#4614 How Lowe Can You Go?

TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live

Episode #4614: "How Lowe Can You Go?"

Date: December 8, 2025
Hosts: Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh

Episode Overview

On this Monday episode, Luke and Andrew settle in amid the Pacific Northwest's wind and rain for a spirited, meandering conversation that weaves through Howard Stern Show deep dives, the blandness of celebrity podcasts (with a special focus on Rob Lowe’s "Literally"), the economics of SiriusXM, podcast award snubs, and the subtle joy (and existential unease) of a weekend spent in an Xfinity store. Listeners will enjoy signature TBTL banter on trash disputes, unlikely podcast promotions, what makes compelling audio, and even a voicemail from a self-described "rookie" listener.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Improv Auditions & Show Opening Banter

The show opens with Luke and Andrew joking about someone being turned away from an improv class for being too violent and using props—riffing on the idea that improv is about making something out of nothing.
[00:06 | Luke Burbank:] “The whole idea of improv is you’re making it up with nothing…I have a mug. Watch. She’s incredible at prop work.”
Sets the early tone: playful, self-deprecating, and ready for digressions.

2. The Annals of Howard Stern

Extended, detailed dive into Stern Show dynamics, podcasting, and broadcast culture

Andrew brings up having recently listened to Howard Stern on the radio, leading to a deep discussion of the internal drama among Stern’s staffers and producers, notably Mehmet ("a polarizing figure") and Ronnie the Limo Driver.
[04:35 | Luke Burbank:] "Mixing it up stuff. Mehmet is a polarizing…figure on the show. He’s kind of a heel on purpose…he likes to get into on-air disagreements with the other producers and that’s how he sort of gets airtime."
The hosts analyze why Stern’s show works: not so much for Stern’s own takes/interviews, but for the ongoing feuds, real or manufactured, between staffers cultivated by Stern.
[10:39 | Luke Burbank:] "That’s the savant, that’s the superpower of Howard Stern…he just understands how to get the producers mad at each other and then let them go."
Andrew and Luke discuss how their affection for that chaos is at odds with the “here to make friends” energy they cultivate on TBTL.
Discussion of the difference between “real” and “phony” on-air personalities, referencing Sarah Jessica Parker’s Stern interview as an example of inauthenticity.
- [12:20 | Andrew Walsh:] “There is just something so phony baloney to me about both sides of this conversation…”

3. The Blandness of Celebrity Podcasts: Rob Lowe’s "Literally"

Andrew highlights a SiriusXM promo for Rob Lowe’s “Literally” podcast; the hosts promptly skewer it as the archetype for “famous guy talks to famous friends” shows that promise only their own personality as content.
[16:21 | Luke Burbank:] “Are you telling me the man who famously wore a hat to a football game that just said ‘NFL’ might have a fairly bland podcast?”
[17:49 | Luke Burbank:] “The promo was literally, it’s me, and we talk to my friends, you know, and my famous friends, and we get serious and completely random, and I’m just like, oh no.”
They riff on the difference between catchphrases (Lowe’s “literally” is credited to Parks and Rec’s writers), actual comedy, and what passes for podcasting value.
Satirical banter about podcasting as an industry of random famous-people conversations.

4. SiriusXM’s Strategy & the Future of Audio

Extended reflection on SiriusXM as possibly the largest podcast company in the US: their purchase of multiple shows (Conan, Call Her Daddy, SmartLess) and whether this will keep subscribers after Howard Stern retires.
[19:15 | Luke Burbank:] “I think that Sirius might be the largest podcast company in America now, right? Because they have bought up…like Call Her Daddy, and all these really kind of expensive [shows]…”
[20:52 | Andrew Walsh:] “If Howard, when Howard retires, if Sirius basically has to roll up the carpets or implodes…it’s amazing that they have seen this coming for decades now.”
Both question whether non-exclusive podcast acquisitions drive subscriber growth, and whether the live radio paradigm Sirius is chasing (“curated channels reminiscent of real-time radio”) has staying power.
Luke recounts Sirius’s lavish spending—e.g., flying a staffer from NYC to Phoenix to support Andy Richter at a Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me! taping (“it’s just like, there are still…so many decisions where someone is dispatched somewhere for no discernible reason.” [24:54])
Andrew notes his own enjoyment of curated radio and music channels, but laments the rarity of genuinely live, spontaneous content, even in the podcast era.

5. Podcast Awards & the Golden Globes Snub Joe Rogan

Discussion of the new Golden Globes Podcast category—TBTL not nominated, but notably, neither was Joe Rogan’s extremely popular show. Right-wing podcasts were generally skipped, despite their listener numbers.
[43:32 | Luke Burbank:] “It’s a pretty big F you to Joe Rogan, right?…to not put that guy on the list is a pretty conscious decision, wouldn’t you say?”
Andrew considers whether some shows just didn’t bother submitting for nomination, but the consensus is that the Globes made a political decision.
[44:51 | Luke Burbank:] “But…it is so unbelievably successful…so to not put that guy on the list is a pretty conscious decision, wouldn’t you say?”

6. The Complicated Power of Joe Rogan

Luke recalls a Lyft driver who worked with Rogan on Fear Factor, who raved about Rogan’s kindness.
Appreciative yet cautious, both hosts note Rogan’s immense reach, his affable, undirected interview style, and the real-world dangers of “just asking questions” on influential topics (vaccines, politics, conspiracies).
[51:59 | Luke Burbank]: “It’s just kind of like, wow, that’s crazy, whoa, I didn’t know that. And that’s not a bad way to be. But…the show is so popular that it then informs the opinions of a lot of people…”
Andrew: [57:09] “…the guy at the end of the bar who is kind of interesting but has some wacky theories…but when that guy is one of the most powerful voices…maybe we need to be a little careful with what we say…”

7. Listener Voicemail: “Radio Rookie” & the Maple Syrup Schism

A one-year listener (self-described “rookie”) calls in, amusedly scandalized that the hosts don’t like pure maple syrup (preferring table syrup due to childhood deprivation).
[77:04 | Listener Luke:] “God damn, you guys don’t like maple syrup?”
Andrew and Luke discuss the social rules around using in-group language (“power out,” etc.) for newer listeners.
[80:13 | Luke Burbank:] “We’re kind of operating on the geologic scale here… so anything in the last 10,000 years is relatively new.”
Luke reveals he just won a National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Award for “a spirited take on maple syrup.”
[81:40 | Luke Burbank:] “Do you think a guy who doesn’t like maple syrup would have won that award last night…?”

8. The Humble Observations from the Xfinity Store

Luke spends an hour-plus in his local Xfinity store, waiting to transfer his iPhone (due to mandatory security delays). He observes that a surprisingly high percentage of visitors there are paying bills in cash or checks, often for family members, and reflects on economic vulnerability and American subcultures (including the “Come and take it” hoodie demographic).
[72:17 | Luke Burbank:] “A ton of people that go to the Xfinity store to pay their bill...it definitely seemed to sort of tilt towards folks that were somewhat economically marginalized.”
Extended riff on Capital One cafe/bank branches, commercial actors, and modern customer service environments.

9. Other Noteworthy Tangents

The show’s absence from the Golden Globe nominee list is reframed as a badge of honor.
Luke’s vanity delivery drama provides a local color update.
Reminiscing about regional football, friendships, and how their connection to Wisconsin doesn’t track with their personal NFL allegiances.
Capital One ad campaigns and the surreal life moments of commercial actors.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Howard Stern Show Dynamics

“What he is a master of is stirring the pot amongst his employees…Who knew that that could power one of the more successful media careers of...the modern age?”
— Luke Burbank [06:15]

“There is just something so phony baloney to me about both sides of this conversation…”
— Andrew Walsh [12:20], on Stern/SJ Parker interview

On Rob Lowe’s Podcast & Celebrity Podcasting

“The promo was literally, it’s me, and we talk to my friends, you know, and my famous friends, and we get serious and completely random, and I’m just like, oh no.”
— Luke Burbank [17:49]

On SiriusXM’s Long Game

“For decades, this company has had something circled. We know we’re getting to this date. We have to figure out our financial future post-Stern.”
— Andrew Walsh [20:52]

On Joe Rogan and Influence

“If you’re able to actually impact the opinions of millions and millions of people, I guess it’s my opinion that you have a certain amount of responsibility.”
— Luke Burbank [55:47]

Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:00] Opening riff: Improv class rejection
[03:18] Official show start; Wind/rain and the home studio
[04:31] Deep dive into Howard Stern Show personalities, staff drama, and show philosophy
[15:56] Mad Dog Sports talk transitions to Rob Lowe’s "Literally" and the nature of celebrity podcasts
[19:05] SiriusXM’s podcasts acquisitions, Howard Stern’s legacy, and business speculation
[24:24] Sirius investing in Andy Richter (and lavish podcast promotion spending)
[41:32] The Golden Globes podcast category and the conspicuous omission of right-wing podcasts & Joe Rogan
[47:23] Lyft driver’s Joe Rogan story – Rogan’s professional kindness
[53:44] How podcast/influencer algorithm cross-pollinates audience—from Chris Hayes to Candace Owens
[77:00] Voicemail from new “rookie” TBTL listener (“God damn, you guys don’t like maple syrup?”)
[81:40] Luke’s surprise journalism award for a story about maple syrup
[61:28] Errands, the Xfinity store, and American economic life vignettes

Flow, Style & Tone

Conversational, self-effacing, meandering: The banter is light, introspective, and often meta—mocking their own digressions.
Affectionate for radio and live media: Both hosts show a wistful preference for old-school live production, intimate randomness, and audience connection.
Culturally connected but skeptical: Deep familiarity with both legacy and new media, pop culture, and the podcast industry, often expressing bemusement at its more absurd trends.
Wry, observational humor: The show’s value comes from its openness to sidebars and Luke & Andrew’s willingness to overanalyze, gently roast, and mythologize both themselves and media personalities.

Conclusion

This episode embodies TBTL’s signature blend of digression, humor, and unexpected poignancy. Whether dissecting the machinery of modern podcasting, holding up a mirror to low-stakes celebrity audio, or pondering the working-class rituals of a cell phone store, Luke and Andrew invite listeners—rookies and veterans alike—to find comfort, amusement, and moments of clarity in the everyday, the absurd, and the profoundly mundane.

Power Out.

TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live

Episode #4614: "How Lowe Can You Go?"

Date: December 8, 2025
Hosts: Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Improv Auditions & Show Opening Banter

The show opens with Luke and Andrew joking about someone being turned away from an improv class for being too violent and using props—riffing on the idea that improv is about making something out of nothing.
[00:06 | Luke Burbank:] “The whole idea of improv is you’re making it up with nothing…I have a mug. Watch. She’s incredible at prop work.”
Sets the early tone: playful, self-deprecating, and ready for digressions.

2. The Annals of Howard Stern

Extended, detailed dive into Stern Show dynamics, podcasting, and broadcast culture

Andrew brings up having recently listened to Howard Stern on the radio, leading to a deep discussion of the internal drama among Stern’s staffers and producers, notably Mehmet ("a polarizing figure") and Ronnie the Limo Driver.
[04:35 | Luke Burbank:] "Mixing it up stuff. Mehmet is a polarizing…figure on the show. He’s kind of a heel on purpose…he likes to get into on-air disagreements with the other producers and that’s how he sort of gets airtime."
The hosts analyze why Stern’s show works: not so much for Stern’s own takes/interviews, but for the ongoing feuds, real or manufactured, between staffers cultivated by Stern.
[10:39 | Luke Burbank:] "That’s the savant, that’s the superpower of Howard Stern…he just understands how to get the producers mad at each other and then let them go."
Andrew and Luke discuss how their affection for that chaos is at odds with the “here to make friends” energy they cultivate on TBTL.
Discussion of the difference between “real” and “phony” on-air personalities, referencing Sarah Jessica Parker’s Stern interview as an example of inauthenticity.
- [12:20 | Andrew Walsh:] “There is just something so phony baloney to me about both sides of this conversation…”

3. The Blandness of Celebrity Podcasts: Rob Lowe’s "Literally"

Andrew highlights a SiriusXM promo for Rob Lowe’s “Literally” podcast; the hosts promptly skewer it as the archetype for “famous guy talks to famous friends” shows that promise only their own personality as content.
[16:21 | Luke Burbank:] “Are you telling me the man who famously wore a hat to a football game that just said ‘NFL’ might have a fairly bland podcast?”
[17:49 | Luke Burbank:] “The promo was literally, it’s me, and we talk to my friends, you know, and my famous friends, and we get serious and completely random, and I’m just like, oh no.”
They riff on the difference between catchphrases (Lowe’s “literally” is credited to Parks and Rec’s writers), actual comedy, and what passes for podcasting value.
Satirical banter about podcasting as an industry of random famous-people conversations.

4. SiriusXM’s Strategy & the Future of Audio

Extended reflection on SiriusXM as possibly the largest podcast company in the US: their purchase of multiple shows (Conan, Call Her Daddy, SmartLess) and whether this will keep subscribers after Howard Stern retires.
[19:15 | Luke Burbank:] “I think that Sirius might be the largest podcast company in America now, right? Because they have bought up…like Call Her Daddy, and all these really kind of expensive [shows]…”
[20:52 | Andrew Walsh:] “If Howard, when Howard retires, if Sirius basically has to roll up the carpets or implodes…it’s amazing that they have seen this coming for decades now.”
Both question whether non-exclusive podcast acquisitions drive subscriber growth, and whether the live radio paradigm Sirius is chasing (“curated channels reminiscent of real-time radio”) has staying power.
Luke recounts Sirius’s lavish spending—e.g., flying a staffer from NYC to Phoenix to support Andy Richter at a Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me! taping (“it’s just like, there are still…so many decisions where someone is dispatched somewhere for no discernible reason.” [24:54])
Andrew notes his own enjoyment of curated radio and music channels, but laments the rarity of genuinely live, spontaneous content, even in the podcast era.

5. Podcast Awards & the Golden Globes Snub Joe Rogan

Discussion of the new Golden Globes Podcast category—TBTL not nominated, but notably, neither was Joe Rogan’s extremely popular show. Right-wing podcasts were generally skipped, despite their listener numbers.
[43:32 | Luke Burbank:] “It’s a pretty big F you to Joe Rogan, right?…to not put that guy on the list is a pretty conscious decision, wouldn’t you say?”
Andrew considers whether some shows just didn’t bother submitting for nomination, but the consensus is that the Globes made a political decision.
[44:51 | Luke Burbank:] “But…it is so unbelievably successful…so to not put that guy on the list is a pretty conscious decision, wouldn’t you say?”

6. The Complicated Power of Joe Rogan

Luke recalls a Lyft driver who worked with Rogan on Fear Factor, who raved about Rogan’s kindness.
Appreciative yet cautious, both hosts note Rogan’s immense reach, his affable, undirected interview style, and the real-world dangers of “just asking questions” on influential topics (vaccines, politics, conspiracies).
[51:59 | Luke Burbank]: “It’s just kind of like, wow, that’s crazy, whoa, I didn’t know that. And that’s not a bad way to be. But…the show is so popular that it then informs the opinions of a lot of people…”
Andrew: [57:09] “…the guy at the end of the bar who is kind of interesting but has some wacky theories…but when that guy is one of the most powerful voices…maybe we need to be a little careful with what we say…”

7. Listener Voicemail: “Radio Rookie” & the Maple Syrup Schism

A one-year listener (self-described “rookie”) calls in, amusedly scandalized that the hosts don’t like pure maple syrup (preferring table syrup due to childhood deprivation).
[77:04 | Listener Luke:] “God damn, you guys don’t like maple syrup?”
Andrew and Luke discuss the social rules around using in-group language (“power out,” etc.) for newer listeners.
[80:13 | Luke Burbank:] “We’re kind of operating on the geologic scale here… so anything in the last 10,000 years is relatively new.”
Luke reveals he just won a National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Award for “a spirited take on maple syrup.”
[81:40 | Luke Burbank:] “Do you think a guy who doesn’t like maple syrup would have won that award last night…?”

8. The Humble Observations from the Xfinity Store

Luke spends an hour-plus in his local Xfinity store, waiting to transfer his iPhone (due to mandatory security delays). He observes that a surprisingly high percentage of visitors there are paying bills in cash or checks, often for family members, and reflects on economic vulnerability and American subcultures (including the “Come and take it” hoodie demographic).
[72:17 | Luke Burbank:] “A ton of people that go to the Xfinity store to pay their bill...it definitely seemed to sort of tilt towards folks that were somewhat economically marginalized.”
Extended riff on Capital One cafe/bank branches, commercial actors, and modern customer service environments.

9. Other Noteworthy Tangents

The show’s absence from the Golden Globe nominee list is reframed as a badge of honor.
Luke’s vanity delivery drama provides a local color update.
Reminiscing about regional football, friendships, and how their connection to Wisconsin doesn’t track with their personal NFL allegiances.
Capital One ad campaigns and the surreal life moments of commercial actors.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Howard Stern Show Dynamics

“What he is a master of is stirring the pot amongst his employees…Who knew that that could power one of the more successful media careers of...the modern age?”
— Luke Burbank [06:15]

“There is just something so phony baloney to me about both sides of this conversation…”
— Andrew Walsh [12:20], on Stern/SJ Parker interview

On Rob Lowe’s Podcast & Celebrity Podcasting

“The promo was literally, it’s me, and we talk to my friends, you know, and my famous friends, and we get serious and completely random, and I’m just like, oh no.”
— Luke Burbank [17:49]

On SiriusXM’s Long Game

“For decades, this company has had something circled. We know we’re getting to this date. We have to figure out our financial future post-Stern.”
— Andrew Walsh [20:52]

On Joe Rogan and Influence

“If you’re able to actually impact the opinions of millions and millions of people, I guess it’s my opinion that you have a certain amount of responsibility.”
— Luke Burbank [55:47]

Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:00] Opening riff: Improv class rejection
[03:18] Official show start; Wind/rain and the home studio
[04:31] Deep dive into Howard Stern Show personalities, staff drama, and show philosophy
[15:56] Mad Dog Sports talk transitions to Rob Lowe’s "Literally" and the nature of celebrity podcasts
[19:05] SiriusXM’s podcasts acquisitions, Howard Stern’s legacy, and business speculation
[24:24] Sirius investing in Andy Richter (and lavish podcast promotion spending)
[41:32] The Golden Globes podcast category and the conspicuous omission of right-wing podcasts & Joe Rogan
[47:23] Lyft driver’s Joe Rogan story – Rogan’s professional kindness
[53:44] How podcast/influencer algorithm cross-pollinates audience—from Chris Hayes to Candace Owens
[77:00] Voicemail from new “rookie” TBTL listener (“God damn, you guys don’t like maple syrup?”)
[81:40] Luke’s surprise journalism award for a story about maple syrup
[61:28] Errands, the Xfinity store, and American economic life vignettes

Flow, Style & Tone

Conversational, self-effacing, meandering: The banter is light, introspective, and often meta—mocking their own digressions.
Affectionate for radio and live media: Both hosts show a wistful preference for old-school live production, intimate randomness, and audience connection.
Culturally connected but skeptical: Deep familiarity with both legacy and new media, pop culture, and the podcast industry, often expressing bemusement at its more absurd trends.
Wry, observational humor: The show’s value comes from its openness to sidebars and Luke & Andrew’s willingness to overanalyze, gently roast, and mythologize both themselves and media personalities.

Conclusion

Power Out.

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Summary

TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live

Episode #4614: "How Lowe Can You Go?"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Improv Auditions & Show Opening Banter

2. The Annals of Howard Stern

3. The Blandness of Celebrity Podcasts: Rob Lowe’s "Literally"

4. SiriusXM’s Strategy & the Future of Audio

5. Podcast Awards & the Golden Globes Snub Joe Rogan

6. The Complicated Power of Joe Rogan

7. Listener Voicemail: “Radio Rookie” & the Maple Syrup Schism

8. The Humble Observations from the Xfinity Store

9. Other Noteworthy Tangents

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Howard Stern Show Dynamics

On Rob Lowe’s Podcast & Celebrity Podcasting

On SiriusXM’s Long Game

On Joe Rogan and Influence

Timestamps for Important Segments

Flow, Style & Tone

Conclusion

Summary

TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live

Episode #4614: "How Lowe Can You Go?"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Improv Auditions & Show Opening Banter

2. The Annals of Howard Stern

3. The Blandness of Celebrity Podcasts: Rob Lowe’s "Literally"

4. SiriusXM’s Strategy & the Future of Audio

5. Podcast Awards & the Golden Globes Snub Joe Rogan

6. The Complicated Power of Joe Rogan

7. Listener Voicemail: “Radio Rookie” & the Maple Syrup Schism

8. The Humble Observations from the Xfinity Store

9. Other Noteworthy Tangents

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Howard Stern Show Dynamics

On Rob Lowe’s Podcast & Celebrity Podcasting

On SiriusXM’s Long Game

On Joe Rogan and Influence

Timestamps for Important Segments

Flow, Style & Tone

Conclusion