Live Wire with Luke Burbank: Gabe Henry, William Nuʻutupu Giles, and Sir Woman Release Date: July 18, 2025

Introduction: Exploring the Simplified Spelling Movement

In this episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank, host Luke Burbank delves into the intriguing world of the simplified spelling movement. The discussion centers around Gabe Henry’s book, Enough Is Enough: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell, which chronicles the 500-year history of efforts to reform English spelling. Henry explores the motivations behind these attempts and the challenges they have faced over the centuries.

Notable Quote:

“We are living through an uncertain time and it's clearer than ever that books have power.”
— Gabe Henry (01:00)

Heartwarming Dog News: Sienna’s Heroic Act

The show opens with a touching story about a Labrador mix named Sienna, who became a hero at a pet adoption event in Rustburg, Virginia. Sienna sensed her owner Josh Davis’s impending epileptic seizure, alerting him before his wife noticed his symptoms. Despite the initial plan not to adopt another dog due to an already full household, Sienna found a loving home with a family that also has an epileptic son.

Notable Quote:

“In just over 100 years of the arrival of the west, nearly 90% of the native Hawaiian population was dead and their language was banned.”
— William Nuʻutupu Giles (28:03)

Romantic Tale: Destiny Found in a Drifted Bottle

Luke shares a romantic anecdote about Kate and John Gay, whose relationship was serendipitously sparked by a message found in a bottle on a beach in Ireland. The message, written by Brad and Anita 13 years earlier, served as a catalyst for their enduring marriage and the creation of a conservation group dedicated to preserving the Maharaez Peninsula.

Notable Quote:

“You would think that the chances are pretty slim that the two people who were downing the wine and having public sex would be able to piece that together for a happy and functional marital life together.”
— Luke Burbank (07:54)

Deep Dive with Gabe Henry: The Quest to Simplify English Spelling

Gabe Henry discusses his transition from a "grammar nerd" to a more accepting writer through his research on the simplified spelling movement. He highlights the complexity of English spelling, attributing its irregularities to the amalgamation of various languages over centuries. Henry also touches on historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Noah Webster, who spearheaded attempts to simplify English spelling, often facing ridicule and indifference.

Notable Quotes:

“English is the only language where we have spelling bees. And that tells you something.”
— Gabe Henry (11:14)

“We have twice the rate of dyslexia.”
— Gabe Henry (24:32)

Reverse Spelling Bee: Kid’s Adorable Spelling Attempts

A delightful segment features six-year-old Poppy attempting to spell complex words. Gabe Henry impressively deciphers her phonetic spellings, showcasing the natural inclination of children towards intuitive spelling. This segment underscores the potential inherent in simplifying English spelling for better literacy.

Notable Quote:

“There's a real phonetic logic to all of this.”
— Gabe Henry (28:03)

Poetic Insights with William Nuʻutupu Giles

National poetry slam champion William Nuʻutupu Giles shares his journey from keeping private diaries to becoming a prominent voice in the spoken word community. Growing up in Honolulu, Giles found solace and expression through poetry, culminating in powerful performances that reflect on indigenous identity and the legacy of colonization.

Notable Quote:

“Imagine the entire knowledge of the world ended with what you could remember.”
— William Nuʻutupu Giles (38:38)

Featured Poem Excerpt:

“Yet, as a historian, while I retell the tales of my ancestors using a colonizer's English, I am unsure if the act is one of resistance or oppression...”
— William Nuʻutupu Giles (38:38)

Musical Performance: Sir Woman’s Soulful Fusion

Austin-based soul funk band Sir Woman captivates the audience with their unique blend of soul, funk, and R&B. Their performance highlights their creative process and the story behind their evocative name, reflecting the band's dynamic energy and innovative sound.

Notable Quote:

“If it works out, great. If it doesn't, even better.”
— Gabe Henry (49:06)

Highlighted Song: "High Praise"

Sir Woman delivers an engaging rendition of "High Praise," showcasing their melodic prowess and lyrical depth.

Audience Interaction: Common Spelling Challenges

The episode invites listeners to share words they find difficult to spell, highlighting common struggles like "restaurant," "separate," and "Worcestershire." This segment emphasizes the widespread frustration with English spelling complexities and resonates with Henry’s advocacy for spelling reform.

Notable Quote:

“If you ask a 4 year old to sound out enough, they would probably spell it E, N, U, F.”
— Gabe Henry (24:32)

Conclusion and Next Week’s Preview

Luke wraps up the episode by thanking the guests and supporters, while previewing next week’s topics, including discussions on joy with Ross Gay and insights from Michelin-starred chef Lane Regan. The episode concludes with a performance by Sir Woman, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating future shows.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank offers a rich exploration of language, creativity, and human connection. Through engaging conversations, heartfelt stories, and vibrant performances, the show provides listeners with valuable insights and inspiring narratives.

Additional Information:

• Book Mentioned: Enough Is Enough: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell by Gabe Henry
• Performance Highlight: William Nuʻutupu Giles’ poem and Sir Woman’s song "High Praise"

For more episodes and detailed discussions, visit Livewire Radio.