TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live

Luke rushes into the studio after dealing with a appliance emergency that could have been so, so bad had he caught it any later.  Plus, Andrew shows off all the special incense he just got in the mail. And a special TBTL Friendo is featured in a long-awaited edition of What's In The Box?

Luke and Andrew run some Google experiments after Andrew received an alarming search result regarding hamburgers. Also, Andrew still can't seem to maintain a successful  relationship with a phone scammer, no matter how hard he tries.  Image by crazy-fae via Diviant Art

Genevieve joins the show to discuss her undying love of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and why she feels the world deserved a sequel. She and Andrew also try  their hand at a "Sounds of Seattle" quiz created by a TBTL listener famous for his audio work.  

Luke and Andrew discuss two amazing pieces of modern technology: A batting cage computer that lets you virtually face any MLB pitcher, and a toilet seat that can tell you if you're at risk of a heart attack. Andrew only wants one of these things. 

Luke and Andrew watch an umpire age in almost-real time with some help from the geniuses at Jomboy media. Plus, a listener email prompts Luke to go toe-to-toe with a professional Dr. Seuss narrator to see who does it better. 

Luke and Andrew stumble on a mystery regarding TBTL and Luke's old NPR show, The Bryan Park Project. And speaking  of Bryant  Park coincidences, they have a very apropos edition of "What's In The Box?!" to share. 

Luke has a shirtless encounter with a door-to-door salesman while Andrew develops a fast-moving relationship with a telephone scammer named Luna. They also discuss Russell Wilson and Tony Romo's respective futures in the broadcast booth. 

Luke and Andrew discuss some funny shenanigans going on in major league baseball lately, including a pitcher who leaps and laughs with the best of them. Plus, Luke pits Andrew against Ben Affleck in a battle over turkey names. And a community theater production is cancelled after a surprising culprit starts sending in fake threats. 

Luke's night at a humble political fundraiser lifted his spirits. He and Andrew also discuss last night's debut of Hard Knocks, which did not disappoint in the cringy pun category. And Andrew learns that his dog, Lucy, has something common with Luke, and that might prove to be a problem. 

It's election day in Washington State, and Andrew has a very unusual connection to one of the candidates. But does that mean he should vote for him? Plus, Luke is excited about the debut of HBO's Hard Knocks tonight, which features the Seahawks this season. They also try to get to the bottom of a This American Life rumor that Andrew has been spreading for decades. 

Luke made a promise to himself while mowing the lawn this weekend that he immediately broke…and it came along with some property damage. He and Andrew also discuss modern vacuum technology, baseball pedantry, the price of chicken on North Aurora, and the unfortunate state of baseball in 2026.

Luke "opened the doors of perception" last night just long enough to appreciate the brilliance of the Roku screen saver. Meanwhile, Andrew made a phone call that might have gotten someone in really big trouble, and he doesn't know how to feel about it.  They also discuss the Internet's obsession with some "canoodling lawyers" and Tim Robbin's unfortunate appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast. 

Andrew is obsessed with the fact that a law enforcement conference is at the heart of the biggest news story in Seattle this morning, for obvious reasons. He and Luke also sing as much of the Diane Warren song catalog as they can remember. And they discuss the bizarre update on a 7-year old story involving eBay targeting a couple of independent journalists with macabre deliveries. 

Luke and Andrew visit an arcade supply store website and put together a wish list that includes pop-a-shot basketballs, mini footballs, and something called "Pop It For Gold Extreme." They also celebrate the Mariners' very unlikely win over the Dodgers yesterday, and they hear from Tens of listeners who are joining the Odyssey Discourse. 

A movie shoot involving Emma Stone at Citi Field forced baseball players to change their uniforms, which somehow prompts Luke and Andrew to closely examine Mark Wahlberg's (alleged) daily schedule, which involves long breaks for snacking and very short breaks for golf. Plus, a story about a "beloved pizza chain" in an actual newspaper has "bunk journalism" written all over it. 

Luke finds himself at the losing end of a John Oliver joke on Last Week Tonight and feels the need to defend himself. Plus, Andrew feels a bit vindicated regarding one of his Movie Theater Hot Takes. And Luke and Andrew try to stay focussed since they're also releasing today's show as the first episode of TBTL TV. 

Luke joins the show from Las Vegas, where he found himself on the edge of his seat talking to a former mobster. Meanwhile, Andrew is excited to see his "studio dog" dreams come true. 

A mixup at the airport leads to some interpersonal drama for Luke. Plus, Andrew realizes something that happened to him last week may have changed him forever. 

Luke and Andrew discuss the new Odyssey movie, which Andrew is excited to see this weekend, though he's confused why it's a target of conservative ire. They also discuss Luke's lost pen and the undercurrents it represents, and they list notable Kent State graduates and famous men named Dave. 

Luke and Andrew are back at their respective studios, where they're looking back fondly at an action packed week filled with baseball games, bar tabs, secret sausages and, of course, leaping frogs. Plus, a listener has another good Dave Story,  and Luke and Andrew have competing views on some Kalshi news. 

Luke, Andrew, and Jon check-in from the Valley City Frog Jump competition, where they gently encourage their frog, Dave, to make them proud. Plus, Andrew learns some shocking information about his childhood from an old grade school classmate. 

Luke, Jon and Andrew wrap up their TBTL-a-Thon week in Valley City, Ohio, with a call-in topic that Andrew and the listeners do *not* approve of. They also discuss the latest details on the cyclosporiasis outbreak, now that officials have figured out the source of it. And they make their final plans for the big Frog Jump on Sunday. 

Luke, Jon and Andrew continue their broadcast week from Andrew's old elementary school in Valley City, Ohio, where Andrew says he's  DONE with Wordle after his experience with yesterday's puzzle. They also discuss the all-soup restaurant near their AirBNB in Ohio City. And they take calls from listeners who share their stories about the Daves they know.  

Luke, Jon and Andrew check-in after spending the night at a frog pond, searching for their champion. They also hear stories from callers about  small animals they've adopted over the years. And Luke has been taking some notes about life in Ohio City,  where they are all staying. 

The TBTL-a-Thon continues from Valley City, Ohio, where Andrew has a disturbing update on his lost package of recording equipment and Luke is worried about the salad he ate last night, given the outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite in these parts. They also take calls from listeners, including one who has a story about love and Pizza Hut. 

Luke, Andrew, and Jon kick off this year's TBTL-a-Thon from Andrew's old elementary school in Valley City, Ohio, where Andrew is losing his MIND with nostalgia. They also provide an update on the box of audio equipment that disappeared in the US Postal System, and Luke is excited about a giant, steam-powered train that should be rolling through town any minute now…

On the eve of the big TBTL-a-Thon, Andrew is worried about all the broadcast equipment he shipped to Ohio that now seems to be lost in the mail. Plus, Jon offers some more potential frog names submitted by listeners. And Luke is wondering about the proper footwear when trudging through marshes (or golf courses) looking for frogs. 

Luke and Andrew discuss Pizza Hut's attempts to relive the past and attract nostalgic customers. Plus, Luke's newest boat was delivered yesterday, and he used it to find his long lost cows. 

Andrew forces Luke to talk about something he's not sure he wants to talk about. It involves a special delivery to his home later this afternoon. It might be nautical in nature. Plus, Luke is feeling very happy about a home project he completed yesterday, and the stumbling blocks he overcame in the process. And Maggie From The Middleshelf weighs-in on Moonlighting, both the TV show and the song. 

Luke is bummed about the way the US Men's World Cup journey ended, and about the way people talk about CBS News and The Washington Post. Andrew is excited to see that TBTL's small town media blitz is bringing in new listeners. And they're both blown away by the origins of Tim Gunn's famous "monkey house" phrase, as well as a Mike Tyson interview with a student journalist. 

Luke and Andrew are getting ready for the TBTL-a-Thon in Valley City, which is only ONE WEEK away! Plus, Luke has an update on his neighbor relations after finally getting his field grass mowed before the Fourth of July fireworks. And Luke is feeling very conflicted about tonight's World Cup match now that Donald Trump got involved to overturn a red card.

Luke, Jon and Andrew kick-off the holiday weekend by announcing this year's plans for a virtual TBTL party during the  upcoming 'Thon. They also go over some newly suggested names for their soon-to-be pet frog. And they revisit the alternative concerts (and alternative legwear) of their youth. 

A dark question from a teenager somehow leads to a conversation about Luke and Andrew's respective showering routines. They also discuss the State Of Mickey Rourke (it is not strong) and the perfect salad bowl for mice. 

Luke and Andrew discuss what they've been watching lately; Luke's pick is a new, edge-of-your-seat docu-series, while Andrew's is…less current. They also review old Seattle TV listings to see what was airing on July 31, 1987. And Luke realizes that when you point one "bunk journalism" finger at someone, you're pointing three "bunk journalism" fingers back at yourself. 

Luke and Andrew revisit some of their cringier moments in the public eye and unearth memories of an eating competition Luke wishes he could forget. Plus, NPR accidentally pre-publishes a Justice Alito retirement story. And a pilot calls in to answer some of TBTL's questions about airline announcements.  

Luke had QUITE the adventure with the dogs he's petsitting this weekend. One of them ended up on the roof? Plus, the New York Times realizes something that hard-core Wordlers have known for years -- that playing on "hard" mode isn't actually more difficult. And David From The Basement calls.

TBTL listener and volunteer frog watcher Simeon joins Luke, Andrew and Jon to help identify frog songs and pick the best contender for the upcoming Valley City Frog Jump. Plus, Luke is very nervous about the US soccer team's next match. And Jon reminds Andrew of one of the weirder DC comic book characters.

Luke is trying to navigate a delicate situation with one of his neighbors, and Andrew is NOT helping. Plus, a listener unearths the infamous audio of Burt Reynolds reading Moby Dick, and it lives up to its baffling reputation. And Luke finally unleashes his two Subway Takes-esque opinions into the world. But is the wo rld ready?

Andrew attempted to limp his broken car to the mechanic this morning, and recorded himself doing it. He and Luke also discuss the ethics of choosing aging actor photos for IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes. They also re-examine their feelings about two major Bruce Willis projects from the height of his popularity. And Andrew's first visit to a public dog park left him with lots of feelings. 

Andrew is going on a cross-town adventure tomorrow that may leave him crying by the side of the road.  Luke is continuing to have a grand old time dog sitting his new best friends. Andrew is proud of himself for not going full "Dr. Rick" in the grocery store, although his claims of restraint quickly fall apart upon further inspection. 

Luke has found himself pet-sitting not one but TWO  poodles this week, and he's loving it! He and Andrew also discuss their fondness for physical magazines, some of which cost $15 an issue these days? And Luke accidentally notices how much he's been paying for his New Yorkers for the past several years.  

Jon swings by to review some of the names submitted by listeners that could be used for their pet frog while they're in Valley City next month. Plus, Luke has mixed feelings about the way he greeted Chuck Schumer yesterday. And Andrew is excited to head into the heart of chaos this afternoon as the USA World Cup match and a big Mariners game come together in Seattle. 

Andrew is beyond excited about the new pole saw he just bought. Luke is seeing hope and love on the streets and in the soccer fields of New York City. And a guy named Guy found Alice Cooper's credit card stuck in a gas station pump and successfully returned it.

Luke and Andrew discuss the new Burger King commercial that makes Andrew feel bad for liking Burger King. Plus, Luke had a really nice time connecting visiting some old colleagues yesterday, but was also reminded of the bureaucracy that often comes along with public radio. And Andrew reminisces about the first satirical newspaper he fell in love with. 

Andrew's attempts to get Luke to appreciate the cookies of their youth fall short. Plus, Luke is headed to New York to hang with some old American Public Media friends. And a promise of free money ends up falling through for Andrew. 

Luke and Andrew's minds are blown by an email from a listener revealing another layer of coincidence regarding a bad joke told on TBTL. On a related note, Luke's interview with Keith Urban was cancelled over journalistic boundaries this weekend. And speaking of journalism, Andrew's reading a book that's making him question the legacy of American newspapers. 

Luke, Andrew and Jon announce the details of this year's TBTL-a-Thon, which is just around the corner! Plus, lifelong Knicks fans Andrew and Luke ask Jon how he's feeling ahead of game 5 of the NBA finals this weekend. And Luke has a huge revelation about a joke *someone* told during his visit to Office Hours Live yesterday. 

Luke had a fantastic time on the set of Office Hours Live yesterday, and even made an appearance on the show. Plus, Andrew is surprised how everyone -- including non-basketball watchers like himself and Genevieve -- seem to be swept up in the NBA finals. And they try to set the record straight on Dirty Dancing, Flashdance, Footloose, and Fievel Goes West. 

Luke is excited to watch Tim Heidecker live stream his podcast today. He and Andrew also break their silence on the Scooter Libby scandal of 2003. And they check the TBTL voicemail line, where listeners have stories of found money, Mission: Impossible easter eggs, and Russian HVAC.

Luke and Andrew dig into the latest conspiracy theory surrounding Guy Fieri. Is it possible that he's never actually swallowed food on television? They also discuss their feelings about the upcoming season of Hard Knocks, which will feature the Seattle Seahawks, and why Andrew doesn't want to get a pneumonia shot in the back of his grocery store.