Live Wire with Luke Burbank
Episode: Sachi Cole and Emma Ruth Rundle
Release Date: May 9, 2025

Introduction

In this emotionally charged episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank, host Luke Burbank engages with two remarkable guests: Sachi Cole, a senior writer at Slate and co-host of the popular podcast Scamfluencers, and Emma Ruth Rundle, a multidisciplinary artist known for her haunting poetry and music. The episode delves deep into personal transformation, creative processes, and the intricate dynamics of relationships.

Segment 1: Uplifting News with a Twist

Timestamp: 02:51 – 07:33

Luke begins the show by sharing uplifting yet unconventional news stories:

1. Snakebite Antidote Research

   • Elaina Passarello introduces a groundbreaking study published in Cell magazine, highlighting the efforts of Tim Freed, a dedicated snake enthusiast from Wisconsin.
   • Notable Quote: “It’s an incredible example of personal passion contributing to scientific advancement.” – Luke Burbank (04:53)

2. Innovative Urinals for Female Runners

   • The UK-based company Pequil has developed urinals tailored for female runners, reducing wait times before marathon events.
   • Additionally, Pequil is pioneering an eco-friendly initiative to use collected urine to fertilize wheat, potentially producing up to 200 loaves of bread from the London Marathon alone.
   • Notable Quote: “It’s brilliant to think that the nervous wheeze of thousands of women are helping a good cause that is very British.” – Susan Farrell, London Marathon Runner (07:33)

Segment 2: In-Depth Conversation with Sachi Cole

Timestamp: 09:23 – 25:57

Sachi Cole opens up about her latest book, "Sucker Punch," which chronicles the end of her marriage and her journey towards self-reinvention. The discussion touches on her upbringing, cultural dynamics, and the complexities of divorce.

1. Childhood and Family Dynamics

   • Sachi grew up in Calgary with loud, argumentative South Asian parents, learning early on that such interactions were a form of communication rather than conflict.
   • Notable Quote: “I grew up in a really white area with loud, argumentative South Asian parents. So I learned really fast that that temperament does not take outside of my family dynamic.” – Sachi Cole (09:58)

2. Marriage and Cultural Clash

   • Her marriage to a white man highlighted contrasting communication styles, leading to significant strain.
   • Notable Quote: “It’s tough on a marriage when you want to destroy the other person.” – Sachi Cole (11:20)

3. Divorce and Personal Transformation

   • The process of divorce was both isolating and liberating for Sachi, reshaping her identity and relationships.
   • Notable Quote: “I started to gain a reputation amongst my friends as a divorce doula.” – Sachi Cole (24:15)

4. Insights from "Sucker Punch"

   • Sachi discusses how her book serves as a cathartic exploration of her past and a blueprint for her future, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in personal healing.
   • Notable Quote: “The only thing I had after my marriage ended was the story of how it ended.” – Sachi Cole (23:31)

Segment 3: Audience Engagement – Relationship Red Flags

Timestamp: 27:01 – 30:25

The Live Wire audience is invited to share their observations on relationship red flags. Sachi Cole provides insightful commentary on common warning signs:

1. Control and Manipulation

   • Kelsey highlights the red flag of partners who claim ownership over their significant other’s actions.
   • Notable Quote: “Whenever somebody says that they made their partner do something… that was a red flag.” – Sachi Cole (27:27)

2. Serial Dating and Codependency

   • Laura points out that constantly dating without periods of being single may indicate underlying codependency issues.
   • Notable Quote: “If somebody is dating somebody who's never single, like they're just a serial dater, that might be a red flag.” – Sachi Cole (28:33)

3. Imbalanced Enjoyment in Relationships

   • Scott observes that if one partner consistently has more fun than the other in social settings, it may signify deeper relational problems.
   • Notable Quote: “If somebody is having more fun with their partner than they are, that’s a red flag.” – Sachi Cole (29:33)

Segment 4: Intimate Session with Emma Ruth Rundle

Timestamp: 31:19 – 50:58

Emma Ruth Rundle shares insights into her new poetry collection, "Bella Vista," and performs live readings accompanied by her improvised piano music.

1. Creative Evolution and Poetry

   • Emma discusses her transition from writing song lyrics to crafting standalone poetry, emphasizing the distinct creative processes involved.
   • Notable Quote: “Poetry has a visual art form to it, which is very much their own.” – Emma Ruth Rundle (32:20)

2. Writing "The Star Maker"

   • She reads her poem "The Star Maker," inspired by Surrealist painter Remedius Varro’s artwork, reflecting themes of solitude and existential contemplation.
   • Notable Quote: “The painting is called the Star Maker.” – Emma Ruth Rundle (37:02)

3. Personal Struggles and Sobriety

   • Emma opens up about her five-year journey of sobriety and how writing poetry served as a therapeutic outlet during and after her struggles with addiction.
   • Notable Quote: “I do not eat, but drink on silence and Lacrimosa.” – Excerpt from "Bella Vista" (48:48)

4. Live Performance – "Blooms of Oblivion"

   • Emma delivers a soulful rendition of her song "Blooms of Oblivion," blending folk and ambient sounds to evoke deep emotional resonance.
   • Notable Lyric: “Flowers for edging on something to manage this belong by now… I love you see.” – Emma Ruth Rundle (47:08)

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Guests

Luke wraps up the episode by previewing next week's guests, including Jamie Loftus, a writer and comedian known for her podcast 16th Minute of Fame, and Hari Kondabolu, an acclaimed comedian with a unique performance angle.

Conclusion

This episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank offers a profound exploration of personal growth through adversity, the power of storytelling in healing, and the intricate dance of human relationships. Through heartfelt conversations and evocative performances, both Sachi Cole and Emma Ruth Rundle invite listeners to reflect on their own lives and the stories they carry.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “I grew up in a really white area with loud, argumentative South Asian parents...” – Sachi Cole (09:58)
• “It’s tough on a marriage when you want to destroy the other person.” – Sachi Cole (11:20)
• “Whenever somebody says that they made their partner do something… that was a red flag.” – Sachi Cole (27:27)
• “The painting is called the Star Maker.” – Emma Ruth Rundle (37:02)
• “I do not eat, but drink on silence and Lacrimosa.” – Emma Ruth Rundle (48:48)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the rich discussions and emotional depth presented in the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't had the chance to listen.