TBTL #4608: People For The Ethical Spoiling Of Television (P.E.S.T.)
Date: November 28, 2025
Hosts: Luke Burbank & Andrew Walsh
Episode Overview
This post-Thanksgiving episode sees Luke and Andrew dive into a delightfully rambling Friday, blending reflections on modern customer service surveys, listener connections, and the ethics of language—plus an in-depth and spoiler-filled discussion of the TV series "Pluribus" and "The Chair Company." The cast stay true to TBTL's spirit, veering from Thanksgiving leftovers and dad-level life hacks to the intricacies of cult TV, with their trademark blend of gripes, self-deprecating humor, and genuine affection for their niche community.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Customer Service & The Tyranny of Surveys
[03:43 - 14:50] Andrew’s T-Mobile Screen Protector Saga
- Andrew details his cracked screen protector and his “dad move” of going to the T-Mobile store to overspend for the peace of mind of pro installation.
- Shares play-by-play of receiving and responding to the store’s automated survey—highlighting the mismatch between real satisfaction and corporate metrics.
- Notable Quote:
“It was a great experience, but I’m not going to go around suggesting people switch to T-Mobile because somebody put a $40 screensaver on my phone and wasn’t rude to me.” —Andrew [09:14]
- Notable Quote:
- Exposes how the survey system expects only the highest ratings, prompting “wellness checks” over anything less than a perfect 10, much to the annoyance of logical customers.
- Notable Quote:
“How likely ON A SCALE OF 9 TO 10, would you be to recommend T-Mobile?…and then they can go, 100% of people gave us a 9 or a 10.”—Luke [12:32]
- Notable Quote:
- General lampooning of customer satisfaction theater, and the “relentless pursuit” of five-star ratings.
2. Listener Connections, Media Nostalgia & PETA Mugs
[23:24 - 37:28] PETA Reaches Out
- Luke shares a message received from PETA, thanking him for using their “Two Birds With One Scone” and other animal-friendly idioms on TBTL—and offering mugs in gratitude.
- Notable Quote:
“Thanks so much for showing that there’s more than one way to peel a potato. Words matter and we can all choose to use language that encourages kindness to animals.” —PETA email [23:24]
- Notable Quote:
- Andrew playfully laments not being recognized for coining “no Doug on this flight” and other animal-friendly phrases, exposing his own mug envy.
- Luke speculates, and PETA later confirms, that the mugs came courtesy of several PETA employees who happen to be listeners.
- Notable Quote:
“You have many listeners here at PETA, and several heard you mention using them…” —PETA (via Luke) [35:12]
- Notable Quote:
- Tangent: Andrew browses the PETA gift shop, debating if it’s ethical to request a “Rat Pack” hat as swag.
- Both hosts acknowledge listener emails expressing nuanced feelings about PETA; Andrew reiterates their commitment to respecting multiple perspectives.
3. Listener Heroics & TBTL Community
[27:49 - 29:56] "Meet My Hero"
- Andrew shares a heartwarming childhood newsletter created by a listener (Aiden), declaring Andrew his hero for being a part of TBTL.
- Notable Quote:
“…somewhat disturbing depiction of somebody wearing glasses with a beard around a maniacal smile. And it says ‘Andrew is a podcarter. He makes a podcast with his good friend Luck [Luke?]. The podcast name is TBTL. I love this podcast so much.’” —Andrew [28:13]
- Notable Quote:
- Both reflect with sincere gratitude on the unexpected and meaningful ways the show reaches listeners of all ages.
4. Spoiler-Filled TV Talk: "Pluribus" and "The Chair Company"
[37:28 - 66:59] Main Segment:
WARNING: Spoilers for “Pluribus” through Episode 4, “The Chair Company” through Episode 7
"Pluribus"
- Andrew and Luke break down expectations vs. reality for “Pluribus” (created by Vince Gilligan):
- Both were riveted by the first episode’s mysterious, mesmerizing, high-concept sci-fi setup.
- Subsequent episodes shift focus sharply to one character (Carol/Rhea Seehorn) and her emotional processing of the new world, to the frustration of both hosts.
- Notable Quotes:
“They’re just way over-indexing on how much I care about Rhea Seehorn’s character...I just wish it had been more about this phenomenon.” —Andrew [44:05]
“I don’t need any more scenes of her throwing away gourmet food that showed up at her house...I feel like I get it already as a viewer.” —Luke [45:54]
- Notable Quotes:
- Both critique as “unrealistic” that other un-assimilated survivors (in the group scene) react to Carol as if she’s “crazy” or overreacting, instead of being equally shocked and distressed.
- They question narrative rules: why Carol’s emotions, specifically, can “kill” Pluribus members, and why this MacGuffin was contrived.
- Notable Quotes:
“I have a bit of a problem with the idea that...she can kill people by getting mad. Why don’t people die when the other...people get mad?” —Luke [49:37]
- Notable Quotes:
- Praise for Vince Gilligan’s directorial signature and staging, especially Busby Berkeley–style shots and world-building details.
- Both still find the show’s look/production/stakes compelling enough to continue.
- Andrew confesses yearning for a “Three Body Problem”–style show with a broader POV and more direct sci-fi action.
"The Chair Company"
- Joyous, free-association recaps and quoting ensue, avoiding major spoilers but still referencing up to episode 7.
- Luke celebrates the addition of the main character’s daughter as a real “friend and ally,” balancing the narrative.
- Notable Quote:
“There’s a sane person in the world who actually sees he’s onto something. That was a breath of fresh air for me.” —Luke [60:46]
- Notable Quote:
- Andrew nitpicks the shift in her attitude: from being worried about her dad’s mental health, to suddenly allying with him, though he acknowledges it likely aligns with a key evidence reveal.
- They debate an in-story Wendy’s “Carvers” restaurant, unsure if it’s real or part of the show’s odd universe.
- Both delight over the return of running gags like the shirt store and the show's ability to balance surrealism with genuine (albeit absurd) emotional beats.
- Andrew felt episode 5 was peak, with episodes 6 and 7 a little heavier yet still highly enjoyable.
- Luke celebrates the addition of the main character’s daughter as a real “friend and ally,” balancing the narrative.
5. Holiday Listener Community & Blursday Messages
[67:00 - end (~75:35)]
- Quick promo for the TBTL Holiday Party (Dec 19, via Zoom), inviting listeners to reminisce about personal festive traditions.
- Blursday birthday and celebration shoutouts, with warm, sometimes hilarious messages from the TBTL community.
- Sweet dog adoption sub-tangent as both hosts reflect on their petless longing.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------|---------| | 09:14 | “It was a great experience, but I’m not going to go around suggesting people switch to T-Mobile because somebody put a $40 screensaver on my phone and wasn’t rude to me.” | Andrew | | 12:32 | “How likely ON A SCALE OF 9 TO 10, would you be to recommend T-Mobile?…and then they can go, 100% of people gave us a 9 or a 10.” | Luke | | 23:24 | “Thanks so much for showing that there’s more than one way to peel a potato. Words matter and we can all choose to use language that encourages kindness to animals.” (PETA email) | read by Luke | | 28:13 | “‘Andrew is a podcarter. He makes a podcast with his good friend Luck. The podcast name is TBTL. I love this podcast so much.’” | Andrew | | 44:05 | “They're just way over-indexing on how much I care about Rhea Seehorn’s character...I just wish it had been more about this phenomenon.” | Andrew | | 45:54 | “I don’t need any more scenes of her throwing away gourmet food...I feel like I get it already as a viewer.” | Luke | | 49:37 | “I have a bit of a problem with the idea that...she can kill people by getting mad. Why don’t people die when the other...people get mad?” | Luke | | 60:46 | “There’s a sane person in the world who actually sees he’s onto something. That was a breath of fresh air for me.” | Luke |
Important Segment Timestamps
- 00:00 — Andrew’s “Butterfield Diet” cold open/skit
- 03:43 — Andrew’s T-Mobile/survey saga
- 14:50 — Holiday gratitude and donor thanks
- 23:24 — PETA mug email segment
- 27:49 — Listener-made “Meet My Hero” feature about Andrew
- 37:28 — “Pluribus” spoiler-y deep dive
- First 20 min: Big-picture impressions, character focus, critical analysis
- ~47:00 — Group scene and “anger can kill” device
- ~54:00 — Show’s internal logic and world/POV shifts
- 60:00 — “The Chair Company” thoughts
- 66:59 — Upcoming TBTL holiday party message
- 69:12 — Blursday birthday/celebration shoutouts
- 74:16 — Dog longing tangent and closing banter
Tone, Takeaways, and Flow
The show maintains its classic TBTL energy: self-effacing, warm, tangent-prone, and gently absurd. Andrew and Luke’s chemistry shines as they pivot effortlessly between cultural commentary, life gripes, and their sincere engagement with listeners—peppering their banter with running jokes, silly riffs, and soundboard drops. TV spoilers are handled with repeated warnings and considered, thoughtful takes.
Ultimately, this episode is a celebration of the small rituals and communities listeners build around media, language, and shared experience—even as Andrew fusses over survey scales and mugs, peevishly but endearingly.
For listeners who missed it:
You’ll get the satisfaction of hearty laughs, robust TV discussion (with fair warning for spoilers), affectionate celebration of the show’s own mythos, and another reminder why TBTL’s blend of humor, empathy, and dazzling digression makes it “too beautiful to live.”