TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live – Episode #4521: Muttley Crüe

Release Date: July 30, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #4521 of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live, hosts Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh dive into a lively mix of humorous anecdotes, current events, and listener interactions. Recorded from the picturesque Madrona Hill studio overlooking the Columbia River, the duo sets the tone for a blend of lighthearted banter and insightful commentary.

Food News Today: Chuck E. Cheese and Little Red Hen

The episode kicks off with the segment "Food News Today," where Luke and Andrew explore quirky and unexpected stories from the food service industry.

• Chuck E. Cheese Credit Card Fraud Incident

  Luke introduces a bizarre incident at a Chuck E. Cheese location involving an employee named Jermell Jones. "[...] someone was arrested in the full Chuck E. Cheese uniform at a Chuck E. Cheese with the head on and everything and had to be walked out in handcuffs fully," Luke explains (43:35). The story unfolds as a regular customer, Courtney Guggenheimer, notices unauthorized credit card charges linked to Chuck E. Cheese. Instead of canceling her card, she investigates by reviewing security footage, ultimately identifying the culprit as a familiar face from her visits.

  Andrew adds humorously, "I wonder if they automatically put 20% on her tab for leaving her card behind the bar. Right?" (46:21), highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

• Little Red Hen Dumpster Dispute in Seattle

  Transitioning to local Seattle news, Luke discusses the ongoing dumpster dispute involving the beloved Little Red Hen bar. "[...] fans of Little Red Hen, Banjos and fiddles in hand, Rally to save Honky Tonk," Luke recounts (57:11). The community rally aims to preserve the iconic bar amidst rising dumpster fees imposed by the property owner. Andrew speculates on the motivations behind the owner's actions, suggesting, "I could see a world in which they just kind of thought that the owner of the hen was kind of an asshole" (63:00).

Political Corruption: James Trafficant and Beyond

The conversation shifts to political news, with a focus on former Congressman James Trafficant.

• James Trafficant's Mugshot Controversy

  Andrew raises concerns about the accessibility of Trafficant's mugshot through Getty Images. "How in the world is Getty owned the rights to that? That doesn't make any sense," he questions (19:38). Luke provides background, explaining Trafficant's fall from grace due to corruption charges and his infamous hair system, which became a talking point among the hosts.

  The discussion broadens as they touch on other disgraced politicians like John Edwards, Tom DeLay, and Bob Menendez, highlighting a recurring theme of political scandals and public perception. "[...] it's just like so many things from Seattle that were beloved from my younger days are just gone now," Luke reflects (63:44).

Listener Emails: The Muttley Crüe Mix-Up

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to addressing listener feedback about misattributions of cartoon characters.

• Mutley vs. Other Cartoon Dogs

  Lynn, a listener, points out Luke's repeated mistake in associating Mutley with the wrong cartoon show, "Clutch Cargo." Andrew shares his own frustration, "I have known of this dog. Like when you say that I can totally picture what you're talking about. But I never really kind of investigated that," he admits (66:22).

  The hosts read multiple listener emails correcting the mix-up, with Patty clarifying, "Mutley and others," and Max affirming, "I threw my phone but I am put Muttley in the show pick," ensuring Lynn feels validated (67:35). This light-hearted segment underscores the camaraderie between the hosts and their engaged audience.

Video Games and Cultural Commentary

Luke and Andrew briefly delve into the realm of video games, discussing titles like Duck Hunt and Red Dead Redemption 2.

• Duck Hunt Nostalgia

  Andrew reminisces about Duck Hunt, questioning its place in modern gaming: "[...] I don't like that idea of me going with my bow and arrow?" Luke humorously counters, "I feel great about that," referencing their earlier jokes about Mutley's laugh (71:30).

• Immersive Gaming Experiences

  The hosts debate the ethics and enjoyment of hunting simulations in video games, reflecting on their personal preferences and the impact of realistic violence in gaming environments.

Closing Remarks and Future Plans

As the episode winds down, Luke and Andrew discuss plans for upcoming segments and tease future topics, including a possible name change to "Mutley Crüe." They share a moment of genuine interaction, emphasizing their friendship and the show's dynamic nature.

• Final Banter and Listener Engagement

  "[...] it feels like we were missing out on Politics Road," Andrew muses, hinting at deeper political discussions. They also touch upon listener emails and upcoming show picks, ensuring their audience feels involved and heard.

  The episode concludes with a humorous take on leaving their regular segments for more relaxed conversations, promising more engaging content in the days to come.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andrew Walsh on Show Length:

  "If Andrew laughs in a studio and his mic is muted, did it really happen?" (03:30)

• Luke Burbank on Self-Deprecation:

  "[...] my self-esteem is such a crater that [...] I try to sort of self-medicate by being constantly negative about the show." (08:07)

• Andrew Walsh on Political Ejections:

  "I think that the left are way more quick to people out." (29:09)

• Luke Burbank on Wigs and Public Image:

  "[...] it's one of those things where my sense of it is [...] you're not the man you used to be." (17:41)

• Andrew Walsh on Video Games:

  "I always just think there's something about like shooting, you know, if I'm out there hunting for deer, a bow and arrow just seems like the most sort of like, I don't know, humane and sporting way to do it." (70:11)

Conclusion

Episode #4521 of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live offers listeners a blend of humor, local news insights, political commentary, and interactive segments. Luke and Andrew's chemistry shines through as they navigate a variety of topics with wit and camaraderie, making for an engaging and entertaining listen.

Timestamps for Reference:

• 03:30 – Andrew on muted laughter
• 08:07 – Luke on self-deprecation
• 17:41 – Discussion on wigs and public image
• 19:38 – James Trafficant mugshot and Getty Images
• 29:09 – Political ejections and the left's swift actions
• 43:35 – Chuck E. Cheese fraud incident introduction
• 46:21 – Humor on credit card fraud
• 57:11 – Little Red Hen dumpster dispute rally
• 63:00 – Speculation on property owner's motives
• 66:22 – Listener email about Mutley
• 67:35 – Addressing listener corrections
• 70:11 – Video games discussion

Note: For the full transcript and more detailed conversation, listeners are encouraged to tune into the episode.