Live Wire with Luke Burbank – Episode: Saeed Jones, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and The Lowest Pair (Rebroadcast) Release Date: June 27, 2025

Hosted by Luke Burbank on PRX, "Live Wire with Luke Burbank" offers an eclectic mix of conversations with artists, writers, musicians, and cultural commentators. In this rebroadcast episode, listeners engage with poet Saeed Jones and bestselling novelist Silvia Moreno-Garcia, complemented by a live performance from the American folk band The Lowest Pair.

1. Opening Segment: Best News of the Week

Timestamp: [02:17]

Elena Passarello kicks off the episode by sharing heartwarming stories from listeners. Notably, Juliana Allen, a two-year-old from Panama City, Florida, developed an adorable bond with a white tree frog named George. This unique pet-owner relationship exemplifies pure, joyful companionship, highlighting how even unconventional pets can enrich our lives.

Elena Passarello:
"The unlikely friendship of Juliana Allen and George the tree frog. That's the best news that I saw this week."
[08:18]

2. Poet Saeed Jones on "Alive at the End of the World"

Timestamp: [09:12]

Saeed Jones returns to the show to discuss his latest poetry collection, Alive at the End of the World. The collection delves into themes of grief, community, and the endurance of joy amidst adversity. Jones reflects on the profound impact of his mother's passing and the broader societal issues affecting Black women.

Key Discussions:

• Grief and the Afterlife of Loss:
  Jones explores how grief persists beyond the loss, framing it as an ongoing relationship rather than an endpoint.

  Saeed Jones:
  "It's the beginning of a new phase in your relationship with who you miss."
  [12:26]

• Impact of Capitalism on Emotional Expression:
  He critiques the capitalist ethos that discourages prolonged emotional processing, especially for marginalized groups.

  Saeed Jones:
  "Grief, depression, gender journeys... is deeply inconvenient for capitalism."
  [15:11]

• Intersectionality and Human Experience:
  Jones emphasizes the interconnectedness of grief and queerness as deeply humanizing experiences.

  Saeed Jones:
  "Grieving and being queer... are two of the most humanizing experiences of my life."
  [16:48]

Notable Quote:
"You don't get to decide when an experience is done with you."
[15:11]

Jones also shares a poignant poem from his collection, highlighting his lyrical prowess and emotional depth.

3. Silvia Moreno-Garcia on "The Daughter of Dr. Moreau"

Timestamp: [29:57]

Bestselling novelist Silvia Moreno-Garcia discusses her reimagined take on H.G. Wells' classic, The Island of Dr. Moreau, titled The Daughter of Dr. Moreau. Set in late 1800s Yucatan amidst a civil war, her novel infuses historical and feminist perspectives into the narrative.

Key Discussions:

• Reimagining Classic Literature:
  Moreno-Garcia moves away from the original's ambiguous setting to a richly detailed historical context, integrating Mexican characters and socio-political dynamics.

  Silvia Moreno-Garcia:
  "It's set in Yucatan... a completely different context because the original takes place in an unnamed island."
  [33:39]

• Influence of Childhood Experiences:
  Growing up watching horror movies, Moreno-Garcia was labeled a witch by classmates, an experience that shaped her resilience and creative voice.

  Silvia Moreno-Garcia:
  "My classmates said that I was a witch. That was like it saved me from a lot of beatings."
  [38:49]

• Diversity in Genre:
  She advocates for Latin American authors to explore a variety of genres beyond traditional pigeonholing, emphasizing untapped talent and diverse storytelling.

  Silvia Moreno-Garcia:
  "I hope that people realize that Latin American authors... can do more than one type of writing."
  [40:07]

Notable Quote:
"It is a bit surprising... when you're writing 20 poems, 30 poems, it is a bit surprising. And I think I had a lot more clearly to unpack."
[10:03]

Moreno-Garcia also shares anecdotes about historical figures like Maya Angelou and Billie Holiday, intertwining personal insights with literary analysis.

4. Musical Interlude: The Lowest Pair

Timestamp: [45:21]

The American folk band The Lowest Pair performs "Pear Tree" live at the Alberta Rose Theater. Known for their evocative lyrics and harmonious melodies, their performance adds a soulful dimension to the episode.

Excerpt from "Pear Tree":
"Till my body's laying low, cold in the ground
And even yet still I'd be craving you..."
[46:18]

5. Listener Engagement: Childhood Interests

Timestamp: [26:24]

The hosts and guests share amusing and unique childhood interests submitted by listeners:

• Laura's Obsession with "The First Wives Club":
  "I somehow convinced my friends to do the dance... at my middle school talent show."
  [26:32]

• Wendell's Love for At-Home Workout Videos:
  "When I was a kid, Wendell was obsessed with at-home workout videos."
  [27:05]

• Ty's Fascination with Cleaning:
  "I was obsessed with cleaning. I used to beg my mom to let me mop the floors."
  [28:15]

These anecdotes highlight the diverse and sometimes quirky interests that shape individual identities from a young age.

6. Upcoming Attractions and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [34:05]

Before concluding, the hosts preview next week's episode featuring travel writer Rick Steves and a reading from Samoan poet William Ntupu Giles. Additionally, they highlight the Lullaby Project, which bridges professional musicians with parents experiencing homelessness to create heartfelt music.

Elena Passarello:
"Next week's episode... Andrew, you just want to hear Rick's never have I ever travel anecdotes."
[44:05]

Final Thoughts:
This episode of "Live Wire with Luke Burbank" masterfully intertwines profound literary discussions with personal storytelling and engaging musical performances. Saeed Jones and Silvia Moreno-Garcia offer deep dives into their creative processes and personal experiences, enriched by the dynamic performances of The Lowest Pair. Listener interactions add a relatable and light-hearted touch, making this episode both enlightening and heartwarming for new and returning audiences alike.

Available Now:

• Alive at the End of the World by Saeed Jones
• The Daughter of Dr. Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
• Horse Camp by The Lowest Pair

Listen to the full episode on PRX or your preferred podcast platform.