Live Wire with Luke Burbank – Episode Featuring Rachel Khong, Danez Smith, and Danelia Cotton

Release Date: February 14, 2025

Overview

In this captivating episode of "Live Wire with Luke Burbank," host Luke Burbank engages with a trio of remarkable guests: acclaimed writer Rachel Khong, celebrated poet Danez Smith, and the talented singer-songwriter Danelia Cotton. The conversation weaves through themes of literature, poetry, music, cultural identity, and personal growth, offering listeners a rich tapestry of insights and heartfelt discussions.

1. Best News of the Week

Danez Smith kicks off the episode with a heartwarming story:

• [03:09] Danez Smith: "They did a million-dollar water restoration for free. Do you want to know who they were?"

Smith recounts how eight Eurasian beavers restored water areas in the Birdie Nature Park in the Czech Republic, initially stalling due to permit issues. These industrious beavers, known as the "engineers of the animal kingdom," not only completed the restoration but also enhanced the ecosystem by slowing water movement, deepening habitats, and promoting biodiversity.

Luke Burbank adds another inspiring tale:

• [05:26] Luke Burbank: "David Fisher, a Guinness World Record-holding jump rope expert, saved a teenager from a frozen river using his unique skills."

Fisher's quick thinking and expertise with jump ropes enabled him to rescue a stranded teenager, earning both him and his son Felix the Life Saving Citizen Award from Westfield, Indiana.

2. Interview with Rachel Khong: "Real Americans"

Rachel Khong joins the conversation to discuss her highly anticipated novel, Real Americans, recognized by the New York Times as one of the year's most awaited books.

Characters and Structure:

• [09:31] Rachel Khong: "This book features three members of the same Chinese American family, presented out of order. We start with Lily in 1999-2000, followed by her son Nick on a remote Washington island, and finally, Mei, Lily's mother who fled Mao's China."

The novel navigates complex family dynamics, secrets, and the intersections of different generations and cultures.

Themes of Luck and Expectations:

• [10:25] Khong: "I think poems are little vehicles of transformation and humanness. And what do we want out of an argument besides transformation?"

The discussion delves into the pressure of parental expectations within immigrant families, as Khong reflects on her own upbringing:

• [11:09] Khong: "When I was growing up, my parents always said to me, we sacrificed so much for you to be here. I felt the responsibility to be healthier, happier, taller, and I didn't."

Research and Inspiration:

• [15:22] Khong: "I wrote a lot of this book during the pandemic, wanting to be in other places and times. Research happened alongside writing, including visiting Long Island's Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory."

She emphasizes the importance of understanding historical contexts and personal narratives within broader societal frameworks.

Parental Understanding and Humility:

• [20:36] Khong: "The book is very much about the struggle for anyone in a family to understand each other. Parents try their best, but it's not necessarily what the child needs."

Khong advocates for humility, acknowledging the limits of what parents and individuals can truly understand about one another.

3. Interview with Danez Smith: "Bluff"

Danez Smith discusses their latest poetry collection, Bluff, which explores the tension between art and action amidst societal injustices.

Purpose of Poetry:

• [27:08] Smith: "What is the purpose of art? Poetry can't be enough. It is one tool to put energy into people so that we can do something about this world."

Smith emphasizes that while poetry alone cannot solve issues, it plays a crucial role in inspiring and mobilizing change.

Featured Poems:

1. Anti Poetica:

   • [30:35] Smith: “There is no poem greater than feeding someone. There is no poem wiser than kindness... Poems only live south of south.”

   This poem sets the tone by outlining what poetry strives to achieve beyond traditional forms.

2. Ars Poetica:

   • [39:12] Smith: “Here in these lines, in these rooms, I add my blues and my gospels to the record of now. I offer my scratch gold to the blueprint of possible... which means there is still poetry.”

   Serving as a counterpart to Anti Poetica, this poem reinforces poetry's enduring presence and potential for change.

Intersection of Personal and Collective History:

• [37:24] Smith: "There's a thin line between telling your personal story and the history of your people. Sometimes, sharing one means sharing the other."

Smith reflects on the challenges of representing both individual and collective experiences without overshadowing either.

Engagement with Critics and Supporters:

• [35:11] Smith: "I don't have to worry about who's looking at it. It's art. I need to ensure that my beloved audience feels the power in the work."

Highlighting the importance of prioritizing the intended audience's reception over external interpretations.

4. Interview with Danelia Cotton: "Charlie's Pride"

Danelia Cotton presents her latest EP, Charlie's Pride, a tribute to Charley Pride, the first Black American inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Inspiration and Heritage:

• [43:43] Cotton: "When I moved to the city, I couldn't not be me... authentically Danelia no matter where I am."

Drawing from her upbringing in Hopewell, New Jersey, Cotton blends traditional country influences with her unique indie rock style to honor pioneers like Charley Pride.

Respecting Genre Roots:

• [45:32] Cotton: "If you go into a genre, you have to tip your hat somewhat to what it is. You can't recreate it without respect."

Cotton emphasizes the importance of honoring the foundational elements of country music while infusing it with personal flair.

Live Performance: "Bring Out the Country and Me"

Cotton performs her original song, "Bring Out the Country and Me," which encapsulates her journey and the melding of her cultural identity with country music aesthetics.

5. Listener Interaction: "Shock to Your Younger Self"

The episode features a light-hearted segment where Luke invites listeners to share aspects of their adult lives that would surprise their younger selves.

Notable Responses:

• [23:42] AJ: "I own a duster, and I actually use the duster."
• [23:52] Sarah: "I appreciate naps, not as a punishment, but as a precious gift."
• [25:30] Jesse: "I recently spent $2,000 on a garage door."

Humorous Exchanges:

• [24:14] Luke Burbank: "Where is this dust going?"
• [24:25] Smith: "They got to vacuum it afterwards, my dude."

This segment adds a relatable and entertaining dimension to the episode, fostering a sense of community among listeners.

6. Closing Remarks

Luke Burbank wraps up the episode by thanking guests Rachel Khong, Danez Smith, and Danelia Cotton for their contributions. He also previews future episodes, including upcoming interviews with Emily Nussbaum and Pink Martini, celebrating their 30th anniversary.

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to the production team, sponsors, and supporters, highlighting the collaborative effort behind "Live Wire."

Notable Quotes:

• [02:03] Rachel Khong: "What do we want out of an argument besides transformation?"
• [21:11] Khong: "There is no takeaway. That's not why I write novels."
• [29:25] Smith: "Poems are little vehicles of transformation and humanness."
• [32:20] Smith: "Let poetry be a tool to put energy into people so that we can do something about this world."

Conclusion

This episode of "Live Wire with Luke Burbank" offers a profound exploration of storytelling, poetry, and music as mediums for personal and societal transformation. Through insightful dialogues with Rachel Khong, Danez Smith, and Danelia Cotton, listeners are invited to reflect on the complexities of cultural identity, the power of art, and the enduring human spirit.