Where We Live

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.

Journalist and author Fortesa Latifi remembers the first time she stumbled upon child influencer content. She noticed a pattern of family influencers sharing incredibly intimate content of their children's firsts. "They were shaving their legs for the first time or getting potty trained, and it would get millions of views," she said. "And I just started thinking how strange it would be to grow up that way." The family influencer world has become a multi-million dollar industry. But some are starting to question the way this content is created, asking questions on how children are compensated for participating in these videos. Additionally, there is the question of consent. Today on Where We Live, we talk to Fortesa Latifi about her new book “Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online.” 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.

About one in four U.S. adults take care of a loved one – from bathing to managing medical appointments. And as the American population is aging, more of us are becoming caregivers. We’re exploring caregiving and aging in a series we’re calling Caregiving in Connecticut. You can hear the stories and conversations this week during Morning Edition and All Things Considered and you can check out the coverage on our website. We’re going to feature some of those stories today and later, we’re going to hear from a UConn researcher who took a close look at what it means to age in northeastern Connecticut. Guest: Asmita Aasaavari: Ph.D. candidate in sociology at UConn. "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.

At America's founding, who was entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? This was the topic of discussion at a recent event at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. Connecticut Public special correspondent Diane Orson led a panel discussion with several Native American historians. Today, we listen back to that conversation. It's an extension of Still Here: Native American Resilience in New England — a special series from Connecticut Public, featuring radio storytelling, in-depth videos, digital stories, pictures and a community conversation. Guests: Lorén Spears: Executive Director of the Indigenous-led Tomaquag Museum in Rhode Island Nakai Clearwater Northup: Manager of Public Programs and Outreach at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center Ned Blackhawk: Professor of History at Yale University and author of "The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History" 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.

We live in an age of convenience. From one device, millions of books can be accessed and stored. E-readers have become so ubiquitous that even if you don't personally own one, you probably know someone who does. But, have you ever stopped to think about how we get our e-books? And once you do get it, do you actually own it? Today, we will be digging through these questions as we explore e-books and the technology that supports them. Guests: Deborah Schander: Connecticut State Librarian Nicholas Engert: public librarian of over 20 years Lon Seidman: Connecticut resident and tech reporter at Lon.TV Connecticut Public's Megan Rodriguez-Hawkins contributed to this show.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year, the Westport Library hosts a series of author conversations bringing the community together to bond over a book and a shared love of reading. This year, Where We Live host Catherine Shen hosted one of these conversations and spoke to award-winning author Eiren Caffall. Today, we will listen back to that conversation. Caffall is the author of “All the Water in the World.” It's the story of one family living in a nearly deserted New York City in the years after the glaciers melt. Guest: Eiren Caffall: author of the memoir "The Mourner’s Bestiary" and the novel "All the Water in the World" 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.

Death is not something that a lot of us like to think about. But making plans about end-of-life doesn’t need to be scary. Our experts today say it could be empowering. Today, we hear from the Connecticut Death Collective, and hear new approaches to end-of-life care, and memorialization. Later this month, the Mattatuck Museum and Riverside Cemetery, will host the first ever CT Death and Dying Symposium. We hear more. Guests: Sarah Sparen: registered nurse offering death education and guidance in Waterford area Chris Grosso: writer, speaker, musician, and the author of four books, including "Indie Spiritualist" and "Necessary Death." He also hosts The Indie Spiritualist Podcast Becca Allen: a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in end-of-life planning and end of life doula Cheryl Guertin: vice president sexton and funeral director at Riverside Cemetery Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data centers come in all shapes and sizes,from a few shelves in the basement of a university building, to a warehouse the size of nearly two hundred football fields. But what do data centers actually do? Do we have any here in Connecticut? Towns across the state have expressed their trepidation about what a large data center might mean for the quality of life of their residents, with others looking to data centers as a way to create new jobs. Today, we’ll be covering data centers: from how they work, to their impacts on energy and water infrastructure. Guests: Reid Blackman: founder and CEO of Virtue, an AI ethical risk consulting business, and the author of the upcoming “The Ethical Nightmare Challenge” Jordan Fenster: Reporter for Hearst Connecticut covering artificial intelligence John Moritz: Reporter for CTMirror covering energy and the environment 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.

At a time where we are feeling increasingly disconnected, poetry has a powerful way of fostering community. Today, during National Poetry Month, we hear from poets and educators. We'll also check in with some students competing in the Poetry Out Loud competition. It's a competition where students dedicate time to study, memorize and then recite their chosen poem outloud. And as the kids will tell us, it’s not as easy as you might think. Guests: Nadia Sims: Manchester Poet Laureate Jenny Heikkila Diaz: Project Coordinator, The Word and Community Activator, CT Poetry Out Loud Christian Herron: high school student who was one of the winners of the 2026 CT Youth Slam Emma Frisbie: 11th Grade student at East Lyme High School competing in the National Poetry Out Loud Melanie Faranello: local author and Founder of Poetry on the Streets If you want to hear more conversations about books and poetry, sign up for our Where We Read newsletter. It’s a monthly rundown of what the Where We Live team is reading and highlights of some of the best author interviews on Connecticut Public. 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.

Spring has sprung! And with it comes plant sales, fresh flowers and a whole lot of weeds. But what goes into starting a garden? And how do you create sustainable, productive and beautiful landscapes? Today, we’ll be feeling the buzz as we answer all your gardening questions. Later, we’ll hear all about how you can create a way station for travelling pollinators in your backyard! Guests: Charlie Nardozzi: horticulturist and "All Things Gardening" host on Vermont Public Radio Tom Christopher: horticulturist and "Growing Greener" host on WESU Donna Merrill: President of Pollinator Pathway 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.

Chef and restaurateur Eduardo Garcia, better known as “Lalo,” started his cooking journey in his mother’s kitchen. His mother didn’t have any formal training, but prepared food through her own instincts and deep knowledge of flavors. As a child, Garcia picked fruits and vegetables on the migrant route from Florida to Michigan. It gave him firsthand experience of the work that it takes to harvest the produce that ends up on our plate. Today, Lalo Garcia is one of the most celebrated chefs in Latin America. Today, we talk about his journey. His immigrant story is one familiar to those who have crossed the border. Guests: Laura Tillman: Connecticut Mirror’s Human Services Reporter and author of “The Migrant Chef: The Life and Times of Lalo Garcia" Megan Baker: Lead Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Policy Analyst with the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next time you’re driving, take a look around and you might notice you’re being watched. From cameras atop traffic lights to license plate readers, surveillance technology has quietly crept into cities and towns across the state. Today, we’re taking a look at surveillance in Connecticut and asking why organizations are worried about how these devices are used. Can mass surveillance and civil liberties co-exist? Guests: Matthew Guariglia: Senior Policy Analyst for the Electronic Frontier Foundation Ojala Naeem: Town Councilor for Windsor, Connecticut Arman Haidari: Citizen activist and resident of West Hartford, Connecticut Eric Weiner: Citizen activist and resident of Windsor, Connecticut Connecticut Public's divina cordeiro contributed to this show.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beavers are known as a "keystone species" contributing to biodiversity wherever they set up their habitats. Today, Connecticut author and journalist Leila Philip joins us to talk about her book "Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America." We’ll also hear from one student working to map beaver habitats throughout Connecticut. Have you seen beavers where you live? Guests: Leila Philip: Author of "Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America" Evan Zocco: PhD Student at UConn Natural Resources and the Environment Akiebia Hicks: Wildlife Biologist with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Postmaster General David Steiner recently told lawmakers that the U.S. Postal Service is in peril. Speaking at a House Oversight subcommittee hearing, he said that the agency would be out of cash within 12 months and might have to cease deliveries. Today, we talk about the future of the postal service in Connecticut and across the nation, and ask what can be done to keep it afloat. Later, does your town have multiple zip codes? Though not uncommon, it can be a disruptive nuisance for rural towns with small populations. We hear why. Guests: Daniel Piazza: Chief Curator at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum Sarah Anderson: Global Economy Director, Institute for Policy Studies Vince Mase: Director of Retirees for the Connecticut State Association of Letter Carriers Abby Brone: Housing Reporter for Connecticut Public 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.

On September 12th, 1962, President John F. Kennedy announced that the United States would land a man on the moon within the decade. Seven years later, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin planted the American flag on the lunar surface. Now, NASA and space agencies around the globe are planning on going back. So what is it about the moon that continues to capture humanity’s heart and imagination? This hour, we learn all about the philosophy and religion behind our pursuit of the moon—and explore the possibility of reciprocal relationships with the moon. Guests: Mary-Jane Rubenstein: Dean of Social Sciences at Wesleyan University and author of "Astrotopia: The Dangerous Religion of the Corporate Space Race." Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason: author of "Grandmother Moon" and Assistant Director of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative at Brown University 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.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shawna Lander is the actress behind “Shawna the Mom,” a series of one-woman skits on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. She's amassed millions of followers online, through clips are that are fictional, but touch on real world themes of motherhood and the ups-and-downs of family life. "I was really hungry for any sort of media that would reflect back to me what it was I was going through, and I couldn't find it," Lander said. The one-woman show has catapulted Lander to online celebrity, but Lander emphasizes she's not Shawna the Mom. Instead, she said, she's “every mom.” She joins us to talk about her series. We’ll ask how she built a cast of characters, how she explores the ups and downs of motherhood and how she navigates complicated family relationships. "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.

Seven-in-ten high school teachers say that cell phone distraction in school is a major problem, and one third of teens say that they use at least one social media site “almost constantly,” according to the Pew Research Center. But how are teens actually consuming social media? And what kind of citizens of the internet are they becoming? We’ll hear about a new study exploring how teens are interacting with their personal algorithms and speak with a Connecticut lawmaker about what policymakers can do to help. Guests: Rachel Besharat Mann: Associate Professor of the Practice in Education Studies at Wesleyan University Gary Turco: State Representative for Connecticut's 27th District Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have displaced 800,000 people, and killed nearly 700 people. Connecticut is home to nearly 10,000 Lebanese Americans. Today we hear from members of the state's Lebanese diaspora. We’ll also hear from one global humanitarian aid organization working on the ground in Lebanon to provide support. GUESTS: Arson Fahim: musician, pianist, composer and conductor Kelly Razzouk: Vice President of Policy & Advocacy at the International Rescue Committee, a global humanitarian aid organization Bilal Tajildeen: Former member of the Waterbury board of Alderman Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new exhibit at Yale’s natural history museum is highlighting a culture with deep ties to many in the state. It’s called “¡Taíno Vive!” or “Taíno lives,” and it’s all about the native people of the Caribbean. Today we celebrate the history and contributions of Taínos. It’s a culture with roots in Puerto Rico, Haiti, Jamaica and other ancestral homes throughout the Caribbean. We’ll learn about legislative efforts to recognize Taínos and examine the ongoing question of identity for Taínos both in the past and today. Guests: Rachel Iacovone: Connecticut Public Puerto Rican Communities Reporter. Stephanie Bailey: Archaeologist and member of AraYeke Yukayek, a New York based Caribbean Indigenous Taíno community. Geraldo Reyes: Democratic state representative representing Waterbury Matunheri Angel Sibakuyali: Representative from Higuayagua Taíno of the Caribbean Victor Piñeiro: Author of "The Island of Forgotten Gods" 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 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Believe it or not, spring is just around the corner. But it’s been a rough winter for those growing crops and raising livestock. Today, we hear how this winter season has impacted Connecticut agriculture and farms. More Connecticut farmers are working to bring new products to market and maybe inspire your tastebuds along the way. We hear from one farm doing just that. Find your local farm by visiting www.ctgrown.org. GUESTS: Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt: Connecticut Department of Agriculture Mackenzie White: Diversified Livestock Extension Field Based Specialist at the UConn Extension College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources Spencer Lord: Owner of Oracle Mushrooms Company in Kent, Connecticut Matt Went: president of the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before I Forget, a novel by Tory Henwood Hoen. At some point in life, there is a good chance that you might become a caretaker. “Before I Forget” is the story of life, love, memory loss and all the ups and downs of caregiving. It was inspired by author Tory Henwood Hoen’s own experience with caregiving. The story follows a young woman named Cricket. As her father’s Alzheimer's progresses, she decides to make a major life pivot, quitting her job and moving back home to be with him fulltime. Hoen shares her story. Later this hour, we'll hear how one Connecticut organization is working to make audiobooks more accessible. GUESTS: Tory Henwood Hoen: author of two books including her latest, “Before I Forget” Barrie Kreinik: actor, singer, writer and audiobook narrator Matt Geeza: director of the Connecticut Library for Accessible Books Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an age of increased isolation and loneliness, what does it mean to be a good neighbor, and build community? Today, we hear from groups across Connecticut working to organize, support their neighborhoods and inspire change. We’ll also get local reactions to the unfolding situation in Iran and the Middle East. Guests: Farhan Memon: Chairman, CAIR Connecticut, the state chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations Provash Budden: Deputy Senior Vice President of Emergency Programs, Americares Janti Soeripto: Save the Children U.S. President & CEO Ra Carter: Founding member of Mutual Aid Hartford Jim Chapdelaine: Founder of Indivisible CT Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.