Live Wire with Luke Burbank

In this special studio episode of Live Wire, Luke Burbank explores the notion of freedom. Amanda Knox continues the difficult work of healing from the trauma of her wrongful murder conviction and four years in an Italian prison, "Dear White People" creator Justin Simien discusses the catharsis and challenges of taking a satirical look at race relations, and alt-folk musician Shakey Graves rattles...

Ron Funches details finding his comedic voice and what it takes to make his mother proud, author Walter Kirn reveals how even a trained journalist could fall into a serial killer’s elaborate con as an imposter Rockefeller, and The Secret Sisters delight with a harmonic folk earworm.

Comedian Hari Kondabolu questions the devil’s need for advocates, journalist and author Faith Salie admits that being an approval junkie is particularly challenging when releasing a book on that topic, and looping violinist Joe Kye creates a complex and beautiful soundscape.

Author and prolific actor Stephen Tobolowsky takes us to the genesis of his spiritual reawakening, New Yorker writer and memoirist Ariel Levy opens up about what it’s like to keep reliving the worst year of her life, The Minimalists preach the purging gospel, and singer/songwriter Haley Heynderickx brings it home with the impromptu harmonic help of the Live Wire house band. Support Live Wire today...

Live Wire travels east to Pendleton,Oregon! Abstract painter James Lavadour recalls growing up on the Umatilla Reservation and how his energetic connection with the land transfuses into his work, Roam Schooled podcasters Jim Brunberg and his twin daughters restore the wonder of searching for answers without a wifi connection, June Colony introduces us to her new breed of sheep, and local legend Ro...

In this special spring membership drive edition of Live Wire, we look behind the scenes at Fox’s animated TV sitcom Bob’s Burgers with actor Kristin Schaal and writer/producer Scott Jacobson. Plus original songs from the show featuring Laura Gibson and John Roderick! Support Live Wire today: livewire.ejoinme.org/spring2017

NPR’s Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington shares his desire to build empathy through vulnerable storytelling, Kelly McEvers of NPR’s All Things Considered explains how her malfunctioning danger sensor has led her to a career in deep-dive journalism, Environmental Services Field Supervisor Randy Belston gives us a taste (and scent) of what it’s like to work in Portland’s sewer system, and Grammy-wi...

Savage Love columnist and the “It Gets Better Project” mastermind Dan Savage takes us on a trip down sex advice memory lane, author and “Inside Amy Schumer” head writer Jessi Klein puts forth the compelling argument that taking baths actually makes one dirtier, Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson provides step-by-step instructions for how to sue your president, and alt-rocker Ayron Jone...

“Rick and Morty” co-creator Dan Harmon talks about his creative process and the impending stalemate with his therapist, actor and playwright Lauren Weedman discusses the merits and perils of revealing personal (and often painful) stories to the world, poet Anis Mojgani leaves us hanging on every word, and Fruit Bats frontman Eric D. Johnson sings of unrequited love.

Saturday Night Live cast member Sasheer Zamata recalls her journey to the comedy stage, author Ayelet Waldman details her experience as an LSD microdosing case study of one, Last Comic Standing winner Alonzo Bodden tears into the American zeitgeist, and Craig Finn (of The Hold Steady) defends his Minnesotan honor before performing a new song about his home state.

My Drunk Kitchen star and author Hannah Hart details the long process of coming out to herself and her family, former child actor and memoirist Mara Wilson recalls the end of her love affair with Hollywood and making peace with forever being Matilda, Jim Norton poses a theory on why you don’t see classically beautiful comedians, and folk singer John Craigie performs an ode to some incriminating ph...

Journalist Matt Taibbi recounts the years leading up to our current post-factual predicament, graphic novelist Thi Bui recalls her family's harrowing escape from South Vietnam, comedian El Sanchez deconstructs the gender binary, and musical act Hibou provides a synth-soaked nostalgia-inducing soundtrack.

Comedian Horatio Sanz recounts his days at SNL and the roll of comedy in political journalism, comedian Aparna Nancherla teaches us how to turn anxiety into comedy gold, the owners of Portland’s cat cafe explain the benefits of purr therapy, and Kyle Craft warns of the dangers of walls.

Author Elna Baker recounts childhood memories of workshopping material at her Mormon church’s “open mic” sessions, comedian and former SNL writer Brooks Wheelan teaches us how to fast talk our way out of illegal situations, Zahir Janmohamed breaks down the peanut butter and jelly controversy that led to the naming of his podcast The Racist Sandwich, and jazz virtuoso Thundercat treats us to a scal...

An update from author, attorney, and rapper Gyasi Ross about what's going on at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation and why he believes it's an amazing time to be alive.

Author 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.

Performer 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.

Congressman 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.

Sherman 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.

Lindy 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.

In 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 an...

MSNBC'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.

Comedian 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.

Comedian 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.

Live 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.