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.”

John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats and Dessa

Like late-night for radio, Live Wire is hosted by Luke Burbank (Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me) and artfully blends an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, comedians, and cultural observers. 

Arts

Literature

Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

Cartoonist Emily Flake (“The New Yorker”) reveals “Joke in a Box,” her 70-card deck of creative prompts, which results in some live cartooning from the stage; writer and artist Tessa Hulls discusses her graphic memoir “Feeding Ghosts,” which looks at the three generations of Chinese women in her family; and indie pop duo Pure Bathing Culture perform "The Memento" from their latest album “Chalice.” Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello tells us some favorite (short) jokes.

Emily Flake, Tessa Hulls, and Pure Bathing Culture

Comedian Gary Gulman (The Great Depresh) discusses his memoir Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the '80s, his struggles with mental health, and the awkwardness of being recognized in the psyche ward; Oregon Poet Laureate Anis Mojgani reads from his newest collection The Tigers, They Let Me and makes the case for why poetry exists all around us; singer-songwriter Olive Klug touches on the TikTok generation of songwriting, before performing her song "Raining in June." Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share the ways in which our listeners have been unexpectedly cheered up by others.

REBROADCAST: Gary Gulman, Anis Mojgani, and Olive Klug

Comedian and writer Moshe Kasher dives into his new memoir “Subculture Vulture,” which explores the six communities which shaped his life, from AA and Burning Man to sign language interpretation and his ultra-Hasidic upbringing; stand-up comedian Mohanad Elshieky tells us why he might be the most dangerous man in America; and indie band Glitterbox perform their single "TV." Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello chat about some niche subcultures our listeners have belonged to.

Moshe Kasher, Mohanad Elshieky, and Glitterfox

Comedian and writer Scott Aukerman brings his wildly popular improv podcast “Comedy Bang! Bang!” to book form and reveals how a goofy name and an occupation is really how a character begins; astrophysicist Sarafina El-Badry Nance explores her own universe as a woman, scientist, cancer advocate, and one-time swimsuit model in her book “Starstruck: A Memoir of Astrophysics and Finding Light in the Dark;” rock ensemble and faux cult Family Worship Center perform "Snake Dance" from their new album “Kicked Out Of The Garden.” Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share the alter egos of some of our listeners.

REBROADCAST: Scott Aukerman, Sarafina El-Badry Nance, and Family Worship Center

Bestselling writer Lindy West (“Shrill”) chats about her new podcast “Text Me Back,” which unpacks friendship, the news, and text threads; comedian Paul F. Tompkins takes a stab at some other P.F.T. acronyms; and soul ensemble Ural Thomas & The Pain perform "No Distance." Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some texting habits that really irk our listeners.

John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats and Dessa

Download our free app to listen on your phone