Live Wire with Luke Burbank

Latest Episodes:

"Game On" with Max Temkin, Kevin Coval, Adam Burke, and Malcolm London Nov 06, 2017

Show notes

Luke Burbank remembers a childhood basketball wager that put the fate of Christianity on the line, Cards Against Humanity co-founder Max Temkin depicts his “particular subspecies of nerd,” poet Kevin Coval explains why hip-hop deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, comedian Adam Burke asks Chicago to drop the “no ketchup rule,” and rapper Malcolm London performs songs from his latest release, OPIA.

"Hidden Talent" with Lynn Shelton, Thanh Tan, Kevin Avery, and Makana Oct 30, 2017

Show notes

Filmmaker Lynn Shelton details how working on a fishing boat helped her appreciate life on a film set, Second Wave podcast host Thanh Tan details her life as a child of Vietnamese immigrants long after the war, comedian Kevin Avery describes how his podcast “Denzel Washington Is The Greatest Actor Of All Time Period” made his run-in with the star especially awkward, and Makana schools us on slack-key guitar.

"Tell It Like It Is" with Loudon Wainwright III, Bruce Campbell, and Karinda Dobbins Oct 23, 2017

Show notes

Host Luke Burbank makes yet another mid-life crisis purchase, iconic B-movie actor Bruce Campbell explains why you’ll never meet Tom Cruise, folk legend Loudon Wainwright III muses about his own propensity to share intensely personal experiences and his children’s (occasionally hurtful) ability to do the same, and comedian Karinda Dobbins spins personal anecdotes about systemic racism into comedy gold.

"Lampedusa" with Emmylou Harris, Dave Matthews, Patty Griffin, Steve Earle, and Brandi Carlile Oct 15, 2017

Show notes

In this special edition of Live Wire, Luke goes backstage during soundcheck for "Lampedusa: Concert for Refugees" to talk to some of the most iconic musicians of our time. Emmylou Harris reveals how she got waylaid on her way to Woodstock, Dave Matthews talks about managing a wide spectrum of his feelings during live performances, Steve Earle discusses how his real-life struggle with addiction intersected with his role on the HBO series The Wire, Patty Griffin recounts how she overcame her shyness through music and how her parents have helped her stay humble and Brandi Carlile reflects on her musical start as a teenager winning karaoke championships.

"West of Ordinary" with Picabo Street, Mark Sundeen, Scott Carrier, and Sammy Brue Oct 02, 2017

Show notes

Live Wire visits Salt Lake City! Olympic gold medalist Picabo Street details the complex mental gymnastics that go into avoiding a fatal ski crash, author Mark Sundeen shares stories of people who make radical choices to live their values, radio producer Scott Carrier recounts how hitchhiking to NPR’s headquarters kicked off his career, and musical prodigy Sammy Brue reveals musical wisdom beyond his 16 years.

"Choice Words" with Salman Rushdie, Joe Kwaczala, Shadi Petosky, and Dave Depper Sep 25, 2017

Show notes

Author Salman Rushdie reveals the Queen’s go-to icebreaker for talking to authors, comedian Joe Kwaczala questions the singing training of Catholic priests, showrunner Shadi Petosky describes how she’s working to increase queer representation in children’s media, and Death Cab for Cutie sideman Dave Depper takes the spotlight.

"(Not So) Small Talk" with Chuck Klosterman, Shawn Wen, and Justin Townes Earle Sep 17, 2017

Show notes

Luke Burbank remembers the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption before speaking with two hikers stranded in the Eagle Creek Fire, writer Chuck Klosterman shares his theories about flawed thinking, author Shawn Wen describes the creative journey her fascination with mime Marcel Marceau has taken her on, and Justin Townes Earle talks about growing up in the shadow of musical greatness.

"Making it Work" with Erik Weihenmayer, Leila Janah, Mohanad Elshieky, Walter Martin, Jason Isbell, and Amanda Shires Sep 01, 2017

Show notes

In this special Labor Day episode of Live Wire, blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer recalls summiting Everest and what it was like seeing his son’s face for the first time, social entrepreneur Leila Janah illuminates issues with current aid models and how conscientious consumers can change the world, comedian Mohanad Elshieky takes some punches at the American political system, and singer-songwriters Walter Martin and Jason Isbell chime in with their own labors of love.

Cameron Esposito (Short) Aug 27, 2017

Show notes

A listen back to Cameron Esposito's 2014 appearance on Live Wire, including her attempt to update Luke's lesbian cultural references and her completely original pronunciation for "guacamole."

Sherman Alexie (Short) Aug 06, 2017

Show notes

Another episode from our archives: Luke and writer Sherman Alexie discuss kicking Philip Roth's literary ass, thinking beyond the reservation, and the particular challenge of being jealous of your kids.

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