Podcast Summary: TBTL Episode #4498 – Deus Ex Mulchina

Title: Deus Ex Mulchina
Hosts: Luke Burbank & Andrew Walsh
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Episode Number: #4498

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

In this lively episode of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live, hosts Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh kick off with their signature humor and camaraderie. From the outset, their playful banter sets a relaxed tone, engaging listeners with jokes and friendly teasing.

Notable Quote:
Andrew Walsh [00:37]: "Making Friends is the name of this show."

2. ASCAP Lawsuit Against a Seattle Bar

The hosts delve into a significant topic: a lawsuit filed by ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) against a beloved bar in Ballard, Seattle. This legal action pertains to the unauthorized use of copyrighted music during live performances.

Notable Quote:
Luke Burbank [01:40]: "Sue me for what?"

The discussion highlights the challenges bars and live venues face in navigating music licensing, emphasizing how ASCAP ensures artists are compensated for their work. They mention that Andrew is participating in a segment on KUOW’s Weekend Review, promising exclusive insights on TBTL.

Notable Quote:
Luke Burbank [03:03]: "ASCAP represents the songwriters and publishers who own the copyrights on most of the songs they play and that they will have to get a license from us before they can play them legally."

3. Parenting Styles: Forcing Kids to Eat

Transitioning from legal matters to personal anecdotes, Luke and Andrew engage in a heartfelt conversation about parenting, specifically the age-old debate of whether to force children to finish their meals.

Notable Quote:
Luke Burbank [11:05]: "There are no middle ground punishments… it's either I am grounded for life or we're all going to laugh about this because it's absolutely moved into the absurd."

They explore generational differences in parenting approaches, reflecting on their upbringing and societal changes over the past decades. The hosts ponder whether contemporary concerns about children's eating habits are more pronounced compared to previous generations.

Notable Quote:
Andrew Walsh [14:16]: "I don't think we need to force the kids to clean their plates."

4. Fruit Roll Ups Commercial Discussion

Shifting gears, the duo reminisces about a nostalgic Fruit Roll Ups commercial from the '80s or '90s, critiquing its depiction of children acting as adults managing a marketing campaign for the candy.

Notable Quote:
Andrew Walsh [20:11]: "They put temporary tattoos on a Fruit Roll up so that you would unroll the Fruit Roll up, press it onto your skin to transfer the tattoo from the Fruit Roll up onto your skin, and then proceed to eat the Fruit Roll Up."

They humorously dissect the absurdity of the commercial's concept, questioning the hygiene and practicality of combining tattoos with candy consumption.

5. Voicemail Story: Dog and Tomato Juice

A memorable voicemail shared by Andrew recounts a childhood mishap involving a dog, a skunk, and a mess of tomato juice on a white sofa. The story serves as a relatable anecdote about embarrassing situations and familial reactions.

Notable Quote:
Andrew Walsh [09:04]: "I can't think of a worse mess. A dog shaking tomato juice all over a white sofa and whatever the hell else was in that living room."

Luke empathizes with the predicament, reflecting on the duality of facing potential punishment versus finding humor in the chaos.

6. Mulch Acquisition and Neighbor's Free Mulch

The conversation takes a practical turn as Andrew discusses garden maintenance, specifically the dilemma of acquiring mulch. He narrates an encounter with a neighbor offering free mulch, weighing the pros and cons of repurposing her excess supply versus purchasing high-quality mulch from a store.

Notable Quote:
Luke Burbank [26:53]: "You get what you don't pay for."

Andrew describes the mulch in question as fresh and partially green, raising concerns about its aesthetic appeal and suitability for their garden beds.

Notable Quote:
Andrew Walsh [27:16]: "We need mulch. We have a wheelbarrow that Genevieve is always looking for reasons to defend her purchase of this wheelbarrow, which I don't think she needs to defend."

The hosts humorously debate the merits of free versus store-bought mulch, ultimately leaning towards purchasing bags to ensure garden quality.

Notable Quote:
Luke Burbank [30:36]: "I think you need to, you know, try to use the stuff across the street just because of the kismet of it all. And then if it doesn't work, just, just go, go to Lowe's and buy a bunch of bags of whatever and."

7. ASCAP Licensing in Live Music Venues

Returning to the earlier legal discussion, Luke and Andrew further dissect ASCAP’s enforcement of licensing fees for live music venues. They explore the complexities of blanket licenses and the financial implications for small businesses.

Notable Quote:
Luke Burbank [33:03]: "You're supposed to be licensing it so that anything that goes on in that bar, restaurant over the course of the year is paid for."

They debate the fairness and practicality of ASCAP's licensing model, pondering how the collected fees are distributed among artists and the challenges venues face in compliance.

Notable Quote:
Andrew Walsh [37:13]: "They just hope that the fear of being audited will make all the rest of the people comply."

The hosts express skepticism about the efficiency and intent behind such lawsuits, suggesting they serve more as a deterrent than a means to significantly compensate artists.

8. Discussion of Joseph Mitchell's Writing

In a delightful pivot, Luke introduces Andrew to Joseph Mitchell’s literary work, specifically focusing on a piece detailing an ASCAP investigator. They share excerpts and analyze Mitchell’s vivid storytelling and characterization.

Notable Quote:
Andrew Walsh [41:24]: "He is supposed to get in on the job... he's supposed to convince the outraged proprietor that he has to get a license from ASCAP."

Luke marvels at Mitchell’s ability to bring characters to life, enhancing the episode with literary appreciation.

Notable Quote:
Luke Burbank [45:44]: "I love this book. I gotta reread this."

Their discussion underscores the blend of humor, personal stories, and broader societal issues that TBTL expertly navigates.

9. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Plans

As the episode winds down, Luke and Andrew share plans for upcoming events and promotions, including a mention of a new billboard and future guest appearances. They maintain their playful rapport, wrapping up with a mix of humor and sincere thanks to their listeners.

Notable Quote:
Luke Burbank [55:00]: "We are going to be right back here on Monday with more imaginary radio for all of you."

Conclusion

Episode #4498 of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live offers a rich tapestry of discussions, seamlessly transitioning from legal battles over music licensing to heartfelt conversations about parenting and practical gardening tips. Through their engaging dialogue, Luke and Andrew provide listeners with a blend of humor, insight, and relatable anecdotes, embodying the essence of friendship and the daily struggles and joys they navigate together.