Live Wire with Luke Burbank
752 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 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
"Facing Your Demons" with Maria Semple, Misha Collins, Gyasi Ross, and Telekinesis
December 20, 2016 06:00 - 54 minutes - 43.8 MBAuthor Maria Semple gives tips for sneaking into rock bands' hotel rooms, actor Misha Collins talks about doing good through his philanthropic scavenger hunt, activist and author Gyasi Ross reports back from his time at the Standing Rock protests and demonstrates the transformational power of a long hug, and Telekinesis reminds us of all the good in the world.
"Second to None" with Reggie Watts, Rick Bayless, and Jenn White
December 12, 2016 20:00 - 53 minutes - 42.6 MBPerformer Reggie Watts talks improvisation and composes a ringtone for us, chef Rick Bayless discusses the merits of eyeball tacos, and journalist Jenn White reveals why Oprah's legacy continues to resonate.
"Local Flavor" with Earl Blumenauer, Naomi Pomeroy, Darcelle, Mohanad Elshieky, and My Bubba
November 28, 2016 20:00 - 56 minutes - 45.2 MBCongressman Earl Blumenauer shares his perspective on the recent election, chef Naomi Pomeroy strives to make a gourmet dish with ingredients sourced from our local convenience store, Darcelle reflects on her path to becoming America's oldest drag queen, comedian Mohanad Elshieky compares notes on life in Portland to his hometown of Benghazi, and My Bubba makes us lonesome... in a good way.
"Family Ties" with Sherman Alexie, Garrard Conley, and Shovels & Rope
November 21, 2016 18:00 - 52 minutes - 42.2 MBSherman Alexie discusses how his father's death inspired him to write a children's book, Garrard Conley recounts his journey through gay conversion therapy and how it impacted his relationship with his parents, and Shovels & Rope harvest their family's experiences into a rollicking hootenanny.
"Rolling the Dice" with Lindy West, Jonathan Lethem, Emma Straub, and Blitzen Trapper
November 14, 2016 20:00 - 1 hour - 49.7 MBLindy West shares why she keeps speaking up on the internet despite her better judgment, Jonathan Lethem explains why he only plays poker with college professors, Emma Straub reveals why she believes her first four novels were (deservedly) rejected, and Blitzen Trapper does us right with a Gillian Welch cover.
"Unconventional Wisdom" with Jad Abumrad, Robert Krulwich, Baratunde Thurston, Roopa Vasudevan, and Mike Yung
November 07, 2016 21:00 - 52 minutes - 42 MBIn this special election episode of Live Wire, Radiolab hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich provide a cautionary tale of civic strife, comedian Baratunde Thurston speculates how the election has come to this divisive point, coder and artist Roopa Vasudevan explains what social media can show us that the polls can't, and subway performer Mike Yung demonstrates why his powerful voice went viral and reassures us that “A Change is Gonna Come.”
"Here We Are" with Chris Hayes, Jonathan Safran Foer, Michelle Buteau, and Kadhja Bonet
November 01, 2016 02:00 - 52 minutes - 42.4 MBMSNBC's Chris Hayes' parents compete to see who knows the most about his career, comedian Michelle Buteau recounts the challenges of communicating with her Dutch in-laws, author Jonathan Safran Foer discusses negotiating the distance between who we are and who we want to be, and Kadhja Bonet casts a musical spell with her dreamy vocals.
"Seriously Funny" with Phoebe Robinson, Bill Oakley, Dr. Brian Druker, and Blind Pilot
October 24, 2016 19:00 - 1 hour - 51 MBComedian Phoebe Robinson discusses the unexpected value of Googling herself and other not-so-guilty pleasures, former Simpsons writer Bill Oakley describes the dark reality of a comedy writers' room, Dr. Brian Druker shares why he is hopeful about the future of cancer research, and Blind Pilot navigates us through a lush musical landscape.
"Gut Instinct" with Nicole Byer, Dr. Embriette Hyde, Terry Porter, and David Bazan
October 10, 2016 18:00 - 53 minutes - 42.6 MBComedian Nicole Byer professes her deep love for her therapist, Dr. Embriette Hyde explores the mysterious workings of our guts, NBA legend Terry Porter recalls overcoming his own doubt as an athletic late bloomer, and David Bazan's music resurfaces all those feelings we were trying to forget.
"The Invisible World" with Penn Jillette, Justin Schmidt, and Ted Ramirez
October 04, 2016 02:00 - 52 minutes - 42.3 MBLive Wire goes to Phoenix, where Luke attempts to eat the hottest pepper in the world, entomologist Justin Schmidt tells us what getting stung by thousands of insects has taught him about pain, magician Penn Jillette describes the startling benefits of eating only potatoes, and Tucson’s official troubadour Ted Ramirez sings a love song to his hometown.
"Going the Distance" with Bruce Campbell, Colin O'Brady, Shannon Balcom, and Farnell Newton & The Othership Connection
September 26, 2016 21:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MBBruce Campbell reflects on his status as a cult film actor, Colin O’Brady explains how it feels breaking the world record for climbing the highest peaks on each of the seven continents, Shannon Balcom discusses her gardening-related Pinterest fail, and Farnell Newton & The Othership Connection brings all the funk we can handle.
"Homecoming" with Paul F. Tompkins, Heben Nigatu, Matthew Inman, and Pete Bernhard of The Devil Makes Three
September 19, 2016 08:00 - 59 minutes - 47.3 MBComedian Paul F. Tompkins talks about his role on BoJack Horseman the simple joy of receiving handwritten mail, Another Round host Heben Nigatu describes how her podcast fits into the long tradition of black women talking to each other... and what she had to say to Hillary Clinton, The Oatmeal cartoonist Matthew Inman discusses accepting that he'll never be happy despite his massive success, and Pete Bernhard of The Devil Makes Three gifts us with a hauntingly beautiful Townes Van Z...
"Labor Day Special" with Mike Birbiglia, Joey Harrington, and musical guest Joseph
September 05, 2016 13:00 - 54 minutes - 43.5 MBIn a special Labor Day episode, comedian Mike Birbiglia chats about his latest film as well as his evolving definition of success, former NFL quarterback Joey Harrington discusses whether he’ll allow his sons to play football, and the band Joseph demonstrates how to achieve harmony between siblings.
"The Art and Science of Being a Lady" with Megan Amram, Joanna Lynne Ponce and Alialujah Choir
July 11, 2016 17:00 - 52 minutes - 41.8 MBIn a show all about the art and science of being a lady, Luke plays "Marry, Boff, Klll: Scientist Edition" with Science: For Her! writer Megan Amram and talks to trans activist Joanna Lynne Ponce about seeing both sides of the gender equation, all while the Alialujah Choir lays down some boss harmonies.
"Square Pegs" with Dan Harmon, Jackie Kashian and Eyelids
July 04, 2016 19:00 - 52 minutes - 42.4 MBLuke quits Facebook and darkness falls, Community creator Dan Harmon opens up about booze and NBC, comic Jackie Kashian explains why Native Americans may not be over the whole "stealing their country" thing and indie superband Eyelids rocks it.
"The Sky's The Limit" with Gregory Gourdet & Doug Adams, Sara Seager and Loch Lomond
June 27, 2016 19:00 - 52 minutes - 42.4 MBTop Chef Boston finalists Gregory Gourdet and Doug Adams judge the first-ever Live Wire Bottom Chef competition, astrophysicist Sara Seager fills us in on the heated discussions behind naming planets, and Loch Lomond fill the hall with beautiful harmonies.
"Known Unknowns" with Nicholas Kristof, Mike Pesca and Bill Frisell
June 20, 2016 19:00 - 52 minutes - 42.2 MBIn an episode all about the unknown, The Gist's Mike Pesca tells Luke how to take the perfect nap, we go to great lengths to discover what scares "The Indiana Jones of Journalism" Nicholas Kristof (spoiled milk is on the list) and jazz great Bill Frisell plays a haunting version of "In My Life."
"Hindsight" with Sebastian Junger, Natasha Leggero, Moshe Kasher, Claire Mulaney, and La Luz
June 14, 2016 19:00 - 1 hour - 51 MBAuthor Sebastian Junger examines the struggles soldiers face readjusting to life at home and what they can tell us about the flaws of modern society, comedians Natasha Leggero and Moshe Kasher discuss the traditions they invoked (and invented) for their Jewish wedding, comic Claire Mulaney provides a cautionary tale for mixing pot cake with bowling, and La Luz’s “surf noir” sweeps us away.
"Playing by Ear" with Chris Thile, Dave Hill, and The Wild Reeds
May 30, 2016 19:00 - 1 hour - 59.4 MBMandolinist Chris Thile discusses what excites him about his new gig as host of A Prairie Home Companion, comedian Dave Hill recounts what it was like writing ringtones for Donald Trump, and The Wild Reeds dazzle us with their astounding harmonies.
"Secret Worlds" with Paul Gilmartin, Neal Bascomb, and Open Mike Eagle
May 23, 2016 19:00 - 9 minutes - 8 MBComedian Paul Gilmartin discusses how his podcast helps erase the stigma around mental illness, Neal Bascomb recounts a courageous group of Norwegians that stopped the Nazis from obtaining the atomic bomb, and Open Mike Eagle reveals what “the Kurt Vonnegut of rap” sounds like (spoiler alert: pretty awesome).
"Under Pressure" with Peggy Orenstein, D. Watkins, and Walter Martin
May 16, 2016 21:00 - 1 hour - 68.2 MBPeggy Orenstein discusses how young women struggle to achieve “intimate justice” in their sex lives, professor D. Watkins recounts the path that took him from selling drugs in East Baltimore to his life as a published author, and Walter Martin charms us with his musical musings.
"If Memory Serves" with Sarah Vowell, Chris Offutt and Sam Outlaw
May 09, 2016 19:00 - 1 hour - 54.7 MBSarah 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."
"Pretty Big Deal" with Jack Ohman, Kevin Young, Andrea Swensson and The von Trapps
May 02, 2016 21:00 - 9 minutes - 8 MBPulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Jack Ohman talks about the most amazing moment of his career, poet Kevin Young reads from his latest collection, Minnesota Public Radio music host Andrea Swensson reminisces about the time Prince asked her to dance, and The von Trapps musically bid us adieu.
"How on Earth?" with Gerrit Vyn, Nicole Apelian, Anis Mojgani and Fruition
April 25, 2016 21:00 - 1 hour - 63.4 MBLive Wire celebrates Earth Day! Survivalist and Alone reality show contestant Dr. Nicole Apelian reveals her packing list for living solo in the wilderness, two teen activists explain why they are suing the U.S. government, wildlife photographer Gerrit Vyn attempts to identify some very... uh... unique bird calls, Anis Mojgani poeticizes his memories of growing up in New Orleans, and Fruition’s strings and harmonies take us out of this world and back again.
"Uh Oh" with Paolo Bacigalupi, Ijeoma Oluo, Sallie Tisdale and Liz Vice
April 18, 2016 21:00 - 1 hour - 64.7 MBAuthor Paolo Bacigalupi warns us about the dangers of magical thinking when it comes to the environment, Ijeoma Oluo tells us why she has hope for the future of race relations, Sallie Tisdale discusses the dangers of writing about your own family, and Liz Vice’s soulful sound lifts our spirits.
"Tight Five" with Eliza Skinner, Bri Pruett, Alex Falcone, Anthony Lopez and Ayron Jones
April 11, 2016 21:00 - 1 hour - 62.6 MBFour comedians share some of their best material and do battle with hecklers you’d only hear on public radio. Eliza Skinner describes the “magic intelligence” that is comedy, Alex Falcone shares the first joke he ever wrote, Bri Pruett recounts a terrible early gig at an Applebee’s, and Anthony Lopez reflects on how his career path to faith healer / professional wrestler went off the rails. Plus, Ayron Jones blows us away with an acoustic song off his electrifying new album.
"Rebel Rebel" with Paul F. Tompkins, Timothy Egan and Patterson Hood
April 04, 2016 21:00 - 9 minutes - 8 MBThis 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.
"Just Visiting" with Tom Bodett, Betsy Hodges, Chris Coleman, Fancy Ray and The Jayhawks
March 25, 2016 19:00 - 56 minutes - 45 MBLive 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.
"Bonus: The Jayhawks"
March 18, 2016 19:00 - 15 minutes - 12.7 MBA 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.
"Making History" with Rebecca Traister, Ruth Goodman and The Last Artful, Dodgr
March 11, 2016 20:00 - 53 minutes - 42.5 MBAuthor 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.
"Learning Curve" with Jen Kirkman, Lance Bangs and Hey Marseilles
March 04, 2016 20:00 - 53 minutes - 42.8 MBWriter 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.
"If Memory Serves" with Sarah Vowell, Chris Offutt and Sam Outlaw
February 26, 2016 20:00 - 50.8 KBSarah 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."
"Here Goes Something..." with Stephen Tobolowsky, Dale Scott and Matisyahu
February 19, 2016 20:00 - 53 minutes - 42.8 MBStephen 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
February 12, 2016 20:00 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MB"Diving In" with Aasif Mandvi, Wallace J. Nichols and Joseph
"The Long Haul" with Rinker Buck, Bri Pruett and Christopher Paul Stelling
February 05, 2016 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42.3 MB"The Long Haul" with Rinker Buck, Bri Pruett and Christopher Paul Stelling
"For the Record" with Cheryl Strayed, Anis Mojgani, Jenn Nelson and LOLO
January 29, 2016 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42.4 MB"For the Record" with Cheryl Strayed, Anis Mojgani, Jenn Nelson and LOLO
"Back to Basics" with Ruth Reichl, Jackie Kashian and Van Dyke Parks
January 22, 2016 20:00 - 56 minutes - 45.8 MB"Back to Basics" with Ruth Reichl, Jackie Kashian and Van Dyke Parks
"All in the Family" with Maya Forbes, China Forbes, Dusty Ramone and Blitzen Trapper
January 15, 2016 20:00 - 52 minutes - 41.8 MB"All in the Family" with Maya Forbes, China Forbes, Dusty Ramone and Blitzen Trapper
"Going Viral" with W. Kamau Bell, Emily St. John Mandel and Soft Sleep
January 08, 2016 20:00 - 51 minutes - 41.8 MB"Going Viral" with W. Kamau Bell, Emily St. John Mandel and Soft Sleep
"Reality Check" with Kristina Wong, Mark Bitterman, Sean Jordan and Esmé Patterson
January 01, 2016 20:00 - 53 minutes - 43.3 MBComic Kristina Wong fills Luke in on the virtues of live-streaming a first date, Mark Bitterman explains what bitters can do for your holiday cocktails, comic Sean Jordan offers up the sickest burn to his dad ever, and Esmé Patterson's lilting voice warms up your winter.
Ep. 301: "On the Road" with Tom Bodett, Scott Poole, Courtenay Hameister and Box Set
December 25, 2015 20:00 - 53 minutes - 43.1 MBWait Wait Don't Tell Me's Tom Bodett offers up the key to a happy, sober life (not hanging out with drunk jackasses plays a role), Scott Poole waxes poetic about corn dogs, Head Writer Courtenay Hameister says farewell, and Box Set offers up stunning harmonies.
Ep. 300: "Who Am I to Judge?" with John Hodgman, Prescott Harvey and The Doubleclicks
December 18, 2015 20:00 - 53 minutes - 43.3 MBHumorist and former eccentric millionaire John Hodgman manages to make a conversation about frequent flyer miles hilarious, writer and viral video hero Prescott Harvey wonders whether JJ Abrams took his advice about Star Wars, and nerdcore band The Doubleclicks sing about important holiday stuff: hanging out with cats at parties.
Ep. 299: "True Stories" with Irene Taylor Brodsky, Meghan Daum and David Wax Museum
December 11, 2015 20:00 - 53 minutes - 43.3 MBFilmmaker Irene Taylor Brodsky discusses her documentaries about people regaining their sight and hearing after decades of darkness and silence, author Meghan Daum fills us in on how long you can count on being a better person when you almost die ("Two weeks, tops."), and David Wax Museum brings their musical brand of Mexo-Americana music to the stage.
Ep. 298: "Along for the Ride" with Paul Scheer, Rob Huebel, Emily Heller and Matt Morris
December 04, 2015 20:00 - 53 minutes - 42.9 MBLuke gets "Crash Test" comics Paul Scheer and Rob Huebel to open up about asking for George Clooney's phone number and things they couldn't say on the Paramount set, standup comic Emily Heller plays hits from the radio station in her head, while singer/songwriter Matt Morris does the same.
Ep. 297: "Without a Net" with David Wain, Alex Honnold and Tacocat
November 27, 2015 20:00 - 53 minutes - 43.3 MBEp. 297: "Without a Net" with David Wain, Alex Honnold and Tacocat
Ep. 296: "Changing Lanes" with Jesse Eisenberg, Sloane Crosley and Laura Gibson
November 20, 2015 20:00 - 53 minutes - 43.4 MBEp. 296: "Changing Lanes" with Jesse Eisenberg, Sloane Crosley and Laura Gibson
Ep. 295: "Timing is Everything" with Heidi Julavits, John Irving, Diana Nyad and Israel Nebeker
November 13, 2015 20:00 - 52 minutes - 42.4 MBEp. 295: "Timing is Everything" with Heidi Julavits, John Irving, Diana Nyad and Israel Nebeker
Ep. 294: "Diving In" with Aasif Mandvi, Wallace J. Nichols and Joseph
November 07, 2015 06:00 - 51 minutes - 41.7 MBEp. 294: "Diving In" with Aasif Mandvi, Wallace J. Nichols and Joseph
Ep. 293: "The Long Haul" with Rinker Buck, Bri Pruett and Christopher Paul Stelling
October 30, 2015 19:00 - 52 minutes - 42.1 MBEp. 293: "The Long Haul" with Rinker Buck, Bri Pruett and Christopher Paul Stelling
Ep. 292: "For the Record" with Cheryl Strayed, Anis Mojgani, Jenn Nelson and LOLO
October 23, 2015 19:00 - 52 minutes - 42.3 MBEp. 292: "For the Record" with Cheryl Strayed, Anis Mojgani, Jenn Nelson and LOLO