Podcast Summary: TBTL Episode 912 – "We're Back!"

Release Date: September 20, 2011
Hosts: Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh

Introduction and Return from Hiatus

The podcast kicks off with a warm welcome as the hosts, Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh, announce their return after a significant break. They express immense excitement about being back and reconnecting with their audience.

Luke Burbank [01:10]: "I could not be, I mean, seriously could not be happier to be here."

Guest Appearance: Chancellor

Early in the episode, the hosts introduce their guest, Chancellor, Japan's number one mixer. The interaction is light-hearted, filled with playful banter and technical adjustments to integrate Chancellor into the show seamlessly.

Andrew Walsh [00:27]: "And that Luke smile of his. He had it on his face right to the very end."

Sean DeTore’s Cruise Chronicles

A significant portion of the episode features Sean DeTore sharing his extensive experiences from a recent cruise. He delves into cultural observations, contrasting American and European behaviors, especially highlighting the differences in social etiquette and organization.

• Cultural Observations:
  Sean remarks on the inefficiency he perceived in European cities like Venice and Dubrovnik, emphasizing the lack of orderly queues and the spontaneous nature of interactions.

  Sean DeTore [11:06]: "Now, in America you have the sense that if things are going really wrong, you can go up to somebody who's in a position of power."

• Interactions on the Cruise:
  One memorable story involves Sean and friends requesting American music on the ship’s nightclub, leading to humorous exchanges with DJ Allegra. Despite initial frustration, the situation evolves into camaraderie as the DJ eventually caters to their requests.

  Sean DeTore [23:22]: "But then he plays like, no Diggity. But he starts goes, this is going out to all of our American friends or something like that."

• Personal Anecdotes:
  Sean shares personal challenges, such as managing his weight during the cruise and dealing with the laid-back European attitudes towards time and organization.

  Sean DeTore [01:10]: “I thought we just have to find out how to cope with living on your own?”

MacArthur Genius Awards Discussion

The hosts transition to discussing the prestigious MacArthur Genius Awards, humorously lamenting that Jen Flash Andrews hasn't been recognized yet despite her efforts.

Andrew Walsh [32:25]: "Every year I wake up, I'm ready. I'm ready for that call. And it did not come again this year."

They celebrate their friend, Jad Abumrad from Radiolab, who successfully received the award, sparking a mix of pride and playful frustration about their own standing.

Sean DeTore [33:58]: "And I have to tell you something, I emailed with Mr. Jad Abumrad today and he was very pretty excited."

"What'd I Miss" Segment

In this segment, Sean recounts his disconnection from the internet during the cruise, highlighting how he stayed updated through limited means and shared amusing observations about the repetitive nature of in-flight entertainment.

Sean DeTore [37:36]: "I kept up with the Kardashians, but it was like it wasn't even live. It was just a bunch of."

Annual Physicals and Health Talk

Jen Flash Andrews shares her perplexing experience with an annual physical where the doctor was unsure why she was visiting, leading to an awkward interaction and a reflection on the necessity and effectiveness of routine health check-ups.

Jen Flash Andrews [39:32]: "I think that actually all of you guys are totally right. Just go to the doctor if something's wrong."

The discussion broadens to include Sean’s own minimal engagement with medical check-ups and the broader implications of preventive healthcare.

TV and Movie Reviews

The latter half of the episode shifts focus to entertainment, with the hosts reviewing new TV shows and movies they’ve recently watched during their travels and downtime.

• New TV Shows:

  • "New Girl" with Zooey Deschanel receives positive feedback from Jen for its charm and humor.
  • "Prime Suspect" remake starring Maria Bello is highlighted as a promising adaptation of the acclaimed BBC series.

  Jen Flash Andrews [52:59]: "And I loved it."

  • "Two and a Half Men" revival featuring Ashton Kutcher garners negative reviews from Jen, criticizing its crass humor and departure from Charlie Sheen’s character dynamics.

  Jen Flash Andrews [60:02]: "It's honestly the most horrible thing I've ever encountered in my life."

• Movie Reviews:

  • "Cedar Rapids" and "Tree of Life" are discussed, with Sean appreciating the emotional depth and aesthetic of Terrence Malick’s film.

    Sean DeTore [69:47]: "It's probably like it could be an hour shorter. A lot of it is bullshit, but I found it to be really moving at times."

  • "Hall Pass" receives mixed reactions, with Jen dismissing it as poorly executed while Sean finds certain elements amusing despite its predictable premise.

  Jen Flash Andrews [76:08]: "I was like, that was, like, one of the worst movies I've ever seen."

Closing Remarks and Sponsor Shout-Out

As the episode winds down, the hosts promote their sponsor, Chateau St. Michel wine, recounting Sean’s enjoyable experiences with the brand during the cruise.

Sean DeTore [82:14]: "I had more Chateau St Michel on this cruise in a week than I've had in any time before this."

They also tease upcoming content and encourage listeners to tune in for the next episode, promising a return to their signature rambling style despite Sean’s jet lag-induced tangents.

Sean DeTore [84:01]: "Tomorrow, back to the shorter, rambling styles of TBT that you've come to expect."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Luke Burbank [01:10]: "I could not be, I mean, seriously could not be happier to be here."
• Andrew Walsh [00:27]: "And that Luke smile of his. He had it on his face right to the very end."
• Sean DeTore [23:22]: "But then he plays like, no Diggity. But he starts goes, this is going out to all of our American friends or something like that."
• Jen Flash Andrews [32:25]: "Every year I wake up, I'm ready. I'm ready for that call. And it did not come again this year."
• Sean DeTore [37:36]: "I kept up with the Kardashians, but it was like it wasn't even live. It was just a bunch of."

Conclusion

Episode 912 of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live offers a blend of personal anecdotes, cultural critiques, and candid discussions on entertainment, all delivered with the hosts' trademark humor and chemistry. Sean DeTore's cruise tales provide a vivid look into cross-cultural experiences, while the conversations around awards and health add depth to the casual banter. The episode culminates with insightful media reviews and a heartfelt nod to their sponsor, ensuring listeners are both entertained and informed.