Live Wire with Luke Burbank - Episode Summary
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Episode: Shalom Auslander, Simon Shieh, and Kara Jackson (REBROADCAST)
Overview
In this engaging rebroadcast of Live Wire with Luke Burbank, host Luke Burbank delves into deep and diverse conversations with acclaimed writer Shalom Auslander, poet and Muay Thai fighter Simon Shea, and the talented singer-songwriter Kara Jackson. The episode seamlessly weaves through personal narratives, societal reflections, and soulful performances, offering listeners a rich tapestry of insights and artistic expression.
1. Heartwarming Environmental News
Elena Passarello kicks off the episode with uplifting news about the Klamath River dam removal project, marking the largest such endeavor in U.S. history. The removal of dams has revitalized the salmon population, surpassing scientific expectations.
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Elena Passarello [04:54]: “Anadromous fish are those fish that swim from the sea into freshwater rivers in order to spawn or spend a second part of their lives.”
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Shalom Auslander [05:43]: “It's a miracle. It's so exciting... The salmon have remembered.”
Key Points:
- Dam Removal Impact: Over 400 miles of the Klamath River are now free-flowing, enabling salmon to migrate and thrive.
- Cultural Significance: Native American communities, particularly the Klamath Tribes, view salmon as "culture carriers," integral to their heritage and spiritual beliefs.
- Unexpected Success: Rather than taking decades to restore salmon populations, the fish began returning within six weeks of dam removal, far exceeding projections.
2. Delightful Discoveries in Library Books
Luke shares a charming story about Cindy Delhay uncovering a 101-year overdue library book, Shakespeare's Life of King Henry the Fifth, which reignites excitement in her local library.
- Luke Burbank [06:29]: “Old books being reunited with the Patterson Public Library. That's the best news I heard all week.”
Key Points:
- Historical Overdue Books: Instances include a Byron book in Cumbria, England, overdue by 113 years.
- Community Engagement: Libraries benefit from the return of rare books through displays and renewed interest.
- Human Connection: The story highlights the enduring bond between people and literature across generations.
3. Interview with Shalom Auslander: Exploring "FE A Memoir"
Shalom Auslander, renowned writer and TV creator, discusses his latest memoir, FE A Memoir. The conversation delves into themes of shame, self-perception, and rewriting personal narratives.
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Shalom Auslander [10:45]: “Yeah. The sentence would be Shalom, you're being fa. That's about it. It's a Yiddish term that I heard a lot growing up.”
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Luke Burbank [12:19]: “Why does that not work? Why is that an impossibility?”
Key Points:
- Definition of FE: "FE" is a Yiddish expression denoting complete disgust, often directed inwardly by Auslander.
- Impact of Upbringing: Raised in an ultra-Orthodox environment, Auslander internalized narratives that positioned humans as flawed creations.
- Rewriting the Story: The memoir focuses on unlearning negative self-stories ingrained from religious texts and personal experiences.
- Parental Reflections: Auslander emphasizes unconditional love in parenting, contrasting the antagonistic portrayal of humans in religious stories.
Notable Insights:
- Role of Storytelling: Auslander highlights that stories shape our identities and relationships, serving as the "human operating system."
- Therapeutic Writing: While writing isn't curative, it serves as a therapeutic process for understanding and reshaping personal narratives.
4. Listener Community: Overcoming Shame
Inspired by Auslander's discussions on shame, Luke introduces listener stories about overcoming past insecurities.
Highlights:
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David from Tropa Magica [29:03]: Overcomes self-consciousness about making funny faces while performing.
- David: “I make like this funny faces. And some people might not care about it because they're like, yeah, he's feeling it.”
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Ezra [30:10]: Learns to accept minor typos by comparing them to historical oversights, like the typo at the Lincoln Memorial.
- Elena Passarello: “There is a typo carved into the Lincoln Memorial, and nobody has fixed it.”
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Penny [30:58]: Transforms her anxiety about canceling plans into a strength, embracing the freedom it offers friends.
- Penny: “Maybe it doesn't matter... your friends will love you anyway and maybe... everyone enjoys that.”
5. Interview with Simon Shea: The Poetry of "Master"
Simon Shea, a former professional Muay Thai fighter and awarded poet, discusses his poetry collection Master. His work grapples with themes of power, masculinity, and trauma.
- Simon Shea [35:12]: “Actually, I'd love to. Yeah. I'll read... Record...”
Notable Excerpt from "Master":
In violence, there is no reciprocity
like rain on soil.
Shanghai, 18 years old.
Winner by knockout...
Key Points:
- Poetic Process: Shea explains that Master is less about recounting events and more about the emotional and psychological journey of writing about those events.
- Intersection of Athletics and Poetry: He views poetry as a bodily activity, similar to athletics, emphasizing the physicality in his poetic expression.
- Healing Through Writing: Shea discusses how writing helped him process his experiences in Muay Thai, transforming personal pain into artistic expression.
Insights:
- Autobiographical vs. Poetic Writing: Transitioning from a factual narrative to a more imaginative and emotional approach deepened the impact of his poetry.
- Personal Growth: Writing Master facilitated a better understanding of his childhood and motivations behind his involvement in martial arts.
6. Musical Performance by Kara Jackson
Kara Jackson, named the U.S. Youth Poet Laureate, performs her song "Pawn Shop" and discusses her musical influences and approach to storytelling.
- Kara Jackson [46:02]: “...old people talk, like, it can be very poetic... storytelling in general.”
Key Points:
- Southern Influences: Raised in Chicago with strong ties to Georgia through her grandparents, Jackson incorporates Southern idioms and storytelling into her music.
- Humor and Depth: She emphasizes the importance of humor in her songs as a coping mechanism for life's challenges, countering the "sad indie" label often assigned to her music.
- Creative Process: Jackson draws parallels between folk/blues traditions and her own lyrical craftsmanship, infusing wit and cleverness into her storytelling.
Performance Highlight: "Pawn Shop"
You become somebody's band and their heart becomes your loop.
What kind of player does that make you?
Breaking your heart and selling them too...
Insights:
- Metaphors of Love: The song uses the pawn shop metaphor to explore the complexities of love and emotional transactions.
- Cultural Reflection: Jackson critiques the reductive labeling of female artists, advocating for recognition of the multifaceted nature of their work.
7. Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments
Luke and Elena wrap up the episode by thanking guests Shalom Auslander, Simon Shea, and Kara Jackson. They also acknowledge the support from community members Jennifer Foreman and Martha Stiven, along with the technical and production teams that make the show possible.
Upcoming Episodes Preview:
- Poet Morgan Parker: Discusses her essays on the experience of being a Black woman.
- Athlete-turned-Author Georgia Clopeville: Talks about her memoir The Striker and the Clock.
- Brazilian Artist Hoshe: Shares his musical journey and contribution to the 2016 Rio Olympics theme.
Conclusion
This episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank masterfully balances heartfelt conversations with inspiring narratives and captivating performances. Whether exploring personal struggles with shame, the therapeutic power of storytelling, or the dynamic interplay between poetry and athletics, each segment offers profound insights and relatable moments. Kara Jackson's vibrant performance serves as a perfect crescendo, leaving listeners both moved and entertained.
Notable Quotes:
- Shalom Auslander [16:55]: “Every time my wife hugs me, all I can think is she thinks I'm fat.”
- Simon Shea [38:44]: “Poetry is not an intellectual activity. I think it's a bodily activity.”
- Kara Jackson [47:09]: “I think my grandparents are just really witty people... That really gave me an affinity for like, storytelling in general.”
Timestamp Highlights:
- [04:54] - Explanation of “anadromous” fish.
- [10:45] - Shalom introducing "FE".
- [22:07] - Shalom discussing rewriting personal narratives.
- [35:12] - Simon reading his poem.
- [46:02] - Kara discussing Southern influences on her music.
For More Information:
- Live Wire Website: livewireradio.org
- Shalom Auslander’s Book: FE A Memoir
- Simon Shea’s Book: Master
- Kara Jackson’s Music: Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?
- Pickathon Music Festival: pickathon.com
This summary captures the essence of the Live Wire episode, highlighting key discussions, emotional narratives, and artistic performances, making it accessible and engaging for both listeners and newcomers alike.