Live Wire with Luke Burbank: Rebroadcast Episode Featuring Danez Smith, Rachel Khong, and Danelia Cotton

Release Date: May 30, 2025

Introduction

In this electrifying rebroadcast of Live Wire with Luke Burbank, host Luke Burbank engages with acclaimed writer Rachel Khong and renowned poet Danez Smith, alongside a captivating musical performance by Danelia Cotton. The episode delves deep into themes of family dynamics, cultural identity, the transformative power of poetry, and the enduring legacy of Black country music.

Segment 1: Best News of the Week

Before diving into the main discussions, Luke and co-host Elaina Passarello share heartwarming stories that highlight the unexpected heroes of the week.

• Beavers as Environmental Engineers ([02:51])
  Elaina narrates a remarkable tale from the Birdie Nature Park in Bohemia, Czech Republic, where a group of Eurasian beavers successfully completed a million-dollar water restoration project for free. "They make the water deeper, which is good for them. It helps them evade predators, helps them create cold storage for their beaver lodges. And that in turn welcomes a ton of different species." The project not only enhanced the ecosystem but also demonstrated the incredible natural engineering skills of beavers.

• Heroic Rescue in Westfield, Indiana ([05:03])
  David Fisher, a Guinness World Record-holding jump rope expert, becomes an unexpected hero when he saves a teenager and his dog from a frozen river. Using his expertise, David innovatively employs jump ropes to secure and pull the teenager to safety. "He throws one of his double Dutch jump ropes to the kid who is able to grab onto it." Both David and his son Felix were honored with the Life Saving Citizen Award for their bravery.

Segment 2: Conversation with Rachel Khong on Real Americans

Rachel Khong, celebrated for her debut novel Goodbye Vitamin, joins the show to discuss her latest work, Real Americans. The novel has been lauded by the New York Times as one of the most anticipated books of the year.

• Overview of Real Americans ([08:46] - [10:03])
  Rachel outlines the novel's structure, which is divided into three sections, each narrated by a different member of a Chinese American family: Lily, her son Nick, and her mother Mei. "This book features, I guess, three members of the same Chinese American family... about where their stories intersect, the betrayals, the secrets that happen between these characters."

• Themes of Luck and Cultural Expectations ([10:03] - [12:30])
  The conversation explores the motif of luck within the family dynamic, particularly through Mei's scientific attempts to "engineer" luck by cultivating four-leaf clovers. Rachel reflects on her own upbringing, highlighting the pressures of parental expectations in immigrant families. "When I was growing up, my parents always said to me, we sacrificed so much for you to be here... I felt this responsibility to be healthier, happier, taller." This introspection underscores the generational and cultural tensions that permeate the novel.

• Research and Writing Process ([14:45] - [17:30])
  Rachel delves into the extensive research undertaken for the novel, which spans various geographies and historical periods, including Mao's China and contemporary America. She shares insights on integrating historical oral histories and her experiences visiting Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to enrich the narrative. "I was really interested in the stories China tells about itself, but also the stories that America tells about itself and the stories that really shape all of our lives as Americans."

• Parenting and Understanding Across Generations ([18:05] - [20:20])
  The dialogue shifts to the universal struggle of parents trying to comprehend their children amid cultural and generational divides. Rachel emphasizes the importance of humility and the recognition that parents cannot fully understand their children's experiences. "...a parent can't know everything about their child, that a government can't know everything for its citizens..."

Segment 3: Listener Questions

Luke engages with listeners by posing the question, "What's something you do as an adult that would shock your younger self?" Responses include humorous and relatable answers about taking naps, dusting effectively, and unexpected expenditures, adding a lighthearted break between intense conversations.

Segment 4: Conversation with Danez Smith on Bluff

Danez Smith returns to discuss their latest poetry collection, Bluff, which the New York Times describes as a work that "nurses the tension between art and action and exhorts readers to acknowledge injustice while appreciating the chaotic nature of human existence."

• Purpose and Impact of Poetry ([26:09] - [29:01])
  Danez articulates the role of poetry as a vehicle for transformation and expressing complex human emotions. "Poems are little vehicles of transformation and humanness." They explore how poetry can both reflect and influence societal issues, emphasizing humility and the limitations of art in enacting change.

• Themes of Humility and Knowledge ([20:31] - [21:25])
  Reflecting on the broader implications of their work, Danez discusses how the book advocates for humility in understanding others and recognizing the limits of one's knowledge. "There's so many limits to what we can know... we are at this moment in history where we kind of think we can know everything."

• Personal and Collective Histories ([36:38] - [38:25])
  The conversation touches on the intersection of personal narratives with broader cultural histories, particularly regarding Black identity and joy. Rachel shares personal anecdotes about reconciling family relationships through poetry, highlighting the power of art to bridge generational and cultural gaps. "I love my husband. Do you ever write a poem when you get in a fight with him?" Her poem readings underscore the emotional depth and societal relevance of her work.

Segment 5: Musical Performance by Danelia Cotton

Danelia Cotton takes center stage to perform her original song "Bring Out the Country Me," a heartfelt tribute to Charley Pride, the first Black American inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Cotton discusses the personal significance of Pride's legacy and her grandfather's secret admiration for country music, which inspired her to honor this trailblazer through her music.

• Discussion on Black Country Music Legacy ([43:35] - [46:33])
  Danelia shares her family's history and the challenges faced by Black artists in predominantly white genres. "...Charley Pride didn't think, oh, this is a white genre. I just like this genre." She emphasizes the importance of respecting and honoring the roots of country music while infusing her unique indie rock style.

• Performance: "Bring Out the Country Me" ([47:25] - [51:31])
  Danelia delivers a powerful performance of her song, blending traditional country elements with modern indie sounds. The lyrics poignantly express the struggle and pride of maintaining one's cultural identity amidst changing environments.
  Excerpt from "Bring Out the Country Me":
  "Everything's new fast right now
  I will trade concrete for blue grass
  ...
  Country girl is all I'll ever be"
  The performance is met with enthusiastic applause, highlighting the emotional resonance and cultural significance of her tribute.

Conclusion

This episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank masterfully intertwines profound literary and poetic discussions with inspiring musical performances. Rachel Khong and Danez Smith offer deep insights into their respective works, exploring themes of family, cultural identity, and the transformative power of art. Danelia Cotton's homage to Charley Pride adds a rich musical layer, celebrating the enduring legacy of Black artists in country music. Together, the guests provide a multifaceted exploration of contemporary issues and personal narratives, making this episode a must-listen for enthusiasts of literature, poetry, and music.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Khong ([01:45]): "I think poems are little vehicles of transformation and humanness. And what do we want out of an argument besides transformation?"

• Danez Smith ([20:31]): "There are so many limits to what we can know. And I think that as people, we're at this moment in history where we kind of think we can know everything."

• Danelia Cotton ([44:38]): "Charley Pride didn't think, oh, this is a white genre. I just like this genre."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the key discussions, insights, and performances featured on Live Wire with Luke Burbank.