Live Wire with Luke Burbank
748 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 295 ratingsLike 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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Episodes
REBROADCAST: Gary Gulman, Anis Mojgani, and Olive Klug
April 12, 2024 19:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBComedian 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 Burb...
Moshe Kasher, Mohanad Elshieky, and Glitterfox
April 05, 2024 19:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBComedian 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 belo...
REBROADCAST: Scott Aukerman, Sarafina El-Badry Nance, and Family Worship Center
March 29, 2024 19:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBComedian 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 ne...
Lindy West, Paul F. Tompkins, and Ural Thomas & The Pain
March 22, 2024 19:00 - 52 minutes - 42.2 MBBestselling 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.
REBROADCAST: Héctor Tobar, Jena Friedman, and Joseph
March 15, 2024 19:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBAuthor 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 she put her foot in her comedic mouth; and indie folk trio Joseph performs a cover of Tom Waits' song "Come On Up to the House." Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello explain why you shouldn't attempt to be as funny as Dav...
Sloane Crosley, Roz Chast, and Black Belt Eagle Scout
March 08, 2024 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBWriter 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 her new illustrated book, I Must Be Dreaming, including meeting a rollerskating Fran Lebowitz; and indie rocker Black Belt Eagle Scout performs “Nobody” from her latest album The Land, The Water, The Sky.
REBROADCAST: Maria Bamford and Isabeau Waia'u Walker
March 01, 2024 20:00 - 51 minutes - 41.4 MBComedian 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 Isabeau Waia'u Walker performs her song "The Prince," written as a tribute to her father and the young men of Hawaii who often slip through the cracks. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some cult-adjacent experiences...
Dave Hill and No-No Boy
February 23, 2024 20:00 - 51 minutes - 41.5 MBComedian 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" novels; and singer-songwriter No-No Boy performs "Western Empress" from his latest album Empire Electric, which tells the history behind the grave of the first Japanese-American settler in Oregon. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share...
REBROADCAST: Ken Jennings, Erica Berry, and Making Movies
February 16, 2024 20:00 - 51 minutes - 41.3 MBAuthor 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 book Wolfish, which examines all things "wolf" – from fables to fears; and international rock group Making Movies perform "Porcelina" from their album XOPA. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share versions of the perfect afterlife, acc...
EXTRA: Author Curtis Sittenfeld on the Longevity of Rom-Com Couples
February 14, 2024 20:00 - 9 minutes - 7.99 MBTo 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.
Avery Trufelman, Camille Dungy, and Olive Klug
February 09, 2024 20:00 - 53 minutes - 98 MBPodcaster 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 Mother’s Garden, which chronicles her attempts to diversify her garden in the predominantly white community of Fort Collins, Colorado; and singer-songwriter Olive Klug performs "Song About America," inspired by her experiences a...
Black History Month Special: Tracy K. Smith, Saeed Jones, and Meklit
February 02, 2024 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBIn 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 at the End of the World) unpacks the backstories behind some of his poems involving Billie Holiday, Maya Angelou, and Luther Vandross; and Ethio-Jazz musician Meklit performs the song, “I Want to Sing for Them All” as a tribute to ...
J. Wortham, Curtis Sittenfeld, and Margo Cilker
January 26, 2024 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBJournalist 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; and singer-songwriter Margo Cilker performs "With the Middle" from her sophomore album Valley of Heart's Delight. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello highlight some favorite romantic moments in cinema.
Jamie Loftus, J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, and Danielle Ponder
January 19, 2024 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBWriter 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 tests his knowledge of cooking gadget infomercials; and R&B/Soul vocalist Danielle Ponder performs "So Long" from her debut album Some of Us Are Brave. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello go on some hypothetical road trips. ...
REBROADCAST: Jamie Loftus, J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, and Danielle Ponder
January 19, 2024 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBWriter 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 tests his knowledge of cooking gadget infomercials; and R&B/Soul vocalist Danielle Ponder performs "So Long" from her debut album Some of Us Are Brave. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello go on some hypothetical road trips. ...
Hari Kondabolu, Kristi Coulter, and Quasi
January 12, 2024 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42.1 MBComedian 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 recounts the often soul-crushing work culture of an Amazon executive; and indie rock duo Quasi performs "Queen of Ears" off their new album “Breaking the Balls of History.” Plus, host Luke Burbank and Elena Pass...
REBROADCAST: Ari Shapiro and Demi Adejuyigbe
January 05, 2024 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBAri 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 of the Hollywood Bowl; comedian and TV writer Demi Adejuyigbe explains how the WGA strike afforded him so much free time... to go to the Renaissance Faire. Plus, host Luke Burbank and Elena Passarello share stories of the most amazing strange...
REBROADCAST: Timothy Egan and Dessa
December 29, 2023 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBPulitzer 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 she's more talented than AI by performing a poem she penned backstage using popular search terms. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal the most ridiculous challenges our listeners have accepted.
Paul F. Tompkins, José Olivarez, and Esme Patterson
December 22, 2023 20:00 - 51 minutes - 41.4 MBOn 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 Esme Patterson performs her original Christmas song “If I.” Plus, host Luke Burbank and a...
EXTRA: Aparna Nancherla & Celebrity Lowlights
December 20, 2023 20:00 - 11 minutes - 9.24 MBIn 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.
REBROADCAST: Laura Chinn, Mohanad Elshieky, and Jenny Conlee
December 15, 2023 20:00 - 52 minutes - 41.9 MBWriter 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, of The Decemberists, performs "Hawk" from her solo album Tides: Pieces for Accordion and Piano. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello hear from our listeners about what they obsess...
Sam Sanders, Reggie Watts, and Sway Wild
December 08, 2023 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBPodcaster 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 perform their song "Home," which was inspired by a two-month sailing voyage in British Columbia. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal our listeners' favorite moment in pop culture this year.
REBROADCAST: Dana Schwartz, Jenny Odell, and Black Belt Eagle Scout
December 01, 2023 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBNovelist 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 explaining it's unofficial motto: time is beans; and indie rocker Black Belt Eagle Scout performs "Don't Give Up" from her new album The Land, The Water, The Sky, which dreams up the atmosphere of her ancestral land of Swinomish. ...
R. Eric Thomas, Ian Karmel, and NONBINARY GIRLFRIEND
November 24, 2023 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBAuthor 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 indie group NONBINARY GIRLFRIEND perform the title track off their new album Big and Kind. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal the surprising differences between our listeners and their partners.
REBROADCAST: Kelsey McKinney, Brenda Shaughnessy, and Madison Cunningham
November 17, 2023 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBJournalist and podcaster Kelsey McKinney (Defector) 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 "Broken Harvest." Plus host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some niche gossip from our listeners.
Paul F. Tompkins, Safiya Sinclair, and Isabeau Waia'u Walker
November 10, 2023 20:00 - 52 minutes - 41.9 MBComedian 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 Rastafarian in Jamaica under the strict patriarchy of her father; and singer-songwriter Isabeau Waia'u Walker performs her song "All My Friends Think I'm Okay." Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some unhinged...
REBROADCAST: Lauren Fleshman, Joey Clift, and Who Is She
November 03, 2023 19:00 - 52 minutes - 41.7 MBRecord-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 the weird microaggressions Native people are up against; and Seattle-based indie supergroup Who Is She? performs a cover of a Le Tigre song... which actually got them fired from a sports arena gig. Plus, host...
Aparna Nancherla, Gary Gulman, and No-No Boy
October 27, 2023 19:00 - 52 minutes - 41.9 MBComedian 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 No-No Boy performs his song "1603," featured on his latest album Empire Electric, which tells the story of the first non-Native sighting of Oregon by a multicultural crew of sailors who fell through the cracks of h...
REBROADCAST: Cheryl Strayed, Joseph Earl Thomas, and Stephanie Anne Johnson
October 20, 2023 19:00 - 52 minutes - 95.9 MBCelebrated author Cheryl Strayed (Wild, Dear Sugar) 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 which he describes how geek culture saved him from his hazardous upbringing; and singer-songwriter Stephanie Anne Johnson performs their song "The Day That You Begin." Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer ...
Gary Gulman, Anis Mojgani, and Olive Klug
October 13, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 41 MBComedian 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 Burb...
REBROADCAST: Ross Gay, Iliana Regan, and Baroque Betty with Mood Area 52
October 06, 2023 19:00 - 52 minutes - 41.7 MBPoet 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 experience in the wilds of Michigan; and singer-songwriter Baroque Betty, accompanied by Mood Area 52, performs the title track off her album Sobering Up. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share our ...
Scott Aukerman, Sarafina El-Badry Nance, and Family Worship Center
September 29, 2023 19:00 - 52 minutes - 42.1 MBComedian 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, a scientist, a cancer advocate, and a 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 th...
REBROADCAST: Hari Kondabolu and Margo Cilker
September 22, 2023 19:00 - 52 minutes - 41.8 MBComedian 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, before performing "Tehachapi" from her debut album Pohorylle. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello get nostalgic for some snacks from the past.
Héctor Tobar, Jena Friedman, and Joseph
September 15, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 41.4 MBAuthor 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 she put her foot in her comedic mouth; and indie folk trio Joseph performs a cover of Tom Waits' song "Come On Up to the House." Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello explain why you shouldn't attempt to be as funny as Dav...
REBROADCAST: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, Sara Schaefer, and Dehd
September 08, 2023 19:00 - 52 minutes - 41.9 MBChef 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 and dental work, before performing "Bad Love" from their new album Blue Skies. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello talk ambitious DIY projects.
Maria Bamford and Isabeau Waia'u Walker
September 01, 2023 19:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBComedian 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 Isabeau Waia'u Walker performs her song "The Prince," written as a tribute to her father and the young men of Hawaii who often slip through the cracks. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some cult-adjacent experiences...
REBROADCAST: Saeed Jones, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and The Lowest Pair
August 25, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 41.3 MBPoet 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 horror at a young age found its way into her latest book The Daughter of Doctor Moreau; and indie folk duo The Lowest Pair perform "Pear Tree" from their first record 36 Cents. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello discuss our strange chi...
REBROADCAST: Aubrey Gordon, Chris Meija, and Danielle Ponder
August 18, 2023 19:00 - 52 minutes - 41.7 MBAubrey 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 performs "Only the Lonely" from her newest album Some Of Us Are Brave. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello recall some fads of the past.
EXTRA: Jamie Loftus & The State Slogan Showdown
August 16, 2023 19:00 - 9 minutes - 7.69 MBIn 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.
REBROADCAST: Nora McInerny, Nabil Ayers, and Madison Cunningham
August 11, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MBWriter 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, funk/soul musician Roy Ayers; and singer-songwriter Madison Cunningham gives a show-stopping performance of her song "All I've Ever Known” from her Grammy-winning album Revealer. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passar...
REBROADCAST: George Saunders and Samantha Crain
August 04, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MBAward-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" from her album A Small Death. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello celebrate teachers and the impact they've had on us.
Ken Jennings, Erica Berry, and Making Movies
July 28, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 41.5 MBAuthor 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 book Wolfish, which examines all things "wolf" – from fables to fears; and international rock group Making Movies performs "Porcelina" from their album XOPA. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share versions of the perfect afterlife, ac...
Washington Post Reporter Casey Parks on "Diary of a Misfit"
July 21, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 41 MBWashington 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 The Voice to Grey's Anatomy, before performing his single "Stronger." Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello set out to solve some mysteries.
All Things Considered's Ari Shapiro on "The Best Strangers in the World"
July 14, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MBAri 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 of the Hollywood Bowl; comedian and TV writer Demi Adejuyigbe explains how the WGA strike has afforded him so much free time... to go to the Renaissance Faire. Plus, host Luke Burbank and Elena Passarello share stories of the most amazing str...
Ginny Hogan is More Dateable Than a Plate of Refried Beans
July 07, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MBComedian 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 successful run on America's Got Talent before performing his new song, "I Love You." Plus, host Luke Burbank and Elena Passarello unpack some dating red flags.
Jamie Loftus on "Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs"
June 30, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MBWriter 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 love in two languages in his newest collection Promises of Gold; and R&B/Soul vocalist Danielle Ponder performs "So Long" from her debut album Some of Us Are Brave. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello go on some hypothetica...
Sona Movsesian is The World's Worst Assistant
June 23, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MBWriter 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." Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share the worst jobs our listeners have ever had.
Timothy Egan Grapples with the KKK and Rapper/Poet Dessa Spars with AI
June 16, 2023 22:42 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MBPulitzer 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 she's more talented than AI by performing a poem she penned backstage using popular search terms. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal the most ridiculous challenges our listeners have accepted.
Podcaster Sam Sanders is "Into It"
June 09, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MBWriter 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 script for how to be in the world; and singer-songwriter John Craigie admits to being terrible at small talk, before performing "Drown Me" from his latest album Mermaid Salt. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello chat abou...
Florida Girls' Laura Chinn on "Acne"
June 02, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MBWriter 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, of The Decemberists, performs "Hawk" from her solo album Tides: Pieces for Accordion and Piano. Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello hear from our listeners about what they obsess...