Podcast Summary: TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live – Episode #4515 "On The Record!"
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Hosts: Luke Burbank, Andrew Walsh
Guest: Harriet (Local Journalist)
Correspondent: John Sklaroff
Introduction
In episode #4515 of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live, hosts Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh, alongside John Sklaroff, delve into a mix of personal anecdotes, community interactions, and their ongoing fundraising efforts. The episode, recorded from Friendship, Wisconsin, offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamics of their friendship and the challenges they navigate as a podcasting duo.
The Wisconsin 106 Breakfast Contest [03:06]
Andrew Walsh shares his recent misadventure with a local radio contest:
Andrew Walsh [03:57]: "I lost the Wisconsin 106 Breakfast with Bob Question to Ponder contest this morning, and I thought I had it in the bag."
The hosts discuss the contest's question:
Andrew Walsh [04:24]: "According to a recent study, what should you do 20 to 30 minutes before you go to bed?"
Andrew’s submission: "Turn off your phone," a response he believed was correct. However, the actual answer revealed by the radio host Bob was:
Luke Burbank [13:14]: "The answer was wear sunglasses."
The couple humorously reflect on the unexpected outcome, emphasizing their resilience:
Luke Burbank [03:58]: "It's not how many times you get knocked down, Andrew. It's how many times you get back up."
Fundraising Efforts: TBTL A Thon [02:34]
The hosts introduce their annual fundraising event, the "TBTL A Thon," highlighting the importance of listener support to keep the show running:
Luke Burbank [01:58]: "It's that one time a year where we get together with you, the tens of listeners, to gently remind you that this whole thing is 100% listener supported."
They discuss various donation tiers and associated thank-you gifts, including melodicas, harmonicas, and tambourines, all themed around music to resonate with their audience.
Guest Appearance: Harriet from the Local Newspaper [61:00]
Unexpectedly, Harriet, a local journalist from the Friendship Times, joins the conversation live, intrigued by the podcast’s presence in town:
Harriet: "I write a column called Only Yesterday and another one called Harriet's on the Move where I go somewhere and report."
The hosts seize the opportunity to engage with Harriet, discussing local journalism and the authenticity of news reporting. Harriet questions the credibility of a recent People magazine article based on a Reddit post, reflecting on modern journalism's challenges.
Interaction with Listeners: Ivan from Amsterdam [68:43]
A live call from Ivan in Amsterdam showcases the podcast’s international reach:
Ivan: "We got Marshall, Abby, Spencer, and a couple of us are going to be hitting the Amsterdam canals and doing a boat get-together this weekend."
Ivan expresses interest in the podcast's operations and hints at future collaborations, illustrating the deep connections formed with their "tens" community worldwide.
Behind the Scenes: Living Arrangements and Airbnb [08:33]
The trio humorously discusses their Airbnb accommodations in Friendship, highlighting quirky features like low-hanging ceiling fans:
Luke Burbank [24:36]: "You do have the objectively speaking, the nicest room. Which I'm very happy for you to have."
Their lighthearted banter about room assignments and safety adds a personal touch, resonating with listeners familiar with group travel dynamics.
The Billboard in Friendship [85:07]
A significant moment in the episode is the revelation of a billboard in Friendship promoting the podcast:
Andrew Walsh [86:37]: "We're sort of making a parody of like sort of a personal injury style billboard."
Surprisingly, despite being a month old, the billboard hasn't garnered any phone calls, leading to humorous reflections on its effectiveness and the hosts' promotional strategies.
Recap and Closing Thoughts [89:05]
As the episode wraps up, Luke shares the origins of TBTL, tracing its roots back to a 2008 radio show before transitioning to a podcast following cancellation:
Luke Burbank [83:35]: "When the station was restructuring the schedule, it meant they were canceling the show."
Reflecting on their journey, the hosts emphasize the importance of community support:
Andrew Walsh [52:22]: "Thank you very much."
They conclude with a heartfelt appreciation for their listeners and a tease for future content, maintaining the episode's warm and engaging tone.
Notable Quotes
- Andrew Walsh [03:57]: "I thought I had it in the bag."
- Luke Burbank [13:14]: "The answer was wear sunglasses."
- John Sklaroff [38:28]: "I'm always going to take her side."
- Luke Burbank [85:07]: "Nobody tell Air Supplies that their greatest hits album bears a striking resemblance to the TBTL greatest hits album, please."
Conclusion
Episode #4515 of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live offers a rich tapestry of humor, personal stories, and community engagement. Through candid conversations and unexpected guest interactions, Luke, Andrew, and John provide listeners—both long-time fans and newcomers—with an intimate glimpse into their podcasting world. The episode underscores the value of friendship and listener support in sustaining creative endeavors.