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, fil...
Introducing "Damp January" podcast, plus Adam Gopnik and Dessa
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."
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Damp January: How Did We Get Here?
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.
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32:55
Ian Karmel & Dr. Alisa Karmel, Zainab Johnson, and Meklit (REBROADCAST)
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.
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52:25
Paul F. Tompkins, José Olivarez, and Esmé Patterson (REBROADCAST)
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.
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Introducing "Damp January" from Live Wire
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.
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.
USA