Live Wire with Luke Burbank Episode: Bruce Campbell, Sara Schaefer, and Emi Pop Release Date: February 28, 2025
Introduction In this engaging episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank, host Luke Burbank delves into a diverse array of topics with a stellar lineup of guests: cult film legend Bruce Campbell, Emmy-winning comedian Sarah Schaefer, and Puerto Rican pop-punk sensation Emmy Pop. The episode, recorded at Revolution Hall in Portland, Oregon, seamlessly weaves discussions on acting, personal trauma, and musical performance into a rich tapestry of insightful conversation.
1. Best News of the Week: Project Camp The episode opens with a heartwarming segment spotlighting "Project Camp," a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children affected by natural disasters. Co-host Elena Passarello describes Project Camp’s mission and impact:
Elena Passarello [04:31]: “Project Camp has four camps set up in Southern California, but they've also been active in Florida, Maui, and New Mexico. They provide day camps with arts, STEM activities, and socialization, all run by trauma-informed child care professionals.”
Luke Burbank reflects on the importance of such initiatives, emphasizing the resilience of children even amidst adult struggles:
Luke Burbank [04:49]: “Kids are resilient, and yet this stuff really affects them as well.”
2. Conversation with Bruce Campbell Guest Introduction: Bruce Campbell, renowned for his role in the Evil Dead series and his enduring presence in cult cinema, joins Luke to discuss his latest project and his extensive acting career.
A. Discussing "Hysteria" on Peacock Bruce Campbell shares insights into his role as Chief Dandridge in the Peacock series Hysteria, highlighting the show's exploration of the satanic panic of the 1980s:
Bruce Campbell [11:11]: “Carnage and mayhem can be fun. Depends on your approach. This was a good chance to explore something that wasn't really explored before—the concept of the satanic panic.”
B. Balancing Horror and Comedy Campbell reflects on his long-standing relationship with horror and comedy, acknowledging the evolution of film-making techniques:
Bruce Campbell [14:03]: “If you're gonna get money from an investor in Detroit in 1979, we're making a horror movie. Sam Raimi thought it better be pretty horrible. So let's make the most horrible horror movie.”
C. Independent Filmmaking: "Ernie and Emma" Together with his wife Ida, Campbell discusses their independent film Ernie and Emma, a departure from his usual horror roles:
Bruce Campbell [20:40]: “It's like Hallmark with swearing. There's no blood. It's about a guy getting a love letter from his dead wife, sending him on an internal journey.”
D. Future Projects and Roles Campbell expresses his desire to revisit Western roles, specifically referencing his work on Briscoe County Junior:
Bruce Campbell [26:30]: “I would like to revisit this western idea. The Adventures of Briscoe County Junior.”
Notable Quotes:
- Bruce Campbell [10:37]: “I am like the salmon spawning to Portland.”
- Bruce Campbell [18:12]: “I'm in the crooked politician phase of my career.”
- Bruce Campbell [23:16]: “It's a big journey. It's an internal journey…”
3. Listener Interaction: Cherished Childhood Possessions Luke and Elena engage with audience stories about treasured childhood items, setting the stage for Sarah Schaefer’s emotional narrative.
A. Audience Stories
- Olivia [31:23]: "Her baby blanket made from old cloth scraps was cherished throughout college."
- Ashley [33:42]: "Had a colorful Elmo telephone that was never actually stolen."
- Libby [34:02]: "Wore a Ducky crop top T-shirt with three ducks for much longer than socially acceptable."
B. Sarah Schaefer’s Story: The Lost Blankie Comedian Sarah Schaefer shares a deeply personal story about losing her cherished blanket, "Blankie," at the John Marshall Hotel during a traumatic childhood Christmas:
Sarah Schaefer [35:55]: “I brought Blankie down to the hotel because I wanted to show her the velvet carpets... but when we checked out, Blankie was gone, and the hotel staff said they didn’t see anything like it.”
She poignantly reflects on the impact of this loss and the realization of parental falsehoods:
Sarah Schaefer [32:22]: “Maybe my mom lied to me because it was way overdue to not have a blankie.”
Notable Quotes:
- Sarah Schaefer [35:55]: “Blankie was more of a tattered snake by the time it became my blankie. It smelled like heroin.”
- Sarah Schaefer [33:00]: “You have to take it from them, tell them it’s gone... Maybe my first marriage would have worked out if that had happened.”
4. Musical Performance by Emmy Pop The episode features an electrifying performance by Emmy Pop, a Seattle-based artist with roots in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Emmy Pop discusses her musical upbringing and the punk scene in Puerto Rico before delivering a spirited rendition of her single "Lose."
A. Background and Musical Influences
Emmy Pop [47:29]: “I grew up with salsa and reggaeton, but as a teenager, I started dabbling in punk and began playing music around that age.”
B. Live Performance: "Lose" Emmy Pop captivates the audience with her dynamic stage presence and catchy melodies, embodying her signature pop-punk fusion.
5. Interactive Segment: Station Location Identification Luke and Elena engage in a fun, interactive quiz, challenging each other to identify U.S. cities based on quirky facts. This segment adds a lighthearted touch to the episode, showcasing the hosts' chemistry and knowledge of American locales.
Example Clues:
- Largest collection of toasters.
- Most expensive crab cake ($310).
- Nicknamed “Soda City” and abbreviated as "Cola."
Elena Passarello [45:09]: “It's close to an ocean.” Luke Burbank [45:42]: “Columbia, South Carolina.”
6. Preview of Upcoming Episode Luke provides a sneak peek into the next episode, featuring poet Roger Reeves and comedian Sean Jordan, along with a performance by indie folk singer Aaron Ray, recorded at the Epic Four Day Music Festival in Oregon.
Conclusion The episode wraps up with heartfelt acknowledgments to guests Bruce Campbell, Sarah Schaefer, and Emmy Pop, as well as shout-outs to the Live Wire team and supporters. Luke encourages listeners to leave reviews to help sustain the show’s longevity.
Key Takeaways:
- Project Camp highlights the resilience and support systems essential for children post-disasters.
- Bruce Campbell offers a unique perspective on blending horror with comedy and shares his passion for independent filmmaking.
- Sarah Schaefer delivers a moving narrative on childhood trauma and the complexities of parental honesty.
- Emmy Pop energizes the audience with her vibrant musical performance, reflecting her diverse cultural influences.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Bruce Campbell [11:11]: “Carnage and mayhem can be fun. Depends on your approach.”
- Sarah Schaefer [35:55]: “I was having a complete nervous breakdown.”
- Emmy Pop [48:00]: “I became a little rebellious, so I started listening to dabble in punk.”
This episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank masterfully balances humor, emotional depth, and cultural commentary, making it a must-listen for audiences seeking both entertainment and meaningful conversation.