Live Wire with Luke Burbank: Open Book Episode Featuring Sam Sanders

Podcast Information:

• Title: Live Wire with Luke Burbank
• Host/Author: PRX
• Episode: Open Book: Sam Sanders
• Release Date: July 23, 2025
• Description: Live Wire is a radio show akin to late-night television, hosted by Luke Burbank. It features an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, comedians, and cultural observers, blending diverse perspectives and engaging discussions.

Introduction

In the July 23, 2025 episode of "Live Wire with Luke Burbank," host Elena Passarello engages in an insightful conversation with Sam Sanders. Known for his dynamic presence on NPR Politics, his own "Sam Sanders Show," and other prominent podcasts like "Vibe Check," Sam brings a wealth of experience in cultural journalism and media critique to the table. This episode, titled "Open Book: Sam Sanders," delves into Sanders' reading habits, his perspectives on book adaptations, his controversial takes on nonfiction writing, and his aspirations to author a memoir.

Guest Background

Sam Sanders is a multi-faceted media personality whose work spans various platforms, including NPR, political commentary, and cultural analysis. His contributions to esteemed publications like New York Magazine, Politico Magazine, and The Washington Post underscore his expertise in blending journalistic integrity with engaging storytelling. Known for his "hot takes," Sam provides sharp and often provocative insights into contemporary culture.

Key Discussion Points

1. Transition to Personal Reading (00:34 – 03:31)

Sam opens up about his shift from reading primarily for professional purposes to indulging in books for personal pleasure. He reflects:

"I purposely stepped back from doing as many book interviews maybe two or three years ago because I wanted to savor them all and I wanted my reading to feel more just me doing it for me." ([02:44])

This transition marks a significant change in how he interacts with literature, prioritizing personal enjoyment over work-related reading assignments.

2. Review of "Food Person" by Adam Roberts (03:32 – 06:10)

Elena introduces "Food Person," a novel by food writer Adam Roberts, which Sam recently read. Sam describes the book as:

"So fun … you are invested and you're kind of just like lol ing the entire time." ([04:06])

Synopsis: "Food Person" follows an awkward, aspiring food writer who grapples with the challenge of becoming a notable figure in an era that demands on-camera charisma. The protagonist seizes an opportunity to ghostwrite a cookbook for a struggling celebrity, leading to a series of humorous and enlightening events.

Sam's personal anecdote about losing the physical copy during a layover but continuing to engage with the content via Kindle highlights his deep appreciation for the story and its impact:

"I zoomed through it like within two or three days of vacation." ([05:17])

3. Reading Habits During Vacations (06:10 – 07:57)

Elena probes into Sam's preferred reading environments when traveling. Sam shares his fondness for physical books over digital formats:

"I'm always partial to a physical book. I love the way it feels on my hands." ([07:30])

He enjoys reading on planes, especially when avoiding in-flight Wi-Fi, and seeks serene locations near water to immerse himself in his books. Additionally, integrating reading into his nightly routine helps him wind down before sleep:

"Part of my just like nighttime wind down routine is trying to read in bed as I fall asleep." ([06:46])

4. Physical Books vs. Kindles (07:57 – 08:19)

The conversation touches on the tactile satisfaction of physical books compared to electronic readers. Sam emphasizes the aesthetic and sensory pleasures of holding a book, which he finds irreplaceable despite the convenience of digital formats:

"I love being able to show someone look at this book." ([07:30])

5. Favorite Book Adaptations (14:07 – 16:32)

Elena and Sam discuss successful adaptations of books into films and television. Sam highlights the stellar adaptation of Percival Everett's Erasure, which won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay:

"He gives you more of that than the book does because he's smart … both are beautiful." ([15:16])

He appreciates how director Cord Jefferson retooled the narrative to better fit the cinematic medium, adding elements that resonate emotionally with audiences without diluting the story's depth.

6. Controversial Book Opinions (17:50 – 21:03)

Sam shares a provocative stance on the state of nonfiction writing:

"When it comes to written works, particularly for nonfiction writing, I believe most nonfiction books should actually just be a long form magazine article. Most long form nonfiction magazine articles should just be a series of tweets. And most tweets should never exist." ([18:23])

This statement underscores his critique of the diminishing depth and increasing fragmentation in modern writing formats, suggesting a hierarchical devaluation from books to shorter digital expressions.

7. Aspiration to Write a Book (21:03 – 26:20)

In a candid revelation, Sam discusses his plans to author a memoir. He intertwines his personal journey with cultural reflections, aiming to present a nuanced coming-out story that diverges from typical narratives filled with antagonists:

"I want to tell that story because I think it's just not a rebuke, but a differentiation from the normal coming out plot line." ([23:12])

Themes in His Memoir:

• Upbringing: Growing up in a socially conservative black Pentecostal church as a visibly queer individual.
• Cultural Impact: Exploring how pop culture influenced his identity and provided avenues for self-expression.
• Personal Anecdotes: Stories like attempting to watch Brokeback Mountain with his mother as a strategic move to facilitate his coming out.

Sam expresses both excitement and apprehension about the writing process, especially the upcoming intensive writer's workshop at UCLA Extension School:

"I'm scared to death." ([22:47])

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with mutual enthusiasm about Sam's upcoming book project and a heartfelt exchange of book recommendations. Sam's integrity and passion for both reading and storytelling shine throughout the conversation, offering listeners a deep dive into the interplay between literature, personal identity, and cultural commentary.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Reading for Personal Enjoyment:

  "I've been doing more just reading for Sam." ([02:21])

• On "Food Person":

  "Food Person is all about this awkward struggling food writer … hilarity ensues." ([04:06])

• Preference for Physical Books:

  "I love the way it feels on my hands." ([07:30])

• On Erasure Adaptation:

  "He gives you more of that than the book does because he's smart." ([15:16])

• Controversial Opinion on Nonfiction:

  "Most tweets should never exist." ([18:23])

• Aspirations to Write a Memoir:

  "I want to tell that story because I think it's just not a rebuke, but a differentiation from the normal coming out plot line." ([23:12])

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Open Book" offers a rich and engaging exploration of Sam Sanders' relationship with literature, his critical perspectives on media adaptations, and his personal journey towards writing a memoir. Through candid conversations and insightful reflections, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Sanders' multifaceted approach to culture and storytelling. Whether you're a fan of his podcasting work or new to his voice, this episode provides valuable insights into the mind of a modern cultural commentator.