Live Wire with Luke Burbank

Latest Episodes:

"Uh Oh" with Paolo Bacigalupi, Ijeoma Oluo, Sallie Tisdale and Liz Vice Apr 18, 2016

Show notes

Author Paolo Bacigalupi warns us about the dangers of magical thinking when it comes to the environment, Ijeoma Oluo tells us why she has hope for the future of race relations, Sallie Tisdale discusses the dangers of writing about your own family, and Liz Vice’s soulful sound lifts our spirits.

"Tight Five" with Eliza Skinner, Bri Pruett, Alex Falcone, Anthony Lopez and Ayron Jones Apr 11, 2016

Show notes

Four comedians share some of their best material and do battle with hecklers you’d only hear on public radio. Eliza Skinner describes the “magic intelligence” that is comedy, Alex Falcone shares the first joke he ever wrote, Bri Pruett recounts a terrible early gig at an Applebee’s, and Anthony Lopez reflects on how his career path to faith healer / professional wrestler went off the rails. Plus, Ayron Jones blows us away with an acoustic song off his electrifying new album.

"Rebel Rebel" with Paul F. Tompkins, Timothy Egan and Patterson Hood Apr 04, 2016

Show notes

This week on Live Wire, Paul F. Tompkins explains the difference between a fop and a dandy, Timothy Egan tells us what the struggles of an Irish revolutionary can tell us about our current political climate, and Drive by Truckers' Patterson Hood treats us to a preview of a soon-to-be released song.

"Just Visiting" with Tom Bodett, Betsy Hodges, Chris Coleman, Fancy Ray and The Jayhawks Mar 25, 2016

Show notes

Live Wire visits the Twin Cities! Local TV pitchman Fancy Ray McCloney shows Tom Bodett how to spice up his Motel 6 ads, the mayors of St. Paul and Minneapolis (Chris Coleman and Betsy Hodges) face-off in a trivia contest to determine who is the superior mayor, and The Jayhawks share their signature sound that put Minneapolis on the musical map.

"Bonus: The Jayhawks" Mar 18, 2016

Show notes

A special preview of last week's show at The Fitzgerald Theater featuring two classic songs from the Twin Cities' own (and Live Wire favorites) The Jayhawks. The Jayhawks If there is an OG of American alternative country-rock bands, it’s The Jayhawks. Emerging from the Twin Cities more than 25 years ago, this highly influential quartet has released 8 studio albums, and their 9th, produced by R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, drops later this year.

"Making History" with Rebecca Traister, Ruth Goodman and The Last Artful, Dodgr Mar 11, 2016

Show notes

Author Rebecca Traister explores the rising power of unmarried women, historian Ruth Goodman reveals what living like a Tudor can teach us about modern life, and musical artist The Last Artful, Dodgr does Portland’s hip hop community proud.

"Learning Curve" with Jen Kirkman, Lance Bangs and Hey Marseilles Mar 04, 2016

Show notes

Writer and comedian Jen Kirkman recounts a horrific blind date in Sweden, filmmaker Lance Bangs imagines an elaborate Burning Man prank, and Hey Marseilles provide the soundtrack.

"If Memory Serves" with Sarah Vowell, Chris Offutt and Sam Outlaw Feb 26, 2016

Show notes

Sarah Vowell challenges Luke's public radio references, writer Chris Offutt examine's his father's secret profession, Sam Outlaw's sings about heading home again, and the Live Wire Lovebirds face-off in "The Cohabitation Examination."

"Here Goes Something..." with Stephen Tobolowsky, Dale Scott and Matisyahu Feb 19, 2016

Show notes

Stephen Tobolowsky recalls getting held up at gunpoint while browsing for mangoes, MLB umpire Dale Scott talks about coming out as gay in the world of baseball, and Jewish reggae icon Matisyahu attempts to teach Luke how to beatbox.

"Diving In" with Aasif Mandvi, Wallace J. Nichols and Joseph Feb 12, 2016

Show notes

"Diving In" with Aasif Mandvi, Wallace J. Nichols and Joseph