Where We Live

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.

Connecticut is facing a historic decline in public school enrollment, with enrollment dropping below half a million for the first time in two decades. This effect is especially pronounced in Hartford, which saw a 5% decline in student enrollment amid a $45 million dollar school deficit. Now, city officials are looking to bring students back — and decrease the deficit. Later on, we’ll hear from the Connecticut Education Association on the effects of federal cuts and the current legislative education committee hearings. GUESTS: Arunan Arulampalam: Mayor of Hartford, Connecticut Theo Peck-Suzuki: Education reporter for the Connecticut Mirror Andraé Townsel: Superintendent of Schools for Hartford Public Schools Caitlin Richard: Chief Financial Officer of Hartford Public Schools Kate Dias: President of the Connecticut Education Association Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaking at the State of the Union, President Donald Trump demanded a full restoration of funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, has carried out raids in major cities across the nation resulting in mass arrests, violence and the deaths of two people in Minneapolis, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Today, we break down what was said at the State of the Union. Later, experts join us to talk about immigration reform and ICE presence in Connecticut. GUESTS: Lisa Hagen: Federal Policy Reporter, CT Public and the Connecticut Mirror Maureen Abell: Staff Attorney at New Haven Legal Assistance Association and Visiting Clinical Professor at Yale Law School with the Immigrant Rights Clinic Sarah Pierce: Director of Social Policy at Third Way, a national think tank and advocacy organization Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been four years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Recent peace talks concluded without bringing the region any closer to peace. This war has displaced millions and killed thousands of civilians. Russian armed forces recently attacked district heating systems leaving thousands of civilians without heat. 2026 has been the coldest winter in Ukraine since the initial invasion. Today, we get an update on this conflict. We hear from U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal about his recent visit toUkraine. Plus, Connecticut residents with ties to Ukraine have organized to send aid overseas. We hear from them. GUESTS: Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) Larissa Babij: Connecticut native and writer, translator and dancer living in Kyiv, Ukraine. Her book is “A Kind of Refugee: The Story of an American Who Refused to Leave Ukraine” Carl Harvey: Organizer with the New Haven Connecticut Ukrainian American Humanitarian Aid Fund Myron Melnyk: Organizers with New Haven Connecticut Ukrainian American Humanitarian Aid Fund 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.

Seeing yourself in a book can open a world of possibilities. But diverse books need more than diverse characters, they need diverse stories. Although many efforts have been made to expand the books and curriculum used to teach Black history, African American children’s literature can still be quite limited. Today, Black authors join us to talk about expanding Black literature and Black stories. GUESTS: Nichole Hawkins: Youth and Family Services Early Literacy Coordinator, Hartford Public Library Gwendolyn Wallace: children’s literature author, Ph.D. student and public historian Dhonielle Clayton: Board Chair of We Need Diverse Books, a nonprofit working to improve literacy and turning diverse manuscripts into published books. She is also New York Times bestselling author Valerie Bolling: long-time educator and author of books for children and educators 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.

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

This show either exists or doesn't exist. It's possible you won't know until you listen to it. Today, we're getting quarky, exploring the weird — and mind-boggingly small — world of quantum mechanics. What is it? Should we be excited? Scared? Some superposition of both? We’ll also hear about new state and federal investments into quantum technology, and learn how Connecticut colleges are making quantum more accessible. Guests: Chad Orzel: chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Union College and author of the book “How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog.” Christine Broadbridge: founding director of CSCU’s Center for Quantum and Nanotechnology and the executive director of research and innovation at SCSU. Emily Edwards: associate research professor at Duke University and co-leader of the National Q-12 Education Partnership. 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.

For students and teachers around the state, snow means one thing: maybe it'll be a snow day? This hour we celebrate the snow day. We talk about snow day rituals and superstitions. And we look at the past, present, and future of snowfall in our state. GUESTS: Stephen Young: Professor Emeritus in the Geography and Sustainability Department at Salem State University Frankie Graziano: Host and Producer of "The Wheelhouse" Elizabeth Tucker: Distinguished Service Professor of English at Binghamton University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 300,000 Connecticut residents are of Puerto Rican heritage. That’s according to Census Bureau data. Today, we take a look at what’s being done to raise the next generation of Puerto Ricans here in the diaspora. From getting children books on Puerto Rican history, to celebrating holidays like Dia de los Reyes, there are many ways to celebrate Puerto Rican culture and history. GUESTS: Charles Venator Santiago: associate professor with a joint appointment in the Department of Political Science and El Instituto, the Institute for Latino, Caribbean and Latin American Studies. Lisa Moser: bookseller at Julia de Burgos Bookstore, a bilingual bookstore centering Puerto Rican and Latine authors and artists in Philadelphia. Marilisa Jiménez García: associate Professor of Childhood Studies teaching courses in Children’s and Young Adult Literary Cultures at Rutgers University Jaquira Díaz: author of “This Is the Only Kingdom” Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One out of every four Americans is a caregiver, caring for partners, parents, grandparents or children. They juggle living their own lives while taking loved ones to the doctor, dispensing medication and even managing insurance. The struggles of these caregivers are often invisible. Many face negative financial impacts, isolation and anxiety. On this episode, we'll hear from caregivers as they share their hardships and hopes. We'll also discuss why America’s caregiving crisis is an urgent public health problem. GUESTS: Laura Mauldin: associate professor in the Department of Social and Critical Inquiry at the University of Connecticut and author of "In Sickness and Health: Love Stories from the Front Line of America’s Caregiving Crisis." Cindy Eastman: author of "True Confessions of An Ambivalent Caregiver" Sue Lloyd-Davies: author of "Pinkie's Turnabout" Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Appalachian Trail spans 52.2 miles in Connecticut and climbs over Bear Mountain, the tallest point in the state. Today, we listen to an episode of "Common Land" podcast, which follows producer Matt Podolsky’s hike of the trail with his mother. We’ll hear about the history of the trail here in Connecticut, along with some major obstacles that he encountered. Podolsky will join us later to give more insight on the experience and tell us more about the trail. GUEST: Matt Podolsky: Host and producer of "Common Land" podcast 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.

Last year, the National Institutes of Health drastically cut funding for medical research. This disrupted the work of academics and researchers across the country. Clinical trials and scientific projects were cancelled, and funding for ongoing research was revoked. This meant big cuts in funding to research institutions here in Connecticut. UConn lost $41 million from research grant terminations and unexpected non-renewals. Today, we hear how these cuts are impacting research institutions in our state and the future of science. GUESTS: Rob Stein: Correspondent and Senior Editor, on NPR’s Science Desk Evan Morris: Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging and of Biomedical Engineering at Yale School of Medicine Diane Owens: mother of a pediatric patient with neurofibromatosis Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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.