TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live – Episode #946 Summary

Released on November 7, 2011

Hosts: Luke Burbank and Jen Andrews
Show Description: TBTL is a daily show hosted by two longtime friends navigating the world with humor and camaraderie. In Episode #946, Luke and Jen delve into various topics ranging from listener interactions to international news, all sprinkled with their characteristic wit.

Listener Beefs and Community Interactions

Time Stamp: 01:07

Luke opens the episode by addressing recent "listener beefs," emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts swiftly to maintain a positive show environment. He remarks,

“We don't usually like to beef with the listeners, but we got a few...”
(01:27)

Jen shares her frustrations with a listener upset about their coverage of hooliganism at soccer matches. She states,

“If it's real, if it's actually happening, we're allowed to talk about it.”
(06:14)

Key Points:

• Resolving Listener Conflicts: Luke and Jen prioritize addressing listener concerns early in the show.
• Coverage of Hooliganism: Jen defends their reporting on soccer hooliganism, highlighting the necessity of discussing real events despite some listeners' objections.

Andy Rooney’s Passing and TBTL’s Take

Time Stamp: 04:05

The hosts discuss the passing of Andy Rooney, addressing unexpected backlash on social media where some listeners seemingly linked their lack of appreciation for Rooney’s work to his demise.

Luke clarifies,

“Andy Rooney passed away because he was 92 years old, not because some podcast that no one listens to said they didn't love his commentaries.”
(04:05)

Jen adds,

“Not liking someone's work or their art is not akin to wishing them dead.”
(04:34)

Key Points:

• Clarifying Misconceptions: Luke and Jen debunk the notion that their disinterest in Rooney’s commentary contributed to his passing.
• Respecting Artistic Differences: They emphasize that disliking someone's work doesn't equate to ill wishes for the individual.

Upcoming Comedy Event at Odd Duck Theater

Time Stamp: 11:17

Luke announces his upcoming comedy performance at Odd Duck Theater in Seattle alongside Scott Moran and Mark Normand. He humorously warns listeners about the potential repetition of their Andy Rooney segment, saying,

“Because I didn't know this was happening until somebody posted it on my Facebook page.”
(11:17)

Jen humorously comments on the optimal number of attendees,

“Didn't we figure out once that the worst number is nine?”
(12:14)

Key Points:

• Event Details: Luke is performing with fellow comedians Scott Moran and Mark Normand.
• Expectations: The show will feature recycled jokes and may include playful meta-performance elements.

International News Desk

Time Stamp: 13:41

The hosts introduce a new segment covering international news, touching on various global topics.

Matt Lauer’s Global Adventures

Jen reports Matt Lauer’s week-long surprise global locations, mentioning his time with the Himba tribe in Namibia. She shares insights into their unique bathing practices,

“They wrap a blanket around themselves, and they let the smoke cleanse their bodies.”
(14:06)

Carmen Sandiego Movie Rumors

Luke discusses reports of Jennifer Lopez producing and possibly starring in a live-action Carmen Sandiego movie. He expresses skepticism and nostalgia for the original theme song,

“If Rockapella doesn't make an appearance, I will be really upset.”
(17:21)

D'Antwod’s Label Dispute

Jen covers D'Antwod’s conflict with Interscope over their album "Tension$," which was deemed "not releasable" due to explicit content. The band is opting to self-release digitally,

“CDs are like motherfucking VHS.”
(23:07)

Switzerland’s Guinea Pig Welfare Laws

Jen highlights Switzerland’s new law making it illegal to own only one guinea pig to prevent loneliness, explaining the workaround of renting a second guinea pig,

“You could get into this loop of having to constantly buy a guinea pig when the one dies.”
(27:12)

Key Points:

• Matt Lauer’s Locations: Matt is traveling globally, providing cultural insights each day.
• Carmen Sandiego Movie: Potential live-action adaptation with Jennifer Lopez could reintroduce the beloved franchise.
• D'Antwod’s Independence: The band’s decision to self-release underscores challenges artists face with major labels.
• Animal Welfare: Switzerland’s innovative approach to guinea pig companionship reflects broader animal welfare concerns.

Musical Interlude

Time Stamp: 31:02

The Long Winters perform a snippet of their song “Pushover,” adding melodic ambiance to the episode. The performance blends seamlessly into the ongoing discussions, maintaining the show’s dynamic flow.

Granny Time Segment

Time Stamp: 33:03

Granny Time is Jen’s weekly segment addressing personal anecdotes and listener interactions.

Penmanship Woes

Jen vents her frustration with article aggregators leading her to repeatedly read the same New York Times articles,

“I can only read 20 articles a month and I very closely monitor that situation.”
(34:10)

Luke humorously reflects on his own poor handwriting,

“A few people got posters where there's my signature, then it's crossed out.”
(37:14)

Key Points:

• Article Aggregation Issues: Jen struggles with redundant article links from aggregators, impacting her reading limit.
• Handwriting Challenges: Both hosts share stories about their poor penmanship and its real-world consequences.

New York City Marathon Discussion

The hosts debate the potential addition of a second marathon day to accommodate more runners. Luke expresses concerns that it might dilute the event’s prestige,

“Having two days would cheapen it a little bit.”
(40:42)

Jen argues about the significance of pacing in marathon records, specifically referencing Paula Radcliffe’s achievements,

“To me, that's cheating on some level. It shouldn't count as an official record.”
(43:50)

Key Points:

• Second Marathon Day: Considerations on whether expanding the marathon would enhance accessibility or diminish its status.
• Pacing in Records: Ethical debate on whether having a designated pacer affects the legitimacy of marathon records.

Listener Email: Navigating New Neighborhood Socials

Jen reads an email from a listener, Andy, seeking advice on hosting gatherings as vegetarians and teetotalers in a new neighborhood. She empathizes with their predicament,

“How do we invite people over when they will be expecting a fun night to include us partaking with them in the drinking?”
(46:14)

Luke offers creative solutions,

“Take a vegan cooking class, first of all...”
(47:05)

Key Points:

• Social Hosting Challenges: Balancing personal dietary and lifestyle choices while fostering new friendships.
• Practical Advice: Suggestions include finding like-minded communities and hosting environments that accommodate their preferences without imposing.

Chateau St. Michel Sweet Berry Wine Tasting Updates

Jen shares updates on the ongoing Chateau St. Michel Sweet Berry wine tasting events across the country, highlighting gatherings in Montana and Iowa. She teases upcoming events,

“The Philly gathering is going to be on Friday at 6:30 at Eddie's house.”
(52:03)

Luke encourages listeners to participate, pointing them to the show’s website for more information,

“Check out tbtl.net for the latest on all that stuff.”
(52:35)

Key Points:

• Community Engagement: Multiple wine tasting events foster community interaction and appreciation for Chateau St. Michel wines.
• Event Participation: Listeners are encouraged to join local gatherings and stay updated via the podcast’s online platform.

Conclusion

Time Stamp: 53:02

Luke wraps up the episode by thanking listeners and encouraging continued participation in upcoming events,

“We’ll be back here tomorrow of course, with much more imaginary radio for you until we see you again.”
(53:02)

Closing Remarks:

• Appreciation: Gratitude towards the audience for their support and engagement.
• Future Content: Promise of more engaging discussions and events in upcoming episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Jen Andrews on listener frustrations:

  “This really bugs me because of course I'm monitoring how many articles I've read because I can't read more than 20.”
  (34:10)

• Luke Burbank on penmanship:

  “I have really my handwriting. My penmanship was never great, but it is atrophied to a ridiculous degree now.”
  (37:36)

• Jen Andrews on hosting challenges:

  “How do we invite people over when they will be expecting a fun night to include us partaking with them in the drinking?”
  (46:14)

This episode of TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live showcases Luke and Jen’s ability to blend humor with insightful discussions, addressing both personal anecdotes and broader societal issues. From navigating listener relationships to dissecting international news, the hosts maintain a relatable and engaging dialogue, ensuring listeners gain both entertainment and thoughtful perspectives.