Live Wire with Luke Burbank: Episode Summary – Roger Reeves, Sean Jordan, and Erin Rae (Rebroadcast)
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Host: Luke Burbank
Produced by: PRX
1. Introduction and Show Overview
Luke Burbank opens the episode by introducing the guests and setting the tone for an engaging and insightful show. He highlights the diverse lineup, including award-winning poet Roger Reeves, podcaster and comedian Shawn Jordan, and singer-songwriter Aaron Ray. Luke humorously sets his expectations, stating, "I choose to accept the fact that this is going to be an amazing episode of Livewire."
2. Best News of the Week
a. Ride to the Polls with Allie Redhorse Young
Elena Passarello shares uplifting news from the Navajo Nation in Arizona, detailing Allie Redhorse Young's initiative, Ride to the Polls. This program leverages horseback trail rides, bull riding contests, and concerts to encourage indigenous voter registration and access to the 2024 ballots. Key points include:
- Challenges Addressed: Remote locations with 75% unpaved roads make accessing polling stations difficult.
- Community Impact: Hundreds of new voters registered, fostering tribal sovereignty and protecting sacred sites.
- Notable Participation: Celebrity involvement, including Mark Ruffalo, enhances visibility and support.
Notable Quote:
Allie Redhorse Young: "We need to protect our tribal sovereignty and with that, protect our sacred sites, our languages, and our traditions."
(04:54)
b. Samuel Henderson’s Bird Impressions
Elena also shares a heartwarming story about Samuel Henderson, a 10-year-old from Oklahoma City with exceptional bird imitation skills. Samuel's talent not only captivated his peers during a school talent show but also earned him an invitation to the prestigious Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Notable Quote:
Elena Passarello: "He's becoming a superstar... he's really got a knack for this."
(08:58)
3. Interview with Roger Reeves
Roger Reeves discusses his latest work, Dark Fugitive Essays, a collection that blends poetic insight with critical essays. The conversation delves into the themes of finding joy amidst adversity and the role of art as a vessel for freedom.
a. Genesis of Dark Fugitive Essays
Roger explains the transition from academic poetry to a more public intellectual approach:
"I noticed that the engagement with poetry and its sort of nuance wasn't always there. I wasn't seeing the public intellectual work... So I just started writing essays that I wish existed when I was having some of these difficult moments."
(11:33: Roger Reeves)
b. Themes of Freedom and Joy
The discussion emphasizes the importance of embracing joy even when systemic changes seem stagnant:
"What would happen if... not that we're gonna stop fighting for it, but what would happen if it doesn't get any better for black folks?... How might one inhabit joy in the middle of what feels like catastrophe?"
(24:31: Roger Reeves)
c. Artistic Process and Personal Connection
Roger shares his personal motivations, writing for both himself and his daughter, aiming to contribute to the "house of liberation":
"Each of these books are bricks in the house of liberation... your first audience is yourself... Through the very specific, through the very particular."
(26:40: Roger Reeves)
Notable Quote:
Roger Reeves: "Freedom is how you come to art, and it's what makes you stay."
(23:00: Luke Burbank)
4. Stand-Up Comedy with Shawn Jordan
Shawn Jordan, a Portland-based comedian and podcaster, brings humor to the challenges of parenting. His performance at the Alberta Rose Theater is both relatable and laugh-out-loud funny, touching on experiences like:
- Labor and Delivery: Shawn humorously recounts his attempts to assist during his daughter's birth with jokes, only to realize the gravity of the situation.
- Parenting Anecdotes: From dealing with potty training to navigating his daughter's articulate explanations for her accidents, Shawn's storytelling is both candid and comedic.
Notable Quote:
Shawn Jordan: "Having a baby absolutely blows. It's probably the stupidest thing anyone could do."
(36:35)
5. Musical Segment: Aaron Ray
The episode features singer-songwriter Aaron Ray, whose latest album, Lighten Up, explores themes of self-acceptance and personal growth. Recorded live at Pickathon 2024, Aaron discusses his musical journey:
- Transition in Music: Moving from his previous work, Putting on Airs, which delved into mental illness and identity, to Lighten Up, which incorporates more playful and fun elements.
- Personal Experiences: Aaron reflects on his upbringing in a musical family and his brief stint in college before committing to his music career.
Notable Quote:
Aaron Ray: "With 'Lighten Up', I was like, maybe I'll have a little fun this time."
(47:46)
6. Community Engagement: Listener Parenting Stories
Throughout the episode, Luke and Elena engage with their audience by sharing listener-submitted parenting stories. Highlights include:
- Chelsea's Pronunciation Struggle: Convincing her kids that "plaid" is pronounced "played."
- Laura's Loving Rankings: Teaching her child not to share personal rankings of people.
- Sam's Minecraft Challenge: Balancing support for his child's interests with his honest opinions.
Notable Quote:
Elena Passarello: "We want to make checking your email more joyful with our weekly newsletter... all we do is good news."
(30:06)
7. Conclusion and Credits
Luke wraps up the episode by acknowledging the contributions of the show's production team and thanking the guests. He also provides a sneak peek into next week's episode featuring Ira Madison and Ricky Lindholm, ensuring listeners have something to look forward to.
Final Encouragement:
"Subscribe to the Livewire podcast feed. You'll get the joy of surprising conversation every week."
(54:22)
Key Takeaways
- Art as a Form of Resistance: Roger Reeves emphasizes the necessity of creating and celebrating art even in the face of systemic oppression.
- Community Empowerment: Initiatives like Ride to the Polls demonstrate innovative ways to enhance voter participation within marginalized communities.
- Humor in Adversity: Shawn Jordan showcases how comedy can be a coping mechanism for the trials of parenting.
- Personal Growth Through Music: Aaron Ray's transition to a more lighthearted musical approach highlights the evolution artists undergo in their careers.
This episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank masterfully blends deep, meaningful conversations with lighthearted humor and inspiring stories, offering listeners a rich and multifaceted experience.