Live Wire with Luke Burbank: Karen Russell, Sam Miller, and David Ramirez Release Date: June 20, 2025

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank, host Luke Burbank welcomes three captivating guests: Pulitzer Prize finalist Karen Russell, comedian Sam Miller, and soulful singer-songwriter David Ramirez. Set against the lively backdrop of the Alberta Rose Theater in Portland, Oregon, the episode promises a blend of insightful literary discussion, uproarious comedy, and moving musical performances.

Best News Segment

Luke kicks off the show with the beloved "Best News We Heard All Week," a segment dedicated to uplifting stories amidst challenging times.

Elena Passarello shares a heartwarming tale of Heather Schmidt Jerush and Dominic Jerush's memorable Chicago wedding, famously featuring Heather's father, Father Bob—who astonishingly turned out to be the newly elected Pope Robert Prevost. The surprise performance added a miraculous twist to their special day, leaving a lasting impression on all 75 guests.

Karen Russell reacts with surprise:

[05:05] Karen Russell: "Whoa."

Luke humorously laments his sudden need for glasses, tying it back to the story's charm:

[03:45] Luke Burbank: "It's remarkable how quickly I've gone from does not need glasses guy to needs glasses guy..."

This segment highlights the serendipitous joys that can brighten anyone’s week.

Interview with Karen Russell

Karen Russell, celebrated author of Swamplandia!, delves deep into her latest novel, The Antidote. The conversation explores the novel's intricate blend of historical fiction, magical realism, and poignant social commentary.

Setting and Themes: The Antidote is set in the 1930s Dust Bowl-era Uz, Nebraska, a fictional town grappling with apocalyptic dust storms and the Great Depression. Russell intertwines real historical events with fantastical elements, such as a witch who serves as the town's memory bank.

Key Discussions:

• Memory and History: Karen discusses the novel's exploration of memory collapse and its impact on community resilience.

  [02:27] Karen Russell: "It's really exploring the way that you can have a collapse of memory that forecloses a lot of possibilities."

• Character Development: Del, a feral orphan and basketball star, embodies the personal struggle amidst societal upheaval. Russell highlights Del's quest to find her place and cope with loss through sports.

  [17:31] Luke Burbank: "Can you tell us a little bit about Del?" [17:44] Karen Russell: "She's sort of in furious flight from her grief and she just is alive to play basketball."

• Incorporation of Real History: The novel includes authentic photographs from the New Deal era, reflecting the tension between state-sponsored propaganda and genuine documentary impulse.

  [19:23] Karen Russell: "It was like a violence sometimes... the holes punched in the photographs felt so violent."

• Social Commentary: Russell addresses the intertwined histories of indigenous displacement and subsequent settler struggles, emphasizing the novel's effort to present a more inclusive historical narrative.

  [22:15] Karen Russell: "Freedom has always meant freedom for some here... these stories are the real heart of this story project."

Notable Quotes:

• On the book’s ambition and fantastical elements:

  [11:10] Luke Burbank: "Russell may be writing about a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, but the scale here is large..."

• On personal reflections and societal issues:

  [22:57] Karen Russell: "It's the settler and I really related to him... shifting out of that kind of rhetoric of resignation and into Something powerful."

Listener Memories Segment

In a nostalgic segment inspired by Russell's focus on memory, Luke and Elena engage with the audience to share cherished memories.

Highlighted Memories:

• Gene's Experience: Swimming with turtles in Kauai evokes a sense of universal flow and presence.

  [27:17] Elena Passarello: "I felt like I was in the flow of the universe and I was where I needed to be."

• Michelle's Memory: Building a snow jump and daring to go over it on a toboggan, showcasing youthful courage and fun.

  [28:14] Michelle: "Building a jump in the snow and daring each other in our toboggans to go over the jump."

• Paige's Memory: Hiking in the Hoh Rainforest, capturing the serene beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

  [28:35] Paige: "Hiking in the Hoh rainforest... took a nap on a bed of moss."

• Steve's Memory: A whimsical recollection of being a golden retriever riding in a pickup truck.

  [29:58] Steve: "My parents made me ride to Canada in the back of a pickup truck from Texas."

This segment underscores the personal connections and diverse experiences of the audience, enhancing the show's communal feel.

Stand-Up Comedy with Sam Miller

Comedian Sam Miller takes the stage with his unique blend of humor rooted in personal experiences with addiction, recovery, and life’s absurdities.

Highlights:

• Tattoo Humor: Sam opens with a joke about his belly tattoo reading "let's dance," despite his aversion to dancing.

  [31:06] Sam Miller: "What does yours say? Cause mine says, let's dance."

• Jail Stories: He humorously recounts his time in jail, poking fun at the system and his interactions with guards.

  [32:10] Sam Miller: "I'm here. You know, Walk me in a circle and cut me loose."

• Family and Parenthood: Sam shares heartfelt humor about his role as a father, highlighting the transformative power of parenthood.

  [38:00] Sam Miller: "Childbirth is crazier than that... I love him. It broke me wide open."

Notable Quotes:

• On his transformation:

  [31:06] Sam Miller: "You think you're fighting one cop, by the time you get your shirt off, there's eight of them."

• On love and fatherhood:

  [38:00] Sam Miller: "I saw a thing that I love come out of a thing that I love. It's incredible."

Sam's performance is a testament to finding humor in personal growth and resilience.

Musical Performance by David Ramirez

David Ramirez, an acclaimed singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas, shares his latest work, blending soulful melodies with introspective lyrics.

Interview Highlights:

• Album Creation: David discusses the emotional journey behind his new album, All the Not So Gentle Reminders, created during a solitary retreat in Waverly, Alabama.

  [44:02] David Ramirez: "I was going through a pretty decent heartbreak... I just went out to this really Sweet cabin..."

• Healing Through Music: He reflects on overcoming creative blocks and reconnecting with his love for music, emphasizing the therapeutic aspects of his creative process.

  [45:45] Luke Burbank: "That was a healing process for you?"

• Inspiration: David credits his father’s love for music as a foundational influence, inspiring the deeply personal songs within his repertoire.

  [46:09] David Ramirez: "My new goal is for the jokes to dust ratio to shift in the direction of jokes."

Performance: "Music Man" David delivers a moving rendition of "Music Man," a song inspired by his father's influence and his own journey with music.

[47:03] David Ramirez:

"Back when it was all simple,
Back when I wasn't afraid,
Back when time was my best friend..."

His performance captures the essence of familial bonds and personal transformation, earning a heartfelt response from the audience.

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Attractions

Luke wraps up the episode by thanking guests Karen Russell, Sam Miller, and David Ramirez, and acknowledging the dedicated Live Wire team. He provides a sneak peek into next week's episode, featuring writer and poet Saeed Jones and bestselling novelist Sylvia Moreno Garcia, promising more enriching conversations and captivating performances.

Conclusion

This episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank masterfully balances literary depth, comedic relief, and musical artistry. Karen Russell's insightful discussion on The Antidote, Sam Miller's engaging humor, and David Ramirez's soulful melodies create a rich tapestry of content that resonates with a diverse audience. Whether you're a literature enthusiast, a comedy lover, or a music aficionado, this episode offers something delightful and thought-provoking for everyone.

Notable Quotes by Guests:

• Karen Russell:

  "Freedom has always meant freedom for some here... these stories are the real heart of this story project."
  [22:15]

• Sam Miller:

  "You think you're fighting one cop, by the time you get your shirt off, there's eight of them."
  [31:06]

• David Ramirez:

  "I saw a thing that I love come out of a thing that I love. It's incredible."
  [38:00]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the June 20, 2025, episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank, providing listeners with a detailed overview of the engaging discussions and performances that define the show.