Live Wire with Luke Burbank

This week Live Wire celebrates Black History Month with groundbreaking Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, who reminds us of the power in self-belief; New Yorker poetry editor Kevin Young on his love of Jack Johnson, Prince, and pork; writer Clyde W. Ford, whose book Think Black outlines his father's experience as the first black software engineer in America; and a powerhouse performance from Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah.

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello put a spin on some of our listeners’ favorite words and phrases; hip hop performer and activist Talib Kweli recounts stepping away from big-budget rap culture to become an independent artist; bestselling author George Saunders revisits his love of teaching through unpacking 19th century Russian literature; and singer-songwriter Jillette Johnson performs her incidentally-titled song "I Shouldn't Go Anywhere."

In celebration of Valentine's Day, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello give some love to the inanimate objects that get us through life; comedian Naomi Ekperigin, who co-hosts the podcast Couples Therapy with her partner, riffs on her reluctance towards motherhood; Poet Laureate of Oregon Anis Mojgani rewrites a love poem to reflect his post-divorce reality; and husband and wife duo The War and Treaty perform their heart-wrenching song "Five More Minutes."

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello unveil some hidden talents; actor and best-selling author David Duchovny explains how his latest novel Truly Like Lightning is an attempt to have a larger conversation about America; jump rope world champions Nick and Kaylee Woodard test Luke's skills with a virtual lesson; and alt-folk artist Jensen McRae performs her harrowing new song "Wolves."

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share the silliest ways listeners are getting through quarantine; grief expert and podcaster Nora McInerny offers tips on parenting during a pandemic; writer Jon Mooallem (The New York Times Magazine) discusses the survival lessons we can glean from his latest book about the 1964 Alaskan earthquake; and Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy serenades us with "Save It For Me," which he penned in the early stages of lockdown.

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello recount the most impactful things anyone has ever said to them; actor Connor Ratliff explains how being fired by Tom Hanks inspired his hit podcast Dead Eyes, through which he unpacks showbiz rejection; professor of neuroscience Dr. Carl Hart makes the argument for responsible drug use; and folk icon and activist Ani DiFranco reflects on making her 22nd album Revolutionary Love with masked musicians during a pandemic.

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal some surprising facts about their parents; author Dani Shapiro explains how a mail-in DNA test revealed a family secret, which formed the basis of her New York Times bestseller Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love; comedian and podcaster Chris Garcia pokes fun at his life choices by channeling his Cuban father; and Casey Neill & The Norway Rats perform “Savages” from their album Subterrene.

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello discuss the mysteries they can never seem to solve; 99% Invisible podcasters Roman Mars & Kurt Kohlstedt unveil the hidden world of everyday design in their companion book The 99% Invisible City; writer Shayla Lawson takes the lead role in her new collection of essays This Is Major, in which she celebrates black womanhood; and Colin Hay, former frontman of Men at Work, performs an acoustic version of their hit song "Overkill."

In this celebratory New Year's special episode, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello make their resolutions for 2021; author and journalist Shaughnessy Bishop-Stall describes his gonzo attempts to find a cure for the hangover; Unlikely Hikers founder Jenny Bruso expands upon her mission to make the outdoors more accessible for all; and Portland's "First Lady of the Blues" LaRhonda Steele soars with a cover of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good."

In this "Best of 2020" holiday special, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello confess to being both naughty and nice this year; actors Thomas Middleditch and Ben Schwartz discuss the secrets behind creating their long-form improv comedy series; comedian Atsuko Okatsuka shares a gut-busting anecdote about getting too close to a stranger's dog; and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah performs "Firewater."