Live Wire with Luke Burbank

Episode: Kathryn Schulz, Keenan Lowe, and John Craigie (REBROADCAST)
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Host: Luke Burbank
Description: Live Wire with Luke Burbank is a vibrant radio show blending conversations with an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, comedians, and cultural observers.

1. Welcome and Overview

Luke Burbank opens the episode by introducing the theme of "losing and finding" and briefly outlines the guests:

• Kathryn Schulz, a New Yorker writer discussing her memoir Lost and Found.
• Keenan Lowe, a former college football star turned high school coach, sharing his life-altering experience.
• John Craigie, a musician known for his humorous and heartfelt folk music.

2. Kathryn Schulz on Lost and Found

Kathryn Schulz delves into her memoir, which intertwines the profound loss of her father with the serendipitous discovery of her wife, exploring themes of grief and joy.

• Exploration of Grief and Joy:

  • Kathryn Schulz (00:02): "This week on the show, we are talking about losing, but also about finding things..."
  • Kathryn Schulz (10:01): "For me, there's something useful about knowing that we're going to lose everything... it reminds us how precious it is."

• The Power of the Word "Lost":

  • Kathryn Schulz (11:11): "Originally, the very earliest use of loss... was related to being separated from someone you love or being bereft in a sense."

• Personal Anecdotes:

  • Kathryn Schulz (15:44) discusses her father's background, highlighting his multilingual prowess and absent-minded genius, which shaped her understanding of loss and memory.

• Finding Love Amidst Loss:

  • Kathryn Schulz (24:37): "We cannot ward off all loss... but the fact that we're going to lose everything reminds us to cherish it while we have it."

3. Flaco the Owl: A Story of Resilience

Following Schulz's segment, Luke shares an inspiring story about Flaco, a Eurasian eagle owl from Central Park Zoo who overcame captivity and adapted to the wild.

• Flaco’s Journey:

  • Luke Burbank (06:23): "Flacco has figured out how to hunt and keep feeding himself... they're going to leave Flaco alone."

• Impact on Central Park:

  • Keenan Lowe (08:35): "Flaco thriving in Central Park is the best news that I heard this week."

4. Listener Stories: The Coolest Things Found

The show engages listeners by sharing their responses to the question, "What's the coolest thing you've ever found?"

• Tina’s Returned Sweater:

  • Tina (27:02): Found a sweater she had given away years ago, identical in style and wear.

• Eric’s Charms Bracelet:

  • Eric (27:28): Discovered a charm bracelet from a great aunt's adventurous past with the circus.

• Angela’s $20 Discovery:

  • Angela (28:14): Found $20 in a park at night, which provided crucial help during a tough time.

• Heather’s Free Bikes:

  • Heather (29:03): Came across two free, practically new bikes perfectly sized for her daughters.

5. Keenan Lowe on Hometown Victory

Keenan Lowe shares his journey from an NFL career to coaching a struggling high school football team, culminating in a heroic act that saved a student’s life.

• Transition to Coaching:

  • Keenan Lowe (30:35): "I was fresh out of college... then I lost my best friend to an opioid overdose, which led me back home."

• Turning Around the Team:

  • Keenan Lowe (33:21): Emphasizes trust and mentorship as keys to transforming his high school team, leading them to their first playoff win in two seasons.

• Heroic Act at Parkrose High:

  • Keenan Lowe (35:46): Describes the tense moment when he confronts a student pulling a shotgun, ultimately disarming him and providing a hug, an act that went viral and saved a life.

  • Keenan Lowe (37:10): "In losing my best friend and him losing his life, I ended up saving a young man's life inside of school by following my heart."

• Impact and Reflection:

  • Keenan Lowe (40:23): Reflects on the defining moments of his life and the importance of kindness, expressing gratitude for being able to make a positive impact.

6. Musical Interlude: John Craigie

John Craigie, the show's musical guest, performs his song "Laura Youe Old Mia J." while sharing anecdotes about performing on live radio and navigating censorship of explicit lyrics.

• Musical Performance Highlights:

  • John Craigie (49:56) delivers a blend of humor and serious folk in his performance, showcasing his lyrical prowess and musicality.

• Behind-the-Scenes Insights:

  • John Craigie (46:14): Discusses his growth as a musician and the challenges of balancing storytelling with musicality.

7. Conclusion and Credits

Luke wraps up the episode by thanking guests Kathryn Schulz, Keenan Lowe, and John Craigie, and acknowledging supporters and sponsors. He provides a preview of the next week's show featuring writer Gabe Henry and Samoan poet William Nuteupu Giles, along with a musical performance by Sir Woman.

Notable Quotes

• Kathryn Schulz (10:01): "For me, there's something useful about knowing that we're going to lose everything... it reminds us how precious it is."
• Keenan Lowe (37:10): "In losing my best friend and him losing his life, I ended up saving a young man's life inside of school by following my heart."
• John Craigie (46:14): "I'm still learning a lot with music, so I like those kind of compliments because I feel that way with each album."

Key Takeaways

• Interconnectedness of Loss and Love: Kathryn Schulz's memoir illustrates how personal tragedies can coexist with profound personal discoveries, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.
• The Power of Trust and Mentorship: Keenan Lowe's transformation of a struggling high school team underscores the importance of building trust and providing genuine support to foster growth and success.
• Acts of Heroism and Kindness: Both Schulz and Lowe’s stories emphasize how moments of vulnerability can lead to significant positive outcomes when approached with empathy and courage.
• Musical Storytelling: John Craigie exemplifies how music can be a powerful medium for storytelling, blending humor and depth to connect with audiences.

This episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank masterfully weaves together personal narratives, inspiring stories of heroism, and engaging musical performances, offering listeners a rich tapestry of emotions and insights. Whether exploring the depths of grief and love or witnessing acts of bravery and kindness, the show provides meaningful content that resonates with a diverse audience.