Where We Live

You've heard about the global supply chain crisis, from manufacturing snags abroad, to clogged ports on the West Coast and staffing shortages across the country. But how is that playing out in Connecticut? While the crisis is not as acute at Connecticut's ports, there are some strong signals of supply chain issues in the local retail industry, along with staffing shortages. Hear from the Connecticut Retail Merchants Association and local business owners. Lori Hershman - Owner, Evan's, Jesse's and Jordie's Toy Shoppes Tim Phelan - President, Connecticut Retail Merchants Association Scott Preston - Owner, Preston Market Fred Carstensen - UConn Finance Professor; Director at Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis at UConn Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An estimated two million adults have a gambling disorder, that's according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. And studies show that as many as 7 percent of young people struggle with problem gambling. This hour, we hear the story of a Connecticut man in recovery for his gambling addiction and learn about treatment. With sports betting and online gambling now available in Connecticut, what will this mean for residents? We want to hear from you. GUESTS: Tom Ferrari - resident of Meriden, Connecticut Barbara Kalpin - Peer Counselor at the Better Choice Program. Melodie Keen - Clinical Manager of Gambling services at Connecticut Renaissance providing services to Norwalk, Stamford, and Bridgeport Diana Goode - Executive Director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ongoing pandemic is driving the demand for online negotiation courses designed for female physicians. Data shows that the wage gap between male and female physicians was 28%, with male doctors earning over $116,000 more annually than their female counterparts. The 2020 Physician Compensation Report from Doximity shows that female physicians in Hartford earned among the least nationally at $239,897 per year, compared to $299,036 earned by female physicians across the U.S. Even at the highest level in academic medicine, women department chairs were paid $0.88 for $1 earned by men. It doesn't stop there. Across professions, mothers were nearly twice as likely as fathers to say taking time off had a negative impact on their job or career. Pew Research found that among employees who took leave from work in the two years following the birth or adoption of their child, 25% of women reported a negative impact at work, compared with 13% of men. What role do medical institutions play in narrowing the gender bias? How much of the onus is on women physicians, and how close are we, as a society, to removing barriers to women at the workplace? GUESTS: Dr. Anees Chagpar: Professor of Surgery (Oncology), Yale School of Medicine Dr. Vidhya Prakash: Professor of Clinical Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, and Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs, Department of Medicine, Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine. Director of SIU Medicine's Alliance for Women in Medicine and Science (AWIMS) Dr. Neha Jain: Medical Director, Mood and Anxiety Disorder Dr. Dave Shapiro: Chief Quality Officer, Vice Chair of Surgery, Saint Francis Hospital Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Native American studies is a new requirement for Connecticut schools, with resources being prepared in time for the 2023-2024 school year. What kind of guidance will teachers get? Plus, with the launch of Land Grab CT, we look at UConn's status as a land-grant institution and the links to the expropriation of Indigenous lands. Chris Newell - Director of Education, Akomawt Educational Initiative; Citizen of Passamaquoddy Tribe endawnis Spears - Director of Programming and Outreach, Akomawt Educational Initiative; Citizen of Navajo Nation Steve Armstrong - Social Studies Advisor, Connecticut Dept. of Education Sage Phillips - Student Coordinator, UConn Native American Cultural Programs; Member of the Penobscot Nation Luisa Fernanda Arietta - Researcher, Greenhouse Studios at UConn Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it possible to quantify the actual cost of racism on individuals and on our country? Economist Dana Peterson has looked at the racial gaps in housing, employment, and credit among others. She says racism has cost the US economy $16 trillion dollars over the last two decades. Peterson's report is the focus of a recent panel discussion moderated by Where We Live host, Lucy Nalpathanchil. Today, we hear that virtual conversation with Dana Peterson, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, and Jay Williams, President of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.They share their personal stories and their views on how communities in Connecticut can work on reducing the racial wealth gap. You can register for the next in the "Two Connecticuts" series here. GUESTS Dana Peterson - Chief Economist at The Conference Board William Tong - Connecticut Attorney General Jay Williams - President of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1985, Robert Ballard discovered the Titanic wreckage off the coast of Newfoundland. But his explorations didn't stop there! This hour, Robert Ballard joins us to discuss his new book Into The Deep: A Memoir From The Man Who Found Titanic. We talk about the Titanic and all of Ballard's amazing adventures including discovering the Bismarck, a German battleship. We'll also talk about his recent exploration to try to find Amelia Earhart's airplane. GUEST: Robert Ballard - Author of Into The Deep: A Memoir From The Man Who Found the Titanic Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In what ways do we misunderstand or misremember Connecticut's past with witches? And how are local witches working to take back the term today? Where We Live looks at the common misconceptions around Connecticut's witch trials; and speaks with two local witches about the communities they've built. Also, what can the source material about the witch trials, however scarce, tell us today? The Connecticut Historical Society joins. Leslie Lindenauer - Western Connecticut State University History Professor Michelle Piercey - Founder, Black Hat Society of Connecticut Ms. Faith McCann - Owner & Instructor, Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts & Witch Shop Natalie Belanger - Adult Programs Manager, Connecticut Historical Society Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. Ned Lamont's administration is under mounting pressure from divergent stakeholders to fund school ventilation upgrades. Jacqueline Rabe Thomas of Connecticut Public Radio's investigative unit, The Accountability Project, reported that the state's largest teachers' union claimed that each year, more educators were filing workers' compensation cases related to air quality issues in their schools. In fact, a report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Asthma Capitals, 2021, listed Hartford among 20 asthma capitals in the U.S. The state is also under pressure to release school indoor air quality data, required by the legislature. The latest available report from 2013, found as many as 369 schools statewide had facilities ranging from 26 to 50 years in age, based on the last renovation GUESTS:  Joe DeLong: CEO at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities Kosta Diamantis: Deputy Secretary, Office of Policy and Management at State of Connecticut John Elsesser: Town Manager, Coventry Layla Lislewski: CEO, Local Moms Network, Greenwich Dr. Thomas Murray: Associate Medical Director Infection Prevention Yale New Haven Children's Hospital Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October is Infertility Awareness Month. Unless you have directly dealt with infertility, it's hard to understand how difficult this can be on couples and potential mothers. This hour, we talk about infertility and pregnancy loss. We hear from experts supporting women and couples. If you have struggled with infertility, we want to hear from you. What options have you explored to overcome fertility challenges? GUESTS Julia Pistell - resident of Hartford, Connecticut Dr Beth O'Donnell - clinical psychologist licensed in Connecticut and New York specializing in infertility counseling Dr. Anthony Luciano - Professor and  Vice Chair of Obstetrics Gynecology at UCONN Health Lisa Rosenthal - Patient Advocate/Senior Content Strategist at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Set to retire in May, Connecticut State Historian Walter Woodward reflects on the history of his role. UConn's Draper Chair in American History Manisha Sinha describes the scope of search she's leading. Plus, hear from City Councilor Curtis Goodwin, whose love of one historical figure sparked the Black Heritage Trail, soon to be unveiled in New London. Historian Lonnie Braxton II joins to discuss the project. Walter Woodward - Connecticut State Historian Manisha Sinha - UConn Draper Chair of American History Curtis Goodwin - New London City Councilor Lonnie Braxton II - Historian Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could that pandemic puppy you adopted last year be welcome at your workplace? More public spaces, such as restaurants, grocery stores and even offices, have become more welcoming to pets. This hour, we talk about how pets are changing the way we work and play and how they're making us much healthier! We hear from Mark Cushing, author of Pet Nation: The Inside Story of How Companion Animals Are Transforming Our Homes, Culture, and Economy. Later, we learn how a shortage of veterinarians is impacting the pet economy. Did you get a pandemic puppy? GUESTS: Mark Cushing - founder and CEO of animal policy group and author of Pet Nation: The Inside Story of How Companion Animals Are Transforming Our Homes, Culture, and Economy. Dr. Kim Brinton - owner of Country Companion Veterinary Services in Bethany, Connecticut, and President of Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified health disparities in the U.S., from high blood pressure in under-resourced communities to sharp declines in breast and cervical cancer screenings among Hispanic, American Indian, Black, and Asian Pacific Islander women through the CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. The deeply-entrenched inequities have continued to persist over the last two decades, with Black and Latino/Hispanic people persistently reporting the highest rates of poor or fair health, a new Yale study shows. This hour on Where We Live, we look at cancer disparities among communities of color: Incidence and mortality rates, barriers to screening, and access to treatment. We also discuss how hospitals and nonprofits are reducing the gap, and enabling access to affordable, farm-grown food in high-risk communities below the federal poverty line. GUESTS  Shelly Hicks - Breast cancer survivor; Charter school advocate; Advocate, Sisters' Journey, a breast cancer support group in New Haven for Black women Dr. Kristen Zarfos - Senior breast surgeon and Medical Director, Comprehensive Women's Health Center at St. Francis Hospital Elizabeth Heubeck - Reporter at the Connecticut Health Investigative Team Xóchitl Garcia - Assistant Program Manager, Farm-based Wellness Youth Program, Gather New Haven Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women-founded or co-founded firms in the U.S. raised $25.12 billion in venture capital in the first half of 2021, more than in any prior year, according to PitchBook. The reason? Women founders are raising a greater share through late-stage deals and high-value sectors. More women are writing checks at VC firms. And networks of female founders are thriving in cities like New York. Yet the investments are just 2.7%, or $3.54 billion, of the total VC funding pie, PitchBook noted. Within that statistic, across the U.S., just 34 Black female founders raised $1 million in VC money in 2018. That number, according to ProjectDiane, shot up to 93 Black women in 2020. Connecticut saw the launch of a couple of women-owned investment firms and the acquisition of women-founded companies this year -- Mizzen Capital and Greenworks Lending, for instance -- but the majority of women entrepreneurs continue to struggle for funding in a state that has yet to return to its pre-pandemic level workforce. How do women entrepreneurs navigate the funding environment? GUESTS:  Marie Rocha: Founder & General Partner, Realist Ventures Wendy Ward: Founder & CEO, futures Thrive Liddy Karter: Managing Partner, Mizzen Capital Alexandra Cooley: COO & Co-founder, Greenworks Lending from Nuveen Mary Anne Rooke: President and Managing Director, Angel Investor Forum Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabby Petito has been laid to rest, a few weeks after attention on the missing 22 year old from Long Island exploded in traditional news outlets and on social media.  She's just one of many Americans who go missing.   4 out of 10 of them are people of color according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Today, Derrica Wilson, cofounder of the Black & Missing Foundation, joins us to talk about missing persons and how these cases are covered in the media. Why do some cases capture the attention of the public, and others are completely ignored by the media? GUESTS: Derrica Wilson - co-founder of the Black And Missing Foundation, a non profit organization working to bring awareness to missing persons of color. Meghan Scanlon - CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence Susan Omilian - Project Director of Never Going Back to Abuse Project for the Connecticut Alliance for Victims and Their Families Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Connecticut facing a waste crisis, there's a new incentive for cities and towns interested in more sustainable ways of managing trash. A new $5 million grant program means municipalities can apply to implement food scrap collection or "pay-as-you-throw" programs. Where We Live hears from DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes, and two municipalities applying for food scrap collection programs. What are the options for food waste recycling or composting where you live? Guests: Katie Dykes - Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Kim O'Rourke - Middletown Recycling Coordinator Joe DeRisi - Hamden Solid Waste & Recycling Coordinator Alex Williams - Blue Earth Owner & Operator Domingo Medina - Master Composter, Peels and Wheels Founder & Owner Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The endless Instagram scroll; we know it's impacting our lives but what do we really know about how it's impacting kids? The Wall Street Journal recently reported that researchers inside Instagram know that their app is making teenage girls feel worse about themselves. This hour, we talk about the real implications of social media use among adolescents and how influencers are affecting their self esteem. We hear from Dr Catherine Steiner-Adair, a psychologist and author of “The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age.” How's your relationship with Instagram? What about your child's? We want to hear from you. GUESTS: Bianca Brooks - media personality and New York Times feature writer Dr Catherine Steiner-Adair - clinical and consulting psychologist and author of The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Connecticut, residents are more likely to die from unintentional drug overdose than a motor vehicle accident, according to the state Department of Public Health. Last year, more than 1,300 people died of accidental drug overdose – a 14.6% increase from 2019, and an 88.5% increase from 2015. Through January to June this year, 547 lives were lost to overdose, with additional deaths pending investigation. This hour on Where We Live, we talk to a peer recovery specialist from Wheeler Clinic about her lived experience with childhood trauma, opioid use disorder, and medication assisted therapy.  GUESTS: Stephanie Almada - Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Wheeler Clinic Sabrina Trocchi - President and CEO, Wheeler Clinic Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman - Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at Georgetown University Medical Center, and Director of PharmedOut Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, Connecticut residents with different views of the world are coming together to help Afghans flee the Taliban, and to help people targeted by the Taliban start new lives in the Nutmeg state. And and update from Connecticut Public's Accountability Project on their recent investigative reporting on education. Guests: Deidre Gifford -- Department of Social Services Commissioner Alex Plitsas -- Iraq veteran, defense civilian intelligence officer in Afghanistan, a spokesperson with the organization Digital Dunkirk, and Fairfield Republican Town Committee Chairman Thomas Burke -- Afghanistan veteran, pastor at the Norfield Congregational Church in Weston, he has worked with the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, or CIRI Jacqueline Rabe Thomas -- Connecticut Public Accountability Project investigative reporter We want to hear from you. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America's roughly 40 million acres of well-mowed, privately-owned lawns are taking the place of native plants that could be helping local ecosystems thrive. There are at least two initiatives aimed at replacing American lawns with native plants, to provide homes for pollinators, migrating birds, and a whole lot more. The process is sometimes called "delawning" or "rewilding." Do you want to be on the Pollinator Pathway, or a part of Homegrown National Park? Hear more about the benefits of biodiversity, and tips on how you can participate, with or without a lawn. GUESTS: Donna Merrill - Pollinator Pathways Northeast founder Doug Tallamy - Ecologist and University of Delaware professor who launched Homegrown National Park, an initiative aiming to convert 20 million acres of native plantings in the U.S. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new study by the National Institutes of Health and the Research Triangle Institute, found alcohol consumption by women with children younger than age 5, surged 323% during the pandemic. Researchers compared alcohol consumption rates in February 2020 to April of 2020, when stay-at-home guidelines were in effect, and further along into the pandemic year in November. More women than men exceeded recommended drinking guidelines between April and November. But for as long as nearly a century, women have been closing the gender gap in the consumption of alcohol, binge-drinking, and alcohol use disorder. What are some triggers, coping mechanisms, and treatment options available to treat women with alcohol use disorder? Tune in Monday, 9:00 AM GUESTS: Kathleen Callahan - Stratford resident; sober for 10 years Beverley Brakeman - West Hartford resident; sober for 31 years Amanda Aronson - Principal, Aronson Consulting, West Hartford; sober for 7.5 years Dr. Jeanette Tetrault - Professor of Medicine and Public Health, and Director of the Addiction Medicine Fellowship, and Associate Director of Addiction Medicine at Yale School of Medicine Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art's upcoming exhibit By Her ­Hand: Artemisia Gentileschi and Women Artists in Italy: 1500-1800 (Sept. 30, 2021 through Jan. 9, 2022) brings to Connecticut paintings by Italian women in a male-dominated art world. Who do you think of when you think of Italian art? Michelangelo? Botticelli? Caravaggio? Bernini? And in contemporary times, Modigliani. Why haven't we heard of the women? In Connecticut, girls were making needlework schoolgirl art that evolved into samplers — the more intricate and beautiful, the higher the young woman's eligibility as a wife. The sociologist Taylor Whitten Brown in an Art Market 2019 report pointed out that in “more explicitly sexist eras of art history, the textile arts were a medium that women were permitted and encouraged to adopt.” Brown cites architect Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus School, that women worked best in two dimensions, and they should weave instead of studying architecture and design. And in Old Lyme, female American impressionists created masterpieces at the Florence Griswold artists' colony in Old Lyme. GUESTS: Oliver Tostmann - Curator, By Her ­Hand: Artemisia Gentileschi and Women Artists in Italy, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art Brandy Culp - Curator, American Decorative Arts, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art Rebekah Beaulieu - Director, Florence Griswold Museum Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 25 seasons, the beloved children's TV series Arthur will end in 2022. Today, we talk about this groundbreaking animated series about an aardvark and his friends. We learn about the impact of children's programs. Arthur has tackled a number of challenging issues like bullying, cancer, and even the importance of mask wearing! Coming up, we hear from one of the voice actor's on the show, Jason Szwimer who played Arthur's pesky sister D.W. from 2002 to 2006. Did you grow up watching Arthur, or do you watch it with your kids now? GUESTS: Eric Deggan - NPR's TV Critic Jason Szwimer - Podcast Host of Finding D.W. and voice of D.W. on Arthur from 2002 - 2006 Ginger Brown - Children's television producer and professor at New York University. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, efforts to get people out of Afghanistan continue, after the Taliban takeover. You'll hear from Southwestern Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes about what his office is doing to help, and on his thoughts about the American withdrawal. What should happen next in the country now ruled by a fundamentalist Islamic militia? ...And we'll look at the results of yesterday's top local political primaries in Connecticut with Professor Jonathan Wharton. We want to hear from you. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six athletes with disabilities — and with ties to Connecticut — represented the U.S. at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020, bringing home four medals. Fairfield University trained two medaling para swimmers, Colleen Young and Matthew Torres,  while Laura Goodkind,10th in the trunk and arms mixed double sculls in the 2016 Paralympics, most recently won the PR2 mixed doubles sculls at the 2020 Olympic Trials. Children with disabilities are placed with integrated sports teams, designed by the Special Olympics Connecticut, in nearly all schools across the state. GUESTS Matthew Torres - Para-swimming Bronze Medalist, Paralympics Tokyo 2020; Junior at Fairfield University Anthony Bruno - Head Coach, Men's and Women's, Swimming and Diving, Fairfield University  Laura Goodkind - Two-time Paralympian, Para-rowing (2016, 2020). Graduate of The Forman School, Litchfield Maggie Vanoni -Sports Reporter, Hearst  Beau Doherty - President, Special Olympics Connecticut  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricane Ida brought 3-8 inches of rain to Connecticut causing flooding and damage to our coast. Scientists say New Englanders should expect more extreme weather events in the future due to climate change. Today, we hear what Connecticut can do to prepare for an increasing number of strong storms. Save the Sound joins us. The organization focuses on ways to make our shoreline more resilient. How have this summer's storm impacted your home and your community? Later, we hear from New England's Apple Cider Donut Reviewer! GUESTS: Greta Moran - Senior Reporter at Civil Eats Rodger Phillips - Farmer and owner Sub Edge Farm Curt Johnson - President of Save The Sound Alex Schwartz - The Cider Donuteur Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend the nation marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Nearly 3000 people died, 161 of them had connections to Connecticut. Today , we hear from New Canaan resident, Mary Fetchet, co-founder of an advocacy group for families impacted by 9-11. First we talk with Connecticut Public's Diane Orson about her reporting on that day and her recent documentary. And we want to hear from you, too. What does the 20th anniversary of 9-11 mean to you? GUESTS: Diane Orson - Deputy News Director and Southern Connecticut Bureau Chief at Connecticut Public Mary Fetchet- Founding Director of Voices Center for Resilience. Sandy Zajac - Publicity Chair and member of Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend the nation marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Nearly 3000 people died, 161 of them had connections to Connecticut. Today , we hear from New Canaan resident, Mary Fetchet, co-founder of an advocacy group for families impacted by 9-11. First we talk with Connecticut Public's Diane Orson about her reporting on that day and her recent documentary. And we want to hear from you, too. What does the 20th anniversary of 9-11 mean to you? GUESTS: Diane Orson - Deputy News Director and Southern Connecticut Bureau Chief at Connecticut Public Mary Fetchet- Founding Director of Voices Center for Resilience. Sandy Zajac - Publicity Chair and member of Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1831, Simeon Jocelyn, a New Haven abolitionist, tried to establish a Black college near Yale. Now Adam Harris, the author of The State Must Provide: Why America's Colleges Have Always Been Unequal — And How To Set Them Right, documents this ill-fated attempt — and others nationally — to establish institutions of learning for African-Americans against the tide of public and legislative opposition. Harris also examines a long history of underfunding Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and how Black students are affected, to this day, by a lack of investment and equity in higher education. What's next? Harris explains. GUESTS: Adam Harris - Author of The State Must Provide: Why America's Colleges Have Always Been Unequal — And How To Set Them Right; Staff Writer, The Atlantic Jane Gates - Provost and Senior Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Orsella Hughes - Executive Director, Prosperity Foundation Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, what could a key decision from the Bureau of Indian Affairs mean for Connecticut's gambling expansion plans? We look at the future of online sports betting and other forms of gambling in the state and how they could affect young people. Cathy Osten -- Connecticut State Senator and General Assembly Public Safety Committee Co-chair Yoga Kammili -- UConn Fourth Year Medical Student Brian Hallenbeck -- Reporter for The Day of New London covering gaming, business, and tourism We want to hear from you. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For much of the pandemic, the place we live and the people we live with have become our entire world. Almost one in three Americans lives in a “doubled up” household: with other adults who aren't their partner or college-aged child. This hour, we talk about sharing living spaces. Cost is a big factor in housing arrangements, but living with roommates also has social implications. We want to hear from you. Do you live with roommates, or in a multi-generational household? GUESTS: Kim Velsey - Reporter for New York Magazine's real estate and design website, Curbed Jennifer Molinsky - Senior Research Associate at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard devin michelle bunten - Assistant Professor of Urban Economics and Housing at MIT Cat Pastor contributed to this show which originally aired August 5, 2021 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. military mission in Afghanistan ended Aug 31 with 123,000 evacuations, including 6,000 American citizens and tens of thousands of at-risk Afghans. But not everyone got out. Refugee settlement organizations in Connecticut expect to receive more than 700 Afghan refugees this year. The University of Bridgeport and Goodwin University announced plans to open up dorms to the newly arrived immigrants, and also offer English lessons. A Congressional aide to U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) told WWL that the senator's office “has worked on over 100 cases for Connecticut residents who have reached out to the office regarding family members who remain in Afghanistan. These cases often involve multiple family members, some of whom served as interpreters for the U.S. government.” According to Patrick Malone, spokesman for Congressman Jim Himes (D-Connecticut): “We've flagged 702 individuals' situations for the Department of State. This includes American citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, SIVs, P1s, P2s, and otherwise at-risk Afghans -- 270 of those 702 individuals have some Connecticut connection.” Today on Where We Live, we look into the ongoing efforts to extricate and resettle Afghan refugees in Connecticut, and hear from Afghan-Americans whose families are in danger half a world away. GUESTS:  Aaron Sarwar - Connecticut Air National Guard, and Owner, Hartford City FC Anonymous -Aaron Sarwar's family member, Afghanistan Ann O'Brien - Director of Community Engagement, Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS) Camila Vallejo - Housing Reporter, WNPR Martine Dherte - Refugee Services Program Manager, Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) Maryam Wardak - Second Generation Afghan-American in Connecticut Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year ago, we were wondering when the vaccine would be available and is it really safe to return to school? Today, those questions are still relevant! This hour, Connecticut Public's Accountability Project joins us to talk about its education series including an investigation into the decisions immunocompromised families have to make this school year. Later, we talk about the mental health needs of students. What sort of support will children need from their schools? We want to hear from you. GUESTS: Dr Sandy Chafouleas - Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Educational Psychology and Co-Director of the Collaboratory on School and Child Health at the University of Connecticut Walter Smith-Randolph - Investigative Editor and Lead Reporter for the Accountability Project at Connecticut Public. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can town and city leaders do to help people afford the increasing cost of housing, and to help students catch up after so much distance learning? This hour, we speak with two candidates in the Democratic primary for mayor in New Britain. Guests: Bobby Sanchez — State Representative and Co-chair of the General Assembly Education Committee Alicia Hernandez Strong — Community Activist and organizer of the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Connecticut Department of Health has extended its contact tracing program ContaCT to May 2022, after which the program will transition entirely to local health departments, a move originally planned for Aug 27, 2021. The department's move comes at a time when the state's positivity rate is at 3.10%, and is expected to climb during the coming winter months. Connecticut has reported 372,069 positive cases since the start of the pandemic, with 380 hospitalizations currently. COVID-19 deaths rose to 8,355 as of Aug 30, 2021. Today on Where We Live, we talk about State and town health departments using people and data to keep us safe from the delta and other variants. How well is it working? GUESTS: Michael Luongo -Investigative reporter and former contact tracer, New York City Lea Zimany - Contact tracer, Connecticut Department of Public Health. Hemi Tewarson - Executive Director, the National Academy for State Health Policy. Emily DiSalvo - Reporter, CT News Junkie Kevin Elak: Acting Director, Middletown Department of Health Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1985, Robert Ballard discovered the Titanic wreckage off the coast of Newfoundland. But his explorations didn't stop there! This hour, Robert Ballard joins us to discuss his new book Into The Deep: A Memoir From The Man Who Found Titanic. We talk about the Titanic and all of Ballard's amazing adventures including discovering the Bismarck, a German battleship. We'll also talk about his recent exploration to try to find Amelia Earhart's airplane. What questions do you have for this great explorer? GUEST: Robert Ballard - Author of Into The Deep: A Memoir From The Man Who Found the Titanic Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified health disparities in the U.S., from high blood pressure in under-resourced communities to sharp declines in breast and cervical cancer screenings among Hispanic, American Indian, Black, and Asian Pacific Islander women through the CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. The deeply-entrenched inequities have continued to persist over the last two decades, with Black and Latino/Hispanic people persistently reporting the highest rates of poor or fair health, a new Yale study shows. This hour on Where We Live, we look at cancer disparities among communities of color: Incidence and mortality rates, barriers to screening, and access to treatment. We also discuss how hospitals and nonprofits are reducing the gap, and enabling access to affordable, farm-grown food in high-risk communities below the federal poverty line. GUESTS  Shelly Hicks - Breast cancer survivor; Charter school advocate; Advocate, Sisters' Journey, a breast cancer support group in New Haven for Black women Dr. Kristen Zarfos - Senior breast surgeon and Medical Director, Comprehensive Women's Health Center at St. Francis Hospital Elizabeth Heubeck - Reporter at the Connecticut Health Investigative Team Xóchitl Garcia - Assistant Program Manager, Farm-based Wellness Youth Program, Gather New Haven Cat Pastor contributed to this show. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Restaurants struggled to afloat during Covid and were able to survive in part because of creative solutions like dining areas in empty parking spaces. Now, even though vaccination is widespread, residents' interest in outdoor dining hasn't slowed down. And our streets feel more lively because of it. This hour, we take a look at the way our streets have changed during the pandemic. Could some of these innovations be here to stay? And Covid has been costly in so many ways. The pandemic has led to a sharp rise in pedestrian deaths over the last year. Do you worry about safety when walking or biking in your neighborhood? GUESTS: Beth Osborne - Vice President for Transportation and Thriving Communities at Smart Growth America Garrett Eucalitto - Deputy Commissioner of Connecticut State Department of Transportation Gary Anderson - Director of Planning and Economic Development for the town of Manchester, Connecticut Michael Marquetti - Owner of Columbus Park Trattoria in Stamford, Tarantino Restaurant in Westport, and Applausi in Old Greenwich Andres Cordido - Co-owner of Somos Handcrafted Arepas in New Haven Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The kids are going back to school. It's a busy week in the US House of Representatives. And have you been hassled by political trackers? This hour, we check in with Western Connecticut Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. Also, political analysis from Connecticut Mirror State Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Pazniokas. Guests: Jahana Hayes — Fifth District Congresswoman from Western Connecticut. Mark Pazniokas — Connecticut Mirror State Capitol Bureau Chief   Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. Ned Lamont's nominee Dr. Manisha Juthani, an infectious disease specialist at the Yale School of Medicine, will assume the role of Commissioner of the state Department of Public Health on September 20. Dr. Juthani's appointment comes at a time when the COVID-19 positivity rate is at 3.5% statewide, with some towns crossing as high as 9%. In this hour of Where We Live, we discuss the implications of a full FDA approval of the first ever COVID-19 vaccine – from Pfizer-BioNTech - and what this implies for vaccine uptake as children return to school this fall amidst the Delta, Lambda and other variants. The vaccination rate stands at 64.9% in Connecticut, and is lower for Black and Hispanic residents. We hear in detail about the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' plans to begin offering COVID-19 booster shots in the fall, and address commonly discussed concerns and fears on social media. We also weigh in people's demands for freedom to not mask up or vaccinate in the face of mandates. GUEST: Dr. Manisha Juthani - Associate professor of medicine (infectious diseases) at Yale School of Medicine, and of epidemiology (microbial diseases) at Yale School of Public Health. Dr. Jutani is Governor Ned Lamont's appointee to become the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, effective September 20th. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although we were spared the worst case scenario, Tropical storm Henri brought heavy rain and power outages to Connecticut residents. This hour on Where We Live, we talk about the storm's impact in the state. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some birds in the Eastern United States have been dying of a new disease with strange symptoms, including crusty, swollen eyes. Most of the affected birds so far are in the mid-Atlantic, but scientists and wildlife enthusiasts are concerned this disease could show up in Connecticut. This hour, we find out more about this mysterious illness and what you can do about it. And later, we get an update on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. An interpretation change by the Trump administration weakened the government's ability to punish corporations that harm birds; we learn what's happening now under the Biden Administration. If you observe a bird in distress, you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator in your area. List of rehabilitators from Connecticut DEEP here. If you find a dead bird in Connecticut, you can report it to the Wild Bird Mortality Database. GUESTS: Brian Hess - Wildlife Biologist at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Margaret Rubega - Connecticut state ornithologist and professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at UConn Juliet Eilperin - Senior national affairs correspondent for the Washington Post Cat Pastor contributed to this show. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital downloads for mental health needs surged nearly 200 percent during the pandemic. Now, it seems this trend is here to stay. The market for mental health apps is projected to reach 3.3 billion dollars in the next six years. This hour, experts discuss how digital products are changing the way people care for their mental wellbeing, and the scientific rigor required from app developers to ensure successful outcomes.  Coming up, we talk to industry experts on the future of apps in mental healthcare. Anecdotes versus evidence: What works, and what doesn't?  GUESTS:  Briana Benn-Mirandi - therapist at Art and Soul Art Therapy in Madison, CT. Dr. Paul Weigle - psychiatrist and Associate Medical Director of Ambulatory Programs at Natchaug Hospital, part of HartfordHealthCare's Behavioral Health Services. Dr. Doug Nemecek -  Chief Medical Officer for Behavioral Health, Cigna. Karen Brown - Health Reporter at New England Public Radio. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens to women's bodies during menopause? This hour, a frank conversation with OB/GYN Jen Gunter about what your mother probably called “The Change.” Dr. Gunter is the bestselling author of The Vagina Bible and most recently, The Menopause Manifesto. Why is menopause such a mystery? As a culture, we don't talk about menopause. In fact, women get the message that this normal biological transition is somehow shameful: an ending to vitality and productivity. We dispel myths about menopause. What questions do you have? GUEST: Dr. Jen Gunter - OB/GYN, women's health advocate, and New York Times columnist. She's the author of The Vagina Bible, and her latest book, The Menopause Manifesto was published in May. Visit her webiste for more information about her work. (@DrJenGunter) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, the state is part of what could be a last-ditch effort to stop Stamford-based Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy plan from being approved in an ongoing court hearing in New York. “It's a goal-line stand for families in Connecticut. It's a goal-line stand for victims, and the 14-hundred families that will have an empty chair over the holidays,” said State Attorney General William Tong. Tong discusses Connecticut's legal efforts to seek accountability for the opioid crisis. Hartford Courant politics reporter Daniela Altimari analyzes the special election in Greenwich, and the implications of the recently-released census numbers. Guests: William Tong -- Connecticut Attorney General Daniela Altimari -- Hartford Courant Politics Reporter Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scientists have found that our brains contain what's called ‘grandmother neurons,' which light up when we see a familiar face, like grandmother's face. The discovery was made using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that showed a select set of neurons located in the temporal pole of rhesus monkeys lit up each time the monkeys saw photos of their buddies, both monkey and human. The process could help explain how the brain identifies personally familiar faces, and what it could mean in our understanding of Alzheimer's, dementia, and Autism. GUESTS: Winrich Freiwald - Head of the Laboratory of Neural Systems at Rockefeller University. Credited for the discovery of the ‘grandmother neurons.' Dr. Robert Keder - Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician at Connecticut Children's, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut Brad Duchaine - Chair, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth, and co-founder of faceblind.org A.E. Gaupp - West Hartford attorney with prosopagnosia, or face blindness Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much would you pay for an animation of a flying cat whose body is a poptart? Earlier this year, an anonymous bidder paid more than half a million dollars to be the “owner” of a unique copy of the internet meme gif, Nyan Cat. This hour, we dive into the world of NFTs, or nonfungible tokens. They're a way to own digital art that's taken the internet and the art world by storm. We also take a look at cryptocurrency. Digital currencies like Bitcoin are becoming increasingly more mainstream. But that's coming at a big cost to our climate. We want to hear from you, too: Are you crypto-curious? GUESTS: Kelly Crow - Staff reporter covering the art market for The Wall Street Journal Nikhilesh De - Managing Editor for Global Policy and Regulation at Coindesk, a crypto-focused news outlet based in New York Alex de Vries - founder of Digiconomist, the blog that hosts the Bitcoin Energy Consumption Index Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will leave office in less than two weeks. His resignation comes after an investigation found he sexually harassed multiple female colleagues. Sexual harassment prevention training programs are required in most workplaces. But research shows they are actually widely ineffective at preventing sexual harassment. This hour, we talk about these programs and how they can be improved. Marcia McCormick, a professor of law from St. Louis University joins us. Have you done a sexual harassment prevention training at your job? Was it effective? GUESTS: Marcia McCormick - Professor of Law at St Louis University, and the Wefel Center for Employment Law Deb McKenna - Attorney and Partner at Hayber, McKenna & Dinsmore, LLC Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

College can be a challenging and stressful time for many students, even without a global pandemic. Covid-19 has taken a toll on college students' mental health, from online classes to family stress. This hour, we look at how some colleges are preparing for students' mental health needs upon returning to campus in the fall. We hear from students and counselors in Connecticut, and we want to hear from you, too. Are you a college student? Are you ready to return to campus? GUESTS: Dr. Nicholas Pinkerton - Director of Counseling Services at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut Jenny Sortini - Student at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, and and Student Wellness Education and Empowerment Team (s.w.e.e.t) peer educator Judy Reilly-Roberts - Counselor at Tunxis Community College in Farmington, Connecticut Scott Jaschik - Editor of Inside Higher Ed Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut is the 19th state to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Today, we talk about medical and recreational marijuana use. Marijuana can be helpful in aiding a lot of ailments, but it's not a cure all. We hear from medical marijuana researcher Dr. Rebecca Craft and learn what can and cannot be treated using medical marijuana. We ask the questions you've always wanted to ask in this Pot Power Hour, like why does marijuana give you the munchies? We want to hear your questions too! GUESTS: Andrea Comer - Department of Consumer Protection, chairperson of Social Equity Council Luis Vega - CEO of Wepa Farms Dr Rebecca Craft - Professor at Washington State University specializing in psychopharmacology Where We Live Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Connecticut, residents are more likely to die from unintentional drug overdose than a motor vehicle accident, according to the state Department of Public Health. Last year, more than 1,300 people died of accidental drug overdose – a 14.6% increase from 2019, and an 88.5% increase from 2015. Through January to June this year, 547 lives were lost to overdose, with additional deaths pending investigation. This hour on Where We Live, we talk to a peer recovery specialist from Wheeler Clinic about her lived experience with childhood trauma, opioid use disorder, and medication assisted therapy. We discuss with experts the need for state funding for nonprofits offering substance use disorder treatment -- beyond the $60 million in additional dollars that will be allocated for adult and children's mental health addiction services over the biennium -- at a time when patient demand is continuing to climb. We also explore ways to invest the $300 million in settlements received by the state from Johnson & Johnson, Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen, and look into how opioid manufacturers and distributors are still pushing physician prescriptions in innovative ways, despite the Sunshine Act. GUESTS: Stephanie Almada - Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Wheeler Clinic Sabrina Trocchi - President and CEO, Wheeler Clinic Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman - Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at Georgetown University Medical Center, and Director of PharmedOut Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For much of the pandemic, the place we live and the people we live with have become our entire world. Almost one in three Americans lives in a “doubled up” household: with other adults who aren't their partner or college-aged child. This hour, we talk about sharing living spaces. Cost is a big factor in housing arrangements, but living with roommates also has social implications. We want to hear from you. Do you live with roommates, or in a multi-generational household? GUESTS: Kim Velsey - Reporter for New York Magazine's real estate and design website, Curbed Jennifer Molinsky - Senior Research Associate at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard devin michelle bunten - Assistant Professor of Urban Economics and Housing at MIT Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.