Live Wire with Luke Burbank

By PRX

What's Live Wire with Luke Burbank about?

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.

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Live Wire with Luke Burbank episodes:

04.19.2024
Emily Flake, Tessa Hulls, and Pure Bathing Culture
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...
04.12.2024
REBROADCAST: Gary Gulman, Anis Mojgani, and Olive Klug
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...
04.05.2024
Moshe Kasher, Mohanad Elshieky, and Glitterfox
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...
03.29.2024
REBROADCAST: Scott Aukerman, Sarafina El-Badry Nance, and Family Worship Center
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...
03.22.2024
Lindy West, Paul F. Tompkins, and Ural Thomas & The Pain
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...
03.15.2024
REBROADCAST: Héctor Tobar, Jena Friedman, and Joseph
Author Héctor Tobar explores the meanings and myths of the term "Latino" in his sixth book “Our Migrant Souls;” comedian and writer Jena Friedman (“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”) chats about her debut collection of essays “Not Funny” and recounts the time...
03.08.2024
Sloane Crosley, Roz Chast, and Black Belt Eagle Scout
Writer Sloane Crosley unpacks loss in her memoir, “Grief is for People,” which poignantly weaves the suicide of a dear friend with the burglary of her home; The New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast shares some of her weirdest dreams from...
03.01.2024
REBROADCAST: Maria Bamford and Isabeau Waia'u Walker
Comedian Maria Bamford chats about her new book “Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult,” which unpacks mental illness and the quest to belong... and why 12-step programs and the Suzuki Method have more in common than you might think. Then, singer-songwriter...
02.23.2024
Dave Hill and No-No Boy
Comedian and writer Dave Hill dives into his newest book “The Awesome Game,” which makes the case for why hockey should be more popular in the United States, then tries his hand at the surprisingly popular genre of "hockey romance"...
02.16.2024
REBROADCAST: Ken Jennings, Erica Berry, and Making Movies
Author and Jeopardy host Ken Jennings takes us on a journey to the afterlife with his latest book, “100 Places to See After You Die,” and explains why contestant interviews are so darn awkward; writer Erica Berry discusses her debut...
02.14.2024
EXTRA: Author Curtis Sittenfeld on the Longevity of Rom-Com Couples
To celebrate Valentine's Day, this extra episode features author Curtis Sittenfeld (“Romantic Comedy”) in a game where she must decide if famous rom-com couples broke up or lived happily ever after.
02.09.2024
Avery Trufelman, Camille Dungy, and Olive Klug
Podcaster Avery Trufelman unpacks her podcast “Articles of Interest,” in which she reveals the history behind fashion and clothing, including prison uniforms and the debate over pockets; author Camille Dungy discusses her latest book “Soil: The Story of a Black...
02.02.2024
Black History Month Special: Tracy K. Smith, Saeed Jones, and Meklit
In this Black History Month special episode, former U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith discusses her memoir “To Free the Captives,” which explores Black strength, continuance, and community by looking back at her own family’s history; poet Saeed Jones (“Alive...
01.26.2024
J. Wortham, Curtis Sittenfeld, and Margo Cilker
Journalist J. Wortham (The New York Times Magazine, Still Processing) recounts what happened when they visited a nude queer beach in Oaxaca; author Curtis Sittenfeld discusses her newest novel “Romantic Comedy,” which flips the script on the celebrity love story;...
01.19.2024
REBROADCAST: Jamie Loftus, J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, and Danielle Ponder
Writer and podcaster Jamie Loftus dives into her New York Times bestselling book “Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs,” a travelog on the cultural and historical significance of the American sausage; chef and food writer J. Kenji López-Alt...
01.12.2024
Hari Kondabolu, Kristi Coulter, and Quasi
Comedian Hari Kondabolu discusses his new standup special “Vacation Baby” and how regrettably he blew off congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on her campaign trail; writer Kristi Coulter unpacks her memoir “Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career,” which...
01.05.2024
REBROADCAST: Ari Shapiro and Demi Adejuyigbe
Ari Shapiro, journalist and co-host of All Things Considered, unpacks his new book “The Best Strangers in the World: Stories From a Life Spent Listening,” which chronicles his reporting adventures across the globe, from Air Force One to the stage...
12.29.2023
REBROADCAST: Timothy Egan and Dessa
Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and acclaimed author Timothy Egan unpacks his newest book “A Fever in the Heartland,” which traces the Ku Klux Klan's expansion across America in the 1920s and one woman's crusade to stop them; rapper and poet proves...
12.22.2023
Paul F. Tompkins, José Olivarez, and Esme Patterson
On the special holiday edition of Live Wire, comedian and podcaster Paul F. Tompkins talks about passive-aggressive Christmas carolers and the most tense rendition of “O Holy Night" he's ever heard; poet José Olivarez discusses his latest collection “Promises of...
12.20.2023
EXTRA: Aparna Nancherla & Celebrity Lowlights
In this podcast extra, comedian Aparna Nancherla (“Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself and Imposter Syndrome”) is quizzed on the former "career lowlights" of some high-profile celebrities.
12.15.2023
REBROADCAST: Laura Chinn, Mohanad Elshieky, and Jenny Conlee
Writer and director Laura Chinn (“Florida Girls”) discusses her memoir “Acne,” which tackles her racial identity, Scientology, and of course... very oily skin; standup comedian Mohanad Elshieky riffs on embarrassing encounters with TSA and Uber drivers; and multi-instrumentalist Jenny Conlee,...
12.08.2023
Sam Sanders, Reggie Watts, and Sway Wild
Podcaster Sam Sanders (Vibe Check) shares his hot takes on pop culture, from the “Barbie” movie to his favorite nepobaby; comedian Reggie Watts interprets his feelings about generation differences through a spoken word poem; and indie folk duo Sway Wild...
12.01.2023
REBROADCAST: Dana Schwartz, Jenny Odell, and Black Belt Eagle Scout
Novelist Dana Schwartz unpacks her gothic fantasy duology, “Anatomy and Immortality,” then dives into her podcast Noble Blood, which explores the bizarre and risqué lives of royals; writer Jenny Odell dismantles the clock in her newest book “Saving Time” while...
11.24.2023
R. Eric Thomas, Ian Karmel, and NONBINARY GIRLFRIEND
Author and columnist R. Eric Thomas shares anecdotes from his memoir “Congratulations, The Best Is Over,” including how baking cupcakes may have saved his life; standup comedian Ian Karmel makes the case for why Arby's is a farm-to-table restaurant; and...
11.17.2023
REBROADCAST: Kelsey McKinney, Brenda Shaughnessy, and Madison Cunningham
Journalist and podcaster Kelsey McKinney dishes on producing her juicy podcast Normal Gossip; poet Brenda Shaughnessy explains how her newest collection “Tanya” is partially an attempt to reconnect with her estranged college roommate; and Grammy-winner Madison Cunningham performs her single...
11.10.2023
Paul F. Tompkins, Safiya Sinclair, and Isabeau Waia'u Walker
Comedian Paul F. Tompkins chats about his improv comedy podcast The Neighborhood Listen, where he and fellow comedians re-enact posts from the app Nextdoor; poet Safiya Sinclair discusses her memoir “How to Say Babylon,” in which she recounts growing up...
11.03.2023
REBROADCAST: Lauren Fleshman, Joey Clift, and Who Is She
Record-breaking runner Lauren Fleshman unpacks her New York Times bestseller “Good for a Girl,” a part-memoir, part-manifesto which challenges the male-built sports system; comedian and writer Joey Clift chats about his Comedy Central digital series “Gone Native,” which delves into...
10.27.2023
Aparna Nancherla, Gary Gulman, and No-No Boy
Comedian and writer Aparna Nancherla discusses her memoir “Unreliable Narrator” and why her mother made her order pizza to combat her shyness; stand-up comedian Gary Gulman riffs on the false notion of dangerous scissors in elementary school; singer-songwriter and historian...
10.20.2023
REBROADCAST: Cheryl Strayed, Joseph Earl Thomas, and Stephanie Anne Johnson
Celebrated author Cheryl Strayed (“Wild”) revisits her collection of advice columns “Tiny Beautiful Things,” which celebrates its tenth anniversary and has recently been adapted as a Hulu series starring Kathryn Hahn; writer Joseph Earl Thomas unpacks his memoir “Sink,” in...
10.13.2023
Gary Gulman, Anis Mojgani, and Olive Klug
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...
10.06.2023
REBROADCAST: Ross Gay, Iliana Regan, and Baroque Betty with Mood Area 52
Poet and essayist Ross Gay (“Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude”) dissects privilege, pain, and skateboarding, all themes from his newest book “Inciting Joy;” Michelin Star chef Iliana Regan outlines her journey from farmer's markets to foraging, while creating a new dining...
09.29.2023
Scott Aukerman, Sarafina El-Badry Nance, and Family Worship Center
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...
09.22.2023
REBROADCAST: Hari Kondabolu and Margo Cilker
Comedian Hari Kondabolu (“Snack vs. Chef”) unpacks his most popular tweets and dives into why Bert and Ernie need couples' therapy. Then, singer-songwriter Margo Cilker explains why she might have cow poop on her sleeve at any given time backstage,...
09.15.2023
Héctor Tobar, Jena Friedman, and Joseph
Author Héctor Tobar explores the meanings and myths of the term "Latino" in his sixth book “Our Migrant Souls;” comedian and writer Jena Friedman (“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”) chats about her debut collection of essays “Not Funny” and recounts the time...
09.08.2023
REBROADCAST: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, Sara Schaefer, and Dehd
Chef and food writer J. Kenji López-Alt tests his knowledge of cooking gadget infomercials; comedian Sara Schaefer leads a seminar on how to perform standup in various comedic styles... including puppetry; and indie rock group Dehd discusses bad love stories...
09.01.2023
Maria Bamford and Isabeau Waia'u Walker
Comedian Maria Bamford chats about her new book “Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult,” which unpacks mental illness and the quest to belong... and why 12-step programs and the Suzuki Method have more in common than you might think. Then, singer-songwriter...
08.25.2023
REBROADCAST: Saeed Jones, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and The Lowest Pair
Poet and Kirkus Prize winner Saeed Jones unpacks his newest collection “Alive at the End of the World” and why Billie Holiday had a bone to pick with Maya Angelou; writer Silvia Moreno-Garcia (“Mexican Gothic”) explains how her love of...
08.18.2023
REBROADCAST: Aubrey Gordon, Chris Meija, and Danielle Ponder
Aubrey Gordon discusses how her hit podcast Maintenance Phase debunks the junk science behind nutrition, wellness, and fatness; stand-up comedian Chris Meija gives us an unexpectedly hilarious account of his call to the suicide hotline; and lawyer-turned-powerhouse vocalist Danielle Ponder...
08.16.2023
EXTRA: Jamie Loftus & The State Slogan Showdown
In this extra episode, podcaster, writer, and road-tripper Jamie Loftus (“Raw Dog: The Naked Truth about Hot Dogs”) tests her knowledge of the official slogans of various American states.
08.11.2023
REBROADCAST: Nora McInerny, Nabil Ayers, and Madison Cunningham
Writer and podcaster Nora McInerny (Terrible, Thanks for Asking) explains why she is the saddest happy person she knows; music entrepreneur Nabil Ayers chats about his memoir “My Life in the Sunshine” and his estranged relationship with his biological father,...
08.04.2023
REBROADCAST: George Saunders and Samantha Crain
Award-winning author George Saunders (“Lincoln in the Bardo”) unpacks his writing process and explains how creating confusion often leads to interesting literary worlds; and singer-songwriter Samantha Crain discusses the importance of making music in her Choctaw language, before performing "Joey"...
07.28.2023
Ken Jennings, Erica Berry, and Making Movies
Author and Jeopardy host Ken Jennings takes us on a journey to the afterlife with his latest book, “100 Places to See After You Die,” and explains why contestant interviews are so darn awkward; writer Erica Berry discusses her debut...
07.21.2023
Washington Post Reporter Casey Parks on "Diary of a Misfit"
Washington Post reporter Casey Parks unpacks her new book “Diary of a Misfit,” wherein she reckons with her own sexuality, her Southern identity, and her complicated relationship with her mother; and singer-songwriter Thunderstorm Artis explains how his music went from...
07.14.2023
All Things Considered's Ari Shapiro on "The Best Strangers in the World"
Ari Shapiro, journalist and co-host of “All Things Considered,” unpacks his new book “The Best Strangers in the World: Stories From a Life Spent Listening,” which chronicles his reporting adventures across the globe, from Air Force One to the stage...
07.07.2023
Ginny Hogan is More Dateable Than a Plate of Refried Beans
Comedian and satirist Ginny Hogan explains the terms and conditions of being her undetermined partner; Oregon Poet Laureate Anis Mojgani describes a surprising encounter with an unlikely poetry fan; and jazz vocalist and Pink Martini member Jimmie Herrod recounts his...
06.30.2023
Jamie Loftus on "Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs"
Writer and podcaster Jamie Loftus dives into her New York Times bestselling book “Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs,” a travelog on the cultural and historical significance of the American sausage; poet José Olivarez explores the lexicon of...
06.23.2023
Sona Movsesian is The World's Worst Assistant
Writer and podcaster Sona Movsesian makes the case for why she is "the world's worst assistant" to Conan O'Brien; stand-up comedian Marcella Arguello unpacks the politics of airport parking; and spiritual jazz duo Brown Calculus perform their song "Seven Seas."...
06.16.2023
Timothy Egan Grapples with the KKK and Rapper/Poet Dessa Spars with AI
Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and acclaimed author Timothy Egan unpacks his newest book “A Fever in the Heartland,” which traces the Ku Klux Klan's expansion across America in the 1920s and one woman's crusade to stop them; rapper and poet proves...
06.09.2023
Podcaster Sam Sanders is "Into It"
Writer Erika L. Sanchez (“I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter”) unpacks her memoir-in-essays, “Crying in the Bathroom,” and how Lisa Simpson taught her about feminism; podcaster Sam Sanders (Into It, Vibe Check) argues that pop culture gives us the...
06.02.2023
Florida Girls' Laura Chinn on "Acne"
Writer and director Laura Chinn (“Florida Girls”) discusses her memoir “Acne,” which tackles her racial identity, Scientology, and of course... very oily skin; standup comedian Mohanad Elshieky riffs on embarrassing encounters with TSA and Uber drivers; and multi-instrumentalist Jenny Conlee,...

What's Live Wire with Luke Burbank about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Live Wire with Luke Burbank episodes:

Emily Flake, Tessa Hulls, and Pure Bathing Culture

REBROADCAST: Gary Gulman, Anis Mojgani, and Olive Klug

Moshe Kasher, Mohanad Elshieky, and Glitterfox

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

Lindy West, Paul F. Tompkins, and Ural Thomas & The Pain

REBROADCAST: Héctor Tobar, Jena Friedman, and Joseph

Sloane Crosley, Roz Chast, and Black Belt Eagle Scout

REBROADCAST: Maria Bamford and Isabeau Waia'u Walker

Dave Hill and No-No Boy

REBROADCAST: Ken Jennings, Erica Berry, and Making Movies

EXTRA: Author Curtis Sittenfeld on the Longevity of Rom-Com Couples

Avery Trufelman, Camille Dungy, and Olive Klug

Black History Month Special: Tracy K. Smith, Saeed Jones, and Meklit

J. Wortham, Curtis Sittenfeld, and Margo Cilker

REBROADCAST: Jamie Loftus, J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, and Danielle Ponder

Hari Kondabolu, Kristi Coulter, and Quasi

REBROADCAST: Ari Shapiro and Demi Adejuyigbe

REBROADCAST: Timothy Egan and Dessa

Paul F. Tompkins, José Olivarez, and Esme Patterson

EXTRA: Aparna Nancherla & Celebrity Lowlights

REBROADCAST: Laura Chinn, Mohanad Elshieky, and Jenny Conlee

Sam Sanders, Reggie Watts, and Sway Wild

REBROADCAST: Dana Schwartz, Jenny Odell, and Black Belt Eagle Scout

R. Eric Thomas, Ian Karmel, and NONBINARY GIRLFRIEND

REBROADCAST: Kelsey McKinney, Brenda Shaughnessy, and Madison Cunningham

Paul F. Tompkins, Safiya Sinclair, and Isabeau Waia'u Walker

REBROADCAST: Lauren Fleshman, Joey Clift, and Who Is She

Aparna Nancherla, Gary Gulman, and No-No Boy

REBROADCAST: Cheryl Strayed, Joseph Earl Thomas, and Stephanie Anne Johnson

Gary Gulman, Anis Mojgani, and Olive Klug

REBROADCAST: Ross Gay, Iliana Regan, and Baroque Betty with Mood Area 52

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

REBROADCAST: Hari Kondabolu and Margo Cilker

Héctor Tobar, Jena Friedman, and Joseph

REBROADCAST: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, Sara Schaefer, and Dehd

Maria Bamford and Isabeau Waia'u Walker

REBROADCAST: Saeed Jones, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and The Lowest Pair

REBROADCAST: Aubrey Gordon, Chris Meija, and Danielle Ponder

EXTRA: Jamie Loftus & The State Slogan Showdown

REBROADCAST: Nora McInerny, Nabil Ayers, and Madison Cunningham

REBROADCAST: George Saunders and Samantha Crain

Ken Jennings, Erica Berry, and Making Movies

Washington Post Reporter Casey Parks on "Diary of a Misfit"

All Things Considered's Ari Shapiro on "The Best Strangers in the World"

Ginny Hogan is More Dateable Than a Plate of Refried Beans

Jamie Loftus on "Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs"

Sona Movsesian is The World's Worst Assistant

Timothy Egan Grapples with the KKK and Rapper/Poet Dessa Spars with AI

Podcaster Sam Sanders is "Into It"

Florida Girls' Laura Chinn on "Acne"