TBTL Episode #4409: "The Cruddy Kid" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: February 24, 2025
Hosts: Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh
Podcast: TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live

1. Introduction and Tipping Dilemma (00:01 – 05:00)

The episode opens with the hosts engaging in their characteristic playful banter. Luke introduces the main topic by recounting his recent experience with tipping at a local pizza restaurant. He shares his frustration with the tipping system, especially after ordering a substantial pizza worth $41 plus additional fees, and ultimately deciding not to tip.

Luke Burbank (03:07): "I think I'm in the right. I'm not gonna say what the company is, but let's just say..."

Andrew Walsh (03:43): "Yeah. What were we talking about tips last week? It wasn't tipping over things, was it?"

2. The Complexities of Modern Tipping and Minimum Wage (05:00 – 15:00)

Luke delves into the intricacies of the current tipping culture, particularly in Seattle. He discusses the impact of rising minimum wages, now reportedly at $19.25 per hour, and how businesses are shifting additional costs to consumers through processing fees and altered tipping prompts. The hosts debate whether tipping should continue in an environment where employees are already earning a living wage.

Luke Burbank (13:00): "And so as we are paying folks $20 an hour and that's... I do think so."

Andrew Walsh (20:31): "If we are paying people $20 an hour and we're still tipping, that doesn't seem like a bad gig."

3. Frozen Pizza Hacks and Preferences (07:00 – 09:30)

The conversation shifts to their personal preferences and methods for enhancing frozen pizzas. Andrew advocates for thin-crust frozen pizzas, believing they offer a better experience by eliminating the problematic thick crust. Meanwhile, Luke prefers a slightly buttery crust and shares his techniques for adding spices and fresh ingredients like oregano, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil to improve the flavor.

Andrew Walsh (07:28): "I feel like the crust is... the thinner the crust, the better the chances are that you'll have a good experience."

Luke Burbank (08:33): "I just want a little bit of buttery crust... some oregano, definitely some red pepper flakes."

4. Rising Cost of Groceries and Personal Spending Habits (09:30 – 18:00)

Luke shares his growing awareness and frustration with rising grocery costs, exemplified by his recent experience buying expensive sumo oranges and pasture-raised eggs. Both hosts lament the increasing prices of everyday items and discuss how this affects their shopping behaviors, with Luke opting for cheaper frozen options and Andrew taking a more strategic approach to finding deals.

Luke Burbank (29:15): "These are on some great markdown... but I just paid $20 for four oranges."

Andrew Walsh (44:40): "I did buy something, and it turned out to be exactly what it has all been about."

5. Listener Stories: Embarrassing Condom Mishaps (74:44 – 80:52)

The episode includes contributions from anonymous listeners who share humorous and embarrassing stories involving condoms. Luke narrates a listener’s tale of inadvertently dropping an open condom at Wendy’s, while Andrew reflects on his own experiences with condom distribution during his youth. These stories add a lighthearted and relatable element to the discussion.

Listener (74:44): "Valentine's Day, 1990... the condom itself was stuck to the corner of my wallet."

Luke Burbank (80:52): "I never darkened the door of that Wendy's again. Anonymous listener."

6. Reflections on Reality TV and Media Consumption (18:00 – 40:00)

The hosts transition to discussing their views on reality TV, particularly shows like "Passions" and "Lockup Louisville." They express skepticism about the portrayal of individuals in incarceration settings and the impact of reality TV on public perception. Andrew shares his admiration for a poignant episode of "Lockup Louisville," highlighting its balanced depiction of life behind bars.

Andrew Walsh (62:36): "It was a moment of real emotion that I swear to God, like, I don’t know the last time I saw an unscripted TV show where this kind of thing happened."

Luke Burbank (60:28): "We're only playing new stuff. It's complicated Boys."

7. Personal Anecdotes: Shaving and Puberty (73:22 – 85:56)

Luke and Andrew reminisce about their teenage years, specifically their awkward experiences with shaving and puberty. Luke recounts his embarrassed trip to buy shaving cream, while Andrew shares his unsuccessful attempt at growing a mustache during a Movember campaign. These personal stories add depth to their candid conversations.

Luke Burbank (84:29): "She teased me... 'it looks like you're going to be up to no good.'"

Andrew Walsh (85:38): "I eventually had to dye the blonde little baby hairs with like a Just for Men."

8. Supporter Messages and Community Appreciation (38:44 – 74:07)

The hosts acknowledge and thank their listeners and donors, notably Cinder Conlin, who shares heartfelt messages about how the podcast has impacted her life. They emphasize the importance of community support in keeping the show running and express gratitude towards their audience.

Andrew Walsh (49:03): "Continuing with Cinder's message... you guys, John and all of the tens for creating a space that makes me happy."

Luke Burbank (38:44): "And then you send it to me. I'll be like, did I talk about this on the show?"

9. Closing Thoughts and Well-Wishes (80:52 – End)

As the episode wraps up, Andrew discusses his recent health issues, specifically a bout of nausea and a lingering stomach bug, while Luke shares amusing thoughts about his own scrambled egg-making rituals influenced by a new girlfriend. They conclude with positive affirmations and well-wishes for their listeners.

Andrew Walsh (80:52): "I'm doing better today. I'm on the mend."

Luke Burbank (100:52): "Take care of yourselves and please remember, no mountain too tall."

Key Insights and Discussions

• Tipping Culture vs. Living Wage: The hosts critically examine the sustainability of tipping in the context of rising minimum wages, questioning whether it's fair to continue tipping when employees are already earning a decent wage.

• Cost of Living Concerns: Both Luke and Andrew express their frustrations with the increasing costs of everyday items like groceries, highlighting how inflation affects personal budgets and spending habits.

• Media Consumption Habits: Their discussion on reality TV reflects a broader commentary on how media shapes perceptions and the quality of content that resonates with them personally.

• Personal Growth and Social Awkwardness: Through their anecdotes about shaving and condom mishaps, the hosts provide relatable insights into navigating adolescence and adult social norms.

• Community and Support: The episode underscores the importance of listener support, fostering a sense of community and mutual appreciation between the hosts and their audience.

Notable Quotes

• On Tipping:

  "I feel like I was in my right to do this... I couldn't put down another $10 on this pizza." — Luke Burbank (17:21)

• On Minimum Wage:

  "If we are paying people $20 an hour and we're still tipping, that doesn't seem like a bad gig." — Andrew Walsh (20:31)

• On Grocery Costs:

  "I just paid $20 for four oranges." — Luke Burbank (29:15)

• On Reality TV:

  "It was a moment of real emotion... I've been impressed with the people behind the show not making it like people in jail are awful humans who should be locked up." — Andrew Walsh (62:36)

• On Community Support:

  "Thanks, you guys, John and all of the tens for creating a space that makes me happy." — Andrew Walsh (49:03)

Conclusion

Episode #4409 of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live offers a blend of humorous banter, thoughtful discussions on societal issues like tipping and living wages, personal anecdotes, and reflections on media consumption. Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh engage their audience with relatable content, insightful commentary, and genuine appreciation for their community, making it a compelling listen for both regular followers and newcomers alike.