Live Wire with Luke Burbank PRX

Comedian 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 Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share the ways in which our listeners have been unexpectedly cheered up by others.

Comedian 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 belonged to.

Comedian 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 new album “Kicked Out Of The Garden.” Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share the alter egos of some of our listeners.

Bestselling 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.

Author 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 David Sedaris.

Writer 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.” Plus, host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal some recurring dreams of our listeners.