Live Wire with Luke Burbank – Episode: Carvell Wallace, Joy Sullivan, and Danielle Durack (Rebroadcast)
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Host: Luke Burbank
Produced by: PRX
Location: Alberta Rose Theater, Portland, Oregon
Introduction
In this engaging rebroadcast of Live Wire with Luke Burbank, host Luke Burbank welcomes a stellar lineup of guests: writer and podcaster Carvel Wallace, bestselling poet Joy Sullivan, and indie rock singer-songwriter Danielle Durack. The episode seamlessly blends deep conversations on literature and personal growth with uplifting news and soulful musical performances, delivering a rich and multifaceted listening experience.
Best News We Heard All Week
Timestamp: [02:17]
Luke kicks off the episode with the beloved segment, "Best News We Heard All Week," highlighting inspiring stories from around the globe. This week, Elena Passarello shares an uplifting story about APOPO, a nonprofit that trains African giant pouched rats for humanitarian missions. These remarkable rats are now trained to sniff out illegally poached animal products, aiding in the protection of endangered species.
Notable Quote:
Elena Passarello: “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.” [04:01]
In addition, Elena recounts the heartfelt story of Claudine Wilson, the beloved custodian of a small school in Swedeborg, Missouri, who was honored by having the school renamed after her. Despite her retirement, Claudine's dedication brought her back as a bus driver, further solidifying her impact on the community.
Notable Quote:
Luke Burbank: “She's the George Bailey of this town or something.” [07:17]
Interview with Carvel Wallace
Timestamp: [08:10]
Carvel Wallace, known for his poignant memoir "Another Word for Love," shares insights into his journey as a writer who transitioned into the profession later in life. He discusses the memoir’s structure, divided into three sections: childhood, young adulthood, and the quest for personal understanding.
Notable Quote:
Carvel Wallace: “It's not enough to hurt and know that you hurt, that love actually requires of us to heal.” [10:47]
The conversation delves into themes of healing, queerness, and how storytelling serves as a framework for understanding reality. Carvel emphasizes that his memoir is not just a recount of painful experiences but a testament to regathering and appreciating one’s full humanity.
Notable Quote:
Joy Sullivan: “Once you have internalized that belief, people don't even have to do anything to you. You're now just operating at 20% capacity all the time.” [12:16]
Listener Road Trip Stories
Timestamp: [28:22]
In a delightful interlude, Live Wire engages listeners with memorable road trip stories. Danielle Durak recounts a chaotic family trip plagued by her sister's smelly shoes, while others share adventures ranging from running out of gas to having their car broken into. These anecdotes add a personal and humorous touch to the episode, resonating with many who cherish or dread similar travel experiences.
Notable Quote:
Danielle Durak: “It's totally torturous. I grew up in the house by myself, so when I went on road trips with my family, I had just, like, this spacious back seat. It was a delight.” [29:33]
Interview with Joy Sullivan
Timestamp: [32:49]
Poet Joy Sullivan discusses her nationally acclaimed poetry collection, "Instructions for Traveling West." She shares her upbringing between Ohio and Africa, highlighting how diverse environments and experiences, including her interactions with a neighborhood chimpanzee named Mendelssohn, influenced her poetic voice and themes of freedom and entrapment.
Notable Quote:
Danielle Durak: “It's such a tragic metaphor for me as a kid to see what it was to be really caged or trapped.” [34:58]
Joy elaborates on her writing process, emphasizing sensory experiences and authenticity. She reads excerpts from her poems, such as "Leap" and "Luck 3," which explore themes of taking risks, manifesting desires, and the complexities of luck and fate.
Notable Quote:
Danielle Durak (Reading "Leap"): “There's only time to turn toward what you truly love. There's only time to leap.” [37:30]
Joy discusses the delicate balance between pursuing dreams and confronting the reality of one’s life, encouraging listeners to find meaning and beauty in their journeys.
Notable Quote:
Joy Sullivan: “I think what we write down literally on the page shifts our luck, changes our stories and drives something new into existence.” [42:50]
Station Location Identification Examination
Timestamp: [45:05]
A playful and interactive segment, "Station Location Identification Examination," challenges Elena Passarello to identify the location based on clues. The episode's setting is revealed to be Estes Park, Colorado, home to the historic Stanley Hotel, famously inspiring Stephen King's The Shining.
Notable Quote:
Elena Passarello: “It's Estes Park, Colorado. Exactly right where we're on the radio on K E N C.” [46:29]
Musical Performance by Danielle Durack
Timestamp: [48:13]
The episode culminates with a soul-stirring performance by Danielle Durack, who presents her latest song, "Moon Song." Her evocative lyrics and melodic delivery encapsulate themes of longing, escape, and hope, resonating deeply with listeners.
Lyrics Excerpt:
“Living on earth keeps breaking my heart
So I've got my sight set on Venus and Mars
Testing my patience and giving me scars they don't want...” [48:18]
Closing Remarks
Luke Burbank wraps up the episode by thanking guests and recognizing contributors behind the scenes. He teases an upcoming special celebrating National Poetry Month, featuring renowned poets and musicians, ensuring listeners have something to look forward to in future episodes.
Notable Quote:
Luke Burbank: “Don't miss it. It's the LIVEWIRE poetry special coming your way.” [47:21]
Conclusion
This episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank offers a captivating blend of inspiring news, introspective conversations, and heartfelt music. Through the thoughtful exchanges with Carvel Wallace and Joy Sullivan, and the vibrant performance by Danielle Durack, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of stories and insights that celebrate the human spirit and the arts.
For more episodes and information, visit livewireradio.org.