TBTL: Too Beautiful To Live

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2026

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.  

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2026

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…

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2026

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.  

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2026

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?

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2026

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.  

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2026

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. 

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2026

There's much, much kismet in today's podcast, as Luke and Andrew's conversations about sandwiches and podcasting are echoed by the listeners. Plus, the Osbourne family plans to resurrect Ozzy using A.I. and "digital DNA", and Luke wants to sunset a slang phrase that he's heard enough of. 

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2026

Luke had an uplifting interaction with his neighbor this morning. Meanwhile, Andrew's hunt for some misplaced office supplies offers a deeper look into his problematic personality. They also discuss the young baseball umpire who went viral with his mature handling of a tough situation with an adult coach. And they find out what happens when a comedian just tells the same joke over and over and over again on the same stage. 

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2026

Luke had some uncomfortable experiences during his rideshares in Houston this week. Andrew is getting ready for a two-hour trek to see his doctor in his new East Side offices. They relive the drama around Reggie Jackson and Spike Lee, now that the Knicks are back in the playoffs. And they get the details about a man who calls himself "Roy Donk" as he slings baklava and merch around NYC. Photo: "Glowsticks in the Stade De France" by Richard King

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2026

A piece of mail on Andrew's desk leads to a story about Luke's relationship with his local Eagles Aerie. A piece of music submitted by a Dazzling Donor leads to a confession about TBTL's ongoing Spotify issues. And a lost cat in Andrew's neighborhood leads to a fascinating tale of pets gone wild in Bellingham. 

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2026

Luke and Andrew discover that they both share the same irrational fear regarding glassware. They also reconsider Nick Nolte's famous mugshot photo in a new light…and learn that it wasn't actually a mugshot photo at all. And they hear a very tender voicemail from a listener paying tribute to her pooch. 

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2026

Luke was recognized then un-recognized at the CrimeCon he visited this weekend. Andrew created his own weather system in his car on Saturday night. They also discuss the rich world of hotel ice buckets and mini-fridges. 

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

Andrew unearthed a couple of messages on the TBTL voicemail line that took his breath away. He and Luke also discuss an amazing coincidence that they accidentally stumbled into regarding a popular 90s film. And a Dazzling Donor message takes them on an absolute emotional rollercoaster of tree-related content.  

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2026

Luke had an incredible time at an incredible Jr. Sluggers game yesterday, as TBTL's little leaguers wrapped up their season. Plus, Andrew helps Luke solve an audio-related mystery, and the Dodgers organization is considering stopping its "bat dog" program after a player got injured stepping over a pooch. 

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2026

A huge industrial accident in Southern Washington has shaken the community that Luke lives in. He and Andrew also discuss the so-called "Steroid Olympics", which have been described accurately as an "abject failure." And a listener shares a Twisted Tea-inspired memory from the days of the pandemic. 

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2026

Genevieve joins Luke and Andrew to explain why she's in trouble with the law AGAIN, and how she might get out of it. Plus, Luke's wondering if his neighbor is mowing the lawn too early in the morning. And Erik from Sweden offers a captivating tale of murder, literature, and coincidence. 

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2026

Luke and Andrew talk about Stephen Colbert's return to television -- this time, cable access television in Monroe, MI. And they get a very inspiring update about the TBTL Junior Sluggers! 

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2026

Luke and Andrew discuss the final broadcast of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and the end of an era in culture and broadcasting. They talk about a ruling that bans the ubiquitous "Kars 4 Kids" commercial in California. And a listener writes in with a confession about her Facebook Marketplace behavior. 

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2026

The TBTL Junior Sluggers have completed their regular season, and we get a recap of their last few games before they head into the playoffs. Plus, Luke had to make a tough decision on his flight out to Chicago.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2026

Andrew had a truly disgusting experience while walking his dog yesterday, and it might have changed his entire worldview. But probably not. Meanwhile, Luke got to see the inside workings of a truly successful podcast yesterday, and it's making him question his own life decisions. And they discuss the Nebraska bar that can't call itself "The Barbershop" anymore because of a very annoying (and disingenuous) business association. 

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2026

Luke had a mustard-related encounter on his flight to LA that is straight out of the Curb Your Enthusiasm playbook. He also accidentally forgot to bring his computer on this work trip, but he found a "Life Hacket Buddy" to keep the show on the air. 

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2026