Where We Live

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

It might sound like a cliche, but men in the U.S. are not going to the doctor, and their physical and mental health is suffering. A recent survey from the Cleveland Clinic found that nearly 40% of Gen Z men didn’t have a primary care doctor. And the life expectancy gap between men and women is widening. That’s according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Today, we talk with physicians about the state of men’s health and what they’re learning from their male patients. GUESTS: Dr. David Inyangetor: Primary Care Physician at Trinity Health George Gogas: LCSW at Charter Oak Therapeutic Services, LLC Dr. Harrell Jordan: Executive Dean of Chamberlain University 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.

The average cost of a wedding in Connecticut is nearly $35,000. Many couples are changing the way they get married, some opting for a small or “micro” wedding with only a few close friends and family members. And others are deciding to elope. But the decision to elope isn’t always tied to wanting to avoid the price tag of a big wedding. This hour, we hear from one couple who recently eloped at the start of the year. GUESTS: Kim Moran: artist and postal worker Rachel Moran: Graduate Intern of the Arthur L. Johnson Unity Wing Pride Center at Eastern Connecticut State University Emma Thurgood: Elopement photographer, videographer and planner Additional voices featured in this hour: Janice Favreau: Connecticut Justice of the Peace George Gross: Your Queer Plants Shop Michayla Savitt: State Government Reporter for Connecticut Public 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 18, 2025.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born in Pittsburgh, Micahel 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. Learn more about Michael Luo's upcoming event at the Mark Twain House here. 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 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump recently attempted to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the agency that distributes federal funds to libraries and museums across the country. Connecticut was one of just three states to lose its federal grant for public libraries, totaling over $2 million. A judge blocked the move last week, but big questions remain. This hour, we ask: What does this mean for our local libraries and museums? Is future funding safe? And what role do these institutions play in our communities today? GUESTS: Lisa Hagen: Federal Policy Reporter, Connecticut Public and Connecticut Mirror Deborah Schander: State Librarian, Connecticut State Library Scott Jarzombek: President of the Connecticut Library Association Joshua Carter: Executive Director, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One in five Americans have a disability. That’s according to the United States Census Bureau. The Trump administration has released statements promising to protect programs like medicaid, medicare and Social security - programs that people with disabilities rely on everyday. But in his recommendation for funding for fiscal year 2026, President Trump proposed cuts to housing for persons with disabilities and cuts to the National Institute of Disability. Today, we hear about the future of disability services from people living with disabilities. GUESTS: Tom Cosker: Disability Advocate at Disability Rights Connecticut Corey Pheez Lee: More Than Walking Peer Mentor Coordinator, Hip-hop artist and host "Super Adaptables" Podcast with More Than Walking Colin Killick: Executive Director of the Autism Self-Advocacy Network Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From special outdoor performances, to educating the next generation of thespians, summer is a busy time for theaters around the state. But this month, several Connecticut performing arts spaces received notice that federal grants were being rescinded. Today, we speak to some of those institutions about what will happen next. Plus, Connecticut tourism is a $4 billion-a-year business. That’s according to the Connecticut Tourism Office. We hear how this industry has been impacted by federal cuts as well. GUESTS: Michael Paulson: theater reporter for New York Times Chris Freeman: Vice President of Advancement at the Mystic Seaport Museum Eric Gershman: Interim Managing Director at Long Wharf Theater Frank Mitchel: President of the Board of Directors for CT Humanities Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After recent reports of detentions across New England, Connecticut activists are stepping up to protect immigrants. They’re finding creative ways to help people understand their rights and prepare for encounters with ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. This hour, we uncover how these efforts are making a difference. And later, we look at a scam targeting Connecticut’s immigrant community – the Notario Fraud. We hear how to spot it and where to turn for help if you or someone you know is caught in its grip. GUESTS: Daniela Doncel: Latino Communities Reporter, Connecticut Public Sheila Hayre: Clinical Professor of Law, Quinnipiac University Catherine Blinder: Chief Education and Outreach Officer, State's Department of Consumer Protection Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parenthood is hard, and expensive. Over the course of 18 years, it costs nearly $300,000 to raise a child in the state of Connecticut. So is a $5000 baby bonus really going to inspire prospective parents to have children? Today, we talk about some of the Trump administration’s recent proposals to increase the birthrate. Ahead of Mother’s Day, we dig into solutions to supporting parents. We hear from parents who will share the ways they’d like to be supported throughout their parenthood journey. And we want to hear from you, what’s parenthood like right now? What support systems would you like to see? GUESTS: Sarah Donaldson: graduate student at Southern Connecticut State University Jessica Holzer: Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Population Health and Leadership Malissa Griffith: Program Manager of Parents Connecting Parents and family engagement at the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week begins the search for the next head of the Catholic Church known as the Conclave. Social media has been a buzz as Cardinals all over the world have gathered to begin this sacred ritual to elect the next Pope. During his papacy, Pope Francis took stands on issues like immigration, war and environmental justice. Although he appointed women leaders in the Vatican office, he did not go so far as to allow women to serve as deacons, and priests. As the Catholic church elects a new pope, some women are hoping for expanded roles under the next papacy. Today, we hear what that might look like. What would you like to see from the next Pope? GUESTS: Olivia Bardo: Multimedia and Social Editor at the Global Sisters Report, a Project of the National Catholic Reporter Celia Viggo Wexler: journalist and author of Catholic Women Confront Their Church: Stories of Hurt and Hope Sister Barbara Mullen: Sister of Saint Joseph and Hartford Archdiocese Delegate for Religious 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 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Sheng Wang does not perform comedy that punches down; making jokes about those with less power and privilege. The child of Taiwanese immigrants refuses to make jokes about the Asian American diaspora, but does include stories about his family in his standup. Sheng joined us to talk about his 20 year career, his first comedy special on Netflix and connecting with audiences through humility and kindness. Learn more about his Connecticut performance here. GUEST: Sheng Wang: Comedian, actor and writer 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.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently stated that the Trump administration will be prioritizing transportation funding to states that require “local compliance or cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.” In April, the Connecticut Department of Transportation held it’s 2025 Transportation Showcase. Today, we listen back to the panel discussion, where we explored how public transit could impact small business growth and the future of federal infrastructure funding in Connecticut. We also touched on the transition to an electric bus service and efforts to reduce Connecticut’s carbon footprint through green solutions. GUESTS: Benjamin Limmer: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau Chief of Public Transportation, Marian Andoh-Clarke: Director of Small Business Development, Hartford Chamber of Commerce, Matt Hart: Executive Director, Capital Region Council of Governments John Truscinski: Director of Resilience Planning, The Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate. 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.

Spring is a time of migration for amphibians around New England. And there’s a lot being done to help these little creatures get to their summer homes - safely! Today, we hear from those working to aid the frogs, and toads, and helping them cross the roads. We might even get to meet a frog and a toad, or two! The Connecticut Beardsley Zoo joins us, and along with some amphibian friends! GUESTS: Mara Hoplamazian: Climate Reporter for New Hampshire Public Radio Jim Knox: Curator of Education of the Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Stevie Kennedy Gold: Curatorial Associate of Herpetology for The Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University 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.

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.

New England’s coastal culture is built on shellfish. But rising temperatures and shifting ocean conditions threaten that tradition. This hour, how the shellfish industry is adapting to choppy waters.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of the phrase “nuclear power” what comes to mind for you? Perhaps some of the notable catastrophic accidents that were caused from malfunctions at nuclear power plants like Chernobyl or Three Mile Island? Although nuclear power carries some risks, some are saying it’s one of the most reliable ways we have to generate electricity. Today, we are going atomic and diving into the world of nuclear power, including taking a look at what this looks like in our state. What questions do you have about going nuclear? GUESTS: John Moritz: covers energy and environment for CT Mirror Erik Katovich: Assistant Professor of Environmental and Resource Economics at the University of Connecticut Ivan Penn: New York Times reporter covering the energy industry Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is Tax Day, and we’re talking about managing your budget in a year of constantly changing tariffs and an unpredictable marketplace. There’s a lot of questions about what to do with your money, in a time of so much financial uncertainty. But having greater financial literacy and understanding on how the economy works, could give you a little bit more ease. Later, we hear how greater financial literacy can help the next generation have greater control over their financial future. GUESTS: Michelle Singletary: Personal Finance Columnist for the Washington Post Christian Sherill: Director of Growth and Advocacy with Next Gen Personal Finance Marian Andoh Clarke: Director of Small Business Development at the Hartford Chamber of Commerce Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelp Week 2025 is celebrated from April 20 to May 1 in Connecticut. 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 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. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time to shake off the winter blues and dive into spring - spring gardening to be more specific! Today, horticulturist and host of All Things Gardening, Charlie Nardozzi joins us for the hour to answer our gardening questions and yours. Plus, we hear from those bringing gardening, farming and fresh local goods from produce to honey, to every neighborhood across Connecticut, and using gardening as a way to connect. Whether you're a first time gardener, or master of the soil, you won’t want to miss this hour. Learn more about the Urban Green and Community Grant here. GUESTS: Charlie Nardozzi: horticulturist and All Things Gardening host on Vermont Public Radio Jonathón Savage: Executive Director of Gather New Haven Diana Martinez: Agriculture Director at Chicks Ahoy Farm 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. GUESTS: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong Jessica DeFino: award-winning beauty reporter and critic, columnist for The Guardian Maria Ogundolani: Program Director, LiveGirl Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent weeks, the Trump administration has been targeting international students for their participation in pro-Palestinian protests or speech. In early March, Columbia University student and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil was arrested and detained. Khalil played a prominent role in the pro-Palestinian protests on the Columbia campus. President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social that Khalil’s arrest was quote “the first arrest of many to come.” In late March, Fulbright scholar and Tufts University grad student Rumeysa Ozrurk was taken into custody by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents in plain clothes and wearing masks. This hour, we’ll hear about the experiences of international students amid the Trump administration’s crackdown — from their legal rights to the fear and uncertainty they’re feeling. GUESTS: Kirk Carapezza: Managing Editor and Correspondent for higher education at GBH News Liam Knox: Admissions and Enrollment Reporter, Inside Higher Ed Clay Harmon: Executive director of AIRC, Association of International Enrollment Management, a membership organization focused on recruiting and enrolling international students. Kathy Wang and Angelica Gajewski helped produce this episode. 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.

Next year, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Right now, many organizations are preparing for the anniversary here in Connecticut and beyond. Today, we’ll hear from some of those institutions about their anniversary plans, the importance of learning from the past, and more. The conversation was originally recorded at Connecticut’s America 250 2025 Conference held at the University of Connecticut and organized by CT Humanities. GUESTS: Tom Schuch: Archival Historian, at the New London County Historical Society Norman Berman: President of the Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society Sylvester Salcedo: Connecticut Veteran and Content Developer Anne Dropick: Executive Director, Eidetic Productions, Inc. Jason Mancini: Executive Director of CT Humanities and Vice Chair of Connecticut’s America 250 Commission 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.

President Trump has signed an executive order that will begin eliminating the Education Department. And while most experts agree that it would require an act of Congress to scrap the department entirely, significant workforce reductions have already begun. The White House says that these actions will save money and improve student test scores. But critics say that vulnerable students, rural communities, and teachers will be left in a lurch. This hour, we're joined by former United States Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona. We'll explore what a future with no Education Department looks like for students and schools in Connecticut and beyond. GUESTS: Miguel Cardona: former United States Secretary of Education Christina Samuels: Deputy Managing Editor, The Hechinger Report Jessika Harkay: Education reporter, CT Mirror Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Muslims, Ramadan is the holiest month of the year. It’s marked by fasting, prayer and renewing one’s devotion to the faith. Here in Connecticut, institutions around the state are marking this holy time with a variety of celebrations. But throughout the world, Islamophobia is on the rise. Earlier this month in Waterbury, two young girls celebrating Ramadan were attacked by fellow students. During the attack, their hijabs were ripped off. Today, we hear what can be done to better support the Islamic community, and dive deeper into this holy time. GUESTS: Chaplain Aida Mansoor: Director of Field Education at Hartford International University Chad Moir: CEO of March Inc Saba Shahid: Author, entrepreneur and pilot Dia Fortenberry: Assistant Athletic Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement at Wesleyan University 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.

Tolkien Reading Day is held on March 25th each year. Libraries here in Connecticut and across the globe mark this day by paying homage to the works of J.R.R Tolkien. They host “second breakfasts,” offer presentations on Hobbit lore, and encourage visitors to read their favorite passages aloud. This hour, we explore why Tolkien's characters and fantastical world building continues to resonate with readers today. GUESTS: David Thorn Wenzel, Illustrator and children's book artist best known for his graphic novel adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit Michael Whelan: Illustrator specializing in fantasy and science fiction, winner of 15 Hugo Awards Kate Noonan: Senior Reference Librarian, South Windsor Public Library Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daylight Saving Time: it’s just losing one hour of sleep right? How bad can that be? But experts say, it goes beyond losing one hour of sleep. The practice of advancing clocks to make better use of daylight, can have long term disruptions to our circadian rhythm. That’s according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Today, we explore just how disruptive Daylight Saving Time can be to our sleep, our health and our behavior, and hear about some efforts to change it. Would you like to see Daylight Saving Time abolished?Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Decades ago, actors like Clint Eastwood and John Wayne made their names playing gun-slingers in movies set in the American West. But Westerns aren’t just a thing of the past and they’re not just on the big screen. Today, we’ll spend the hour with Pulitzer Prize winning author Hernan Diaz and hear how he subverted the Western genre in his first novel In the Distance. We spoke with him back in February at the Westport Library. His novel, was the 2025 selection for WestportREADS, an initiative to strengthen community through the shared experience of a book. He’ll also talk about the mythology of the American West, disorientation in his work, and the power of public libraries. Find more about the WestportREADS series here. GUEST: Hernan Diaz: author of In the Distance and Trust 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.

Reproductive health is historically understudied and underfunded in the United States. Scientists across Connecticut and beyond have been working to change that. Scientific initiatives like EndoRISE, a Connecticut-based program focused on advancing endometriosis research, are making strides toward better understanding reproductive health. This hour, we explore how President Trump’s recent funding cuts could impact their progress. GUESTS: Michayla Savitt: State Government Reporter, CT Public Dr. Danielle Luciano: Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and co-director of EndoRISE Dr. Lubna Pal: Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine Julie Rovner: Chief Washington Correspondent, KFF Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This season alone, there have been over 30,000 COVID-19 cases in Connecticut. That’s according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Measles is on the rise across the United States, and the CDC is monitoring H5 bird flu activity as well. Is it time to start preparing for the next global pandemic? Last year, the World Health Organization published a checklist to help nations update their pandemic preparedness plans. Today, physicians across our state join us to talk about what we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and how to prepare for the next one. GUESTS: Dr. Ulysses Wu: Chief Epidemiologist at Hartford Healthcare Dr. Megan Ranney: Dean of Yale School of Public Health and Professor of Emergency Medicine Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five years ago today, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since then, there have been over a million COVID-19 deaths in the United States alone. It can be challenging to recall a time with so much fear, trauma and loss. But today, we’re revisiting the earliest days of the pandemic and asking you, what do you remember? We’ll hear from the Pandemic Journaling Project out of UConn, and from Marked By COVID. This is a survivors-led organization working to establish a permanent National COVID memorial. What are your earliest memories of the first days of the COVID-19 pandemic? GUESTS: Kristin Urquiza: Co-founder of Marked By COVID Sarah Willen, PhD, MPH: Co-founder of the Pandemic Journaling Project and Professor of Anthropology at University of Connecticut Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been five years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. What began as a mysterious “flu-like” illness spread rapidly, killing over one million people in the United States and over seven million worldwide. That’s according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. And while half a decade has passed, many frontline workers remember the months of fear and uncertainty as though it was yesterday. This hour, hospital workers and a grocery store worker reflect on how the pandemic forever changed their jobs, what lessons they continue to carry forward today, and how they resist “collective forgetting” when it feels like the world has moved on. GUESTS: Sarah Peltier: Grocery at Stop & Shop in Simsbury, CT Audrey Silver: Senior Clinical Operations Manager at Hartford Healthcare Chaplain Rolando Hernandez Lizcano: Chaplain, Hartford Hospital Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Park Service is gearing up for its busiest season of the year, with a smaller staff to assist visitors. The National Park Service has laid off over 1000 employees. Here in Connecticut demand for outdoor recreation has grown exponentially. There was a 75% increase in state park visitors in 2022. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is working to make parks accessible to everyone. Last year, they launched all-terrain wheelchairs at five Connecticut State Parks and Forests. We’ll hear more about that later. Today we hear about this effort and others making the outdoors more accessible for people with disabilities. GUESTS: Kevin Harkins: Vice President of the Southeast Community Center of the Blind Lisa Friedman: reporter covering climate policy and politics for the New York Times Mason Trumble: Deputy Commissioner at Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment Protection (CT DEEP) Akiebia Hicks: Project Manager for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Children’s book author Mac Barnett has been named the Library of Congress' newest National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and during this appointment, he will be focusing on some really important literature: picture books. Picture books can inspire young readers to make reading a habit, but don’t dismiss them as solely books for kids. Mac Barnett believes that picture books are real literature and can be enjoyed at any age. Today, he joins us to talk about picture books and we also hear from picture book lovers locally. Kym Powe from the Connecticut State Library joins us. And we want to hear from you: do you have a favorite picture book? GUESTS: Mac Barnett: U.S. National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature at the Library of Congress, and children's book author Kym Powe: Children and Young Adult Consultant for the Connecticut State Library Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Korean Dramas, or “K-Dramas,” are gaining popularity internationally. Netflix recently poured billions of dollars into Korean content to meet the rising demand. So what sets K-Dramas apart from other TV genres? And why do viewers say that watching K-Dramas has helped them heal, grieve, and even feel less lonely? This hour, we’re joined by Jeanie Y. Chang, licensed marriage and family therapist and author of “How K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life: Powerful Lessons on Belongingness, Healing, and Mental Health.” And later, we hear from members of a local K-Drama meetup group, whose shared passion for K-Dramas has taken them all over the globe.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 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three years after Russia invaded Ukraine, the war continues on and millions are facing dire humanitarian needs. Despite prior support from the United States that included billions of dollars in aid, President Donald Trump has now falsely accused Ukraine of starting the war, and called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a dictator. Today, we hear from Doctors United for Ukraine, a nonprofit working to train Ukrainian physicians, and equip them with the skills and expertise to address traumatic injuries in this region. We’ll also hear an update from the Yale Humanitarian Lab. GUESTS: Dr. Andrey Zinchuk: Vice President and Director of Doctors United for Ukraine at Yale Nathaniel Raymond: Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health Ian Lovett: foreign correspondent for the Wall Street Journal covering Ukraine 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 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.