Stephen Graham Jones, Alex Falcone, and Tropa Magica (REBROADCAST)

Summary

Live Wire with Luke Burbank: Episode Summary Rebroadcasted Episode Featuring Stephen Graham Jones, Alex Falcone, and Tropa Magica | Released April 18, 2025

Introduction In this vibrant episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank, host Luke Burbank, alongside co-host Elena Passarello, delves into a diverse array of topics by engaging with bestselling horror writer Stephen Graham Jones, comedian and TikTok sensation Alex Falcone, and the eclectic psychedelic cumbia punk band Tropa Magica. Recorded in November 2024 at the Alberta Rose Theater in Portland, Oregon, the episode offers listeners a captivating blend of literary insights, comedic anecdotes, and energetic musical performances.

Stephen Graham Jones on "I Was a Teenage Slasher" [08:03 – 29:01] Stephen Graham Jones, a New York Times bestselling author renowned for his contributions to the horror genre, discusses his latest novel, I Was a Teenage Slasher. The conversation explores the autobiographical elements of the book, which draws from Jones's own experiences growing up in West Texas.

Background and Inspiration: Jones reflects on his solitary childhood, stating, "I was the only Indian in West Texas, as far as I knew. I had to navigate my identity in a predominantly non-Native environment." ([15:16])
Horror Genre Insights: Delving into the mechanics of horror storytelling, Jones explains the concept of the "final girl," "She's the antidote to the monster. The final girl puts a cap on the cycle of violence." ([16:11]). He emphasizes that horror serves as a metaphor for real-life fears and anxieties, offering listeners a way to process and confront their own fears through fiction.
Writing Process: Discussing his prolific writing career, Jones candidly shares his unconventional approach, "I'm more of a binge writer or an opportunistic writer. I sneak away around the corner and put words on the page whenever I can." ([22:34]). This spontaneity contrasts with the disciplined routines often advocated for writers, highlighting his unique creative process.
Cultural and Musical References: The novel is rich with 1980s hair metal influences, reflecting Jones's deep personal connection to the era's music. He recounts, "The hair metal era is ingrained in me so deeply, I never have to second guess it at all. It's like you scratch me and it just bleeds up Kicks and Cinderella." ([19:37])

Alex Falcone on Aspiring Fatherhood and Comedic Reflections [33:38 – 42:31] Alex Falcone brings his signature humor to Live Wire as he shares his journey toward becoming a father. His candid and comedic narrative offers a relatable glimpse into the challenges and absurdities of trying to conceive.

Fatherhood Challenges: Falcone humorously describes the frustrations of conception, stating, "I've been trying to get somebody pregnant recently... If you've hit the peak day, there's an 18% chance. And that number was real, by the way, that 18%. That's what she told us." ([25:50]).
Comedic Observations: He pokes fun at societal expectations and medical terminology, "They call it geriatric pregnancy if you're over 34, which is kind of mean. You already make more money than me, and you make me wait in that little room and roast me." ([31:00]).
Daily Life and Personal Insights: Falcone discusses his love for jury duty, blending his comedic perspective with personal anecdotes: "The whole premise of jury duty is like, what a fun, powerful feeling. You're bringing in one comedian and 11 retired people. We're gonna get to the bottom of this." ([32:16]).

Audience Interaction: "Grave Situations" [30:27 – 32:42] Live Wire engages with its audience through the interactive game "Grave Situations," where guests Stephen Graham Jones and Alex Falcone evaluate fictional and real-life terrifying scenarios.

Scenario Evaluations: Jones opts for the unsettling reality of "listening to the news first thing in the morning," deeming it more horrifying than fictional twin girls speaking in unison ([25:50]). Falcone humorously prefers the mundanity of traffic woes, sharing, "I want to die in traffic... Great news for me. I'm not in traffic anymore." ([32:35]).
Insights on Fear: Jones articulates the therapeutic aspect of horror, asserting, "Horror stories have endings. We like the idea that this horror we're in might have an ending." ([26:18]). This reflects his belief in horror as a means to process and find relief from real-world anxieties.

Tropa Magica: Psychedelic Cumbia Punk Rock Performance [42:31 – 47:53] The episode culminates with a vibrant performance by Tropa Magica, whose music embodies the spirit of 90s East Los Angeles through a fusion of cumbia, punk, and psychedelic influences. Before their set, members share the inspiration behind their song "Alice D Roman":

Musical Inspiration: “We took a trip down to Mexico City, we went to the pyramids, and somebody gave us two little magical pieces of paper. Colors started swirling all over us, and we heard jaguar sounds and beautiful whistles. That's what inspired this song,” explains band member Renee ([47:07]).
Cultural Fusion: The band's performance is a celebration of cultural heritage and musical experimentation, creating an immersive auditory experience that resonates with diverse audiences.

Conclusion This episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank masterfully blends literary discussion, personal storytelling, comedic relief, and musical artistry. Stephen Graham Jones provides deep insights into the horror genre and his creative process, while Alex Falcone delivers relatable humor surrounding the trials of fatherhood. The engaging interaction with the audience underscores the show's community spirit, and Tropa Magica's performance encapsulates the lively and eclectic essence that Live Wire is celebrated for. Whether you're a horror enthusiast, a comedy aficionado, or a music lover, this episode offers something compelling for every listener.

Notable Quotes

Stephen Graham Jones ([16:11]): "The final girl is like, enough is enough. She's the sole survivor who transforms into a warrior."
Alex Falcone ([31:00]): "They call it geriatric pregnancy if you're over 34, which is kind of mean... I want to die in traffic."
Stephen Graham Jones ([26:18]): "Horror stories have endings. We like the idea that this horror we're in might have an ending."

Timestamp Highlights

09:23 – Introduction of Stephen Graham Jones
16:11 – Explanation of the "final girl" concept
19:37 – Discussion on musical influences in his book
25:50 – Alex Falcone shares his fatherhood challenges
26:18 – Stephen Graham Jones on the therapeutic role of horror
31:00 – Alex Falcone on societal terminology in medicine
47:07 – Tropa Magica discusses the inspiration behind "Alice D Roman"

Listen to Live Wire with Luke Burbank for more engaging conversations and eclectic musical performances every week.

Summary

Live Wire with Luke Burbank: Episode Summary Rebroadcasted Episode Featuring Stephen Graham Jones, Alex Falcone, and Tropa Magica | Released April 18, 2025

Background and Inspiration: Jones reflects on his solitary childhood, stating, "I was the only Indian in West Texas, as far as I knew. I had to navigate my identity in a predominantly non-Native environment." ([15:16])
Horror Genre Insights: Delving into the mechanics of horror storytelling, Jones explains the concept of the "final girl," "She's the antidote to the monster. The final girl puts a cap on the cycle of violence." ([16:11]). He emphasizes that horror serves as a metaphor for real-life fears and anxieties, offering listeners a way to process and confront their own fears through fiction.
Writing Process: Discussing his prolific writing career, Jones candidly shares his unconventional approach, "I'm more of a binge writer or an opportunistic writer. I sneak away around the corner and put words on the page whenever I can." ([22:34]). This spontaneity contrasts with the disciplined routines often advocated for writers, highlighting his unique creative process.
Cultural and Musical References: The novel is rich with 1980s hair metal influences, reflecting Jones's deep personal connection to the era's music. He recounts, "The hair metal era is ingrained in me so deeply, I never have to second guess it at all. It's like you scratch me and it just bleeds up Kicks and Cinderella." ([19:37])

Fatherhood Challenges: Falcone humorously describes the frustrations of conception, stating, "I've been trying to get somebody pregnant recently... If you've hit the peak day, there's an 18% chance. And that number was real, by the way, that 18%. That's what she told us." ([25:50]).
Comedic Observations: He pokes fun at societal expectations and medical terminology, "They call it geriatric pregnancy if you're over 34, which is kind of mean. You already make more money than me, and you make me wait in that little room and roast me." ([31:00]).
Daily Life and Personal Insights: Falcone discusses his love for jury duty, blending his comedic perspective with personal anecdotes: "The whole premise of jury duty is like, what a fun, powerful feeling. You're bringing in one comedian and 11 retired people. We're gonna get to the bottom of this." ([32:16]).

Scenario Evaluations: Jones opts for the unsettling reality of "listening to the news first thing in the morning," deeming it more horrifying than fictional twin girls speaking in unison ([25:50]). Falcone humorously prefers the mundanity of traffic woes, sharing, "I want to die in traffic... Great news for me. I'm not in traffic anymore." ([32:35]).
Insights on Fear: Jones articulates the therapeutic aspect of horror, asserting, "Horror stories have endings. We like the idea that this horror we're in might have an ending." ([26:18]). This reflects his belief in horror as a means to process and find relief from real-world anxieties.

Musical Inspiration: “We took a trip down to Mexico City, we went to the pyramids, and somebody gave us two little magical pieces of paper. Colors started swirling all over us, and we heard jaguar sounds and beautiful whistles. That's what inspired this song,” explains band member Renee ([47:07]).
Cultural Fusion: The band's performance is a celebration of cultural heritage and musical experimentation, creating an immersive auditory experience that resonates with diverse audiences.

Notable Quotes

Stephen Graham Jones ([16:11]): "The final girl is like, enough is enough. She's the sole survivor who transforms into a warrior."
Alex Falcone ([31:00]): "They call it geriatric pregnancy if you're over 34, which is kind of mean... I want to die in traffic."
Stephen Graham Jones ([26:18]): "Horror stories have endings. We like the idea that this horror we're in might have an ending."

Timestamp Highlights

09:23 – Introduction of Stephen Graham Jones
16:11 – Explanation of the "final girl" concept
19:37 – Discussion on musical influences in his book
25:50 – Alex Falcone shares his fatherhood challenges
26:18 – Stephen Graham Jones on the therapeutic role of horror
31:00 – Alex Falcone on societal terminology in medicine
47:07 – Tropa Magica discusses the inspiration behind "Alice D Roman"

Listen to Live Wire with Luke Burbank for more engaging conversations and eclectic musical performances every week.

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