#4639 More Sasquatch Than Man

TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live Episode #4639 – “More Sasquatch Than Man”
Air Date: January 12, 2026
Hosts: Luke Burbank & guest co-host John Sklaroff (with Andrew Walsh away in Las Vegas)

Episode Overview

This Monday’s episode of TBTL features Luke Burbank joined by John Sklaroff, stepping in for Andrew Walsh who is on a trip to Las Vegas. The episode balances characteristic TBTL banter with honest reflections on current events—particularly the tense situation around ICE raids and their impact on communities in the Twin Cities, where John resides. The pair also dig into the 2026 Golden Globes (with its inaugural podcasting category), pivot through sports and DIY triumphs, and close with the perennial TBTL approach: finding moments of joy and connection in a chaotic world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life in the Twin Cities Amid ICE Raids

John shares personal experience living in St. Paul during a period of aggressive ICE enforcement.
- Many neighborhoods feel "invaded" by federal agents, disrupting daily life and heightening fear, especially for immigrant communities ([04:40]).
- John describes leaving a recent show meeting to check on nearby ICE activity at an elementary school, demonstrating the urgency and anxiety present ([05:12]).
- Community response has been overwhelmingly compassionate: parents, grandparents, and neighbors stand vigilant outside schools to support vulnerable staff and families ([06:28]).
- Quote:
  
  "It just feels so surreal. Are we just there to record and report? Are we there to intervene?"
  — John Sklaroff ([06:29])
Luke and John reflect on privilege and empathy, recognizing that for many white Americans, recent government overreach feels newly personal, while for many Black and brown Americans, such danger is longstanding ([13:01]).
- Luke notes the psychological impact of seeing the government and media describe peaceful protests as violent:
  
  "It is so...surreal...to have daily contact with a place and see it for one thing...and then hearing Portland writ large described as some sort of hellscape by the President."
  — Luke Burbank ([10:07])
Hopes for change: Both express some optimism that increasing overreach may bring about a tipping point for broader resistance and solidarity ([15:32]–[18:20]).

2. Moments of Connection and Joy Amid Crisis

John underscores the importance of finding joy amidst fear, sharing that he and his wife attended a Timberwolves game, and that even there, public sentiment is vocal in opposition to ICE ([20:11]).
- Memorable Moment: During a moment of silence for shooting victim Renee Good, a Timberwolves fan interrupts to yell “Get the hell out, ICE!”—the crowd cheers ([20:24]).
Luke and John’s sports detour:
- They discuss Minnesota’s dramatic victory over the Spurs and the spectacle that is Victor Wembanyama (“the Alien”), underscoring the role of sports as necessary escapism ([21:00]).

3. DIY Triumphs and Home Repair

Luke shares his newfound confidence after fixing his pellet stove through YouTube tutorials, inspired by his daughter’s own automotive repair tasks in LA ([24:42]).
- Quote:
  
  “Every time I walk by it, I am filled with a sense of pride...it did not work, I took it apart...and now it’s working again.”
  — Luke ([34:07])
The pair riff on Amazon, rural living, and the gradual erosion of local retail options, reflecting on how modern convenience is both impressive and problematic ([31:21]–[34:07]).

4. The 2026 Golden Globes and Podcasting

TBTL didn't win a Golden Globe (and wasn’t even nominated), but Luke cheers Amy Poehler’s win for her podcast "Good Hang" ([02:19], [46:03]).
Both critique the “moviefication” of podcasts:
- Poehler’s acceptance speech is heavy on thanks to executives and industry figures rather than collaborators or listeners, illustrating the Hollywoodization of podcasting ([46:03]–[48:19]).
- Luke’s take:
  
  “The show is great because Amy Poehler is great and…her friends are famous and funny...Good Hang would be just fine without the 25 executives at Spotify.”
  — Luke ([48:19])
Podcast Landscape Commentary:
- John notes how celebrity podcasts have come to dominate the field, sometimes to the detriment of authenticity or originality ([52:04]).
- Meta-humor: Amy Poehler’s own speech includes a tongue-in-cheek jab at "celebrities phoning it in":
  
  “I am big fans of all of you, except for NPR—just a bunch of celebs phoning it in. So try harder.”
  — Amy Poehler’s Golden Globes speech ([52:56])
Award Shows as the New “Tonight Show”?
- Luke observes that celebrity podcasts serve as modern replacements for late-night TV banter ([54:36]).

5. Other Golden Globe Highlights

Rose Byrne’s Quirky Acceptance: Her thank-you includes a cryptic reason for her husband Bobby Cannavale’s absence:

“He couldn’t be here because...we’re getting a bearded dragon, and he went to a reptile expo in New Jersey.”
— Rose Byrne ([58:45])
- John confirms there really was a Reptile Expo (“Repticon”) in Edison, NJ during the Globes ([59:42]).

6. Listener Support & Regional Shout-Outs

Usual thanks to TBTL donors, with detours into trivia about Battle Creek, MI (Kellogg feud), Pittsfield, MA (scenic autumns), and Oxford, UK (punting anecdotes and botanical gardens) ([34:48]–[44:40]).

7. Sasquatch: Mascot of the Modern Libertarian?

Luke and John riff on how the image of Sasquatch has become, in Pacific Northwest culture, increasingly aligned with a “don’t tread on me,” anti-government, libertarian ethos ([63:59]–[66:03]).
- Quote:
  
  “They essentially want nothing to do with the government...maybe more Sasquatch than man...that’s why they like Sasquatch—because it’s the ultimate ‘don’t tread on me’.”
  — Luke ([65:16])

8. The Tumult at CBS & Ethical Work Dilemmas

Luke talks about working at CBS as concerns rise about news division politicization in 2026 ([68:26]–[74:26]).
- He questions whether remaining at the network is more helpful or complicit, given his stories are benign and bring people some happiness.
- Quote:
  
  “Am I adding to the sort of positive media that exists in the world by doing my little silly stories...or should I [quit]?”
  — Luke ([69:07])
- John affirms the importance of “counter-programming” like TBTL and lighthearted media, especially in dark times ([74:26]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Empathy & Privilege:

“I have most of my life when I’ve heard the people in charge saying things, I’ve generally thought, well, that’s probably what’s going on...It’s new to me to have things that are so manifestly untrue being said and to be able to observe how untrue they are.”
— Luke Burbank ([10:07])
On Community Activism:

“It's the thing people often say—what would you have done during 1930s Germany?...this is why I feel like me and my neighbor…are out here.”
— John Sklaroff ([08:05])
Golden Globes, Podcasting, and Industry Critique:

“That’s kind of where a lot of these big podcasts are now. They’re almost treated…like a movie.”
— Luke ([47:13]) “...the snaking the tail...it’s just the same people talking to the same people about the same things over and over again.”
— John ([52:49])
Amy Poehler’s Winning Speech (Golden Globes):

“I have great respect for this form...I am big fans of all of you—except for NPR, just a bunch of celebs phoning it in. So try harder.”
— Amy Poehler ([52:56])
Rose Byrne’s Husband at Repticon:

“He couldn't be here because we’re getting a bearded dragon, and he went to a reptile expo in New Jersey.”
— Rose Byrne ([58:45])
On DIY & Self-Reliance:

"Every time I walk by it, I am filled with a sense of pride."
— Luke ([34:07])
Sasquatch and Libertarianism:

“They see themselves in the movie Rambo...maybe more Sasquatch than man...it's the ultimate don't tread on me.”
— Luke ([65:16])

Timestamps of Key Segments

[04:18] — John Sklaroff joins from St. Paul, MN; ICE raids and neighborhood impact
[06:28] — Community defense efforts at local schools
[09:08] — Communicating with friends/family about the reality vs. national news narratives
[20:11] — Timberwolves game as an act of joy; crowd’s vocal opposition to ICE
[24:42] — Luke’s home repair story and inspiration from his daughter
[34:48] — Listener/donor acknowledgements with regional trivia
[46:03] — Golden Globes podcast category talk; Amy Poehler's victory
[52:56] — Amy Poehler’s acceptance speech excerpt
[58:45] — Rose Byrne’s “bearded dragon” anecdote and John’s quick fact-check
[63:59] — Discussion on Sasquatch, libertarian culture, and regional identity
[68:26] — Luke on CBS, workplace ethics, and the value of lighthearted media

Final Thoughts

This episode deftly blends serious reflections on national turmoil and community resistance with lighter fare—sports, repair victories, celebrity awards, and cryptozoological symbolism. Through it all, TBTL stays true to form: gently satirical, occasionally heartfelt, and always keen on finding small ways for people to show up for each other.

Closing Words:

“Please remember, no mountain too tall.”
— Luke
“And good luck to all.”
— John ([76:37])

Power out!

TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live Episode #4639 – “More Sasquatch Than Man”
Air Date: January 12, 2026
Hosts: Luke Burbank & guest co-host John Sklaroff (with Andrew Walsh away in Las Vegas)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life in the Twin Cities Amid ICE Raids

John shares personal experience living in St. Paul during a period of aggressive ICE enforcement.
- Many neighborhoods feel "invaded" by federal agents, disrupting daily life and heightening fear, especially for immigrant communities ([04:40]).
- John describes leaving a recent show meeting to check on nearby ICE activity at an elementary school, demonstrating the urgency and anxiety present ([05:12]).
- Community response has been overwhelmingly compassionate: parents, grandparents, and neighbors stand vigilant outside schools to support vulnerable staff and families ([06:28]).
- Quote:
  
  "It just feels so surreal. Are we just there to record and report? Are we there to intervene?"
  — John Sklaroff ([06:29])
Luke and John reflect on privilege and empathy, recognizing that for many white Americans, recent government overreach feels newly personal, while for many Black and brown Americans, such danger is longstanding ([13:01]).
- Luke notes the psychological impact of seeing the government and media describe peaceful protests as violent:
  
  "It is so...surreal...to have daily contact with a place and see it for one thing...and then hearing Portland writ large described as some sort of hellscape by the President."
  — Luke Burbank ([10:07])
Hopes for change: Both express some optimism that increasing overreach may bring about a tipping point for broader resistance and solidarity ([15:32]–[18:20]).

2. Moments of Connection and Joy Amid Crisis

John underscores the importance of finding joy amidst fear, sharing that he and his wife attended a Timberwolves game, and that even there, public sentiment is vocal in opposition to ICE ([20:11]).
- Memorable Moment: During a moment of silence for shooting victim Renee Good, a Timberwolves fan interrupts to yell “Get the hell out, ICE!”—the crowd cheers ([20:24]).
Luke and John’s sports detour:
- They discuss Minnesota’s dramatic victory over the Spurs and the spectacle that is Victor Wembanyama (“the Alien”), underscoring the role of sports as necessary escapism ([21:00]).

3. DIY Triumphs and Home Repair

Luke shares his newfound confidence after fixing his pellet stove through YouTube tutorials, inspired by his daughter’s own automotive repair tasks in LA ([24:42]).
- Quote:
  
  “Every time I walk by it, I am filled with a sense of pride...it did not work, I took it apart...and now it’s working again.”
  — Luke ([34:07])
The pair riff on Amazon, rural living, and the gradual erosion of local retail options, reflecting on how modern convenience is both impressive and problematic ([31:21]–[34:07]).

4. The 2026 Golden Globes and Podcasting

TBTL didn't win a Golden Globe (and wasn’t even nominated), but Luke cheers Amy Poehler’s win for her podcast "Good Hang" ([02:19], [46:03]).
Both critique the “moviefication” of podcasts:
- Poehler’s acceptance speech is heavy on thanks to executives and industry figures rather than collaborators or listeners, illustrating the Hollywoodization of podcasting ([46:03]–[48:19]).
- Luke’s take:
  
  “The show is great because Amy Poehler is great and…her friends are famous and funny...Good Hang would be just fine without the 25 executives at Spotify.”
  — Luke ([48:19])
Podcast Landscape Commentary:
- John notes how celebrity podcasts have come to dominate the field, sometimes to the detriment of authenticity or originality ([52:04]).
- Meta-humor: Amy Poehler’s own speech includes a tongue-in-cheek jab at "celebrities phoning it in":
  
  “I am big fans of all of you, except for NPR—just a bunch of celebs phoning it in. So try harder.”
  — Amy Poehler’s Golden Globes speech ([52:56])
Award Shows as the New “Tonight Show”?
- Luke observes that celebrity podcasts serve as modern replacements for late-night TV banter ([54:36]).

5. Other Golden Globe Highlights

Rose Byrne’s Quirky Acceptance: Her thank-you includes a cryptic reason for her husband Bobby Cannavale’s absence:

“He couldn’t be here because...we’re getting a bearded dragon, and he went to a reptile expo in New Jersey.”
— Rose Byrne ([58:45])
- John confirms there really was a Reptile Expo (“Repticon”) in Edison, NJ during the Globes ([59:42]).

6. Listener Support & Regional Shout-Outs

Usual thanks to TBTL donors, with detours into trivia about Battle Creek, MI (Kellogg feud), Pittsfield, MA (scenic autumns), and Oxford, UK (punting anecdotes and botanical gardens) ([34:48]–[44:40]).

7. Sasquatch: Mascot of the Modern Libertarian?

Luke and John riff on how the image of Sasquatch has become, in Pacific Northwest culture, increasingly aligned with a “don’t tread on me,” anti-government, libertarian ethos ([63:59]–[66:03]).
- Quote:
  
  “They essentially want nothing to do with the government...maybe more Sasquatch than man...that’s why they like Sasquatch—because it’s the ultimate ‘don’t tread on me’.”
  — Luke ([65:16])

8. The Tumult at CBS & Ethical Work Dilemmas

Luke talks about working at CBS as concerns rise about news division politicization in 2026 ([68:26]–[74:26]).
- He questions whether remaining at the network is more helpful or complicit, given his stories are benign and bring people some happiness.
- Quote:
  
  “Am I adding to the sort of positive media that exists in the world by doing my little silly stories...or should I [quit]?”
  — Luke ([69:07])
- John affirms the importance of “counter-programming” like TBTL and lighthearted media, especially in dark times ([74:26]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Empathy & Privilege:

“I have most of my life when I’ve heard the people in charge saying things, I’ve generally thought, well, that’s probably what’s going on...It’s new to me to have things that are so manifestly untrue being said and to be able to observe how untrue they are.”
— Luke Burbank ([10:07])
On Community Activism:

“It's the thing people often say—what would you have done during 1930s Germany?...this is why I feel like me and my neighbor…are out here.”
— John Sklaroff ([08:05])
Golden Globes, Podcasting, and Industry Critique:

“That’s kind of where a lot of these big podcasts are now. They’re almost treated…like a movie.”
— Luke ([47:13]) “...the snaking the tail...it’s just the same people talking to the same people about the same things over and over again.”
— John ([52:49])
Amy Poehler’s Winning Speech (Golden Globes):

“I have great respect for this form...I am big fans of all of you—except for NPR, just a bunch of celebs phoning it in. So try harder.”
— Amy Poehler ([52:56])
Rose Byrne’s Husband at Repticon:

“He couldn't be here because we’re getting a bearded dragon, and he went to a reptile expo in New Jersey.”
— Rose Byrne ([58:45])
On DIY & Self-Reliance:

"Every time I walk by it, I am filled with a sense of pride."
— Luke ([34:07])
Sasquatch and Libertarianism:

“They see themselves in the movie Rambo...maybe more Sasquatch than man...it's the ultimate don't tread on me.”
— Luke ([65:16])

Timestamps of Key Segments

[04:18] — John Sklaroff joins from St. Paul, MN; ICE raids and neighborhood impact
[06:28] — Community defense efforts at local schools
[09:08] — Communicating with friends/family about the reality vs. national news narratives
[20:11] — Timberwolves game as an act of joy; crowd’s vocal opposition to ICE
[24:42] — Luke’s home repair story and inspiration from his daughter
[34:48] — Listener/donor acknowledgements with regional trivia
[46:03] — Golden Globes podcast category talk; Amy Poehler's victory
[52:56] — Amy Poehler’s acceptance speech excerpt
[58:45] — Rose Byrne’s “bearded dragon” anecdote and John’s quick fact-check
[63:59] — Discussion on Sasquatch, libertarian culture, and regional identity
[68:26] — Luke on CBS, workplace ethics, and the value of lighthearted media

Final Thoughts

Closing Words:

“Please remember, no mountain too tall.”
— Luke
“And good luck to all.”
— John ([76:37])

Power out!

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Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life in the Twin Cities Amid ICE Raids

2. Moments of Connection and Joy Amid Crisis

3. DIY Triumphs and Home Repair

4. The 2026 Golden Globes and Podcasting

5. Other Golden Globe Highlights

6. Listener Support & Regional Shout-Outs

7. Sasquatch: Mascot of the Modern Libertarian?

8. The Tumult at CBS & Ethical Work Dilemmas

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps of Key Segments

Final Thoughts

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life in the Twin Cities Amid ICE Raids

2. Moments of Connection and Joy Amid Crisis

3. DIY Triumphs and Home Repair

4. The 2026 Golden Globes and Podcasting

5. Other Golden Globe Highlights

6. Listener Support & Regional Shout-Outs

7. Sasquatch: Mascot of the Modern Libertarian?

8. The Tumult at CBS & Ethical Work Dilemmas

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps of Key Segments

Final Thoughts