Live Wire with Luke Burbank

Latest Episodes:

"Figure of Speech" with Mary Norris, Ryan O'Connell, Jackie Kashian, and The Get Ahead May 24, 2019

Show notes

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share their favorite words, both literally and figuratively; actor and television writer Ryan O’Connell explains how keeping his cerebral palsy a secret inspired his book and Netflix series "Special;" grammar expert Mary Norris recounts her early days at The New Yorker and her foray into all things Greek; comedian Jackie Kashian isn’t buying the “empathic” abilities of her fellow comics; and soul-rock group The Get Ahead perform “Deepest Light.”

"Not Too Distant Future" with Senator Jeff Merkley, Anis Mojgani, Joe Zimmerman, Afrovivalist, and Ron Artis II & The Truth May 10, 2019

Show notes

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello discuss doing away with minor annoyances in the “Not Too Distant Future;” U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon describes how partisan politics have gotten personal; poet Anis Mojgani laments his love-hate relationship with the possum; Sharon Ross, aka Afrovivalist, tells us how she prepares for eminent disaster; comedian Joe Zimmerman explains why his credit card purchases are the perfect alibi; and Hawaiian soul group Ron Artis II & The Truth perform “Carry Me Along” from their album from "Soul Street."

"Balancing Acts" with Pam Houston, Naomi Ekperigin, Nadya Okamoto, and Shook Twins Apr 26, 2019

Show notes

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal their personal “Balancing Acts;” author Pam Houston reconciles her great love of the natural world and the challenges of living within it, as outlined in her latest book "Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country;" comedian Naomi Ekperigin talks couples therapy for comedians; entrepreneur and social activist Nadya Okamoto explains why she ignited the “menstrual movement;” and Shook Twins perform “Safe” from their album "Some Good Lives."

"Real Talk" with Mitchell S. Jackson, Lori Gottlieb, Mohanad Elshieky, and Revel in Dimes Apr 12, 2019

Show notes

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello get down to some “Real Talk;” writer Mitchell S. Jackson discusses how – in his latest book “Survival Math” – he uses men of history to frame his own painful relationships with women of his past; author and psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb explains the importance of delivering a “compassionate truth bomb” to loved ones in need; comedian Mohanad Elshieky recounts how his confrontation with the border control on a Greyhound bus went viral; and blues-rock group Revel in Dimes perform “Tough City for Love.”

Elena Passarello (Short) Mar 29, 2019

Show notes

This podcast short features the original interview with award-winning writer Elena Passarello who, after this appearance, became Live Wire's announcer. Elena is the author of two books of nonfiction, "Let Me Clear My Throat" (2012) and "Animals Strike Curious Poses" (2017). She is also the first female winner of the annual "Stanley and Stella Shouting Contest" held in New Orleans. Listen to this podcast to hear Elena's winning scream! And stay tuned for a song by folk rock singer This is The Kit, who performed on Live Wire in 2017.

"Ice Breakers" with Colin O'Brady, Dani Shapiro, Chris Garcia, and Casey Neill & The Norway Rats Mar 15, 2019

Show notes

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello discuss not-so-classic “Ice Breakers;” endurance athlete and adventurer Colin O’Brady recounts his world record-breaking trek across Antarctica; author Dani Shapiro explains how a mail-in DNA test revealed a deep-seeded family secret; comedian Chris Garcia pokes fun at his life choices by channeling his hard-working Cuban father; and Casey Neill & The Norway Rats perform “Savages” from their album “Subterrene.”

"Going Rogue" with Geraldine DeRuiter, Matteo Lane, Makini Howell, and Valley Maker Mar 01, 2019

Show notes

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello unpack the concept of “Going Rogue;” blogger Geraldine DeRuiter of The Everywhereist explains why she hangs onto things that spark rage; comedian Matteo Lane debates the job description of pharmacists; Seattle chef Makini Howell describes why she's an advocate of inclusive vegan cuisine; and Valley Maker performs “Beautiful Birds Flying” from their latest album “Rhododendron.”

"Buggin' Out" Hanif Abdurraqib, Nora McInerny, Nore Davis, and Alela Diane Feb 15, 2019

Show notes

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello discuss what it means to be “Buggin’ Out” in their forties; music writer and New York Times bestselling author Hanif Abdurraqib explains how music is a vehicle for writing about life on the periphery; grief expert and podcaster Nora McInerny comments on the intersection of grief and desire; comedian Nore Davis riffs on the secret lives of school teachers; and singer-songwriter Alela Diane performs “Albatross” from her latest album "Cusp."

"All-Stars" with Luis Alberto Urrea, Eileen Myles, and Moshow The Cat Rapper Feb 01, 2019

Show notes

This special Live Wire episode brings together some "All-Star" guests by way of the Portland Book Festival; celebrated author Luis Alberto Urrea dissects the dynamics of his Mexican family, which inspired his latest book "The House of Broken Angels;" master poet Eileen Myles takes on the presidency in a reading of their epic poem "Acceptance Speech;" and internet sensation Moshow The Cat Rapper gives lessons on peace, love, and not declawing your cats.

"Living the Dream" with Ian Karmel, Al Letson, Caitlin Kunkel, and Laura Gibson Jan 18, 2019

Show notes

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello dispute the importance of their dream lives; satirist Caitlin Kunkel shares her favorite jokes from her new book, "New Erotica for Feminists: Satirical Fantasies of Love, Lust, and Equal Pay;" comedian Ian Karmel takes down the masculinity of men's grooming products; radio host Al Letson revisits an uncomfortable conversation with a far-right vlogger whose life he saved; and singer-songwriter Laura Gibson performs "Tenderness."

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