Live Wire with Luke Burbank: Episode Featuring Carvel Wallace, Joy Sullivan, and Danielle Durak

Release Date: November 15, 2024
Hosted by: Luke Burbank (PRX)

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank, listeners are treated to a dynamic blend of storytelling, poetry, and indie music. Hosted by Luke Burbank, the show features insightful conversations with writer and podcaster Carvel Wallace, bestselling poet Joy Sullivan, and a live musical performance by singer-songwriter Danielle Durak. The episode seamlessly weaves through personal narratives, creative processes, and heartfelt performances, offering a rich tapestry of content for an engaging listening experience.

Best News We Heard All Week

Timestamp: [01:46] – [07:33]

The episode kicks off with the heartwarming Best News segment, where Luke and co-host Elena Passarello share uplifting stories amid challenging times.

• Elena Passarello highlights the remarkable work of the nonprofit Apopo, which trains African giant pouched rats to detect poached animal matter and contagious diseases. "There's something about it that I just can't do, but a rat could probably teach me how to pronounce it at this point." ([03:26])

• Luke Burbank shares the inspiring story of Claudine Wilson, a beloved custodian from Swedeborg, Missouri, who was honored by having her school renamed the Claudine Wilson Learning Center due to her profound impact on the community. Despite retiring, Claudine returned to drive the school bus, exemplifying her unwavering dedication. "She's the George Bailey of this town or something." ([06:45])

This segment underscores the power of community and individual contributions, setting a positive tone for the episode.

Interview with Carvel Wallace: "Another Word for Love"

Timestamp: [07:33] – [26:49]

Carvel Wallace, a seasoned writer and podcaster, delves into his memoir, "Another Word for Love." The conversation explores his late-in-life transition into professional writing, the influence of classic TV shows on his upbringing, and his journey toward healing and self-discovery.

• Carvel Wallace discusses the dual nature of his memoir, highlighting both the hardships and the moments of beauty in his life. "It is not enough to hurt and know that you hurt, that love actually requires of us to heal." ([10:28])

• He reflects on his childhood fascination with shows like MASH and Three's Company, explaining how they provided frameworks for understanding his reality. "There's a little human to human magic trick of taking reality and making it beautiful." ([13:20])

• Addressing his sobriety, Wallace shares a pivotal moment of clarity that led to lasting change. "What kept it going was there was an illusion that there was some different. I thought it was a possibility. Now, I had never seen that possibility." ([22:49])

• The interview also touches on the personal impact of his memoir on his family, particularly his son, who connected deeply with the book despite its candid portrayal of Wallace's life. "He really read it and he really loved it, and he wanted to talk about it a lot." ([24:19])

Wallace's narrative is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of storytelling, offering listeners both vulnerability and inspiration.

Station Location Identification Examination: Listener Road Trips

Timestamp: [27:56] – [43:45]

In this interactive segment, Luke and Elena engage with listeners by sharing memorable road trip stories submitted by the audience. The segment is both humorous and nostalgic, highlighting the diverse experiences that come with traveling.

• Jan recounts a chaotic cross-country trip where her sister's smelly shoes became a source of sibling torment. "It was the most disgusting aroma ever." ([28:19])

• Sarah and Candice share their adventurous spirit by selling items from their car to buy gas during a road trip mishap. "A sweet man gave us $10 worth of gas, and we went back up and repaid him a couple weeks later." ([30:06])

• Joy Sullivan narrates a high school road trip incident involving a stolen vehicle window and creative backseat fixes. "I drove all the way back, with me lying down in the back of the car, bracing a foam mattress against the hole in the back window." ([30:26])

• John, from Spokane to Seattle, describes the challenges of driving a Volkswagen Bug with a specialized air filter. "He had an oil bath air filter, so it saved it because the dust didn't make it through." ([31:12])

These stories not only entertain but also reflect the universal joys and struggles of road-tripping, fostering a sense of community among listeners.

Interview with Joy Sullivan: "Instructions for Traveling West"

Timestamp: [43:45] – [52:04]

Joy Sullivan, a renowned poet and teacher, discusses her nationally acclaimed poetry collection, "Instructions for Traveling West." Her work delves into themes of loneliness, desire, beauty, and pain, drawing from her unique life experiences.

• Joy Sullivan reflects on her upbringing between Ohio and various African countries as the daughter of medical missionaries. "I had some experiences after we left the mission field that sort of, I think, helped me find a different path." ([33:04])

• She shares a poignant memory of a neighbor's chimpanzee, Mendelssohn, symbolizing her longing for freedom. "It became this sort of tragic metaphor for me as a kid to see what it was to be really caged or trapped." ([34:20])

• Discussing her poetic process, Sullivan emphasizes sensory engagement over intellectualization. "I try and be really sense forward in my work. I'm a little bit synesthetic." ([35:36])

• In her poem "Leap," Sullivan captures the urgency of following one's passions despite uncertainties. "There's only time to turn toward what you truly love. There's only time to leap." ([36:09])

• She candidly addresses the paradox of achieving one's dreams and still grappling with personal challenges. "Getting a bestseller... it doesn't fix your depression." ([37:46])

• Sullivan offers encouragement to aspiring writers, advocating for gradual steps toward fulfilling creative dreams. "You don't have to leap all at once... you'll learn scooching. You'll get braver as you go." ([42:54])

Joy Sullivan's interview is a deep dive into the intersection of personal history and creative expression, illustrating how poetry serves as both a coping mechanism and a means of transformation.

Musical Performance by Danielle Durak: "Moonsong"

Timestamp: [48:22] – [51:49]

The episode culminates with a live performance by Danielle Durak, an emerging voice in indie rock. Performing her song "Moonsong" from her latest album "Escape Artist," Danielle delivers an emotive and captivating rendition that resonates with listeners.

• Danielle Durak sings about the desire to escape earthly pains and seek solace in the cosmos.
  "Living on earth keeps breaking my heart... So send me away so so hard and almost staring at the moon." ([48:26])

• Her heartfelt lyrics explore themes of longing, hope, and the relentless pursuit of healing.
  "But I guess I'll admit I probably miss it a lot like mom and dad and Matt and my dog all those big little things you don't miss till they're gone." ([48:30])

Danielle's performance adds a lyrical and melodic layer to the episode, embodying the emotional currents discussed throughout the interviews.

Conclusion

This episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank masterfully balances narrative depth with artistic expression. Through heartfelt interviews, engaging listener interactions, and soulful music, the show offers a comprehensive and enriching experience. Whether delving into personal memoirs, exploring poetic landscapes, or enjoying indie melodies, listeners are invited to connect, reflect, and find solace in the shared human experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Carvel Wallace ([10:28])
  "It is not enough to hurt and know that you hurt, that love actually requires of us to heal."

• Elena Passarello ([03:26])
  "There's something about it that I just can't do, but a rat could probably teach me how to pronounce it at this point."

• Joy Sullivan ([36:09])
  "There's only time to turn toward what you truly love. There's only time to leap."

• Danielle Durak ([48:26])
  "Living on earth keeps breaking my heart... So send me away so so hard and almost staring at the moon."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing a detailed overview while highlighting key moments and insightful contributions from each guest.