Live Wire with Luke Burbank: Stephen Graham Jones, Alex Falcone, and Tropa Magica | November 29, 2024
Hosted by Luke Burbank and produced by PRX, this episode of Live Wire delves into the realms of horror literature, stand-up comedy, and psychedelic punk music. Featuring bestselling horror writer Stephen Graham Jones, comedian and TikTok sensation Alex Falcone, and the vibrant band Tropa Magica, the episode offers a rich tapestry of discussions, insights, and entertaining performances.
Interview with Stephen Graham Jones
Timestamp: 02:15 - 30:54
Introduction to Stephen Graham Jones Luke Burbank welcomes Stephen Graham Jones, a New York Times bestselling author renowned for his contributions to the horror genre, including awards like the Ray Bradbury Award, Shirley Jackson Award, and Bram Stoker Award. Stephen discusses his latest novel, I Was a Teenage Slasher, which intertwines elements from his upbringing in West Texas.
Exploring I Was a Teenage Slasher Stephen delves into the premise of his novel, explaining, “Tali is 17 years old in West Texas in 1989... He becomes a slasher because he feels the need to obtain justice” (10:26). The discussion highlights how the protagonist, Tali Driver, navigates the challenges of high school cliques, particularly facing bullies from the marching band—a unique twist in the slasher genre.
The Slasher Genre and the Final Girl Concept Stephen elaborates on the foundational rules of the slasher genre, emphasizing the motivation behind slashers: “The slasher is generally motivated by some, not just revenge, but a lack of justice” (09:50). He introduces the concept of the "final girl" as the antidote to the monster, stating, “The final girl is like the sole survivor who transforms from reserved to a warrior” (18:41). This transformation serves as a metaphor for pushing back against personal and societal bullies.
Personal Insights and Writing Philosophy Stephen shares personal anecdotes about his solitary upbringing as the only Native American in his West Texas school, which shaped his perspectives and writing. He advises aspiring horror writers to “write what you yourself are afraid of” (20:58), advocating for authentic storytelling rooted in personal fears and societal anxieties.
The Impact of Horror Discussing the psychological allure of horror, Stephen remarks, “When you're watching something scary, you experience terror and then relief, which makes you feel alive” (19:16). He contrasts this with the endless cycle of anxiety-inducing news, highlighting horror’s role in providing narratives with conclusive endings.
Daily Writing Practice When asked about his prolific writing, Stephen humorously attributes his productivity to “low standards” (24:23) but clarifies his unconventional approach: “I'm more of a binge writer or an opportunistic writer... any wedge in the day” (24:54). This flexibility allows him to continuously produce engaging horror stories without a rigid schedule.
Grave Situations Game In a lighthearted segment, Stephen participates in the “Grave Situations” game, choosing real-life horrors over traditional horror scenarios. He opts for “listening to the news first thing in the morning” (27:44) over “listening to twin girls speak in unison,” underscoring his discomfort with the relentless nature of real-world anxieties.
Notable Quote:
“Horror stories have endings. We like the idea that this horror we're in might have an ending.” – Stephen Graham Jones (29:11)
Stand-Up with Alex Falcone
Timestamp: 35:28 - 44:20
Introducing Alex Falcone Alex Falcone returns to Live Wire with a blend of humor and candidness. Recognized as Portland’s Funniest Person and a TikTok star with over half a million followers, Alex shares his journey in comedy and personal life.
Attempting to Become a Father Alex humorously recounts his and his wife’s attempts to conceive, highlighting the frustrations and misconceptions they’ve encountered. He jokes, “When I was in sixth grade, they were like, there's a 90% chance you'll get pregnant if you go near a hot tub” (33:18), contrasting it with the realistic 18% chance explained by his obstetrician.
Reflections on Parenthood and Jury Duty Navigating the complexities of parenthood and his humorous take on jury duty, Alex quips, “If you die doing something you love, that's worse... I wanna die doing something I hate. So at least it's over with music” (35:28). He also shares his whimsical approach to jury duty, viewing it as an opportunity to share his opinions on crimes, blending his comedic insight with everyday experiences.
Cultural Observations and Personal Anecdotes Alex discusses his travels to Europe, particularly noting the efficiency of European bidets compared to the American reliance on toilet paper. He muses, “Other places are using water, and it's so much water is the way you clean stuff, right?” (42:25), humorously suggesting the rebranding of bidets to make them more appealing in the U.S.
Comedic Style and Personal Challenges Throughout his set, Alex blends observational humor with personal challenges, such as his struggles with shopping for clothes that fit without the unrealistic standards set by online models. He reflects, “I want to see models with good personalities... like, this guy is five'eleven and a half, and he can juggle” (34:25), poking fun at superficial marketing tactics.
Notable Quote:
“I think if you die doing something you love, that's worse. Cause you didn't get to finish that thing you love.” – Alex Falcone (35:28)
Performance by Tropa Magica
Timestamp: 49:17 - 54:13
Introducing Tropa Magica Tropa Magica, a psychedelic cumbia punk rock band inspired by 90s East Los Angeles, captivates the audience with their vibrant performance. Described by the Chicago Reader as embodying the spirit of “laughing in the sun while food cooks outdoors and gazing up at a starry night sky while feeling small but content,” the band brings an energetic fusion of traditional rhythms and punk energy.
Musical Insights and Inspirations Before performing, band members Rene and [another member] share the inspiration behind their song “Alice D. Roma,” recounting a mystical experience in Mexico City involving magical pieces of paper, swirling colors, and jaguar sounds. This enchanting backstory adds depth to their music, blending cultural heritage with imaginative storytelling.
Live Performance Highlights The performance of “Alice D. Roma” showcases Tropa Magica’s unique sound, merging psychedelic melodies with energetic punk beats, creating an immersive experience for the audience. Their dynamic stage presence and cultural homage resonate with listeners, leaving a lasting impression of their eclectic musical style.
Notable Quote:
“We took this trip down to Mexico City. We went to the pyramids, and somebody gave us two little magical piece of paper, and we... colors started swirling all over us.” – Tropa Magica (49:34)
Audience Engagement and Interactive Segments
Throughout the Episode
Best News Segment Elena Passarello shares uplifting stories, including a heartwarming reunion between a father and his biological mother at a bakery, and a community’s creative approach to encouraging public dancing for free coffee. These stories highlight the show's commitment to balancing dark themes with positive news.
Weirdest Fears Audience Segment The audience participates in discussing unusual fears, ranging from arachnophobia to the anxiety of parallel parking. Notable responses include Elena’s fear of creatures with more than eight legs and Alex’s humorous take on feared scenarios like jury duty.
Notable Interaction:
Elena Passarello on her fear: “I'm very afraid of things with more than eight legs... get the centipedes away from me.” (32:43)
Conclusion and Credits
Timestamp: 54:37 - End
Luke Burbank wraps up the episode by thanking the guests, Stephen Graham Jones, Alex Falcone, and Tropa Magica, as well as the production team and supporters from the Portland Book Festival. He previews upcoming episodes featuring Amanda Montell, Laurie Kilmartin, and Lizzie Ngo, ensuring listeners have exciting content to look forward to.
Final Note:
The episode concludes with a heartfelt appeal for listeners to leave reviews, emphasizing the community-driven nature of Live Wire and its dedication to delivering engaging and diverse content week after week.
Key Takeaways:
- Stephen Graham Jones offers a deep dive into the slasher genre, blending personal experiences with fiction to create compelling horror narratives.
- Alex Falcone combines humor with personal anecdotes, providing an entertaining look at the challenges of parenthood and everyday anxieties.
- Tropa Magica delivers a vibrant performance that bridges cultural influences with innovative musical expression.
- Audience Engagement segments add a personal and interactive dimension to the episode, fostering a sense of community among listeners.
Notable Quotes:
- "Horror stories have endings. We like the idea that this horror we're in might have an ending." – Stephen Graham Jones (29:11)
- "I think if you die doing something you love, that's worse. Cause you didn't get to finish that thing you love." – Alex Falcone (35:28)
- "We took this trip down to Mexico City... colors started swirling all over us." – Tropa Magica (49:34)
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