Live Wire Creators & Guests

Luke Burbank is a radio host and podcaster.

Dr. Naomi Fitter is an Assistant Professor in the School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering at Oregon State University. Naomi has worked for other degrees that include a B.S. and B.A. in mechanical engineering and Spanish from the University of Cincinnati and an M.S.E. and Ph.D. in robotics and mechanical engineering and applied mechanics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Scott David Aukerman, born July 2, 1970, is an American writer, actor, comedian, television personality, director, producer, and podcast host. Starting as a writer and performer in the later seasons of the sketch series Mr. Show, Aukerman is best known as the host of the weekly comedy podcast Comedy Bang Bang! He is a co-host of R U Talkin’ R.E.M. RE: ME & Threedom. He also is the Co-creator/Director of Between Two Ferns and co-founder of Earwolf.

Reggie Watts is a comedian and musician.

Sasheer Zamata Moore, born in Okinawa, Japan on May 6, 1986, is an American actress and stand-up comedian. She is best known for her tenure as a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live from 2014 to 2017. Since leaving SNL, she has gained recognition for her leading roles in the TV series Woke and Home Economics.

Ruth Goodman is a freelance historian of the early modern period, who specializes in consulting for museums and heritage attractions.Goodman hosted the 2005 television series "Tales from the Green Valley," and participated in several BBC historic farm series. She occasionally presents features for "The One Show," and she co-hosted "Secrets of the Castle" in 2014, and "24 Hours in the Past" in 2015.

Emily Heller is an American comedian, writer, actor and host of Baby Geniuses.

Camille Dungy is an American poet and professor.

Amanda Montell is a linguist, writer, editor, and author of Wordslut.

Kelly McEvers is the host of Embedded and NPR's podcast.

Dan Savage is an author, media pundit, journalist, and activist for the LGBT community.

Ian Karmel is an American stand-up comedian and writer. He is currently the head writer for CBS’ The Late Late Show with James Corden and host of All Fantasy Everything.

Laurie Kilmartin is a comedian and writer, and author. She was as a staff writer for Conan, from 2010 until its conclusion in 2021. Kilmartin is also known for her appearances on Last Comic Standing and her 2016 comedy special 45 Jokes About My Dead Dad, which blends humor with personal grief. In addition to her stand-up career, she co-authored the parenting book Sh*tty Mom and co-hosts the podcast The Jackie and Laurie Show, offering insights into the world of comedy.

Moshe Kasher, born, July 6, 1979, is an American stand-up comedian, writer, and actor recognized for his incisive humor and insightful social commentary. He has released acclaimed comedy albums and specials, including "Moshe Kasher: Live in Oakland," and has appeared on numerous television shows such as "Another Period" and "The Good Place." Kasher is also the author of the memoir "Kasher in the Rye," which details his unconventional upbringing and journey into comedy. In addition to his stand-up career, he co-hosts the popular podcast "The Hound Tall Discussion Series," where he engages in deep and humorous conversations on various topics.

Maria Elizabeth Sheldon Bamford is an American stand-up comedian, actress, and voice actress. She is best known for her portrayal of her dysfunctional family and self-deprecating comedy involving jokes about depression and anxiety.

Peter Daniel Sagal is a humorist, writer, and host of the National Public Radio game show Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! and the PBS special Constitution USA with Peter Sagal.

Caitlin Weierhauser is a Portland comedian serves up coach vibes and delightfully unhinged enthusiasm. Often political, frequently personal, and entirely too tantrum-prone, Caitlin delivers arguments with equal parts glee and rage. They give the worst news about society with a dimpled grin and pointed outbursts.

Adam Mansbach is a novelist, screenwriter, cultural critic, and humorist. He is known for his book, "Go the Fuck to Sleep." He co-hosts the radio show "Father Figures".Mansbach was a visiting professor of literature at Rutgers University-Camden in its New Voices Visiting Writers program.Other books Mansbach has written include "Angry Black White Boy," published in 2005, and "The End of the Jews," published in 2008.Mansbach was the founding editor of the 1990s hip-hop journal Elementary. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, New York Times Book Review, Esquire, The Believer, The Guardian, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, and on National Public Radio's All Things Considered, The Moth Storytelling Hour, and This American Life.

Joe Kwaczala is a writer, stand-up comedian, and content creator.