Where We Live

Do you still make a list of all the things you want to do before the summer’s end? We sure do! Today, we will share some of our favorite summer happenings around the state and we want to hear yours too! Connecticut Public pals Frankie Graziano and Francesca Fontanez join us to share their favorite summer spots. These Connecticut natives have all the best tips and secrets to making the most of your summer. GUESTS: Sheila Moeschen: author of "New England. Author of Book Lovers' New England: A guide to literary landmarks" Francesca Fontanez: Connecticut Public’s lead Social Media Editor Frankie Graziano: Host and producer of the Wheelhouse on Connecticut Public Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2025, there were nearly 200 animal cruelty cases in Connecticut. Ten years ago, Connecticut passed “Desmond’s Law” a landmark animal welfare bill that allows attorneys to advocate for animals involved in abuse. Animal abuse and neglect is complicated. Hoarding cases might start small, but getting out of hand very quickly. Local shelters can be a first line of defense against these situations. Today, we get an update on animal welfare in Connecticut, from shelters and advocates around the state. GUESTS: James Bias: Executive Director at Connecticut Humane Society Jessica Rubin: Associate Dean, J. Agnes Burns Professor of Law and Director of the Animal Law Clinic at the University of Connecticut Cesar Perea: Associate Vice President of Rescue at the American Humane Society Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up to 80% of women will develop uterine fibroids by age 50, but many people still don’t know what they are or how they can affect daily life. This hour, we break down the basics of fibroids, from symptoms and diagnosis to the treatment options available. And later, as summer temperatures rise, we hear from an emergency physician about how extreme heat affects the body and who is most at risk. Plus, we learn practical advice for keeping yourself and your family safe during the hottest days of the year. Guests: Dr. Cheruba Prabakar: Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Lamorinda Gynecology and Surgery, author of “Fibroids: Finally Heard”  Dr. Cynthia Laverne Price: Emergency Medicine Physician at Hartford Healthcare Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It takes a lot of work to help preserve Connecticut's nearly 140 parks and forests. Today, we learn what that looks like across our state. We hear from the Connecticut Forest and Park Association and learn about their efforts to pass down land stewardship to the next generation. Plus, Connecticut state parks are a treasure trove of Indigenous history. A local author shares their guide on hiking Indigenous lands across the state. To explore more or plan a park trip, visit ctparks.com. GUESTS: Joey Listro: Executive Director of Connecticut Forest and Park Association Jay Levy: Author of "Hiking Indigenous Lands of Connecticut and Massachusetts," tribal consultant for the New England Trail and an archeologist for the Mohegan Tribe Mason Trumble: Deputy Commissioner at Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment Protection (CT DEEP) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on June 25, 2026. The US Supreme Court on Thursday backed a Trump administration move to strip deportation protections from some 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians living in the United States. The conservative-dominated court, in a 6-3 ruling, said the Department of Homeland Security's decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian immigrants was not subject to judicial review. In late June, the Supreme Court issued several landmark immigration rulings on birthright citizenship, asylum and temporary protected status (TPS). Today, we hear how these rulings will affect immigrants living in Connecticut. The court ended protected status for Haitian and Syrian immigrants. There are approximately 5,000 Haitians living in Connecticut with TPS. Although the court upheld birthright citizenship, the decision's dissent outlined a narrower application of birthright citizenship. Experts say the debate over birthright citizenship is far from over. GUESTS: Ximena Bustillo: DHS and Immigration policy reporter at NPR Tabitha Sookdeo: Executive Director of CT Students for a Dream Wayne Unger: Associate Professor of Law at Quinnipiac University School of Law Maggie Mitchell Salem: Executive Director of Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) in New Haven Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arthur Sze took an non-traditional path to becoming the U.S. Poet Laureate. Born in 1950 to Chinese immigrants, his family wanted him to pursue a safe career path that would assure security and prosperity. But while studying at MIT, he felt the call to write and study poetry; a call that changed the trajectory of his life. Sze spent his career translating traditional Chinese poetry. He also taught at the Institute of American Indian Arts in New Mexico and is now a professor emeritus of the institute. Sze is currently traveling the country with his signature Poet Laureate project “Words Bridging Worlds,” a series of workshops and readings that celebrate poetry in translation. He joins us for a conversation on poetry, the power of language and the art of translation. Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How will you preserve your family history? Maybe through journaling or family movies? What about grabbing an audio recorder? Today, we’ll hear all about oral history projects in Connecticut that are recording stories for posterity. Later on, we’ll also hear how the Yiddish language and its dialects are being preserved. Guests: Katie Heidsiek: Director of Exhibitions for the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History Jamil Ragland: writer for the New Haven Independent, Hartford community member and Hartford bureau chief for "Midbrow" Elizabeth George: Doctoral student at the University of Connecticut and an instructor for “My Story, Our Future.” Christa Whitney: Director of the Yiddish Book Center's Wexler Oral History Project This episode originally aired March 10, 2026.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you look around your room, what do you see? More specifically, what do you see that you love? Is it a cool souvenir? Maybe a seashell? Or a family photo that always brings back good memories? Connecticut-based interior designer and textile artist Sophie von Oertzen Williamson uses tension, textiles and lots of color to make living spaces warm and inviting. She is the author of the new book “The Art of the Clash: A Manifesto Against Mundane Design.” We’ll talk about ways to blow away the beige and highlight the objects you love with a few simple tips. Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit author and educator, believes everyone's life is a spiritual journey. "We're all on this spiritual journey to understand ourselves, to understand how God loves us, to experience God's love and to give that love back to God and to other people," he said. Martin is the author of the new book, “Work in Progress: Confessions of a busboy, dishwasher, caddy, usher, factory worker, bank teller, corporate tool, and priest.” The book explores the many professional experiences he had before becoming a priest. Martin reflects on his early life and the formative time he spent in Connecticut, where he worked as an employee at General Electric and made a decision that would forever change the course of his life. "Where We Live" is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. This episode originally aired on March 23, 2026.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breathe deep and think: What do you smell right now? The sweetness of the spring air? The smoky smells of the highway? Our noses give us key clues about the environment and provide a critical daily link to some of our most cherished memories. But smell, and its control over culture and politics, is often undervalued and misunderstood. Today, we take a nose dive into the olfactory, exploring how humanity has used smell to communicate and control. Guests: Ally Louks: Supervisor at the University of Cambridge and author of "Olfactory Ethics: The Politics of Smell in Modern and Contemporary Prose" Alexandra Segal: Wesleyan University anthropology graduate and winner of the school's "GLASS Prize in Queer Studies" for her 2025 paper, "On the Nose: What to Learn from Funk and Fragheads" Brittany Koziara: Owner of Forêline Parfumerie Hsuan Hsu: Professor of English at UC Davis, and author of "The Smell of Risk" and "Olfactory Worldmaking" Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bestselling author Amy Bloom is widely known for 2022 memoir “In Love.” The memoir follows her journey with her late husband, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. The pair made a decision to travel to Switzerland to help him end his life. Bloom’s latest book is different. “Blunt Instrument” is a vivacious, and often hilarious, murder mystery that’s set in the world of academia. And it’s partly inspired by Wesleyan University. Bloom recently sat down with us to talk about her book and writing process. Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been more than 60 years since environmentalist Rachel Carson's book, "Silent Spring," challenged the widespread use of synthetic pesticides like DDT and helped launch the modern environmental movement. This hour, we learn about Carson's life, work and her enduring legacy through a new exhibit at Yale's Beinecke Library. We'll also examine a current environmental challenge: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. This a class of man-made chemicals can be found in drinking water systems across Connecticut and the country. We'll explore the health concerns surrounding PFAS, efforts to limit exposure and what Carson's story can teach us about responding to today's environmental risks. Guests: Vasilis Vasiliou: Professor and Chair of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University Carla Baricz: Librarian for Literature in English and Comparative Literature, curator for Beinecke Library’s exhibition: “Silent Springs, Windswept Seas: Rachel Carson’s Environmental Vision” James Kessenides: Kaplanoff Librarian for American History at the Yale Library, curator for Beinecke Library’s exhibition: “Silent Springs, Windswept Seas: Rachel Carson’s Environmental Vision” Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that the Library of Congress is home to half a million children’s books? That’s a lot of summer reading! Today, it’s our annual summer reading show, dedicated to all things YA and kid’s reads. We’ll hear from the author of “Tell Me A Story: Fantastic Children’s Books from the Library of Congress” and talk about the books to inspire the young reader in your household. We want to hear about your favorite YA read that brings you back to those carefree summer days; email us at [email protected]. Guest: Kym Powe: Children and YA Consultant for the Connecticut State Library Hannah Freece: Writer-Editor, Publishing Office at Library of Congress. She is the editor of “Tell Me A Story: Fantastic Children’s Books from the Library of Congress” Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In April, 18-year-old Rihan was mistakenly detained by U.S. Immigation and Customs Enforcement. The teen, who lives in Cheshire, Connecticut, spent two weeks in a detention facility in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Today, Rihan is back home and just graduated from Cheshire High.  But with his legal status in limbo what's next for a young man with a dream to attend college and an uncertain future in the U.S.? "They have taken everything of mine," Rihan said. "My legal status and everything like that. I don't have anything now to move forward in the future." This hour, we talk with Rihan and his father, Zia. We're using their first names only for their safety and the safety of their family in Afghanistan. We'll also speak with their immigration attorney about the tenuous road ahead for a family whose legal status hangs in the balance. GUESTS: Rihan: Cheshire teen detained for two weeks by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in April, 2026. Zia: Rihan’s father. He served the U.S. Army as an interpreter and cultural advisor during the war in Afghanistan. Samantha Rosenberg: Cheshire Board of Education Chair Lauren C. Petersen: Private practice immigration attorney in New Haven, currently representing Rihan and his family. She’s Founder and Executive Director of Pavillion Immigrant Assistance in Hartford, and she’s also a co-managing attorney for the American Immigrant Legal Clinic in New Haven. Connecticut Public's Patrick Skahill contributed to this episode. Special thanks also to Rihan's uncle Tariq, and family advocate, Dick Harvey.Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The “sandwich generation” is made up of people balancing the demands of raising children while caring for aging loved ones. This hour, we learn about the emotional, professional and financial realities facing this population of caregivers. Journalist Kelli María Korducki discusses her reporting on caregiving and career sacrifice, while University of Connecticut professor Laura Mauldin offers insight into the gender dynamics of care. And later, we hear from a Connecticut resident and member of the "sandwich generation.” We learn what it's like to navigate these responsibilities in everyday life and what policies could provide some relief. Guests: Kelli María Korducki: independent, New York City-based journalist and author Laura Mauldin: associate professor in the Department of Social and Critical Inquiry at the University of Connecticut and author of "In Sickness and Health: Love Stories from the Front Line of America’s Caregiving Crisis." Natalie Shurtleff: Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach for AARP Connecticut Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Advanced degrees are increasingly out of reach for many. Receiving financial aid has gotten more difficult too. Many schools are already rethinking how they support their graduate students. We'll get an update on financial aid and hear what some Connecticut institutions are doing to make their graduate programming more affordable and accessible. Guests: Emily Roberts: Financial Educator and Owner of Personal Finance for Ph.Ds Kymberly Pinder: Stavros Niarchos Foundation Dean of the Yale School of Art Jessica Blake: Federal policy reporter for Inside Higher Ed, based in Washington, D.C. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent study found that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline may have contributed to a decline in suicide deaths among young people. This hour, we learn what the research tells us and what questions remain. We also hear from Connecticut advocates working to connect people with mental health resources and reduce stigma. Later, two residents share their personal experiences navigating mental health challenges and how speaking openly about those struggles can help others find support. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential, and offers support 24 hours a day. Guests: Anupam B. Jena: Professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School and physician in the Department of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital  Kai Belton:state representative for the 100th district, Middletown Jacquilyn Davis: Director of Learning Workforce Development, Mental Health Connecticut Rob Santos: Comedian and Connecticut resident  Rachael Perillo: Connecticut resident  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There currently are over 2,000 confirmed cases of measles in the United States of America, including some cases in Connecticut’s surrounding states. Today, we get an update on measles closer to home, and abroad. Plus, we’ll hear about the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other parts of central Africa. Guests: Dr. Ulysses Wu: Chief Epidemiologist at Hartford Healthcare Dr. David B. Banach: Head of Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiologist at UConn Provash Budden: Americares Deputy SVP of Emergency Programs Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor and playwright Sam Shepard wrote over 40 plays and worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment. After his death, Connecticut biographer Robert Dowling started a journey to learn everything he could about this larger-than-life artist. His book is “Coyote: The Dramatic Lives of Sam Shepard.” Today, we listen back to a conversation with Robert Dowling. He’s a professor of English at Central Connecticut State University. This conversation took place at the Ferguson Library in Stamford. "Where We Live" is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live, work and communicate. Now, Pope Leo XIV is weighing in, warning that AI poses urgent moral and ethical challenges for society. This hour, we explore the growing debate over artificial intelligence from the Vatican to Connecticut. We’ll hear from philosophers, theologians and researchers about the risks, rewards and unanswered questions surrounding this rapidly evolving technology. Guests: Nancy Dallavalle, associate professor of religious studies, Fairfield University Michael Patrick Lynch, professor of philosophy, University of Connecticut Chetan Jaiswal, associate professor of computer science, Quinnipiac University P.R. Lockhart, economic development reporter, Connecticut Mirror Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s no question that transportation impacts nearly every part of our lives – from getting to work and school, to accessing health care and building community. This hour, we’re digging into Connecticut’s plan for statewide transportation improvementsefforts. We’ll listen back to “Connecticut on the Move,” a panel conversation recorded at the Parkville Market in Hartford. We’ll unpack what investments are being made today and how those investments will impact tomorrow. Guests: Matt Hart, Executive Director, Capitol Region Council of Governments Yvette Highsmith, Regional Vice President, Community Health Center, Inc. Chris Davis, Vice President, Public Policy, Connecticut Business & Industry Association Carlos Mouta, Owner and CEO, Parkville Market   Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Contrary to popular belief, host Catherine Shen is a human with real human emotions. The fact is, she cares about her feelings! In this hour, technical producer Dylan Reyes returns for a conversation with Cat on growing up and the music that shaped them. Music Featured (in order): "Moon Prism Power Make Up!" by Arisawa Takanori "Bright Sized Life" by Pat Metheny "Fool" by MAYDAY "Tayo'y Magsayawan" by VST & Company "Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto" composed by Gang Chen (陈钢 Chén Gāng) and Zhanhao He (何占豪 Hé Zhànháo) as performed by Chloe Chua and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rodolfo Barráez "无心生大梦 (Unintentional Big Dream)" by 刘宇宁 (Liu Yuning) "Moon in One's Cup" by Yu-Peng Chen "Dahil Sa Iyo" by Pilita Corrales "Linus and Lucy" by the Vince Guaraldi Trio "紙上飛行 (Flying on Paper)" by 刘宇宁 (Liu Yuning) & CORSAK "Take Me Back (Owakare No Jikan)" by Ginger Root Or, find it all in this playlist!Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When students at Simsbury High School discovered that there was little to no data on Asian American students in Connecticut, they launched a new project to change that. Through out this year, these students have been collecting oral histories from Asian American voices across Connecticut in the oral history project “Make Us Count.” The project debuts at a community-wide event happening this week at Simsbury High School. It will feature best-selling author Celeste Ng. Michelle Henry is an English and Asian American Studies Teacher at Simsbury High School. She helped develop this project with students. She was named Educator of the Year by the Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce. Today, we hear from her and the students behind this project. We'll also hear from Jason Oliver Chang, who helped get Asian American and Pacific Islander studies in all Connecticut public schools. Guests: Jason Oliver Chang: Associate Professor of History and Asian American Studies and Department head of social and critical inquiry at the University of Connecticut Michelle Henry: English and Asian American Studies Teacher at Simsbury High School Raelyn Medina - Senior at Simsbury High School Vivian Amsterdam - Senior at Simsbury High School Dhriti Mallavarapu: Senior at Simsbury High School Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For migratory birds, nighttime light can be deadly. Artificial light draws birds off course, increasing the risk of exhaustion, window collisions and predation. Experts say the problem is growing as Connecticut skies become brighter. This hour, we explore how light pollution impacts birds, river ecosystems, insects and even human health. Plus, an amateur astronomer shares why protecting dark skies matters not just for science, but for our connection to the natural world. Guests: Craig Repasz, director of Lights Out Connecticut Misha SemeLev, associate university architect for sustainability, Yale University Alan Sheiness, board of directors treasurer, Lyme Land Trust  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arthur Sze took an non-traditional path to becoming the U.S. Poet Laureate. Born in 1950 to Chinese immigrants, his family wanted him to pursue a safe career path that would assure security and prosperity. But while studying at MIT, he felt the call to write and study poetry; a call that changed the trajectory of his life. Sze spent his career translating traditional Chinese poetry. He also taught at the Institute of American Indian Arts in New Mexico and is now a professor emeritus of the institute. Sze is currently traveling the country with his signature Poet Laureate project “Words Bridging Worlds,” a series of workshops and readings that celebrate poetry in translation. He joins us for a conversation on poetry, the power of language and the art of translation.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlie Widmer describes himself as a multi-genre musician, but his range goes far beyond most artists. From opera to bluegrass, he's pretty much done it all. Widmer is now the Connecticut State Troubadour, an official position devoted to music education and community. One of his major goals is to make more people comfortable pursuing music, he said. "My whole goal with being an educator is to try and just help people be less hard on themselves," he said. "It's not about being perfect. It turns out no one has it figured out. It turns out everyone's pretending. And I think it's time we take the masks off." Today, we’ll hear about Widmer's musical journey across the globe, and his ongoing work to nurture the local music scene in Connecticut. Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“An Arcane Inheritance," the latest novel of author Kamilah Cole, weaves dark academia with occult secrets at a fictional Ivy League school based in Hartford. The story follows the ambitious, determined Ellory Morgan, a Jamaican immigrant and first-generation college student pursuing a degree in political science. A lavish scholarship allows her to begin her college education at Warren University, but soon after arriving on campus, things start to unravel into the paranormal. We'll explore Cole's latest book, ask what drew her to Hartford and explain "dark academia" — a popular genre where brooding and blazers meet ivory towers and sinister secrets. GUEST: Kamilah Cole: author of several books including “An Arcane Inheritance" Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The postpartum period can be one of the most vulnerable and challenging times in a parent’s life. It's also one of the least talked about. That's despite mental health disorders being the leading complication of childbirth in the United States of America, affecting 1 in 5 women. The postpartum period can bring depression, anxiety and a host of other mental health challenges. And too often, parents are left wondering what’s normal and where to turn for help. This hour, we explore postpartum mental health and what support is available in Connecticut. We’re joined by a doctor from St. Mary's Hospital, where a new unit, designed specifically for pregnant and postpartum patients, recently opened. We also hear from Postpartum Support International’s Connecticut chapter about why this period is so high-risk and how they’re working to connect families with care. And later, we’ll hear one mother’s story of navigating postpartum depression, and how she’s processed that experience through a new collection of poetry. Guests: Kassondra Mangione, author of "Coffee Mug Rings" Dr. Irina Magidina, chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Saint Mary’s Hospital Jennifer Vendetti, co-chair, Board of Directors, Postpartum Support International Connecticut Chapter Samantha Smalls, Board of Directors, Postpartum Support International Connecticut Chapter Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It takes a village to raise a child. Today, we're exploring what it means to be an aunt and the many ways these important figures provide mentorship, guidance and care. Whether you are a biological or surrogate aunt, these role models are instrumental in our life. But what does it mean to be an aunt in 2026?Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef Ham El-Waylly straddles two very different worlds: fine dining and home cooking. In his new cookbook, he shares the recipes and memories that bring it all together.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is another war happening in the Middle East. The challenges service members are facing are quite different than they were in years past. Today, we get an update on the Connecticut Army National Guard and hear what's being done to support Guard units. We hear from active Guard members and the mental health workers supporting these troops. Guests: Staff Sgt. Camryn Rawlings: 6th Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Connecticut Army National Guard Col. Michael Lynch: Former Commander of the 1-102nd Infantry, Connecticut Army National Guard Robert Haswell: LCSW and Section Chief for Managed Services Connecticut Mental Health and Addiction Services Albert Guillorn: LMFT and overseer of the Embedded Clinician program that places licensed clinicians to drill with Guard units Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tick activity is on the rise. Connecticut scientists are seeing unseasonably high levels of tick activity in the state this year. That uptick carries big potential impacts for human health. Lyme disease is one of the many diseases these parasites can carry. We ask what you can do to protect yourself. We’ll also get the latest on another environmental hazard with big health impacts in Connecticut – air pollution. Guests: Katie Dykes: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Dr. Neeta Connally: Professor at WCSU and director WCSU Tick-borne prevention Laboratory Goudarz Molaei: Research scientist, medical entomologist and director of Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance Program at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to take a break? Going on a walk or doodling during a meeting? Maybe turning off your phone and reading a book? For author Melissa Febos, years of destructive relationships left her in need of a different kind of break — giving up sex. She embarked on a year-long journey of abstinence from romantic and sexual relationships, documenting what she discovered about herself in “The Dry Season: A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex.” Guests: Melissa Febos: author of five books, including "The Dry Season: A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex" Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, we’re exploring the history of tap dance in America. Tap was first developed as a fusion of footwork styles with roots in Africa and Ireland. Over the decades, tap legends like Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Eleanor Powell, and Gregory Hines popularized the artform and brought it to the national stage. Local dancers, choreographers, and teachers join us to discuss how they are keeping the rich legacy of tap dance alive in their work today. GUESTS: Kevin Ramsey: Chair of the Theater Division, University of Hartford Ralph Perkins: Associate Professor of Dance and Music Theater, University of Hartford  Katie Cavenagh: founder of the Connecticut Tap Collaborative Jillian McNamara: founder of the American Dance Collaborative Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. This episode originally aired on December 2, 2024.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode originally aired in 2025. Dry January is a month-long campaign that revolves around cutting out alcohol or reducing alcohol intake for the month of January. Today’s guests say that life without alcohol can be joyous, and they’re creating spaces for the sober and sober curious to try it out. We talk to two owners of sober spaces in our state, and try out some mocktails they’ll bring to share. We also hear how our relationship with alcohol is changing overall. Research shows that Gen Z is becoming the sober generation. Here's a list of the mocktails sampled in this episode: Ghia - Le Spritz Sumac and Chili Athletic Brewing Company - Wits Peak Saint Viviana Non-Alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc Odyssey Elixir - Dragon Fruit Lemonade Three Spirits Livener GUESTS: Dr. J Craig Allen MD: Medical Director at Rushford and Vice President of Addiction Services at Hartford Healthcare Frances McGrath: Founder of Reframe: A Dry Spot in Willimantic Bobbi Malateseta: Creator of 3-2-1 No Kidding Sober Space and Bottle Shop in Naugatuck   Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black holes aren’t just the stuff of science fiction; they’re real astronomical objects so dense, so massive, that nothing, not even light, escapes from them. Today, we’re getting lost in the void. Yale Astrophysicist Priya Natarajan joins us for an hour to talk about her research on these extraordinary objects. Last year, she was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2024 for her research on how black holes form. Later, you don’t have to be a scientist to look up and appreciate the cosmos. We hear from planetariums and astronomical societies in our state that are connecting stargazers and space lovers around Connecticut. GUESTS: Priyamvada Natarajan: theoretical astrophysicist and Professor of Astronomy at Yale University Al Washburn: member at large and former president of the Astronomical Society of New Haven Brian Koehler: Associate Director of the Treworgy Planetarium at the Mystic Seaport Museum Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. This episode originally aired February 27, 2025.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Success isn’t just about talent or intelligence – it’s about how we handle our emotions. Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, says emotional regulation is a skill, one that can be taught and practiced like any other. This hour, he joins us to talk about why our feelings matter, what happens when we ignore them, and how adults can get better at managing them. We’ll also hear how schools across Connecticut are helping kids build emotional intelligence from a young age. Marc Brackett: Ph.D., founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, author of “Dealing with Feeling: Use Your Emotions to Create the Life You Want.”  Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. This episode originally aired on December 1, 2025.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What meal brings you back to childhood? This hour, two local children’s authors share how their young protagonists find meaning in the kitchen, using food as a tool to explore culture, loss, and belonging.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best-selling author Wally Lamb spent nine years working on his newest book, "The River Is Waiting." In this time, he wrestled with self-doubt, navigated his own sobriety journey and worked as a teacher at York Correctional Institution, Connecticut’s only women’s prison. His new book explores addiction, reckoning and forgiveness, and the injustice that exists in prison today. It follows one man’s experience in prison after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the death of his son. GUEST: Wally Lamb: author of "The River Is Waiting." He is also the author of "She’s Come Undone" and "I Know This Much Is True." Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. This episode originally aired August 19, 2025.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Step into the Renaissance Faire and you’ll be greeted with a scene out of time — dueling knights, vendors hawking their wares and royal proclamations.   Today, we'll take you to a faire and bring you voices from a realm filled with magic and whimsy. We'll also hear from the organizers of the Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire and the Connecticut Renaissance Faire.   We learn what goes into organizing these festivals, what it is like to perform there, and what keeps people coming back year after year.   GUESTS: Isaac Moss: Summer intern at Connecticut Public and recent graduate of Wesleyan University Coco Cooley: Summer intern at Connecticut Public and student at Wesleyan University Eric Tetreault: Co-Founder and Marketing Director at the Connecticut Renaissance Faire Daniel Greenwolf: Co-Owner of the Connecticut Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Fair This episode originally aired on July 29, 2025.   Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of creativity, you might think of aha moments, sudden bursts of inspiration, and perhaps the dreaded writer’s block! But creativity isn’t a skill limited to those working in the arts. Author and researcher Zorona Ivecvic Pringle says that creativity is a trait that can build slowly and steadily over time. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Author of The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into Action. Today, she joins us for the hour to talk about the science behind creativity and innovation and ways to explore these skills in everyday life. GUEST: Zorana Ivecevic Pringle: Research Center at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into Action Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. This episode originally aired June 26, 2025.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you remember a teacher who changed the course of your life? Maybe it was someone who helped you find your voice? Or someone who challenged you to think differently? This hour, we’re exploring the impact of great mentors – those who shape us both in and beyond the classroom. Sarah Ruhl, author of the new book, “Lessons from My Teachers” shares personal stories and reflects on the lasting power of mentorship. GUESTS: Sarah Ruhl: Author of “Lessons from My Teachers.” Sarah is also a playwright, two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, a Tony Award nominee, and the recipient of the MacArthur Genius Fellowship.    This episode originally aired on June 2, 2025. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What meal instantly takes you back to childhood? Whether it’s a dish made with grandparents or a recipe passed down through generations, food has the power to unlock memories.  This hour, two local children’s authors share their belief in food’s ability to connect us. They discuss their latest novels, the challenges they face in an industry that often pigeonholes writers of color, and how they tackle complex emotions in stories for young readers. GUESTS: Debbi Michiko Florence: author of children’s and middle grade books including her latest, Last Chance Academy: A Study in Secrets Caela Collins: owner of Caela Enterprises, LLC, and author of Food Is Love This episode originally aired on May 5, 2025.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born in Pittsburgh, Michael Luo is the son of Chinese immigrants. He attended Harvard, and later became a reporter at the New York Times and today he is the Executive Editor at The New Yorker. One rainy afternoon in 2016, he was standing on the sidewalk with his family and some friends after church, trying to decide where to go to lunch when a stranger accosted him and his family. “Go back to China,” she said. Today, he joins us for the hour to talk about his new book on the hidden history of brutality and violence that so many Chinese Americans faced at the turn of the century. GUEST: Michael Luo: Executive Editor for the New Yorker, and author of the book Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. This episode originally aired May 20, 2025.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reading can take us on adventures beyond our own backyards but perhaps not too far! Amity Gaige is the author of Heartwood. It explores the story of one woman who gets lost on the Appalachian Trail. Did you know this trail runs through Connecticut? And Ethan Rutherford is the author of North Sun: the Voyage of the Whaleship Esther. Connecticut was once home to one of the largest whaling ports in the world. These local authors join us for an hour to talk about their new books and we want to hear what you’re reading right now! GUESTS: Amity Gaige: author of four books including her latest, Heartwood. She also teaches creative writing at Yale. Ethan Rutherford: author of North Sun: the Voyage of the Whaleship Esther. He teaches creative writing at Trinity College.   This episode originally aired on April 10, 2025.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut’s kelp industry is booming! This versatile type of seaweed is farmed right off Connecticut’s shoreline and used in a variety of cuisines, fertilizers, lotions, and more!   This hour, we’re joined by local kelp farmers and experts for a deep dive into aquaculture’s fastest growing industry. We’ll look at how chefs are using kelp in their favorite recipes and why seaweed is a powerful force against climate change.   GUESTS: Suzie Flores: co-owner of Stonington Kelp Co. Zachary Gordon:  Assistant Extension Educator, Connecticut Sea Grant Eric Dawson: Director of Program Innovation, Yellow Farmhouse This episode originally aired on April 14, 2025. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, we’ll explore climate change’s impact on many whale populations – from Belugas in the Arctic Ocean to North Atlantic right whales off the coast of New England. We’ll hear how studies conducted on Beluga whales at Mystic Aquarium are helping scientists better understand what factors threaten their survival in the wild. And later, scientists working on a research initiative called “Project CETI” are using AI technology to learn the language of Connecticut’s state animal: the sperm whale. GUESTS: Eve Zuckoff: Climate and Environment Reporter, CAI  Tracy Romano: Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist of Marine Sciences, Mystic Aquarium Gašper Beguš: Associate Professor, Dept. of Linguistics, UC Berkeley Kathryn Hulick: Science Journalist, Science News Explores Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. This episode originally aired on February 24, 2025.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new retail trend known as “Sephora Kids,” refers to tweens and young teens who emulate the beauty and skincare routines of adults. Beauty retailer, Sephora, has seen their customer base of 9 to 12 year-olds double in the past five years. That’s according to Forbes. But healthcare experts warn that many beauty and skincare products contain ingredients that are harmful to children. Connecticut’s Attorney General, William Tong, has launched an investigation into Sephora’s marketing strategies aimed at kids, tweens and teens. This hour, we explore the beauty industry’s impact on children, and how local leaders are inspiring confidence that is more than skin-deep.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, we’re exploring the history of tap dance in America. Tap was first developed as a fusion of footwork styles with roots in Africa and Ireland. Over the decades, tap legends like Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Eleanor Powell, and Gregory Hines popularized the artform and brought it to the national stage. Local dancers, choreographers, and teachers join us to discuss how they are keeping the rich legacy of tap dance alive in their work today. GUESTS: Kevin Ramsey: Chair of the Theater Division, University of Hartford Ralph Perkins: Associate Professor of Dance and Music Theater, University of Hartford  Katie Cavenagh: founder of the Connecticut Tap Collaborative Jillian McNamara: founder of the American Dance Collaborative Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. This episode originally aired on December 2, 2024.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.