TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live

Andrew discovers a long-lost episode of TBTL. He doesn't like what he hears on it, but he finds it important anyway. They also discuss regional food chains and the most frightening thing to happen on a roller coaster. 

The New York Times explains why Emanuel Macron was wearing badass sunglasses at the World Economic Forum yesterday, but Luke takes some issue with the reporting. He and Andrew also break down a couple of SNL skits and the disagreement that they caused on TikTok. And they try to figure out the best place for Luke to watch the big Seahawks game when he's in Miami this weekend. 

Luke joins the show from Burbank, California, where he was on a big-budget HBO set all day. He and Andrew also discuss the school staff from Archie Comics as well as some of the cartoon characters they used to crush on.

Genevieve joins the show to talk sewing, hobbies, and some unfortunate choices made by a 1990s talk show. Then we put her movie knowledge to the test with a quiz only she could handle. 

NASA is going through great efforts to conceal the identity and symptoms of an astronaut who got sick in space, which leads Luke and Andrew to assume the worst (eg, an alien invasion.) They also discuss Andrew's new life-hack for getting to the airport (spoiler alert: It's driving.)

Luke and Andrew learn that they may be sitting on some valuable old pennies…they just need to check their spare change jars. They also discuss self-driving rectangles and the California Raisins.

Andrew is back from his first-ever trip to Las Vegas, and he has all the details Luke is dying to hear.

DFTB drops by to hangout with Luke & Jon, as Andrew enjoys more time in Vegas. The guys discuss kids being kids at the airport, Seahawks' football, and they're unable to determine what region of the country Missouri is a part of. 

Andrew is spending time in Las Vegas so TBTL Employee Numero Uno, Jon Sklaroff, jumps on the line to check in with Luke about what's happening in the Twin Cities and the podcast world after the first ever Golden Globe was awarded for podcasting. Also, the guys wonder if husband of Best Actress winner, Rose Byrne, fellow actor Bobby Cannavale was justified in not attending the awards ceremony.

Luke and Andrew are both tempted by a new phone that's being hyped at the CES tech show and that has them reminiscing about their Blackberries of old. Luke also went back to his own reporting from 2004 to fact check himself, and he didn't like the results.

Luke watched a movie yesterday, but he couldn't get Andrew's voice out of his head the whole time. Andrew discovers that he perfectly fits into a weirdo's theory regarding latitudes and lifestyles. And they discuss Andrew's gambling prep for his upcoming trip to Vegas.

Luke and Andrew both saw Marty Supreme over the holidays. They share their  feelings on the movie and how it fits into the current movie theater moment. They also talk about how the greatest dart players in the world have to deal with wasps during their tournaments.

Luke is concerned that he accidentally bought a legit gun on TikTok. Now he's waiting to see what shows up. Plus, a listener in Scotland explains the origins of the supposed curse of MacBeth. And Andrew had a dream about a banana, but it's not what you think. 

Luke had the most embarrassing moment he's ever had on an airplane over the holidays. He's also working on a new, exciting system for his garbage bins. And Genevieve is worried that Andrew might be having an affair with someone at the DMV. 

From scary windstorms to nostalgic smells, from dive bar popcorn to summer salad recipes, we hear from the Tens of Listeners who left us voicemail messages in 2025. Happy New Year!

Luke and Andrew kick off the new year by revisiting one of their favorite poems and the performer who made it famous. They also check-in with listener Jami, who has a list of the Top Five Low-Stake Adult Fears one might face.

Andrew is obsessed with a special table from his youth, and he's unfortunately found it for sale on eBay. He also asks for Luke's help differentiating two comedians who have little in common. And listener Ben offers a list of Top Five Experiences You Can Have In A Grocery Store.

Luke and Andrew finally speak up about the TV show Get Smart and its infamous "cone of silence." They also take a look back at some of the most interesting vocabulary words they apparently used in the past year, according to listener Kristen, who's been keeping notes. 

Hanna Brooks Olsen joins the show to talk about the Forensic Sciences Club she started in high school, why she's been staying up until 4 in the morning, and how to get someone out of bed with Sour Patch Kids. She also presents her own list of Top Five Most Satisfying Things To Clean.

Andrew is shocked and awed by some online behavior he saw yesterday…behavior that led to his own banishment on social media!

Luke and Andrew are joined by Jon, Genevieve, Susie B. and a whole bunch of Tens to celebrate the holidays! We talk about favorite holiday traditions, regifting strategies, and whether or not Genevieve and Andrew's Christmas tree is "secure." 

Luke is astounded by the small bit of wax that protects us all from absolute toilet disasters. Andrew continues to marvel at the ease of cashing checks in 2025. And listener Sarah has some 5 lists of best walks and most underrated smells.

Luke and Andrew finally do what they promised to do yesterday: Namely, talk about the best times and places to eat candy. Plus, Andrew's adventures in old-timey cinema continue!

Andrew's mind is completely blown when he discovers something about himself and Luke online. They also talk about movies that are better than the books they're based on (and one book that's better than the movie.)

Luke heard back from David Sedaris after emailing him yesterday about a detail from a recent essay. Luke and Andrew also discuss the absolutely bonkers Thursday Night Football game last night, and how Jay-Z helped the Seahawks win. And they hear from a former banker who has some intel on bad pennies. 

Luke is trying to reach David Sedaris in order to save his own sanity, but he's worried his email won't get through. He and Andrew also discuss Luke's rewatch of When Harry Met Sally and Andrew's discovery of Nick and Nora in The Thin Man. 

The wind and rain wreaked havoc at Luke's place last night, forcing him to resort to some unsightlhy measures that he's trying to come to grips with. He and Andrew also discuss the amazing travel tips doled out by AAA and public radio this morning. And they pry open the old P.O. box to find out what's waiting for them inside.

Luke leaves Andrew unsettled with a story of quasi-accidental truancy that is playing out in real time. They also discuss Luke's personal Rob Reiner Film Fest that he held last night, and Andrew remembers a couple of films that had a big impact on him as a youth. 

Luke and Andrew celebrate the life and work of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. They also discuss Andrew's herculean efforts to return a lost hat, and Luke's realization of what he actually looks like when watching football games.   

Luke and Andrew discuss their methods of navigating shoes-off get-togethers this holiday season. Plus, some of Luke's favorite places -- both as a child and an adult -- have announced their imminent closures. 

Luke and Andrew discuss the hot issues of the day, including USB cable management, various ways to charge ear buds, re-used ziplock bags, and what "30 percent chance of rain" really means. They also discuss why Luke is falling in love with opposing quarterback Philip Rivers, and they hear from a listener who is totally cool with Luke being on TBTL. 

The State Department is switching its official font because it thinks Calibri is too "woke". Plus, Luke's new gift from Peta comes with a revelation about the use of AI in media relations. And he and Andrew discuss the fact that a 44-year old Phillip Rivers is coming out of retirement to play in the NFL again…quite literally a dangerous game. 

Encyclopedia Luke had to figure out The Mystery Of The Ungrounded Grill in his back yard yesterday. Andrew admits to an act of betrayal on a very windy Friday night. And they discuss how the sale of Warner Brothers could hurt (or destroy?) theatrical releases. 

Luke and Andrew find themselves in a wide-ranging conversation about satellite radio, the Golden Globe podcast nominees, and whether or not Howard Stern is really holding a grudge against Ronnie The Limo Driver? Plus, Luke got a new phone and learned first-hand how companies are awkwardly avoiding the word "contract" when talking about their contracts. 

Luke made it to Seattle this morning, despite Alaska Airlines playing a very dangerous game with his schedule. Meanwhile, Andrew is insulted on behalf of Counting Crows, and listener Talia shares a story about a tense airport moment with a government official.   

TBTL Friendo and Self-Made Media Mogul Nora McInerny joins the show to talk about why she insisted on picking up Luke at the Phoenix airport when she heard he was coming to town. They also discuss Andrew's very bureaucratic plans for Christmas Eve. And they prep Luke for his upcoming appearance on KUOW's news podcast.  

Luke found himself underprepared for his underwater TV shoot in Miami this morning. Meanwhile, Andrew decides to experiment with some old audio equipment at the most inopportune time. And they discuss the season finale of their new favorite show, The Chair Company. 

A budget hotel chain is trying to hold Andrew over a barrel. Luke's preparing for his big shirt-off television moment. And together they ponder the eternal question: How long can lightly-refrigerated beef stroganoff last? 

Luke is in Miami, where he is very busy with work but would much rather be on the beach. He tells Andrew about the intense inquisition he had to pass in order to retrieve his misplaced ear buds. Meanwhile, Andrew has some Thanksgiving regrets involving his patented style of "humor."

Luke received a very exciting email from a very surprising source today. Andrew received a text message from his mobile carrier that is making him a little bit cranky. And they discuss two shows they're both watching right now -- Pluribus and The Chair Company. 

Luke and Andrew celebrate the holiday with Macy's Parade memories and a discussion of Joan Didion's elaborate Thanksgiving traditions with her highfalutin friends. 

Luke has a new toy that he is very excited to use on TBTL (and at his holiday parties.) Andrew has a sad update on his bluetooth woes. And the world's foremost unpaid Fubo spokesperson just ditched Fubo. 

Luke and Andrew announce plans for this year's TBTL Holiday Zoom Party! Plus, Luke is on an odyssey trying to get a bathroom vanity delivered. And Andrew recalls one of the most amazing (not in a good way) Lyft drivers he ever had. 

Luke and Andrew are both very happy they went out last night, even though it's so easy to stay home on a cold November Sunday. Luke really enjoyed seeing the new Noah Baumbach film, Andrew enjoyed a very special night of comedy, and they discovered the surprising origin of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Andrew's neighborhood (and its resident pets) is on official Coyote Watch. Luke offers some solutions based on a 1990s-era awareness campaign. They also discuss the famous space crime that DIDN'T happen. And they look at the 21 million year old history of the first kiss.  Photo of prairie dogs kissing via Amaury Laporte

Andrew talks in detail about his unsure entry into the world of Dungeons and Dragons. A story about the use of A.I. in documentaries has Luke very concerned. And a favorite TBTL song scats its way back onto the show. 

A conversation about window coverings prompts Luke to examine his unusual behavior in hotel rooms. Meanwhile, Bingo the Cat gives Andrew QUITE the scare during today's show! 

Luke's D.C. adventures continue with a jog past a partially demolished White House and a brief encounter with the Secret Service. Andrew has a beef with his cat, Bingo. And they discuss Target's new "smiling" policy for their employees and a lawsuit over tequila. 

Luke re-watched a movie on an airplane this weekend and is bowled over at how prescient the film was. Meanwhile, Andrew saw Begonia and is putting together a unified theory of films in 2025. Plus, Andrew is blown away by a cable network's "panel of experts." And Russell Wilson announces his new Cameo business.

Luke and Andrew learn the curious background of an actor in a scene that Andrew is obsessed with. They also discuss the death of the penny, some major vandalism at a beloved amusement park, and the misguided dos-and-don'ts of a community radio station.  

Luke was scheduled to appear on a local TV station in Portland this morning, but he ran into some trouble on the way. Meanwhile, Andrew went full Tim Robinson as he tried to get answers from a possibly shady business. Speaking of television, they also discuss The Chair Company and Pluribus, two shows that they're both watching right now.