Live Wire with Luke Burbank

EXTRA: Demi Adejuyigbe Sings "Rock n' Roll Santa Claus"

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast EXTRA, comedian and writer Demi Adejuyigbe serenades us from the live stage with his own holiday song, "Rock n' Roll Santa Claus."

Nora McInerny, Nabil Ayers, and Madison Cunningham

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello discuss the ways in which we are too hard on ourselves; writer and podcaster Nora McInerny (Terrible,...

Jamie Loftus, Jelani Memory, and Tolliver

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello remember some beloved comic strip characters; comedian Jamie Loftus unpacks her newest podcast Aack ...

John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats and Dessa

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal the unexpected expertise of our listeners; novelist John Darnielle, frontman of The Mountain G...

George Saunders and Samantha Crain

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello celebrate teachers and the impact their words have had on us; award-winning author George Saunders un...

Silvia Vasquez-Lavado, Curtis Cook, and Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some "personal Mt. Everests" from our listeners; writer and mountaineer Silvia Vasquez-Lavado d...

Best News: Too Much Gobble

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss disturbing Times Square billboards, kittens in a fighter jet, and cuddling turkeys.

Casey Parks and Thunderstorm Artis

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello set out to solve some mysteries; Washington Post reporter Casey Parks unpacks her new book Diary of ...

Best News: The Dolly-dar is Beeping!

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss a (now debunked) dazzling detail about Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton's rock 'n' roll aspirations, and how a man provided the cit...

Kaveh Akbar, Danielle Henderson, and Deep Sea Diver

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello remember the things we were better at as children; celebrated poet Kaveh Akbar explains how learning ...

Best News: Expect Spectacle

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss a motorcycling sabbatical, Susie Burbank's dance stylings, and wedding rendition of Mambo No. 5.

Ginny Hogan, Anis Mojgani, and Pink Martini's Jimmie Herrod

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and Elena Passarello unpack some dating red flags; comedian and satirist Ginny Hogan explains the terms and conditions of being her ...

Best News: It's Wine O'Clock Somewhere

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss Airbnb decor, a man who made a floating suit out of wine bottle corks, and an emo festival that collided with a Katy Perry conc...

Gary Shteyngart, Atsuko Okatska, and The Lowest Pair

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and Elena Passarello discuss the kindest things our friends have done for us; author Gary Shteyngart takes us into the world of fict...

Best News: Durland and Darvin

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss furniture-scratching cats, saxophone-accompanied brain surgery, and twins who finally sold their domain name.

Sona Movsesian, Marcella Arguello, and Brown Calculus

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share the worst jobs our listeners have ever had; writer and podcaster Sona Movsesian makes the case ...

Best News: I Love Fat Bears and I Cannot Lie

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss Fat Bear Week, Trader Joe's sample resurgence, and Russell Crowe's charitable donations.

Tom Scharpling, Mohanad Elsheiky, and MAITA

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello unpack some controversial music opinions; writer and radio host Tom Scharpling (The Best Show) expla...

Best News: Dreams of Crystal Flutes

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss misremembered vocal stylings, Lizzo taking James Madison's crystal flute out for a spin, and a 91-year-old man who found a new ...

Sam Sanders, Erika L. Sanchez, and John Craigie

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello chat about those pop culture moments we can't seem to let go of; writer Erika L. Sanchez unpacks her ...

Best News: Terrible Sandwich

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss the Millennium Falcon of litter boxes, how Elton John made the President cry, and a kid whose lunch complaint went viral.

Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe, Todd Haynes, and Melanie Charles

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share our listeners' go-to karaoke songs; Mötley Crüe co-founder and bassist Nikki Sixx describes h...

Best News: Cardboard Dad

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss Tony Passarello's Live Wire fandom, the first female Mariachi band in Denver Colorado, and rescuing a busload of stranded Toron...

Isaac Fitzgerald, Carmen Lagala, and No-No Boy

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello chat about childhood misperceptions; writer Isaac Fitzgerald grapples with identity, forgiveness, and...

Best News: Corntastic!

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss fly-by summers, food stand hustles, and South Dakota's Corn-Bassador.

EXTRA: Paul F. Tompkins, Sarah Marshall, and Demi Adejuyigbe

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this EXTRA episode, comedians and podcasters Paul F. Tompkins (Spontaneanation), Sarah Marshall (You're Wrong About) and Demi Adejuyigbe (Gilmore G...

Chuck Klosterman and Making Movies

05 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello get nostalgic for the 1990s; writer Chuck Klosterman (Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs) unpacks his newest...

Nichole Perkins, Lucy Walker, and Joshua Henry

29 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello celebrate the songs lyrics that reflect our lives; writer Nichole Perkins discusses her memoir Somet...

Dylan Marron and Brittany Davis

22 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello unpack some unexpected topics of conversation; writer and podcaster Dylan Marron chats about his book...

SNL's Cecily Strong and Rapper Shad

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some surprising facts about our listeners; comedian Cecily Strong delves into her memoir This ...

Jon Mooallem, The Sport Bra's Jenny Nguyen, and Laura Veirs

08 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello talk dream businesses; writer Jon Mooallem (The New York Times Magazine) discusses his newest collect...

Daisy Hernandez and Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips

01 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello celebrate the spirit of live performances; writer Daisy Hernández unpacks her latest book The Kissi...

Sam Jay, Sean Patton, and Kurt Vile

24 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some go-to icebreakers from our listeners; comedian and Emmy Award-nominated writer Sam Jay (SN...

Best News: Summer Break is Here!

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this final episode before a brief hiatus, Luke and Elena discuss their summer plans, including an Alaska writing residency and mega home renovation...

Kirsten Johnson, Chris Garcia, and Wilco's Jeff Tweedy

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello celebrate dads this week, in honor of Father's Day; filmmaker Kirsten Johnson comes to terms with the...

Best News: Whatever Rolls Your Meatball

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss the Kate Bush resurgence, a missing dachshund that made its way into Hillary Swank's lap, and sexy Swedish trash cans.

Cecily Wong & Andrew Bird

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello dish out some yums and yucks from our listeners; writer Cecily Wong chats about her book Gastro Obsc...

Best News: Pounce de León

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss a turtle on a Hot Wheel, "Hero Rats" with tiny backpacks, and endangered bees now classified as fish.

Kristen Arnett, James Kim, and Lavender Country

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode celebrating "Pride Month," host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello give a shout-out to some unsung (or under-sung) qu...

Kathryn Schulz, Keanon Lowe, and John Craigie

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss a baby giraffe with human leg braces and a dog that snuggled its way into a stranger's bed; Pulitzer Prize-winning New Yorker ...

Best News: The Hunter S. Thompson of Public Radio

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss kitten claws, a high school student who subbed in as Pearl Jam’s drummer, and a Minnesota prison program that teaches tattooi...

Anna Sale, Elissa Washuta, and Juliana Hatfield

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello discuss two wildly different yet equally inspiring graduation stories; podcaster Anna Sale reveals ho...

Best News: Spring Pong!

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss ping-pong showmanship, TikTok's favorite baseball team, and a passenger with no flight experience who emergency-landed a plane ...

John Waters, Sasha LaPointe, and Deep Sea Diver

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello discuss an emotional support pig and a DoorDasher who saved a customer's life. Plus, legendary filmma...

Best News: Space Crime & Punishment

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss a young listener's quest to transcribe a 200-year French diary, Canadians barred from committing murder in space, and the trium...

Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast, Quiara Alegría Hudes, and Moorea Masa

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of Mother's Day, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some thoughtful mom-centric conversations: musician Michelle Zauner, ...

Best News: "A Robot Walks into a Bar..."

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss recording this week from a Mazda rental car, a robot living with a penguin colony in Antarctica, and a nonprofit that sends unu...

Chef Gregory Gourdet and No-No Boy

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello talk wacky cooking hacks; acclaimed chef and restaurateur Gregory Gourdet (Top Chef) discusses how hi...

Best News: Smell You, Nancy Drew!

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss a guilt-ridden mail bag, a lemonade stand raising money for the Humane Society, and an anonymous French man who's donating his ...

Laci Mosley of Scam Goddess podcast, Marlee Matlin, and Kishi Bashi

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal some scams our listeners have fallen for; comedian and podcaster Laci Mosley (A Black Lady Ske...

Best News: Teaching Them to Flush is the Hard Part

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss kitty adoptee Bubbles Burbank, a new Pink Floyd song in solidarity with Ukraine, a prom dress giveaway, and 90s butt cuts.

Former SNL star Molly Shannon and Tuelo

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some stories of when our listeners went "over the top;" actor and comedian Molly Shannon chats ...

Best News: Flying the Coop with Flamingo 492

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss Band-Aid haute couture, a runaway flamingo living his best life in Texas, and a hyperpolyglot who finds empathy through languag...

Roger Reeves, Anis Mojgani, Franny Choi, and Derrick C. Brown with The Helio Sequence

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate National Poetry Month, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share listener-penned haikus and some of Live Wire's most memorab...

Best News: Sobbing to Prince

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss "guilty" fan mail, one teacher's maligned footwear (and what his students decided to do about it), and newly discovered footage...

Jamie Loftus, Jelani Memory, and Tolliver

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello remember some beloved comic strip characters; comedian Jamie Loftus unpacks her newest podcast Aack ...

Best News: The Susie Burbank Rule

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss rolling mangos, the book lady of Danville, Virginia, and a happily ever after for a supposedly "gay" dog.

Chris Gethard, Julia Rosen, and Shakey Graves

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello go deep as why we struggle with our favorite things becoming popular; comedian Chris Gethard chats ab...

Best News: The Backstreet Breakers

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss the lost mail of an all-Black, female WWII battalion, a Hawaiian cardboard shredding company that is helping businesses and the...

Silvia Vasquez-Lavado, Curtis Cook, and Patterson Hood

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello talk "personal Mt. Everests;" writer and mountaineer Silvia Vasquez-Lavado discusses how she became t...

Best News: Macho Nacho Man

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss appliance clocks, a veteran elementary school teacher who has raised over $100,000 to keep students from going hungry over brea...

Andrea Nevins, Melissa Febos, and Pink Martini

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Live Wire celebrates Women's History Month by honoring some unsung heroes from the past; filmmaker Andrea Nevins shines a light on the challenges and ...

Best News: Press 3 for a Pep Talk

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss peduncle elongation, an elementary school hotline that's lifting spirits, and the "original" Wordle (as well as its many variat...

John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats and Dessa

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal the unexpected expertise of our listeners; novelist John Darnielle, frontman of The Mountain G...

Best News: Who Framed Hank the Tank?

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss fan mail, a baby born at 2:22AM on February 22, 2022, plus a 500-pound bear who was falsely accused of home break-ins in Lake T...

Karen Russell, Marcella Arguello, and Ani DiFranco

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some listener-submitted DIY projects; New York Times best-selling author Karen Russell explai...

Best News: Quilt Your Feelings

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss Jeopardy consulation prizes, boutique road races, diorama diner cats, and a centenary woman getting a special birthday tattoo.

W. Kamau Bell & Katie King, Paul F. Tompkins, and Keb' Mo'

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello talk fashion regrets; filmmakers W. Kamau Bell & Katie King discuss their Showtime docuseries We...

Best News: The Elvis of Running Shorts

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss young fatherhood, robot care, a prescription Parks Pass, and Erin Jackson — who became the first Black woman to win gold in O...

Michael Schur, Demi Adejuyigbe, and Shovels & Rope

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal the tiny unethical things our listeners admit to doing; television writer and producer Michael...

Best News: Dolly on a Dinosaur

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss work robes and bed desks, a Harvard thesis-turned-TikTok musical, and a 5-year-old offering his own quirky pearls of wisdom. 

Hanif Abdurraqib, Clint Smith, and Melanie Charles

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In celebration of Black History Month, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share conversations with some of Live Wire's most remarkable g...

Best News: Telly Savalas Graphing Calculator

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss "healthy" potato chips, John Prine tattoos, a pug "bark" mitzvah, and the USA Mullet Championships.

Matthew Gavin Frank, Davy Rothbart & Cheryl Sanford, and Andrew Bird & Jimbo Mathus

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello talk birds of all kinds this week; writer Matthew Gavin Frank discusses the controversial world of di...

Best News: Appliancegate

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss Star Trek retractions, college blackboards, cow hoof trimming, cat hijackers, and the importance of tipping.

Paul F. Tompkins, Sarah Marshall, and Buffalo Nichols

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal what our listeners have “gotten wrong” in the world of pop culture; comedian Paul F. Tompk...

Best News: Fish-Operated Vehicles

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss Wordle scores, mom feedback, laughing animals, and driving goldfish.

Dead Eyes podcaster Connor Ratliff, Mikki Kendall, and Faye Webster

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some feedback that's made the biggest impact on our listeners; actor Connor Ratliff explains ho...

Best News: Kangaroo on the Rocks

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Luke and Elena discuss Dry January, breakthrough COVID, kangaroo rescues, and the legacy of Allen Toussaint.

Kaveh Akbar, Danielle Henderson, and Deep Sea Diver

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello discuss the things our audience is resolving *not* to do this year; celebrated poet Kaveh Akbar expla...

David Duchovny, Nick & Kaylee Woodard, and Jensen McRae

31 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello unveil some hidden talents of our listeners; actor and best-selling author David Duchovny explains ho...

Talib Kweli, George Saunders, and Jillette Johnson

24 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello put a spin on some of our listeners’ favorite words and phrases; hip hop performer and activist Tal...

Ashley C. Ford and John Green

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this "Best of Books" special, Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share conversations with two of Live Wire's favorite guests from 2021: wr...

Penny Lane, Omar El Akkad, and The Dip

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share the strange things listeners love that remain otherwise unpopular; filmmaker Penny Lane discuss...

Roman Mars & Kurt Kohlstedt of 99% Invisible, Shayla Lawson, and Colin Hay

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello discuss some mysteries we can never seem to solve; 99% Invisible podcasters Roman Mars & Kurt K...

Gary Shteyngart, Atsuko Okatsuka, and The Lowest Pair

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and Elena Passarello discuss the kindest things our friends have done; author Gary Shteyngart takes us into the world of fictionaliz...

Ijeoma Oluo, Jill Lepore, and The Bengsons

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and Elena Passarello make some small wishes for the future; Jill Lepore, historian and staffer at The New Yorker, tells us about t...

Tom Scharpling, Mohanad Elshieky, and MAITA

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reminisce about the best moments of the last 18 months; writer and radio host Tom Scharpling (The Bes...

Rachel Bloom, Natalie Diaz, and Kevin Morby

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello discuss unresolved (minor) childhood grievances; Emmy Award-winning entertainer Rachel Bloom (Crazy E...

Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe, Todd Haynes, and Melanie Charles

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal their go-to karaoke songs; Mötley Crüe co-founder and bassist Nikki Sixx describes how his l...

Cristina Costantini & Kareem Tabsch and Anaïs Mitchell

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello get into the spooky season and share some memorable Halloween costumes; filmmakers Cristina Costantin...

Nick Offerman, Phoebe Robinson, and Adia Victoria

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello chat about household rules we struggle to enforce; actor and humorist Nick Offerman discusses his new...

Demi Adejuyigbe, Jamie Loftus, and The War and Treaty

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello discover what topics listeners would discuss on their hypothetical podcasts; comedian Jamie Loftus un...

Marlee Matlin, Melissa Febos, and Ida Mae

01 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share listener advice to their teenage selves; actor Marlee Matlin discusses her critically-acclaimed...

Mary Norris, Ryan O'Connell, and Dirty Revival

24 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some favorite words submitted by listeners; grammar expert Mary Norris recounts her early days ...

Mark Duplass & Natalie Morales, James Whiteside, and Dar Williams

17 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share some special skills that listeners dream of having; filmmakers Mark Duplass & Natalie Mora...

Maria Bamford, Shain Brenden, and Brandy Clark

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello consider the misconceptions our families have about us; comedian and actress Maria Bamford convinces ...

Nichole Perkins, Lucy Walker, and Joshua Henry

03 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello celebrate the songs lyrics that reflect our lives; writer Nichole Perkins discusses her memoir Someti...

Hari Kondabolu, Sarah Scoles, and Angelica Garcia

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and guest announcer Hari Kondabolu admit to being undecided on matters of personal hygiene and bed-making; science journalist Sarah ...

SNL's Cecily Strong and Shad

20 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello defy expectations this week; comedian Cecily Strong delves into her memoir This Will All Be Over Soo...