Where We Live

If you’ve ever stared at the ceiling wondering why sleep won’t come, you’re not alone. In fact, six out of 10 adults in the United States don’t get enough sleep. That’s according to the National Sleep Foundation. This hour, we hear from someone diagnosed with insomnia and a sleep expert. They'll help us understand why rest feels so out of reach, and what might help us drift off. GUESTS: Jennifer Senior: Staff writer at The Atlantic, author of: "Why Can't Americans Sleep?" Dr. Christine Won: Professor, Medical Director of the Yale Centers for Sleep Medicine 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 November 10, 2025.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When tough times hit, do you hit the pause button, or do you just barrel through? Nearly six years ago, amid the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, author Katherine May released “Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times.” Her memoir explores her own experience finding peace in times of both spiritual and seasonal difficulty. It inspired readers throughout the world to greet challenging times with softness. May joins us to talk about wintering and what we can learn about the power of rest and retreat in 2026. GUEST: Katherine May: author of "Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times" Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been nearly five years since recreational cannabis was legalized in Connecticut. Since then dozens of dispensaries have opened across the state, making purchasing products easier than ever. But new research says cannabis use among teens is rising, and that evidence doesn't support using cannabis as a medical cure-all. Today, an update on cannabis use and regulation in our state. GUESTS: Lila McKinkley: Cannabis Control Division Director at Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Dr. Sarah Feldstein Ewing: Professor at UConn Health and Vice Chair of Research Dr. Deepak Cyril Dsouza: Professor of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine Ryan Vandrey: Professor in the Department of Behavioral Psychiatry at John Hopkins University School of Medicine Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. produces over a billion pounds of cheese monthly, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Connecticut is a small, but mighty, part of that. Today, we’ll hear about all steps of the cheesemaking process from nationally-recognized experts producing Connecticut cheese. They’ll share the stories behind their products and what keeps customers coming back to that special Connecticut cheese. GUESTS: Jason Sobocinski: founder of Caseus Mark Gillman: co-owner and Head Cheesemaker of Cato Corner Farm in Colchester Chris Casiello: plant Manager of Arethusa Farm Dairy in Litchfield Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fever, chills, fatigue, cough, headache and a sore throat. A new variant of the flu means more people are suffering from the virus this season. But the flu can be more than just a nuisance illness — it can be deadly. Today, Connecticut physicians join us to answer questions about what to do to protect yourself and your family from the virus. Flu-related hospitalizations are rising in Connecticut. We hear from one local emergency medicine doctor. Up first, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently scaled back childhood vaccine schedules, changing recommendations for the flu vaccine and others. We learn more. GUESTS: Apoorva Mandavilli: Science and Global Health Reporter for the New York Times Dr. Anumaha Singh: Chief of Department of Emergency Medicine for Hartford Hospital Dr. Scott Roberts: Associate Medical Director for Infection Prevention at Yale New Haven Hospitals and Infectious Disease Doctor and Assistant professor at the Yale School of Medicine 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.

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.

There’s an old saying that goes “you are what you eat.” You might take that phrase with a grain of salt, but doctors agree: what we eat affects our blood pressure, blood sugar, cardiovascular health and more. It's knowledge that's generations old — food as a source of nourishment and healing. Essentially, food can act as medicine. From Ayurveda and Chinese herbs to modern-day food pharmacies — what we put on our plates impacts our health. But what can we do about it? Especially with inflation inching upward, seven-in-ten Americans say the cost of healthy food can be out of reach. We explore solutions. GUESTS: Dr. Anusha Sehgal: a classically trained Ayurvedic physician based in Boston Dr. Ulysses Wu: Chief Epidemiologist at Hartford Healthcare Skip Lewis: resident of Hartford living with polycystic kidney Disease David Juros: Operations Manager of Food4Health Clinic at Hartford Healthcare Jessica Soto: a patient at Hartford Healthcare. She was a recipient of the Food for Health Clinic at Hartford Healthcare Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It all started with a typo. Anelise Chen was going through a difficult divorce. Her career and job security was tenuous. She just got into a bike accident leaving her with bruised ribs, and she received a text from her mom: “Clam down! Just clam down.” This typo inspired a journey of healing: a journey that included retreating, diving into her family history and learning everything she could about the life of a clam, and other mollusks, some of the most resilient species on our planet. She joins us for the hour to talk about her new book "Clam Down: A Metamorphosis." GUESTS: Anelise Chen: author of "Clam Down: A Metamorphosis" and Associate Professor at Columbia University 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.

Here at Where We Live, this was a big year for books. Not only did we get the chance to speak with some terrific authors, we also launched our Where We Read newsletter, a destination for die-hard book lovers and the literary curious alike. Today, we are going to listen back to a few of our favorite author conversations. We hear from Connecticut natives Ocean Vuong and Wally Lamb. Listen back to their full interviews below: Wally Lamb's new book, 'The River Is Waiting,' explores prison injustice and forgiveness Connecticut native Ocean Vuong has a deep love for Hartford GUESTS: Ocean Vuong: writer, professor and author of "The Emperor of Gladness" 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 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.

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.

Cat Shen has been hosting Where We Live long enough for the show to use a fork, and yet very little is known about her. In this hour, technical producer and partner-in-mischief Dylan Reyes sits down with Cat to get the inside scoop on the reporter turned host. The pair discuss some of their favorite songs, defining life moments and what it means to be the face of a show that's celebrating 20 years on Connecticut Public Radio in 2026. MUSIC FEATURED (in order): Milk Tea — Yuji Ohno (ft. Akari Dritschler Happy Happy Christmas — Drax (commonly known as it is a mystery) Complicated — Avril Lavigne Magpie — Peach Pit The Moon Represents My Heart — Teresa Teng (鄧麗君 — Deng Lee Jun) Uprising — Muse Mr. Resetti — insaneintherainmusic Ganja Smugglin — The Expendables Goofy Goober Rock — Tom Rothrock I'm Yours — Jason Mraz Sparkle (movie version) — RADWIMPS Or, find it all in this playlist! 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.

Connecticut native and bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert’s new memoir, "All the Way to the River," tells the story of her late partner, Rayya Elias. The two began as fast friends, then fell in love. But as they faced tragedy together, their shared struggles with addiction put them on a collision course with catastrophe. This hour, Gilbert joins us to talk about Rayya — “the love of her life” — and what she discovered about herself, about love, and about the sanctity of truth in writing this deeply personal memoir. Guest: Elizabeth Gilbert: author of the new memoir, "All the Way to the River." She is also the author of several other bestselling novels including "Eat, Pray, Love" and "City of Girls." This episode originally aired on Sep. 11, 2025. 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.

From a mass shooting in Australia that left 15 people dead, to a shooting at Brown University that killed two students, the world has been rocked by gun violence at the end of 2025. In the U.S., 125 people die from a gun injury, and more than 200 people are shot and wounded each day, according to the nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety. In Connecticut, there were at least 339 incidents of gun violence this year. The outpouring of shock and grief following the shootings was expected and understandable. But what is it like for young people to live with the constant fear of guns in their environments or the threat of mass shootings? Guests: Nelba Márquez-Greene: Mother of Ana Grace, killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. Community Scholar, Yale School of Public Health. Renee Beavers: Hospital violence intervention specialist (HVIP), Connecticut Children’s. Stacey Mayer: Director of Advocacy, Policy & Outreach at CT Against Gun Violence. Malini Parikh: Student, Hopkins School, New Haven. President of the CT Against Gun Violence Youth Council. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday is the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. This hour, we celebrate the beloved author's work, and look at why her six novels have endured for centuries. Plus, we hear from a horticulturalist about her love of gardens, and talk with a local historical clothing expert about fashion in Austen's time. GUESTS: Barbara Benedict: Charles A. Dana Professor of English at Trinity College Tara Key: Manager of Reference and Instruction at the New Canaan Library Jana Milbocker: Garden designer, lecturer, and writer Kandie Carle: Known as “The Victorian Lady,” is an actress and historian Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does Christmas bring out the ghosts? This hour, we dig into the world of Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, and the Victorian obsession with spiritualism that shaped so many holiday tales. We also explore two Connecticut productions of A Christmas Carol to see how performers keep this annual tradition fresh. GUESTS: Wesley Broulik: producing artistic director, Times Fool Company Cynthia Rider: managing director, Hartford Stage Emma Gerstein: assistant manager of interpretation & living history coordinator, The Mark Twain House & Museum Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of people in our country live with a chronic condition. From syndromes affecting our hearts and brains, to pain and inflammation, chronic illnesses can be hidden to the world, but are all too real for patients. Today, we dive deep into how culture and politics affect our bodies. We explore perceptions of what illness looks like (or doesn’t look like). And we'll ask what it takes for a patient to become an advocate, both for themself and for others. Are you or someone you love living with a chronic condition? We want to hear from you. Guests Eshani Surya: Author of Ravishing, a novel that explores the intersection of the beauty industry and chronic illness Jennifer Lunden: Author of American Breakdown: Our Ailing Nation, My Body’s Revolt, and the Nineteenth-Century Woman Who Brought Me Back to Life – An Illuminating Investigation into Chronic Illness and Environmental Ecosystems Lauren Stiles: Founder, Dysautonomia InternationalSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changing federal guidance on vaccines has Connecticut health officials in an uproar. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine committee recently altered long-standing guidance on how newborns are vaccinated. Meanwhile, doctors say more patients fear vaccine side effects, which doctors are addressing on a case-by-case basis during consultations. Public health experts are concerned that fear and confusion could bring back diseases that the U.S. had forgotten. We’ll dig into the history of vaccines in America, check in with Connecticut doctors and ask the state's top public health official what's next. Guests: Jason L Schwartz: associate professor at the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Yale School of Public Health; associate Professor in the History of Medicine, Yale University. Dr. Manisha Juthani: commissioner, Connecticut Department of Public Health Dr. David Banach: head of infection prevention at UConn Health Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Gilmore Girls" premiered in October 2000 on The WB network. The series filled a niche at the time: female leads, three generations of women, and witty, fast-paced dialogue. But success was not immediate. This hour, we listen to "Oy, with the Gilmores already!" an episode of Connecticut Public's new podcast, "Generation Gilmore Girls." Later, we’re joined by the host of the podcast, Chloe Wynne, who reflects on the show's staying power 25 years after its premiere. Guest: Chloe Wynne: Producer for "Where We Live" and "The Wheelhouse", host of "Generation Gilmore Girls". Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to getting behind the wheel, there’s a lot to be stressed about, and we're not just talking about bad drivers. The average cost of a new car today is about $50,000. Car insurance rates have risen 55% since February 2020. Car maintenance costs are also on the rise. Today, we talk about what you should know if you’re in the market for a new vehicle. Later, we hear from the Connecticut Mirror. They recently completed an in-depth investigation into vehicle-selling practices at Connecticut towing companies. GUESTS: Dave Altimari: Investigative Reporter at the Connecticut Mirror Ginny Monk: Children's Issues and Housing Reporter for the Connecticut Mirror Tracy Noble: Spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford Camila Domonoske: Car and Energy Correspondent at the NPR Business Desk Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like many humanitarian crises, the situation in Sudan is complicated. The nation has a long history of violence, war and genocide. Several militia groups, factions and tribes have contributed to the devastation. The region is facing mass starvation. Millions of people have been displaced and impacted by famine. Mass killings and sexual violence have become all too common in this region. Today, we hear what humanitarian aid organizations are doing to provide support to this region. GUESTS: Arjan Hehenkamp: Crisis Lead for Sudan with the International Rescue Committee, a global humanitarian aid organization Janti Soeripto: President & CEO of Save the Children, an international NGO and humanitarian aid organization based in Connecticut Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, talks about why managing our emotions might be the most important skill we ever learn.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Thanksgiving week! This hour, Where We Live is celebrating the holiday season with a listen back to some of our favorite conversations about cooking and the social power of food.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lebanese cuisine is all about slowing down, gathering with friends and family and taking your time to enjoy a meal. "I have a clock that doesn't move in the restaurant," said chef George Noujaim. He's the owner of Noujaim's Bistro in Winstead, Connecticut. Noujaim is one of two Lebanese chef-owners we’ll hear from today, who are teaching their customer base to slow down. With gathering in mind, we’ll also listen back to our conversation with cook and author Samin Nosrat. Her new book is “Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love.” GUESTS: Samin Nosrat: cook, teacher and author of “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” and “Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love" Reem Hadir: chef and founder of Lebnani Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar in Watertown George Noujaim: chef owner of Noujaim’s Mediterranean Cuisine in Winsted Tess Terrible: Senior Producer of Where We Live 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.

Many Americans are feeling the pressure of rising grocery bills. Meanwhile, an estimated $550 million worth of food will go to waste this Thanksgiving alone. That’s according to the nonprofit ReFed. This hour, we’ll hear about statewide efforts to reduce, reuse and rethink what we throw away. And later, we’ll hear from experts on the front lines of food recovery — people working to get good food out of landfills and onto kitchen tables instead. GUESTS: Katie Dykes: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Jennifer Heaton-Jones: Executive director, Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority Lori Martin: Co-founder and executive director, Haven’s Harvest Karen Saggese: Fairfield county co-site director, Food Rescue US Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Haven's Claire's Corner Copia has been a Connecticut institution for 50 years now. This hour owner Claire Criscuolo joins us to talk about food, building community and her new cookbook. We'll get vegetarian cooking tips ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, and take your calls. GUEST: Claire Criscuolo: Owner of Claire’s Corner Copia, a vegetarian restaurant in New Haven. Her newest cookbook is "50 Vegetarian Recipes from 50 Years of Claire’s Corner Copia." Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For generations, stories of Native America were erased from the American story. Today, we explore the Native American experience in New England. Connecticut Public Special Correspondent Diane Orson has spent nearly a year researching, producing and reporting the stories in this series, called "Still Here." We hear from Diane, and get a preview of this special series. Guests: Diane Orson: reporter and producer at Connecticut Public Radio Chris Newell: Co-Founder and Director of Education for Akowmawt Educational Initiative, a majority native-owned educational consultancy and Native American Cultural Director of the University of Connecticut’s Native American Cultural Program 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.

Hurricane Melissa was one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. This Category 5 storm caused devastation in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, permanently changing the lives of those living and working in this region. Here in Connecticut, many residents have felt the ripple effect. The West Indian community makes up a large portion of the immigrant population in Connecticut. There are 70,000 West Indian immigrants in greater Hartford area alone. Many individuals in this community were unable to reach loved ones at the height of the storm, and are now stepping up to provide support for those impacted by the hurricane. Today, we hear from them. Guests: Azaria Tyler: Business Development for Shubert Theater and member of the Jamaican American Connection in New Haven Dr. Gary Rhule: member West Indian Social Club of Hartford, and Health Sector Representative for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Carolyn Vermont: Vice President of the West Indian American Association of Bridgeport Caribbean organizations in Connecticut are requesting the following items for people impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Non-perishable food, fruit and vegetable seeds, animal feed, food containers, food storage bins, disposable utensils and plates, MREs Bedding foam, cots, mattresses, pillows, pillowcases, robes Tools and equipment, flashlights, batteries, radios, message boards, work gloves, garbage bags Health supplies, hygiene kits, water storage containers, water purification kits Tarps, tents, buckets with lids, mobile storage units Items can be dropped off at a number of locations located across the greater Hartford area. Rehoboth Church of God, 1170 Blue Hills Ave., Bloomfield Homecare Services, 112 Cottage Grove Rd., Bloomfield West Indian Social Club of Hartford, 3340 Main St., Hartford North United Methodist Church, 1205 Albany Ave., Hartford Hartford Fire Dept. Engine Co. 10, 510 Franklin Ave., Hartford Sport and Medical Sciences Academy, 280 Huyshope Ave., Hartford Semilla Cafe, 1283 Main St., Hartford A Step Above Childcare, 30 Quarry Rd., Glastonbury Grace Episcopal Church, 311 Broad St., Windsor Fish N Tingz Bar & Grill, 384 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It all started with a typo. Anelise Chen was going through a difficult divorce. Her career and job security was tenuous. She just got into a bike accident leaving her with bruised ribs, and she received a text from her mom: “Clam down! Just clam down.” This typo inspired a journey of healing: a journey that included retreating, diving into her family history and learning everything she could about the life of a clam, and other mollusks, some of the most resilient species on our planet. She joins us for the hour to talk about her new book "Clam Down: A Metamorphosis." GUESTS: Anelise Chen: author of "Clam Down: A Metamorphosis" and Associate Professor at Columbia University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever stared at the ceiling wondering why sleep won’t come, you’re not alone. In fact, six out of 10 adults in the United States don’t get enough sleep. That’s according to the National Sleep Foundation. This hour, we hear from someone diagnosed with insomnia and a sleep expert. They'll help us understand why rest feels so out of reach, and what might help us drift off. GUESTS: Jennifer Senior: Staff writer at The Atlantic, author of: "Why Can't Americans Sleep?" Dr. Christine Won: Professor, Medical Director of the Yale Centers for Sleep Medicine Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States' first Food Stamp program began in 1939. Since then, millions of people have benefited from nutritional assistance. In 2024, one in nine Connecticut residents received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Last week, federal judges ordered the Trump Administration to continue to fund SNAP benefits. The administration initially agreed to cover a fraction of the benefit payments. But later, President Trump announced that SNAP would not be paid until the shutdown ends. The majority SNAP recipients are children. Today, we talk about the future of SNAP benefits in Connecticut, and how the state could fill in the gaps. GUESTS: Jason Jakubowski: President and CEO, Connecticut Foodshare Caitlin Caspi: Associate Professor, Allied Health Sciences at the University of Connecticut, and Director of Food Security Initiatives at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health Keith Phaneuf: State Budget Reporter for Connecticut Mirror Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although there are many barriers that keep young adults from casting their ballot, the data shows that things are changing, and more young voters are participating in elections. In the 2024 presidential election, 47% of young adults age 18-29, voted.. Today is Election Day. We’re going to spend the hour talking about the youth vote. Social media, artificial intelligence and even podcasting is changing the way candidates reach and influence voters. We learn more about how political advertising and media is evolving. Looking for the voting location in your town? Find where to vote here. GUESTS: Rudy Garrett: Vice President of Capacity Building at the Alliance for Youth Organizing Michael Franz: Co-director of the Wesleyan Media Project and Professor of Government at Bowdoin College Alberto Medina: Communications Manager at the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five-time James Beard Award winner Dorie Greenspan joins us for a conversation about baking, memory and the joy of sharing something homemade. Her newest cookbook, "Dorie’s Anytime Cakes," is a love letter to the simple cakes that fill our kitchens and our lives. From the ones we nibble all day long to the ones we bake for people we love, these are cakes meant for every moment. This hour, we’re celebrating the comfort and connection that come from turning on the oven and gathering around something delicious. GUESTS: Dorie Greenspan: Five-time James Beard Award-winning cookbook author. Her latest is "Dorie’s Anytime Cakes." Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut Public staff talk about their favorite Halloween traditions of today and yesterday — including candy, movies, costumes and more. Later, a local paranormal investigator joins us to talk about their work exploring haunted homes and businesses across Connecticut. And an author says our fascination with asylums as haunted places is easily explained. We hear about his investigation. Guests: Frankie Graziano: Host and producer of the Wheelhouse on Connecticut Public Robyn Doyon-Aitken: Deputy Director of Audio Storytelling and Talk Shows Francesca Fontanez: Connecticut Public’s lead Social Media Editor Barry Pirro: paranormal investigator based in Connecticut. His podcast is Haunted Happenings and he is the author of the book “Haunted Happenings: A Ghost Hunter’s Strangest Cases" Troy Rondinone: professor of history at Southern Connecticut State University, and the author of the book “Nightmare Factories: The Asylum in the American Imagination” Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local politicians shape life in Connecticut cities and towns, making decisions on education, housing and business development. But voter turnout is historically low in local elections. Today, Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas joins us to answer our Election Day questions and yours. Later, we hear how her office is preparing for the 2026 midterm elections and increasing voter education. We'll also hear what's being done to increase voter participation among the more than 4 million U.S. citizens living abroad. Less than 4% of this population voted in the 2022 election. Looking for the early voting location in your community? Check out this list. Guests: Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas Sara Kempner: Director of Creative Campaigns & Collaborations at the U.S. Vote Foundation Michayla Savitt: Connecticut Public State Government Reporter Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Halloween week, which means we’re summoning Connecticut’s most chilling stories. From ghostly apparitions to mysterious happenings that defy explanation, this hour will make you think twice about what lurks in the dark. Historians, tour guides and a psychic join us to share their strangest encounters. Tune in for a haunting hour of history, folklore and a few goosebumps. GUESTS: Christine Jewell: Director for The Ancient Burying Ground Mallory Howard: Assistant Curator for The Mark Twain House & Museum Chrystyne McGrath: Psychic, founder and owner of CM Paranormal Services and The Guilford Ghost Tours Courtney McInvale: Author, historian and founder of Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours Wesley Broulik: performer, actor in Time’s Fool Company Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of horror fiction what comes to mind for you? Maybe the classics like "Frankenstein," "Dracula," or "The Shining?" Like many genres, horror has evolved with the times to encompass all things terrifying. The spooky season is in full swing and we have a great line up of horror fiction to keep you entertained and spooked all season long. Today, we talk about our favorites. GUESTS: AK Nevermore: president of the Connecticut Romance Writers Association and author living in Connecticut Andrew Liptak: author of the newsletter, Transfer Orbit, a newsletter about science fiction, writing and the future Stephanie Gagnon: host of the Books in the Freezer Podcast Jane Frankel: author and librarian at the Warehouse Point Library in East Windsor Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professional women's sports are having a moment. This hour, we hear from soccer player and Connecticut native Alyssa Naeher ahead of her U.S. Women's National Soccer Team retirement ceremony, and from Quinnipiac University's Women's Head Rugby Coach, Becky Carlson, about the rising status of that sport after one of her former athletes became a global celebrity around the last Olympics. GUESTS: Alyssa Naeher: American professional soccer player and Connecticut native. She currently plays for Chicago Stars FC. She was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team from 2014 to 2024, winning a World Cup in 2019 and a Gold Medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics Becky Carlson: Women's Rugby Head Coach at Quinnipiac University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fifty years ago, 20th Century Fox released the iconic cult classic film, Rocky Horror Picture Show. After being launched on the midnight film circuit, it developed a fan following like no other. Today, we hear from the one and only Barry Bostwick. Fans of the film know him as the original Brad Majors. He says that after fifty years, the film is still bringing people together. "I think this is necessary, in a way, to bring us back to some kind of humanity," shared Bostwick speaking on Where We Live. "They always say, Don't dream it, be it, that's what our thing is. That’s our Gospel: don't dream it, be it." Bostwick will be at the Warner Theater in Torrington on October 30 with the The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour. GUESTS: Barry Bostwick: Actor and performer Michayla Savitt: Connecticut Public State Government Reporter Upcoming Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcast performances in Connecticut RKO Army: Friday, Oct. 24, 9:00pm at Westbrook Cinemas, in Westbrook, CT The Come Again Players: Saturday, Oct. 25, 7:30 pm at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown, CT 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.

In 2018, 33-year-old Ryan Bode Moriarty died of a heroin overdose. He was a musician, artist and T-shirt designer. He created linoleum block carvings, and would print all his shirt designs by hand. After his death, Ryan's mother, Patricia Bode, found one of his linoleum blocks carved with the words "Remember Love." This discovery inspired the Remember Love Recovery Project and sent Bode on a mission to destigmatize addiction. It's a mission of vital urgency. After months of steady declines, overdose deaths in America are now on the rise. During National Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month, we hear from those working to destigmatize addiction and get harm reduction tools into the community. Has addiction impacted you or someone you love? We want to hear from you. GUESTS: Patricia Bode: Associate Professor and Coordinator of Art Education at Southern Connecticut State University. She is also the founder and president the Remember Love Recovery Project Justin Phillips: Chief Executive Officer of the Overdose Lifeline Dr. J Craig Allen: Medical Director at Rushford and Vice President of Addiction Services at Hartford Healthcare Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being financially literate is important when navigating tough times and tough markets. Today, we get an update from financial experts and educators from around our state, and hear what you can do to stay financially resilient. Later, when is the best time to start planning for retirement? We hear from one high school teacher who’s passing on the knowledge of financial planning to her students. Got a question about personal finance? GUESTS: Barbara Angelicola-Manzolli: Business Education Teacher at Lewis S. Mills High School in Burlington Christian Sherill: Director of Growth and Advocacy with Next Gen Personal Finance Ben Fuchs: Chief Investment Officer at Fuchs Financial. He’s also the co-host of the new podcast Fuchs Around & Cal Them Out Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef Pyet DeSpain is making her mark on the culinary world. A member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and with Mexican-American roots, she’s bringing fresh flavors — and long-overlooked traditions — to the table. This hour, she’ll share stories of her culinary journey, one that took her from experiencing homelessness to winning Gordon Ramsay’s reality TV cooking competition, "Next Level Chef." And later, she’ll offer up advice on how you can cook more authentically. GUESTS: Pyet DeSpain: A member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and Mexican-American chef. She's the winner of Gordon Ramsay’s competition, "Next Level Chef," and author of “Rooted In Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking” Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.