What’s really the harm in “moderate” (whatever that means) drinking? According to New York Times bestselling author Gary Shteyngart, absolutely nothing. Luke weighs the balance between sobriety and binging in a conversation about the joys of drinking with a man who loves his martinis… and has no dreams of living into his mid-80s. While recent research suggests alcohol may be more harmful than once thought, Shteyngart questions whether forsaking life's small pleasures is worth it, given life's inevitable end.

Writer Noé Álvarez traces his family lineage through the history of the accordion in his latest book Accordion Eulogies: A Memoir of Music, Migration, and Mexico; professor of engineering Naomi Fitter introduces us to Jon, a stand-up comedian robot she developed who riffs on the dating life of a bot; and singer-songwriter John Craigie explains the awkwardness of running into fans at the post office, before performing "Judas" from his latest album Pagan Church. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share what our listeners would like their hypothetical robots to do. 

Has Luke just met his match? In a conversation with journalist Shaughnessy Bishop-Stall, author of Hungover: The Morning After and One Man's Quest for a Cure, Luke discovers that Shaughnessy’s love of the drink – and his knack for getting shaken up and stirred in – mirrors his very own. The two discuss tragically drunk writers of notoriety, the tendency to lie to their doctors, and the worst hangovers they’ve ever had. 

In a special episode of Live Wire, host Luke Burbank introduces our new limited series podcast Damp January. Over five episodes in January, Burbank explores his sometimes complicated relationship with alcohol through conversations with writers, podcasters, and others. In this selection from Episode 1, he chats with his mother, Susie, about her journey to sobriety. Then, The New Yorker's Adam Gopnik discusses his book The Real Work: On the Mystery of Mastery, in which he learns how to drive a car at age 55 and pee in public, before poet and singer Dessa performs her track "Crash."

Why not start at the beginning? Luke contemplates his complicated history of drinking, from balancing days as a public radio reporter with wild nights at Culver City’s iconic dive Tattle Tale Room, to making a public statement about quitting the drink… only to get back on the sauce. Then Luke sits down with his mom, Susie Burbank, to chat about her own road to recovery. 

Comedian and writer Ian Karmel pairs up with his sister Dr. Alisa Karmel to unpack the book they co-authored T-Shirt Swim Club, about growing up fat in a world made for thin people; stand-up comedian Zainab Johnson riffs on being one of 13 children; and Ethio-jazz artist Meklit performs the title track off her new EP "Ethio Blue." Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello talk sibling rivalry. 

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 Gold, which explores the various types of love in our lives, from self-love to platonic love and over to romance; and singer-songwriter Esmé Patterson performs her original Christmas song “If I.” Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share our listeners favorite holiday traditions. 

Luke Burbank, host of the public radio variety show Live Wire, knows his way around a drink. At times, he's gotten too familiar with the stuff, which is why he's now trying to fix his relationship with alcohol. In this new limited series, Luke talks to friends, family, and cultural luminaries living at various points on the booze spectrum — from enthusiastic imbibers to teetotalers and everyone in-between. After a booze-heavy pandemic and increased attention to alcohol's health risks, many have reconsidered their habits. But is mindful consumption actually achievable? Even for people named Luke? Damp January explores these questions with humor, honesty, and (occasionally) a little liquid courage. It’s every Wednesday in… you guessed it, January.

Author Danzy Senna unpacks the struggles of her protagonist to write the quintessential biracial comedy, in her newest (and very meta) novel Colored Television; filmmaker Penny Lane discusses her latest documentary Confessions of a Good Samaritan, which follows her personal quest to donate one of her kidneys to a stranger; and Brazilian rock duo Johnny Franco and His Real Brother Dom perform "We Used to Be Awesome." Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some kind acts from strangers. 

Writer and podcaster Amanda Montell (Sounds Like a Cult) unpacks her new book The Age of Magical Overthinking, which looks at our cognitive biases, like why some of us worship celebrities or believe in the power of manifestation; stand-up comedian Laurie Kilmartin gets stoked about her son going to college, so she can start dating again; and singer-songwriter Lizzie No performs "Deadbeat" from their newest album Halfsies. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share what truths our listeners are struggling to accept.