Live Wire with Luke Burbank

Latest Episodes:

Emily Nussbaum and Pink Martini (REBROADCAST) Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Emily Nussbaum (The New Yorker) unpacks her book Cue the Sun: The Invention of Reality TV, which explores our obsession and distaste for what she calls "dirty documentary;" pianist Thomas Lauderdale and vocalist China Forbes of Pink Martini chat about their 30-year journey with the genre-bending musical group, before performing "Una Notte a Napoli" from their album Hang on Little Tomato. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello hear from our audience members about an imaginary reality TV show they'd like to see.

Rachel Khong, Danez Smith, and Danielia Cotton Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

Acclaimed author Rachel Khong explores the themes in her newest novel Real Americans, including what it means to bridge cultural and generational divides within families; superstar poet Danez Smith reads from their latest collection Bluff and tells us what poetry can and cannot accomplish; and singer-songwriter Danielia Cotton chats about her tribute album to Black country star Charley Pride, before performing her own track "Bring Out the Country in Me."

Ijeoma Oluo, Sarah Marshall, and Anna Tivel (REBROADCAST) Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Writer and activist Ijeoma Oluo unpacks her new book Be a Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World—and How You Can, Too, which shares conversations with those who are making positive changes in powerful systems; podcaster Sarah Marshall, host of You're Wrong About, reveals the real reason we take our shoes off at the airport; and singer-songwriter Anna Tivel performs "Disposable Camera" off her newest album Living Thing. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share the work of people who are real change-makers in their own communities.

Tracy K. Smith, Saeed Jones, and Meklit (Black History Month Special) Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

In this Black History Month special episode, former U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith discusses her memoir To Free the Captives, which looks to uncover Black strength, continuance, and community by looking back at her own family’s history; poet Saeed Jones (Alive at the End of the World) unpacks the backstories behind some of his poems involving Billie Holiday, Maya Angelou, and Luther Vandross; and Ethio-Jazz musician Meklit performs the song, “I Want to Sing for Them All” as a tribute to her musical influences.

Damp January: How ‘Bout We Call It a Night? (with Nora McInerny) Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

In the final episode of Damp January, Luke talks to his friend Nora McInerny – author and podcast host of Thanks for Asking – about what it means to basically not drink anymore. The two old friends chat about the drunken exploits of their youth, boozing through grief (and when enough is enough), and how to replace drinking with a “dopamine menu,” while Luke accepts that his relationship to alcohol might never be effortless.

Annie Rauwerda, Ivan McClellan, and Sami Braman (REBROADCAST) Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

Annie Rauwerda, founder of the social media account Depths of Wikipedia, shares some more obscure entries from the website, including "The Kentucky Meat Shower;" photojournalist Ivan McClellan discusses his new book Eight Seconds, an exploration of Black rodeo culture in America; and fiddler Sami Braman plays the title track off her latest album Riveter. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal what Wikipedia rabbit holes our listeners are falling down.

Damp January: Is Sobriety... Forever? (with Moshe Kasher) Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

Was it sheer alcoholism or just adolescent rage? Comedian, podcaster, and memoirist Moshe Kasher (Subculture Vulture) poses this question to himself in a conversation with Luke about his own journey through the 12-steps, which began as a teenager during the Nancy Regan-fueled era of “Just Say No.” Now sober for basically three decades, Moshe reflects on the mantra “one day at a time,” his curiosity around psychedelics, and how addiction (not the substance) is the real enemy.

Jamie Loftus, Hari Kondabolu, and Blitzen Trapper Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

Bestselling author Jamie Loftus unpacks her latest podcast Sixteenth Minute of Fame, where she talks to "internet famous" folks of the past, like NFL half-time legend Elvis Presto; stand-up comedian Hari Kondabolu explains why he's never performed on Long Island and how his iPhone might be stunting his parenting; and celebrated Americana band Blizten Trapper perform "Planetarium" off their latest album 100's of 1000's, Millions of Billions.

Damp January: What’s the Big Deal? (with Gary Shteyngart) Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

What’s really the harm in “moderate” (whatever that means) drinking? According to New York Times bestselling author Gary Shteyngart, absolutely nothing. Luke weighs the balance between sobriety and binging in a conversation about the joys of drinking with a man who loves his martinis… and has no dreams of living into his mid-80s. While recent research suggests alcohol may be more harmful than once thought, Shteyngart questions whether forsaking life's small pleasures is worth it, given life's inevitable end.

Noé Álvarez, Naomi Fitter with Jon the Robot, and John Craigie (REBROADCAST) Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

Writer Noé Álvarez traces his family lineage through the history of the accordion in his latest book Accordion Eulogies: A Memoir of Music, Migration, and Mexico;professor of engineering Naomi Fitter introduces us to Jon, a stand-up comedian robot she developed who riffs on the dating life of a bot; and singer-songwriter John Craigie explains the awkwardness of running into fans at the post office, before performing "Judas" from his latest album Pagan Church. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share what our listeners would like their hypothetical robots to do.

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