Live Wire with Luke Burbank

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello remember some beloved comic strip characters; comedian Jamie Loftus unpacks her newest podcast Aack Cast, which takes a deep dive into how the Cathy comic still pertains to feminist struggles today; writer and publisher Jelani Memory (A Kids Book About Racism) discusses how he launched a book series for parents and kids to tackle heavy topics; and soul-funk artist Tolliver performs his single "Say What!”

Luke and Elena discuss rolling mangos, the book lady of Danville, Virginia, and a happily ever after for a supposedly "gay" dog.

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello go deep as why we struggle with our favorite things becoming popular; comedian Chris Gethard chats about his latest road-tripping comedy special Half My Life and why he made a pit stop at the dubious Gatorworld theme park; science journalist Julia Rosen schools us on the invasive nature of earthworms, which could be threatening the maple syrup supply; and Americana singer-songwriter Shakey Graves recounts his daunting days as an auditioning actor, before performing the title track of his re-released debut album Roll the Bones.

Luke and Elena discuss the lost mail of an all-Black, female WWII battalion, a Hawaiian cardboard shredding company that is helping businesses and the environment, and Luke's elusive days in a breakdance crew.

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello talk "personal Mt. Everests;" writer and mountaineer Silvia Vasquez-Lavado discusses how she became the first openly gay woman to climb “The Seven Summits” while overcoming addiction and childhood trauma; comedian Curtis Cook explains why you shouldn't wear a suit to Red Lobster; and Patterson Hood, frontman of Drive-By Truckers, unpacks his decades-long collaboration with bandmates, then performs "Shake and Pine" from their forthcoming album.

Luke and Elena discuss appliance clocks, a veteran elementary school teacher who has raised over $100,000 to keep students from going hungry over break, and the recent discovery of the century-old Endurance shipwreck.

Live Wire celebrates Women's History Month by honoring some unsung heroes from the past; filmmaker Andrea Nevins shines a light on the challenges and triumphs of female comedians in her documentary Hysterical; writer Melissa Febos opens up about her collection of essays, Girlhood, which looks at the forces that shape the lives of girls and the adults they become; and genre-bending musical group Pink Martini performs a soaring cover of the 1970s hit "I Am Woman."

Luke and Elena discuss peduncle elongation, an elementary school hotline that's lifting spirits, and the "original" Wordle (as well as its many variations). 

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal the unexpected expertise of our listeners; novelist John Darnielle, frontman of The Mountain Goats, reflects on America's obsession with true crime and becoming a writer in his own right; and rapper and podcaster Dessa discusses falling out of love for a behavioral science experiment, plus performs her song "Jumprope" from her album Chime. 

Luke and Elena discuss fan mail, a baby born at 2:22AM on February 22, 2022, plus a 500-pound bear who was falsely accused of home break-ins in Lake Tahoe.