Podcast Title: TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live
Episode: #4488 A Show About Almosts
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Hosts: Luke Burbank, Andrew Walsh
Description: TBTL is a daily show hosted by two longtime friends goofing their way through the world the best they can. Join Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh as they cover the most important topics of the day, from 25-year-old film reviews to whether or not Andrew’s neighbors are secretly using his garbage bins.

Introduction to Slang and Light Banter

[00:00 - 01:18]
The episode kicks off with Luke Burbank sharing a series of contemporary slang terms to help listeners "sound cool." He introduces words like "crim," "stront," "liquid laugh," "valdemode," and "Yandy," providing humorous examples for each. This segment sets a playful tone for the episode and showcases the hosts' camaraderie.

Luke Burbank ([00:00]): "The way you're eating that burrito is crim."

Following Luke’s introduction of slang terms, Andrew Walsh interjects with enthusiasm, hinting at the day's theme and building anticipation for upcoming discussions.

Andrew Walsh ([00:31]): "TBTL. Guess what day it is."

Discussion on Friday the 13th and Episode Theme

[01:20 - 02:36]
The hosts acknowledge the release date coinciding with Friday the 13th, blending humor with a slight edge of superstition. John Sklaroff joins the conversation, adding his own experiences and setting up the episode's central theme: "A Show About Almosts."

John Sklaroff ([01:30]): "It is just absolutely beautiful today. Looking at Lake Michigan and... And yet this beautiful view is causing a weird reaction in my brain that I don't like."

He introduces the "Great TBTL Billboard Hunt," revealing that the episode will provide clue number four in the contest to guess the billboard's location.

Billboard Hunt Contest

[02:36 - 05:35]
John elaborates on the ongoing billboard hunt, explaining that listeners are tasked with identifying the specific locale in America where TBTL is placing a billboard. He humorously hints at the possibility of the billboard appearing sooner than expected, generating excitement and urgency among listeners.

John Sklaroff ([02:36]): "Listeners trying to guess where in America TBTL is putting up a billboard starting as soon as next week."

Andrew and John engage in a light-hearted conversation about technical challenges and the possibility of the billboard unveiling earlier than planned.

Andrew Walsh ([04:11]): "I think we're in good shape here, Luke, to do a great show."

Personal Anecdotes and Nostalgia

[05:35 - 15:48]
The discussion shifts to personal stories, with John expressing his frustration over finally getting a room with a view of Lake Michigan after years of being denied one at a familiar hotel. This leads to a deeper reflection on missed opportunities and the emotional impact of finally experiencing something long denied.

John Sklaroff ([07:03]): "I'm now in this room that is facing the lake. When I walked in here last night, Andrew, it was like a choir of angels singing."

The conversation then transitions into nostalgic territory as John and Andrew reminisce about the classic TV show Beverly Hills 90210. They delve into character analyses, discussing their favorite characters and critiquing the show's representation of different personalities.

Andrew Walsh ([12:14]): "I was a Shannon Doherty head, not Tori Spelling."

Listener Interactions and Community Building

[15:48 - 26:21]
The hosts interact with listener submissions, including a message from Mike Farnan, affectionately known as Clem Fandango. Mike applies for a "TBTL employee" position in a humorous exchange that highlights the show's playful nature.

Listener Mike ([27:08]): "Consider this message my official application to become TBTL employee numero dose."

Andrew shares a heartfelt story about a friend who listens to TBTL during tough times, emphasizing the show's positive impact on its audience.

Andrew Walsh ([22:33]): "We are getting towards the end of this list for this year, which always means we're getting towards the beginning of the next TBTL."

Highlighting Community Initiatives

[23:29 - 25:21]
John introduces the "Pedaling Relief Project" by the Cascade Bike Club, a listener-driven initiative that partners with food banks in Seattle to deliver food to homebound clients via bike. This segment underscores TBTL's commitment to community service and showcases listener contributions.

John Sklaroff ([23:29]): "Cascade has partnered with five food banks in Seattle, where volunteers deliver food to their homebound clients by bike."

Andrew praises the program, relating it to the show's ethos of combining fun with meaningful action.

Andrew Walsh ([24:54]): "Making food to give away is really important and good, but also so much food goes to waste when you're, like, tapping into that."

Further Contest Details and Listener Engagement

[26:21 - 54:12]
The episode continues with detailed discussions about the billboard hunt, including past guesses from listeners. The hosts provide additional clues, emphasizing the billboard's location within a specific U.S. state known for both something Andrew loves and dislikes.

Listener Mike ([46:00]): "John is in a place that features one of Andrew's favorite things and one of Andrew's least favorite things."

They encourage listeners to stay engaged by submitting their guesses while maintaining the mystery around the billboard’s exact location.

Andrew Walsh ([47:35]): "Can we just say that, like, send in your answer, but don't, like, post on the slack page, like, here it is."

The hosts also touch upon the design and subtlety of the billboard, noting that it might not be immediately recognizable as a TBTL promotion, adding an extra layer of challenge to the hunt.

John Sklaroff ([48:38]): "Such an incredibly, unuseful promotional tool that people will probably even listeners, if they looked at it, would not even clock it for what it is."

Concluding Remarks and Teasers for Future Episodes

[54:12 - End]
As the episode draws to a close, the hosts engage in playful banter about potential future contests and listener interactions. They tease the next episode's potential developments, including the possibility of announcing the billboard hunt winner or sharing additional clues.

Andrew Walsh ([53:29]): "All right, there we go, everybody."

The show wraps up with a mix of humor and camaraderie, reinforcing the friendly and engaging atmosphere that TBTL is known for.

John Sklaroff ([54:12]): "All right, that's gonna bring us to the end of our broadcast week."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Luke Burbank ([00:00]):

  "The way you're eating that burrito is crim."

• John Sklaroff ([07:03]):

  "I'm now in this room that is facing the lake. When I walked in here last night, Andrew, it was like a choir of angels singing."

• Listener Mike ([27:08]):

  "Consider this message my official application to become TBTL employee numero dose."

• John Sklaroff ([23:29]):

  "Cascade has partnered with five food banks in Seattle, where volunteers deliver food to their homebound clients by bike."

• Andrew Walsh ([46:11]):

  "This clue represents sort of the entire state that it's..."

Key Topics and Insights

1. Slang and Language Trends:
   The episode begins with a fun exploration of modern slang, highlighting the hosts' playful approach to everyday language.

2. Billboard Hunt Contest:
   A central theme is the ongoing contest to locate the TBTL billboard, engaging listeners in an interactive and mysterious challenge.

3. Personal Reflections and Nostalgia:
   The hosts share personal stories and memories, particularly revolving around Beverly Hills 90210, fostering a sense of nostalgia and connection with the audience.

4. Community and Listener Engagement:
   Through listener interactions and highlighting community initiatives like the Pedaling Relief Project, the show emphasizes its role in fostering a supportive and active listener community.

5. Humor and Light-Hearted Banter:
   Throughout the episode, humor and friendly teasing between the hosts create an engaging and entertaining atmosphere.

6. Future Teasers and Continued Engagement:
   The episode concludes by hinting at future developments and encouraging ongoing listener participation, ensuring sustained interest and engagement.

Conclusions

Episode #4488 of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live masterfully blends humor, personal anecdotes, and interactive elements to create an engaging listening experience. By combining playful language discussions, a challenging billboard hunt, and heartfelt community stories, the hosts maintain a lively and inclusive atmosphere. Notable quotes enhance the relatability and memorability of the episode, while structured sections ensure a coherent and comprehensive summary. This episode exemplifies TBTL's commitment to entertaining and connecting with its audience, making it accessible and enjoyable for both longtime listeners and newcomers alike.