This Show Has Everything

Mike, Bobby, Hillary and Ann recapped the latest week of TBTL complete with fiery hot takes, snappy one-liners, and a terrible idea for a restaurant. But, the Gods of Xcel Energy decided it was too beautiful to live. So instead, enjoy this lightning recap redux with Ann and Bobby, followed by a special listen back to the LRB recap from one year ago this week (ep 324) featuring a younger, prettier, probably-salad-eating Bobby, Ann, Meredith and Hillary. Take this as a reminder that, as always, if we don’t remember our TBTL/LRB history, we are doomed to repeat it.

The Coven® has reconvened for this week’s recap and we’re covering all of the TBTL “news.”  But first, it’s our 400th episode! Can you believe? Also, Hillary is beginning her favorite day of the year (no, it’s not her birthday), Meredith is, once again, dealing with illogical Money Pit problems (and also making tasty bread), and Ann has a student-led BO problem. Blessedly, there was limited garbage talk, but the guys did tackle some well-worn subjects such as dog/leash issues/karma, inexplicable cheese eating, odd Australian animals, and Andrew’s walk on the wild side (Tony is a bad influence!). Join us as we dive into those topics plus, and we’re warning you, LOTS of Hamilton. How lucky we are to be alive right now!

A TBTL international road trip is on the horizon, and when you leave the country there are a few things you should be sure to have -- your travel treadmill, your laser baldness helmet, and oh, I don’t know, maybe your passport? While I think we can agree that all of these things are equally important, our pal Luke has had some trouble keeping track of one of them, so Ann and Christy thought the time was right to revisit some of the times his carelessness got him into travel trouble. From sweet-talking the passport office lady on his wedding day -- dressed in his tuxedo! -- to melting down at the rental car counter in front of national hero Yvonne, Luke’s had his share of self-induced passport emergencies. Plus, Jen’s always prepared to flee at a moment’s notice, and Andrew’s the friend you want when the chips are down (and they won’t let you on the cruise).

Pull up a cushion and feel the rhythm, because Meredith, Ann and Bobby are here to party, and there’s room for one more in this sunken living room of the mind. In addition to a recap of the high notes (and low notes) of last week’s episodes of TBTL, Bobby gives an awkward HR update, Ann gets a cookware anti-intervention, and Meredith shares what it’s like banging with strangers seemingly forever. And speaking of things that take seemingly forever: Instead of breaking down TBTL Garbage Time, we suggest you check out the new podcast Minor Adventures with Topher Grace, or even just these Rhode Island recycling videos. Or, just close your eyes, and imagine a certain jogger being chased by some serious off-leash irony. If that doesn’t make your week, you can always try a $65 bottle of Eau de Westin.

It’s time for another meeting of the LRB coven as Hillary, Meredith, and Ann gather ‘round the cauldron to work our witchy magic. We dial up the feminism this week with discussions about equality in armed service requirements, the problem with the concept of body positivity, and how a touch of toxic masculinity can invade even the most enlightened guys. Additionally, we’ll dig into how urban wild turkeys are no joke, how Luke’s late-night tipping decision was disappointing, and why Terry Gross isn’t the boss of us. In host news, Hillary is kitten-curious, Meredith might be on a Japanese public television show, and Ann is workshopping new LRB taglines. Plus, grumpy-yet-kindhearted Mr. Walsh, our ideas to improve the sport of bowling, and why “the best minds in comedy writing are not working in local news” may be the truest words ever spoken on a podcast.

Phyllis “Situational Them” Fletcher is legally allowed to be on LRB again, and Bobby, Mike, Meredith and Ann take full advantage by hosting a Fletch-themed AMA instead of producing any original content. Shame on all of you who didn’t submit questions, and less shame on those of you who did. Phyllis is a tidal wave of sound advice. Bobby’s cup runneth over with job opportunities. Mike is up against a deluge of spelling errors. Meredith is baking Victoria sponges in her money puddle. And Ann is walkin’ on sunshine despite the fact that—thanks to a troublesome toilet—her money puddle is a literal puddle.

Be sure to submit more AMA questions here for Phyllis or any of the LRB crew.  We’ll answer them if we feel like it, or if it’s easier than generating new show ideas. At least it beats talking about TBTL.