Live Wire Radio

Daniel Handler (a.k.a. Lemony Snicket) and Lisa Brown discuss collaborating on The 29 Secrets of the Swinster Pharmacy, comedian Jay Flewelling tells a story about pranks gone awry, and new music from Dimetrodon, nerd-folk goddesses The Doubleclicks' forthcoming album.

The great-great grandchildren of Captain and Maria Von Trapp of "Sound of Music" fame sing like angels and chat with Luke, along with Thomas Lauderdale, inspiring speaker Kevin Carroll and "Cairo Drive" director Shierief Elktasha.

NPR's David Folkenflik on Rupert Murdoch, comedian April Richardson on what you hope your mother doesn't say when you tell her you got dumped, and music from Shelby Earl.

Professor and psychobiographer William Todd Schultz talks about his new book TORMENT SAINT: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF ELLIOTT SMITH, actor Greg Sestero recounts the hell he survived while playing Mark in THE ROOM, and Dashboard Confessional frontman Chris Carrabba performs with his new band, Twin Forks.

Ridiculously charming Irishman Kevin Barry reads from his novel CITY OF BOHANE, author A.M. Homes talks about her latest novel MAY WE BE FORGIVEN, and Michael Hearst performs weird songs from UNUSUAL CREATURES, his new project examining some of the most bizarre animals on the planet.

ROAD TO WELLVILLE author T.C. Boyle tells a quick story of guns on the L.A. freeway, and BUCK author M.K. Asante reads his lyrical prose with a backbeat from the band. Plus, a scene from WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S STAR WARS with author Ian Doescher and music from Throwing Muses co-founder Tanya Donelly.

A superfan challenges Avengers, Spider-Man, and Daredevil comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis to a round of trivia about his own career, restauranteur John Gorham shares stories from his new McSweeney's memoir/cookbook TORO BRAVO and Portland-based musical duo 1939 Ensemble break down their avant-garde music for the uninitiated listener.

Artist Molly Crabapple tells us about visiting Guantanamo Bay and sketching about it, Momofuku Milk Bar chef Christina Tosi reveals the secret behind cereal milk ice cream, and Jonathan Coulton performs an achingly sweet song about a vaccuum. Plus, we take a call from Sir Mix-A-Lot, who has a few choice words about Coulton's rendition of Baby Got Back.

Director Lynn Shelton tells us about her new film TOUCHY FEELY, BREEDING IN CAPTIVITY author Stacy Bolt tells us what it's like to borrow lube from your mother-in-law (spoiler alert: it's awkward), plus music from Thao and the Get Down Stay Down.

Lindy West from Jezebel has a new years resolution for everyone, Comedian Dana Gould shares his outlook on wedding vows, plus music from Blitzen Trapper.

Our super special holiday episode that might just include a sketch with actor/storyteller Tobolowsky as the fourth wise man, "Ask Me Another" host Ophira Eisenberg on Garfield fetishes (the cat, not the president) and a holiday classic from Storm and Rodney that will make you all fuzzy inside.

An encore of our special studio edition featuring the monsters of public radio: Ira Glass, Jad Abumrad, Robert Krulwich, Garrison Keillor, with music from Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside.

NPR's David Folkenflik on Rupert Murdoch, comedian April Richardson on what you hope your mother doesn't say when you tell her you got dumped, and music from Shelby Earl.

A post-holiday studio special featuring new conversations with THE SIMPSONS AND THEIR MATHEMATICAL SECRETS author Simon Singh and professional cuddler Samantha Hess. Plus, a past conversation with author Augusten Burroughs, Cheryl Strayed reads from her book TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS, and music from Holcombe Waller and Year Afar.

Letterman writer Steve Young brings his new book EVERYTHING'S COMING UP PROFITS, filled with lyrical gems from industrial musicals of the 50's-70's. Plus, love advice from BITCH Magazine's Sarah Mirk, and music from Portugal. The Man.