TBTL #4669 "Glengarry, Glenn Close"
Date: February 23, 2026
Hosts: Luke Burbank & Andrew Walsh
Episode Overview
On this lively Monday edition of TBTL, Luke and Andrew weave through a blend of neighborly donnybrooks, classic television references, and a deep dive into both local drama and the absurdities of everyday life. Topics range from Buzz Aldrin’s infamous punch to feuding with neighborhood sign-removers, awkward public vomiting after a family run, and musings on the responsibility of (semi-)public figures in everyday disputes. The tone, as always, is irreverent and self-effacing, embracing both the petty grievances and genuine joys of daily existence.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Simpsons Bits, Greetings & Setting the Scene
- The opening features an extended riff on the classic "steamed hams" Simpsons bit, setting up the episode’s irreverent, pop culture-steeped mood.
- [00:28] “TBTL.”
- [00:39] Banter about beans, wasting time, and Luke’s river porpoise sightings (sparking “porpoise skeptic” emails).
Buzz Aldrin Punches the Moon Denier – TV Legacy & Hot Takes
- [02:53] Luke and Andrew discuss the famous clip of Buzz Aldrin punching a moon-landing skeptic, reflecting on old-school justice, generational differences, and why Aldrin’s punch remains satisfying.
- [03:56] Andrew offers a rare negative take on 30 Rock, mentioning its rare missteps, including Buzz Aldrin’s cameo.
- [06:59] Quick comic confusion about Glenn Close vs. Glengarry leads to the show title suggestion.
Memorable Quote:
“If you're Buzz Aldrin and you did this insane thing… I would punch them too.” – Luke [10:37]
Neighborhood Feuds: The Sign Destroyer Saga
- Andrew shares his ongoing battles with his cantankerous neighbor, who continually destroys or removes safety and event signs from the local roundabout ([11:04] onward).
- Details include creative attempts by neighbors to anchor signs, the neighbor’s escalating efforts (razor blades, cement buckets), and the impact on neighborhood dynamics.
- Andrew recounts shouting:
"What the fuck are you doing, asshole? ...You're a real piece of shit, you know that?" – Andrew [17:22–18:21]
- Debate over whether the neighbor’s calling him “a child” was actually a sick burn or just another layer of absurdity.
Standout Segment:
- The psychology of neighborly rage, generational identity, and how public outbursts sometimes feel both necessary and cathartic.
Musings on Civic Responsibility & Public Personas
- Luke and Andrew joke about whether their own semi-public radio/podcast personas should regulate their behavior, especially in public disputes ([32:01] ff).
- Discussions of minor celebrity, being recognized, and whether people would behave differently if they knew who the hosts were in everyday life.
The Rage of Modern Life & Coping Mechanisms
- Andrew confesses lingering background rage at the state of the world, and how neighborhood skirmishes serve as an outlet.
- Luke reflects on Alexa paranoia, rehearsing arguments out loud at home, and being wary since “everything I've said in my house will become public record because of that stupid hockey puck...” ([39:18]).
Listener Interaction, Drops, and TBTL Community
- Dazzling Donor messages ([56:12], [61:00]) focus on the tradition of listeners exchanging holiday/Valentine’s cards, mutual gratitude, and the show’s role in community-building.
- Luke plays a medley of classic TBTL drops upon request ([59:22]), acknowledging the long tradition and listener nostalgia.
- Reflections on TBTL fan creativity, including custom comics and cards sent in by listeners ([74:08]).
Quote:
“We're trying to cure global loneliness here. And what a cool way to do that.” – Luke [62:40]
Sports, Spring Training, and Trying (Too) Hard
- Talk turns to Mariners spring training and baseball streaming woes ([45:24], [76:55]).
- Luke describes embarrassing himself by vomiting after attempting to keep up with Becca’s running family:
“I realize, oh, I’m gonna throw up right now from running… I'm just retching into this ditch.” – Luke [47:29]
- Segues into Andy’s annoyance with unrealistic marathon ads ([51:24]), and playful goofing about recording and playing such commercials.
TBTL x PETA: The Ongoing Friendship
- [67:35] Update from Wes at PETA—who listens to TBTL and continues to send vegan creamers/hats.
- Reflect on the organic vs. smart-marketing question—conclude that they’ve earned at least one convert at PETA through sheer persistence.
Wrapping up: Tech Frustrations, Mutual Support, and More
- Closing sections include the frustrations with streaming apps and devices for watching sports, and another round of mutual pep talks regarding neighborhood drama.
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
- “Superintendent, I hope you're ready for mouth watering hamburgers.” – Andrew, Simpsons “steamed hams” tribute [00:01]
- “You're a real piece of shit. You know that?” – Andrew to his neighbor [17:47]
- “You're a child.” – Retort from Andrew’s neighbor [18:17]
- “If you see us say something… because I don’t want to be acting out of pocket when there’s some Ten who’s just observing me being that way.” – Luke, on regulating public behavior [33:33]
- “I was screaming, I screamed at my neighbor again yesterday.” – Andrew [11:04]
- “I wouldn't piss on him if he was on fire.” – Andrew, hypothetically asked about giving his nemesis CPR [24:12]
- “I want, I want everyone else to just go be done with the run so that I can kind of like speed walk and then jog and speed walk. I do this thing sometimes when I'm really tired where I just, I'm counting my steps.” – Luke on family running shame [45:24]
- “We're trying to cure global loneliness here. And what a cool way to do that.” – Luke, on card exchanges [62:40]
- “This show was the catalyst for a bunch of really awesome people just being awesome to each other…” – Luke [63:36]
Memorable Timestamps
- [07:46] – Buzz Aldrin punch audio played and dissected
- [11:04–24:04] – The full saga of Andrew’s neighbor feud
- [32:01–36:00] – Radio personas and their impact on real-life interactions
- [45:24–50:41] – Luke’s “public exercise-induced vomiting” story
- [51:24–54:39] – Dissecting the flawed “marathon” mobile commercial
- [67:35–73:10] – PETA/Wes correspondence and the meta nature of TBTL’s influence
- [74:08–76:08] – Listener art and the joy of fan communities
Tone, Style, and Community
The tone remains silly, unselfconscious, sometimes confessional, and always focused on the mundane dramas that make life both frustrating and hilarious. The dynamic of two friends overthinking everyday events—especially their neuroses, missteps, and interpersonal frictions—remains as charming as ever. Listeners are invited not just to laugh along but to feel like part of an enduring, affectionate community.
In Summary
If you missed this episode, you missed:
- Extended neighborly drama with truly unique insults and strategies
- A satisfying discussion of Buzz Aldrin’s justice
- Musings on the etiquette of local celebrity
- Vomit, both literal and metaphorical
- Testament to the ongoing magic of the TBTL ten community
- Ongoing PETA hijinks, baseball anticipation, and the never-ending search for the perfect rice method
“No mountain too tall… and good luck to all.”
