Live Wire with Luke Burbank: Damp January - What’s the Big Deal? (with Gary Shteyngart)
Release Date: January 15, 2025

In the third episode of the Damp January series on Live Wire with Luke Burbank, host Luke Burbank engages in a candid and insightful conversation with acclaimed writer Gary Shteyngart. This episode delves deep into Gary's nuanced relationship with alcohol, exploring themes of moderation, societal expectations, and the role of alcohol in creativity and social interactions.

1. Introduction to Damp January

Luke Burbank sets the stage by clarifying the intent behind the Damp January series. Contrary to misconceptions from previous episodes featuring his sober mother and a hangover researcher, the series is not exclusively about sobriety but rather about exploring diverse relationships with alcohol.

Luke Burbank [04:15]: "We intentionally named it Damp January to indicate that the goal of this series is not necessarily for me, Luke Burbank, to be sober by the end of it."

2. Gary Shteyngart’s Relationship with Alcohol

Gary Shteyngart opens up about his drinking habits, describing himself as a moderate drinker. He shares insights into how his consumption has evolved over the years and the measures he takes to balance alcohol intake with his health.

Gary Shteyngart [05:14]: "When I was younger, I drank quite a bit. I could drink five glasses a day of something and still function. But in my 50s, that's not gonna be."

He maintains a weekly limit of 10 to 14 drinks, carefully selecting beverages that align with his health considerations, such as preferring martinis for their lower sugar content.

Gary Shteyngart [06:37]: "I try to Drink alcohol, which doesn't have that much sugar, hence the martini is very good."

3. Early Beginnings: Discovering Alcohol

Gary recounts his introduction to alcohol during his high school years at Stuyvesant High School, painting a vivid picture of his formative experiences in drinking culture intertwined with academic pressures.

Gary Shteyngart [06:37]: "I started drinking in high school... We were the sort of counterculture to all of the academically minded people. They called us the hippies because we were also very high, but we also were sitting and drinking a lot."

4. Alcohol as a Social Lubricant

A significant portion of the discussion centers on alcohol's role in facilitating social interactions. Gary emphasizes how alcohol serves as a necessary tool for communication in a society he describes as heavily influenced by Protestant Puritanism, where drinking is integral to social bonding.

Gary Shteyngart [08:09]: "Alcohol is one of the few things that is, I think, necessary... it's very important to try to get us to communicate."

He contrasts the effectiveness of alcohol in fostering genuine connections versus the superficial interactions often seen in modern dating scenarios.

Gary Shteyngart [08:09]: "People go on Tinder dates, and it's just so sad. This algorithm matched them, and even the gift of alcohol can't really connect them because they're such disparate people."

5. The Martini: A Personal and Cultural Icon

The conversation delves into Gary's affinity for martinis, exploring both the personal rituals and the broader cultural significance of the drink. He describes the meticulous process of crafting a perfect martini and its symbolic representation of sophistication.

Gary Shteyngart [10:43]: "I think they remind... there's a ceremony to them, and I love to sit by the bar and see them do it."

Gary also reflects on how martinis feature prominently in his literary works, serving as a catalyst for character interactions and plot developments.

Gary Shteyngart [12:10]: "A lot of my characters have martinis in their hands... I needed to lubricate them in order for them to start having affairs with each other."

6. Balancing Creativity and Consumption

Despite his enthusiasm for drinking, Gary maintains a strict separation between alcohol and his writing process. He enjoys martinis as a reward at the end of his writing sessions rather than as a tool to aid creativity.

Gary Shteyngart [12:58]: "Never. Never. No. I find that to be ridiculous. I know the William Burrough school of writing meant you had to do a lot of heroin before you started typing, but who's got the time for that anymore?"

By rewarding himself with a martini post-writing, Gary preserves the integrity of his creative process while still indulging in his preferred beverage.

7. Guardrails and Self-Regulation

Gary discusses the personal rules he has established to moderate his drinking, such as limiting himself to three drinks per occasion and spacing them out. He acknowledges the challenges posed by his professional life, which often involves social settings that encourage increased consumption.

Gary Shteyngart [13:50]: "I try not to do more than three drinks if I'm drinking. Try to space it out nice and even usually."

He also highlights how practical considerations, like having to drive to bars, naturally impose limits on his drinking behavior.

8. Societal Shifts Towards Temperance

The episode touches on the broader societal movement towards sobriety, with Gary expressing surprise and skepticism about the rise of sober bars and decreased alcohol consumption among younger generations.

Gary Shteyngart [22:11]: "People go, young people, maybe they're very secure in their own selves and don't need a little help before they can loosen their tongues and say what?"

He questions whether this shift might lead to a loss of essential social dynamics that alcohol traditionally facilitated.

9. Alcohol’s Impact on Creativity and Interaction

Gary asserts that while alcohol may not directly enhance the writing process, it significantly aids in social creativity and the generation of authentic dialogue, which are crucial for his storytelling.

Gary Shteyngart [23:04]: "A lot of the dialogue of our country friends was dialogue I'd had with my own friends while they were imbibing."

10. Advice for Controlled Drinking

In addressing listeners who may struggle with alcohol moderation, Gary offers practical advice, such as keeping a diary to track consumption and its correlation with enjoyment and well-being.

Gary Shteyngart [26:18]: "You can keep a diary where you can list... the amount of drinks you've had that night or that you remember having versus... rate the amount of fun you had."

He emphasizes self-awareness and honesty in assessing the true impact of alcohol on one's life.

11. Final Thoughts and Reflections

As the conversation winds down, Gary shares his reflections on longevity and the quality of life, questioning the societal obsession with extending lifespan at the expense of enjoying life's pleasures.

Gary Shteyngart [30:19]: "Completely overrated. Because of the way the medical system has developed, they can keep us going for a long time, but we're just a collection of parts at that point."

He humorously concludes with a whimsical desire for a final martini, blending his personal love for the drink with his philosophical musings on life and mortality.

Gary Shteyngart [30:37]: "I hope that on my final day, somebody gives me a martini."

Conclusion

This episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank offers a multifaceted exploration of Gary Shteyngart’s relationship with alcohol, intertwining personal anecdotes with broader societal observations. Through their engaging dialogue, Gary provides a balanced perspective on moderation, the social functions of drinking, and the intricate dance between pleasure and health.

Luke Burbank [30:57]: "Go read all of his books. They are truly incredible."

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own relationships with alcohol, drawing inspiration from Gary's introspective and measured approach.

Notable Quotes:

• Gary Shteyngart [05:14]: "When I was younger, I drank quite a bit. I could drink five glasses a day of something and still function. But in my 50s, that's not gonna be."

• Gary Shteyngart [10:43]: "I think they remind... there's a ceremony to them, and I love to sit by the bar and see them do it."

• Gary Shteyngart [26:18]: "You can keep a diary where you can list... the amount of drinks you've had that night or that you remember having versus... rate the amount of fun you had."

• Gary Shteyngart [30:37]: "I hope that on my final day, somebody gives me a martini."

Live Wire with Luke Burbank continues to deliver thought-provoking discussions, blending humor, intellect, and personal narratives to engage listeners in meaningful conversations about contemporary issues and personal experiences.