Live Wire with Luke Burbank

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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

"The Long Haul" with Rinker Buck, Bri Pruett and Christopher Paul Stelling

"For the Record" with Cheryl Strayed, Anis Mojgani, Jenn Nelson and LOLO