Episode #4473: "Speedball Air Will Get You There" – Detailed Summary
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Hosts: Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh
Podcast: TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live
Introduction: Kicking Off with Banter
The episode begins with Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh engaging in their signature playful banter, setting a light-hearted tone for the show.
Luke Burbank [00:00]: "We only have to make small talk."
Andrew Walsh [00:01]: "For 8 minutes and 45 seconds."
This exchange highlights their comfort and camaraderie, preparing listeners for an entertaining conversation.
Navigating Through Soup Talk
A significant portion of the early conversation revolves around their differing preferences and experiences with soup, illustrating their relatable day-to-day discussions.
Andrew Walsh [00:39]: "Because I will be ordering a bowl of soup as an appetizer, not a cup. Chuck, I know people say I'll fill up, but you have no idea how my body processes soup."
Luke counters with his take on clam chowder vs. lighter soups, adding humor to the topic.
Luke Burbank [05:37]: "It's definitely not like you got to be in the right mood for it. It's not like a chicken noodle or a vegetable. Something where you're like, nobody is 60% on clam chowder. You're either 100% or you're 0%."
Their discussion not only entertains but also resonates with listeners' own dining habits.
Andrew's Appearance on KUOW Podcast
Andrew delves into his recent experience on the KUOW podcast, sharing insights into the preparation process and the dynamics of guest participation.
Andrew Walsh [07:05]: "They reached out to me in advance and said, hey, we're trying something new. We want to kind of meet guests where they are."
He describes how proposing his own topics added a new dimension to the interview, reflecting his growth and adaptability.
Andrew Walsh [09:32]: "I sent five of these things in and I'd mentioned to you on the show that it was somewhat fulfilling, kind of playing that role again."
Weekend Plans: Whirlyball and Personal Updates
The hosts transition to sharing their personal weekend plans, offering listeners a glimpse into their lives outside the studio.
Andrew's Whirlyball Adventure
Andrew excitedly discusses his plans to participate in a whirlyball event celebrating friends' marriages.
Andrew Walsh [11:07]: "I'm going back to Whirlyball on Sunday. It has been a long, long time. A couple of friends are getting married, and we're celebrating with an afternoon of whirlyball."
He reminisces about past experiences, including playing with Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie, adding a touch of nostalgia.
Andrew Walsh [14:26]: "I remember the last time I did this with you? I believe it was when Ben Gibbard was there from Death Cab for Cutie."
Luke's Garden Project
Luke shares his ongoing garden project involving pea gravel and raised beds, blending his personal hobbies with relatable tasks.
Luke Burbank [19:13]: "I have this enormous pile of gravel that I have to sort of wheelbarrow down to this other location this weekend."
His practical challenges and humorous takes make the conversation engaging and down-to-earth.
Donations and Acknowledgements: Heartfelt Thanks
Luke takes a moment to express gratitude towards their donors, particularly highlighting Thea Anderson's support for the show.
Luke Burbank [21:07]: "Thank you Thea. One of my favorite little towns, Thea says. Happy to be in a position to be a dazzling donor."
He humorously promotes Thea's medical aesthetics clinic, blending sincerity with light humor.
Luke Burbank [22:25]: "In order to regain some semblance of myself, I... slowly learned how to treat my deficits."
Andrew joins in with playful skepticism about promo codes, enhancing the friendly rapport.
Andrew Walsh [22:38]: "But just use it though, like it can't hurt. You just type in TBTL in various fields."
Great TBTL Billboard Hunt: An Exciting Contest
John Sklott introduces an exciting new project—the Great TBTL Billboard Hunt—a contest encouraging listeners to locate a TBTL billboard across the United States.
John Sklott [25:50]: "This involves a TBTL billboard that is going to go up somewhere in America and the listeners can participate in trying to figure out where this sign is actually located."
How It Works
The contest unfolds over five weeks, with weekly clues becoming progressively more specific. Participants are encouraged to use their creativity and deductive skills to pinpoint the billboard's location.
John Sklott [26:25]: "The clues are going to get a little more specific but that doesn't mean they're necessarily going to be easy."
Prize and Submission
The first participant to accurately guess the billboard's location will receive a miniature replica of the TBTL billboard, serving as both a collectible and a trophy.
John Sklott [28:10]: "It's like a little desktop size, little mini replicate of the billboard that we will be putting up in the world."
Initial Clue
The first clue provided to listeners is simple yet broad, setting the stage for an engaging hunt.
John Sklott [31:10]: "It is in the United States."
The hosts encourage multiple submissions, emphasizing fairness and excitement.
Andrew Walsh [28:38]: "Sure, sure, sure, sure."
Sports Banter and Stories: Light-Hearted Football and Baseball Talk
The conversation shifts to various sports anecdotes and observations, blending humor with personal insights.
Miami Heat and Team Cultures
The hosts discuss the Miami Heat's enduring competitiveness and the unique culture of Miami that attracts high-profile players.
John Sklott [37:31]: "It's such a fun environment, like free agents and players love going to play in Miami..."
Luke adds his perspective on team environments and fan behaviors.
Luke Burbank [36:37]: "I just think of them as a new team. So there maybe wasn't a long standing culture in Miami of NBA, I don't know, norms..."
Unique Fan Stories
They share amusing stories about fans, including an interview with a lone die-hard Mariners fan enduring a rain delay.
Luke Burbank [42:36]: "There was one kid just sitting. I say kid. He was probably 25... super die hard Mariners fan."
Critique of Sports Announcers
The hosts express their opinions on sports announcers, highlighting a recent scandal involving homophobic remarks and the ensuing backlash.
Andrew Walsh [48:04]: "But his apology was one of those very annoying apologies where his thing was. He goes, that's just not me."
Listener Emails and Cameos: Engaging Audience Interaction
Andrew reads a listener's email about air traffic controllers in Prague, showcasing the show's engagement with its audience and diverse topics.
Andrew Walsh [53:54]: "Third, I learned that air traffic controllers, at least in the Czech Republic, are an extremely gregarious social group who speak an incredible level of English."
The hosts transition into a humorous discussion about Cameo services, envisioning "reverse cameos" where celebrities listen to personalized messages without responding.
Andrew Walsh [61:19]: "What if instead of a reverse cameo is we pay these... we get video of them sitting there listening and taking our message."
This segment blends creativity with comedic elements, entertaining listeners with their imaginative ideas.
Conclusion: Wrapping Up with Warm Farewells
As the episode draws to a close, Luke and Andrew express their gratitude to listeners, recap key points, and tease future content.
Luke Burbank [65:40]: "We do appreciate you spending all this time with us. We will be back here on Monday with much more imaginary radio for you."
They sign off with their usual friendly and humorous notes, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next episode.
Andrew Walsh [65:58]: "And good luck to all."
This episode of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live seamlessly blends personal anecdotes, listener interactions, and engaging discussions, all delivered with Luke and Andrew's unique chemistry. From culinary debates to exciting contests and sports stories, #4473 offers a delightful mix that both regular listeners and newcomers will find entertaining and relatable.