Live Wire with Luke Burbank

Episode: Laura Chinn, Mohanad Elshieky, and Jenny Conlee (REBROADCAST)
Original Air Date: June 2023 | Rebroadcast: October 17, 2025

Episode Overview

In this eclectic, engaging episode, Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello welcome writer and director Laura Chinn, stand-up comedian Mohanad Elshieky, and musician Jenny Conley. The show explores themes of identity, humor as a coping mechanism, self-acceptance, and the intersection of personal pain and creativity. Each guest brings a unique perspective to the table, from Chinn's reflections on her mixed-race upbringing and experiences with Scientology, to Elshieky's hilarious travel misadventures, to Conley’s musical inspirations with the accordion.

Key Segments and Discussions

1. Good News of the Week

Time: 05:05 – 10:15

• Elena shares a heartwarming story about fourth graders in Mississippi who successfully campaigned to have the blueberry declared the official state fruit. The effort included physics lessons, persuasive writing, and a visit with lawmakers.
  • “The new official state fruit of Mississippi is the blueberry, thanks to these adorable kids…” (06:58)
• Luke recounts the incredible journey of Kirsten Neuschafer, a South African sailor who not only rescued a fellow competitor during the Golden Globe Race but also went on to win the race herself.
  • “She pulls into the same town in France that she had left from some eight months earlier… because she's won, and she had no idea she won the race around the world.” (10:13)

2. Guest Interview: Laura Chinn

Time: 11:43 – 28:44

Main Points:

• On the Memoir "Acne":

  • Laura’s debut memoir explores her upbringing in Florida, life in the Church of Scientology, struggles with severe acne, mixed-race identity, and her brother’s illness—blending humor and heartbreak.
  • “It's just take us on a journey. Every chapter surprised me. It was so funny and so heartfelt.” - Luke (11:53)

• Growing up Mixed-Race and Scientology in Florida:

  • Laura discusses not realizing she was mixed-race until exposure to a less diverse environment and that her parents hadn’t discussed race identity with her. (12:39 – 13:48)
  • Remembers her mother’s “fantasy” depiction of Florida contrasted with the difficult real-life situation—poverty, heat, and a condemned house.
  • “We showed up at a house that was condemned… there was no kitchen… It was tricky. I definitely felt like I had been conned.” - Laura (14:06)

• On Humor and Trauma:

  • Addresses whether trauma breeds comedians: "I think it's a coping mechanism… I've never met anyone who was extremely funny and had like a great life and great parents and a great dad. I've never seen that." (16:54)

• Struggles with Acne:

  • Central to her teenage and adult identity—describes obsessive focus and social isolation caused by severe skin issues.
  • “It takes over your whole everything... You think other people are having a bad day because you have acne, which is insane.” - Laura (18:41)

• Family Tragedy and Humor:

  • Recounts caring for her terminally ill brother, balancing dark realities with compassion and humor.
  • “We can either try to explain to him… that he's dying and going into hospice... or we could just say, 'Yeah, you're in Freedom Village.'” - Laura (20:39)

• Writing the Memoir:

  • Found the process cathartic, helped with self-acceptance. She acknowledges not covering her darkest experiences yet (“saving for my next book”).
  • “The more vulnerable you are, the more you show your flaws, the more you're open... and those that helps with self-love.” - Laura (27:07)

• On 'Woo Woo' Healing vs. Skepticism:

  • Initially skeptical of new-age treatments, but admits some have helped her manage anger and physical symptoms.
  • “I go into everything very skeptical and then I'm usually wrong… and then the woman puts crystals all over me and I'm like, 'Oh my God, I've never felt better.'” - Laura (25:41)

Memorable Quotes

• On Comedy and Trauma:
  • "I've never met anyone who was, like, extremely funny and had a great life and like great parents and a great dad. I’ve never seen that." – Laura Chinn (16:54)
• On Self-Acceptance:
  • “The more vulnerable you are, the more you show your flaws, the more you're open... and those that helps with self-love.” – Laura (27:07)

3. Listener Question: Teenage Obsessions

Time: 30:06 – 32:18

• The Question: “What’s something that took up a ton of brain space for you as a teen, but you no longer think about?”

  • Highlights:
    • Quick-sand survival techniques.
    • Backing around a corner for driver's test.
    • “Promposals” and the pressure of being asked to prom in creative ways.

• Funny Personal Stories from Luke and Elena:

  • Elena’s description of being asked across the cafeteria with a “shrug emoji” (31:53)
  • Luke’s prom story: “I know you’re gonna say no, but would you go to prom with me?” (32:06)

4. Stand-Up: Mohanad Elshieky

Time: 32:52 – 42:49

• Hilarious takes on:
  • Unusual Uber rides (“Honestly, I would have rather if you said something racist… Are you into NFTs and crypto?”) (04:02, 32:52)
  • Airport security, TSA and the perils of joke notebooks (“The notebook was new, it was empty, and all it had was, 'I'm sure ISIS is doing just fine.' And I don't know how to explain that to Homeland Security...”) (34:04)
  • The perils of small talk and playing his own standup in an Uber by accident (“…I got into this man's car…the stranger's car, and I played my own music for 20 minutes. And then after each song that I played, I said, What a great song, man...”)(41:27)

Notable Quote

• On NFT/Crypto Conversation:
  • "Honestly, I would have rather if you said something racist. Like, this is the worst thing anyone has said to me." – Mohanad Elshieky (04:02, 32:52)

5. Interview & Performance: Jenny Conley

Time: 46:56 – 49:30

• Accordion Origins:

  • Started playing accordion around 1999-2000 out of necessity for touring; picked it up to join jam sessions.
  • “I wanted to have a portable instrument because we were on the road… Ever since, I’ve been addicted.” – Jenny (47:04)

• Playing with Decemberists:

  • Was brought into the band for her accordion, even before proficiency—Colin Meloy’s interest in its sound fostered her style.
  • Discusses the challenge of learning (“It feels like you're playing three instruments…” – 48:09).

• Musical Selection and Creative Process:

  • Plays “Hawk” using the Dorian mode, inspired by a residency at the Sou’Wester and imagining a hawk on the hunt.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Memorable Moment | |-----------|----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 06:58 | Elena | “The new official state fruit of Mississippi is the blueberry, thanks to these adorable kids…” | | 10:13 | Luke | “She pulls into the same town in France that she had left from… because she's won, and she had no idea she won the race…” | | 16:54 | Laura Chinn | “I’ve never met anyone who was extremely funny and had a great life and like great parents and like a great dad. I’ve never seen that.” | | 18:41 | Laura Chinn | “It takes over your whole everything... You think other people are having a bad day because you have acne, which is insane.” | | 20:39 | Laura Chinn | “We can either try to explain to him… that he's dying… or we could just say, 'Yeah, you're in Freedom Village.'” | | 27:07 | Laura Chinn | “The more vulnerable you are, the more you show your flaws, the more you're open... and those that helps with self-love.” | | 32:52 | Mohanad | “Are you into NFTs and crypto?... I would have rather if you said something racist.” (recounts an uncomfortable Uber ride) | | 41:27 | Mohanad | “I played my own music for 20 minutes... and then I played my own stand up... The voices are matching. It is definitely me…” | | 47:04 | Jenny Conley | “I wanted to have a portable instrument… Ever since, I’ve been addicted [to accordion].” | | 48:09 | Jenny Conley | “I feel like you're playing three instruments… piano, chord organ, and a bagpipe.” |

Episode Tone & Takeaway

This episode showcases Live Wire’s signature blend of wry humor, heartfelt storytelling, and creative energy. Laura Chinn’s candid revelations about family, illness, and vulnerability are balanced with her acerbic comedic timing; Mohanad Elshieky brings levity and sharp observational wit to modern life’s awkward situations; and Jenny Conley illustrates the creative process behind experimental music. The episode is tinged with empathy, irreverence, and celebration of personal quirks—engaging for listeners dealing with their own struggles, looking for laughs, or just seeking a sense of connection.

For Further Listening/Info

• Laura Chinn’s memoir “Acne” – Available now.
• Mohanad Elshieky – On Instagram, podcast "Reply Guys".
• Jenny Conley’s album "Pieces for Accordion and Piano" – Out now.

For a full experience, listen to the episode via the Live Wire podcast feed.