Podcast Summary: TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live – Episode #1039
Release Date: March 16, 2012
Hosts: Luke Burbank and Jen Andrews
Introduction
In Episode #1039 of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live, hosts Luke Burbank and Jen Andrews delve into a myriad of topics with their characteristic humor and insightful commentary. From unexpected broadcast mishaps to controversial media narratives, the duo navigates through stories that blend personal anecdotes with broader societal observations.
Ann Curry’s Wardrobe Malfunction
The episode kicks off with a discussion about a notable incident involving Ann Curry on the NBC Today Show. Jen recalls witnessing Curry's skirt malfunction during an interview:
Jen Andrews [03:14]: "Her whole leg was completely bare for the entire interview. And I was able to figure out how to do a screenshot, which I'd never done before. And I tweeted it, and it was by far my most popular tweet I've ever done."
Luke humorously speculates whether Curry intended the reveal:
Luke Burbank [03:56]: "Are you sure she wasn't going Jolie on it?"
The hosts express their preference for the fourth hour of the Today Show, appreciating its departure from traditional news reporting:
Jen Andrews [06:08]: "I would rather that hour, they're just saying we're drunk and talking about stuff that's more real."
Mike Daisy and the “This American Life” Controversy
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Mike Daisy, a monologist whose work was recently retracted by This American Life. Luke provides a detailed account of the situation:
Luke Burbank [05:56]: "This American Life has pulled the episode when Mike Daisy... lied to me and to this American Life producer Brian Reed during the fact-checking we did."
Jen offers her perspective on Daisy's storytelling approach:
Jen Andrews [13:42]: "I have never gotten the impression that he was saying that it was an eyewitness account. I thought it was, like, a dramatized story."
The hosts debate the fine line between journalism and theatrical storytelling, questioning the ethical implications of blurring these boundaries:
Luke Burbank [15:36]: "I think this American Life would say that they do journalism, but they also tell stories... I don't think that they think those are strictly journalists."
The Laughing Patient: A Post-Surgery Case Study
Another intriguing topic is the case of a man named Hugo Boss (not to be confused with the fashion brand), who has been unable to stop laughing following hip surgery. Jen describes the unsettling nature of his condition:
Jen Andrews [20:08]: "He is brain damaged in this odd way... he just finds everything delightful."
Luke elaborates on the challenges faced by Hugo's family:
Luke Burbank [22:38]: "There's one thing that apparently will stop him from laughing. This is serious. If his family needs a break from his constant giggling fits, there is one antidote: playing the national anthem."
Mass Effect 3: Gamers React to a Downbeat Ending
The conversation shifts to the gaming community's reaction to the controversial ending of Mass Effect 3. Jen admits her limited knowledge about the game:
Jen Andrews [24:07]: "Apparently it's a video game of some sort and it just came out. And I don't understand these things..."
Luke explains the general discontent among gamers regarding the game's conclusion:
Luke Burbank [24:30]: "The ending is very downbeat and they don't like that, which I find adorable."
Jen critiques the fanbase's demand for happy endings:
Jen Andrews [25:20]: "You can't force them to change their ending... the creator gets to say the ending."
Bobbi Kristina Houston’s Alleged Relationship
Jen and Luke discuss the sensitive topic of Bobbi Kristina Houston's alleged relationship with a young man. Jen expresses frustration with media narratives:
Jen Andrews [29:59]: "Everybody on the news keeps repeating this, that he was led by the spirit. And sometimes they've said the angel, sometimes they've said the ghost of Barry White and Olivia Newton John."
Luke questions the validity and sensitivity of such claims:
Luke Burbank [30:18]: "I have to say, and this is with knowing your painful history of Jorm Stomp and other Hammertoe."
Youngest Spelling Bee Champion Sparks Racial Debate
The episode touches on the achievement of a six-year-old girl winning the Scripps Howard Spelling Bee, sparking a discussion on cultural expectations and racial biases:
Jen Andrews [32:48]: "It's an issue of deciding this is important. And I'm gonna drill you on it every single day."
Luke contemplates the diversity within academic competitions:
Luke Burbank [33:02]: "I just feel like I understand if a woman doesn't want to wear high heels."
High Heels vs. Foot Binding: A Cultural Analysis
A heated debate emerges around a letter to the editor comparing high heels to the oppressive practice of foot binding in China. Jen vehemently disagrees with this analogy:
Jen Andrews [37:55]: "I wear high heels because they're beautiful... They make me feel tall and strong and powerful."
Luke adds to the discussion, highlighting the autonomy in choosing to wear heels:
Luke Burbank [38:07]: "They make me have better posture. They make my legs and my butt look better."
Olivia Newton John and Spirited Defense in a Trial
The hosts address a peculiar defense used in a trial where the defendant claims that Olivia Newton John influenced his actions. Jen clarifies Olivia's status:
Jen Andrews [41:08]: "Olivia Newton John is still alive... She just announced she's doing a concert in Jakarta."
Luke and Jen discuss the boundaries of attributing actions to living individuals versus those who have passed:
Jen Andrews [44:03]: "Media needs to stop lumping her in with dead people."
Updates on the TBTL Pen Pal Club
Towards the episode's end, Jen provides updates on the TBTL Pen Pal Club, informing listeners about the successful pairing of participants and encouraging those who missed out to apply again:
Jen Andrews [47:55]: "Everybody should have their pen pal match... we'll do a round two, probably in a couple months."
Luke adds practical advice for new pen pals:
Luke Burbank [48:30]: "Would you do me a favor and check your spam folder and just make sure..."
Final Thoughts and Closing
In the closing segments, the hosts briefly touch upon movies like "Young Adult" and "Bad Teacher", sharing their opinions and highlighting character development nuances. They wrap up with a light-hearted exchange about the show's dynamics and upcoming content.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Jen Andrews [03:14]: "Her whole leg was completely bare for the entire interview."
- Luke Burbank [05:56]: "This American Life has pulled the episode when Mike Daisy... lied to me..."
- Jen Andrews [13:42]: "I have never gotten the impression that he was saying that it was an eyewitness account."
- Jen Andrews [20:08]: "He is brain damaged in this odd way..."
- Luke Burbank [24:30]: "The ending is very downbeat and they don't like that, which I find adorable."
- Jen Andrews [37:55]: "I wear high heels because they're beautiful... They make me feel tall and strong and powerful."
- Jen Andrews [44:03]: "Media needs to stop lumping her in with dead people."
- Jen Andrews [47:55]: "Everybody should have their pen pal match..."
Conclusion
Episode #1039 of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live offers a blend of humor, personal insights, and critical discussions on contemporary issues. Luke and Jen's dynamic conversation provides listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful analysis, making it a memorable installment in the TBTL series.