TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live – Episode #4384 You Could Have Banned It Longer
Release Date: January 20, 2025
Hosts: Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh
Introduction
In the Monday edition of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live, hosts Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh dive into a range of intriguing topics, blending humor with insightful commentary. Episode #4384, titled "You Could Have Banned It Longer," explores the recent brief ban of TikTok, media critiques, personal anecdotes about wildlife, and a hearty discussion on the current state of football playoffs.
TikTok Ban Incident
Timestamp: [02:19] – [10:34]
The episode kicks off with a significant update: media personality Chris Hayes received a mock "Saturday Night Live" treatment, marking a noteworthy moment in the show's lore. However, the primary focus shifts to the controversial and transient ban of TikTok.
Luke Burbank shares his experience of witnessing TikTok "going dark" while browsing the app, describing it as a "weird experience" ([02:34]). Andrew Walsh criticizes the ban, suggesting it was a politically motivated move to bolster the incoming president's image:
Andrew Walsh [04:20]: "But they did. Allegedly. TikTok was banned for a period of hours, a very few hours. You can ban it for a little longer. It doesn't have to come back that fast."
The hosts debate the legitimacy and implications of the ban, with Luke expressing skepticism about its permanence:
Luke Burbank [04:13]: "I don't want to use the word banned because I do not believe TikTok was banned. Or at least this weekend when Tick Tock went away, it was not because of a ban."
They further delve into the political maneuvers surrounding TikTok, pointing fingers at both Republican efforts led by Donald Trump and what they perceive as cynical corporate decisions by leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. Luke highlights the platform's resilience and the financial motivations behind its quick reinstatement:
Luke Burbank [10:34]: "I think that's a completely cynical move by TikTok to just, oh, of course, try to stay in business as opposed to an ideological one."
Andrew Walsh adds context, acknowledging TikTok's essential role for many users' income and community, especially within movements like sobriety:
Andrew Walsh [20:40]: "Sober TikTok movement where people have really reached out to each other and kind of inspired each other."
The discussion underscores the precarious balance between political influence and the economic realities of social media platforms.
Seattle Times 'Self Rant'
Timestamp: [03:42] – [07:30]
The conversation shifts to a "self rant" featured in the Seattle Times, where an individual publicly apologizes for not allowing another driver to merge while exiting a parking garage. The hosts critique the grammatical construction and the sincerity of the apology:
Andrew Walsh [04:06]: "I'd been waiting so long to exit. That was petty and I apologize. Rant also to the person I didn't let in for cussing at me. That was rude, by the way. That's a comma splice."
Luke Burbank emphasizes that a genuine apology requires full ownership of one's actions, rather than a half-hearted acknowledgment:
Luke Burbank [04:57]: "I need on this, on this morning."
The hosts agree that the apology lacks depth and fails to fully address the offender's behavior, highlighting a broader issue with media representations of personal grievances.
Personal Anecdotes: Hummingbirds and Stray Cats
Timestamp: [06:21] – [15:25]
Adding a personal touch, Luke Burbank narrates his morning struggles with frozen hummingbird feeders and a stray cat seeking warmth beneath his car. The story humanizes the hosts and provides humor amidst heavier topics:
Luke Burbank [07:30]: "These hummingbird feeders, of course, because they're gravity-fed, right, you need there to be a certain amount of gravitational pressure for the water... I was spilling half frozen purple hummingbird nectar everywhere."
Andrew Walsh offers solutions, suggesting the use of multiple feeders to swap them out or employing radiant heat to prevent freezing:
Andrew Walsh [09:36]: "Genevieve has several feeders... But it does seem like Sisyphean."
Their exchange illustrates the trials of attempting to care for wildlife during harsh weather conditions, blending practical advice with light-hearted banter.
SNL's Mock of MSNBC
Timestamp: [54:01] – [63:42]
Luke Burbank discusses a recent Saturday Night Live (SNL) cold open that parodied MSNBC's coverage of the inauguration weekend. The sketch featured impersonations of Rachel Maddow, Joy Reid, Ari Melber, and Chris Hayes.
Luke Burbank [54:01]: "Stephanie Rule... Our friend, television's Chris Hayes was portrayed on the show."
The hosts express mixed feelings about Chris Hayes's portrayal, noting that the SNL impersonators struggled to capture his essence:
Andrew Walsh [60:08]: "They were like, the only thing they. At one point, they're trying to make this joke that, like, the literally the only recurring joke was that people were thinking that Chris was Rachel Maddow."
Luke appreciates the effort but feels that Chris's character offers limited material for satire:
Luke Burbank [59:38]: "He does not have annoying characteristics on air. He does not have... So what they went with the Stephanie Rule thing... And again, very good at drilling down on issues."
The segment highlights the challenges of impersonating real-life figures and the nuanced perceptions audiences hold of media personalities.
Football Talk
Timestamp: [14:13] – [48:56]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the hosts' passion for football. Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh delve into NFL playoffs, specific game highlights, and the evolving landscape of college football.
NFL Playoffs and Bills-Ravens Game:
The hosts analyze the intense Bills vs Ravens matchup, discussing key plays and player performances. Andrew Walsh expresses his enthusiasm for the playoffs, likening his addiction to a "playoff drug":
Andrew Walsh [35:37]: "I just think it's a really interesting playoff here. Everybody was talking about..."
College Football Playoff Structure:
They critique the shortened downtime between college football playoff games due to the expanded 12-team format:
Andrew Walsh [42:54]: "Because they expanded the playoffs again this year. Yeah, it's like 12 teams now."
Personal Football Anecdotes:
Luke shares humorous memories, including late-night trips to Taco Time after a boxing match, creating relatable and entertaining stories:
Luke Burbank [51:16]: "We had gone back to this Taco Time in Lacey. And we were so famished... just ate in silence at the lake in the Lacey."
The discussion extends to fan rivalries, particularly between Notre Dame and Penn State, highlighting the cultural and familial tensions that arise during major games.
Luke Burbank [46:12]: "There is an intense Intense, how do I call it? East coast maga. Weird energy around the fan bases of both Notre Dame and Penn State."
This segment underscores the hosts' deep engagement with football culture, blending analysis with personal anecdotes and humor.
Wrap-Up
Timestamp: [63:38] – [64:20]
As the episode concludes, Luke and Andrew extend gratitude to their donors, acknowledging specific listeners from various regions. They share a final light-hearted exchange about their appearance and preparations:
Luke Burbank [50:30]: "Do I look a little, I don't know, somehow more. Even more balanced, more centered, better today on camera than normal?"
The hosts wrap up by reflecting on the show's role as a comforting distraction:
Luke Burbank [64:17]: "This is one of those things where this has happened before... but often I get done talking with you for like an hour and a half or something and actually I do feel better."
Andrew Walsh echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of their conversations:
Andrew Walsh [64:18]: "Yeah, definitely."
They close with encouraging words to listeners:
Luke Burbank [64:20]: "Thanks for listening everybody. We'll see you tomorrow. In the meantime, have a great Monday. Take care of yourselves and please remember, no mountain too tall and good luck to all. Power out."
Notable Quotes:
- Andrew Walsh [04:20]: "But they did. Allegedly. TikTok was banned for a period of hours, a very few hours."
- Luke Burbank [10:34]: "I think that's a completely cynical move by TikTok to just, oh, of course, try to stay in business as opposed to an ideological one."
- Andrew Walsh [20:40]: "Sober TikTok movement where people have really reached out to each other and kind of inspired each other."
This episode of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live offers a blend of current events analysis, personal storytelling, and playful banter, providing listeners with both information and entertainment. Whether discussing geopolitical maneuvers affecting social media or sharing heartfelt tales of local wildlife, Luke and Andrew deliver a rich and engaging listening experience.