los Angeles, Brian Dast from Portland, Oregon, Chris Rupp from Shoreline, Washington, Dave Bledsoe from New York City, and Rachel Potes from Kalamazoo, Michigan.
- Andrew Walsh:
"Thank you so much to all of our donors for supporting TBTL..." (50:22)
They engage in light-hearted interactions, mentioning local references and shared experiences, further emphasizing the community-centric spirit of the podcast.
8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts (51:36 - 54:58)
The hosts wrap up the episode with final touches, including a humorous reference to a Christmas commercial parody and plans to discuss Kendrick Lamar's new record in future episodes.
- Andrew Walsh:
"Have a great Tuesday, have a great Christmas Eve..." (54:21)
Nick signs off by promoting his presence on social media platforms, encouraging listeners to follow him for more content.
- Nick Jarin:
"I am Slow Nick. S L O W N I C K on both Bluesky and Letterboxd." (53:46)
The episode concludes on a cheerful note, celebrating the festive season while maintaining the show's characteristic blend of humor and insightful discussion.
Notable Quotes:
-
Luke Burbank:
"No, no, we're all in this together." (00:00) -
Nick Jarin:
"1983, an absolute classic... I double dog dare you, I triple dog dare you to name me a better Christmas movie than A Christmas Story." (07:08) -
Nick Jarin:
"If we remove it from our art, we remove it from our cultural memory as well." (13:34) -
Nick Jarin:
"12 angry muppets." (40:54) -
Andrew Walsh:
"Happy birthday!" (14:01)
Conclusion:
Episode #4365 of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live offers listeners a vibrant mix of holiday cheer, thoughtful film analysis, and engaging banter. With Nick Jarin's expert insights into classic Christmas movies and the hosts' playful interactions, the episode serves as both an entertaining and reflective exploration of holiday traditions in cinema. The discussion on handling outdated racial depictions in beloved films adds depth, while the creative brainstorming and heartfelt acknowledgments foster a sense of community and anticipation for future content.