Episode #1037 of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live
Release Date: March 14, 2012
Hosts: Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh
Description: In this episode, hosts Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh delve into a mix of provocative discussions, humorous anecdotes, and engaging interviews, all while maintaining their signature playful banter.

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

The episode kicks off with a creative and somewhat chaotic phone conversation involving Luke, Andrew, Susie (Luke's mom), and Jill. This playful exchange sets the tone for the episode, blending humor with a touch of drama.

Notable Quote:
[00:37] Andrew Walsh: “Holy guacamole. Hi there, folks. Welcome to a Wednesday afternoon edition of tbtl. This is the show that's probably too beautiful to live.”

2. Main Topic: Greg Smith’s Resignation from Goldman Sachs

The primary focus of the episode is the dramatic resignation of Greg Smith from Goldman Sachs. Smith didn’t just quit; he published an op-ed in the New York Times critiquing the firm's toxic culture. The hosts dissect his points, highlighting his frustration with the company's leadership priorities, which prioritize profit over ethical considerations.

Key Points:

• Greg Smith worked at Goldman Sachs for nearly 12 years, starting as a summer intern while at Stanford.
• He criticizes the shift in leadership values, emphasizing that making money has taken precedence over doing the right thing.
• Smith urges the firm to refocus on client-centric values and weed out morally bankrupt individuals.

Notable Quotes:
[17:32] Susie Burbank: “Written like a man who's already secured another job.”
[18:17] Andrew Walsh: “Written like a man who's already secured another job or made so much money at Goldman Sachs that he doesn't give a shit.”

3. Humorous Parallels: Darth Vader’s Resignation

Adding a humorous twist, Andrew introduces a parody resignation letter supposedly written by Darth Vader, mirroring Greg Smith’s style. This segment satirizes corporate resignation letters by placing them in a fantastical context.

Notable Quote:
[33:11] Andrew Walsh: “He's gonna be tough to replace. Yeah, he is going to be tough to replace.”

4. Personal Anecdotes: Quitting Jobs in Style

The hosts share personal stories about quitting jobs, blending humor with relatable workplace frustrations.

Andrew’s Story:

• Job: Storables ExtraSpace in University Village.
• Incident: Confronted by manager Wendy for being on the phone during work hours.
• Action: Handed Wendy a quarter to cover his minor mistake before quitting, highlighting his realization that staying in a toxic job isn’t worth the low pay.

Susie’s Story:

• Job: Production company internship in Cleveland, Ohio.
• Incident: Blamed her lack of effort on being sick, a rare occurrence for her.
• Reflection: Emphasizes how quitting gracefully is uncommon and often challenging.

Notable Quotes:
[27:56] Andrew Walsh: “This wasn't quite that violent, thankfully, or I'd be doing this podcast from Sing Sing, which would be weird that they incarcerated me in New York State.”
[29:26] Susie Burbank: “I would love to hear that story from her point of view, by the way.”

5. Interview Segment: Bob Nynack, the Barefoot Advocate

A significant portion of the episode features an interview with Bob Nynack, a passionate advocate for going barefoot. Bob’s unique lifestyle has even sparked legislative interest in Ohio, where the state legislature considered a bylaw mandating shoe-wearing within the State House.

Key Points:

• Background: Bob has been barefoot since the mid-1990s and extends this lifestyle to public spaces like the State House.
• Health Benefits: Claims better posture, reduced joint pain, and healthier feet from going barefoot.
• Legislative Impact: Bob’s actions led to Ohio considering a bylaw requiring shoes in government buildings.

Notable Quotes:
[46:12] Bob Nynack: “I've been continuously barefoot, more or less, since about 1996. And I regularly. When I'm downtown, I mean, the State House is a really, really nice building. It was recently renovated in the last, I think, it was about 12 years ago.”
[49:14] Andrew Walsh: “What comes to mind is something hobbit ish, very calloused, very hairy. Just like feet that have kind of formed themselves into like humanoid shoes.”

6. The Impact of Tourism on Harlem Churches

The hosts discuss a concerning trend where tourists disrupt gospel services in Harlem churches. These visitors often take flash photographs, videotape without respect, and leave abruptly mid-service, which frustrates both church members and clergy.

Key Points:

• Annoyances: Tourists interrupt the sanctity of services, mimicking scenes from movies like "Sister Act."
• Church Response: Implementing measures like security guards and multilingual signs to deter disruptive behavior.
• Cultural Respect: Emphasis on the importance of respecting places of worship, regardless of personal beliefs.

Notable Quotes:
[39:56] Susie Burbank: “This really irritates me. And I'm not a church cone guy. I'm a total atheist. I don't... the idea of religion often bothers me and people who rub in your face, but this really irritates me.”
[40:00] Andrew Walsh: “They don’t speak English. Maybe that could be part of the problem.”

7. Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts promote their upcoming live event at Emerald City Comic Con on March 30. They also discuss their love for home improvement shows, share insights on unicycling, and wrap up with a mix of humor and heartfelt commentary.

Notable Quotes:
[53:30] Andrew Walsh: “How do your feet smell, Bob? Last question.”
[55:48] Susie Burbank: “Ferrets, yeah.”

8. Selected Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "[00:37] Andrew Walsh: ‘Holy guacamole. Hi there, folks. Welcome to a Wednesday afternoon edition of tbtl. This is the show that's probably too beautiful to live.’”

• "[17:32] Susie Burbank: ‘Written like a man who's already secured another job.’”

• "[46:12] Bob Nynack: ‘I've been continuously barefoot, more or less, since about 1996.’”

• "[49:14] Andrew Walsh: ‘What comes to mind is something hobbit ish, very calloused, very hairy. Just like feet that have kind of formed themselves into like humanoid shoes.’”

Conclusion

Episode #1037 of TBTL masterfully balances serious commentary with lighthearted humor. From dissecting a high-profile corporate resignation to exploring the unconventional lifestyle of a barefoot advocate, Luke and Andrew engage listeners with their unique perspectives and entertaining delivery. Their discussion on the disruptions caused by tourists in sacred spaces further adds depth, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity. As always, the hosts leave their audience anticipating more engaging content in future episodes.

Listen to the full episode here.