Autumn can be a great time for rest and renewal.

It’s not too late to enjoy the most of the season before we hunker down for the cold months ahead. Today, we’re talking about all our favorite Connecticut fall happenings and events. We'll also hear about some Connecticut Hidden Gems you'll definitely want to add to your fall bucket list.

After a hot summer, what are you looking forward to this fall?

GUESTS:

• Francesca Fontanez: Lead Social Media Editor at Connecticut Public
• Jared Benoff: Chief Operating Officer of Visit New England and Visit Connecticut
• Jordan Polon: Executive Director of the Hartford Business Improvement District
• Reverend Tracy Mehr-Muska: Assistant Director in the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at Wesleyan University

Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday, a report confirmed a worse-case famine scenario in the Gaza Strip. Over a half a million people in Gaza, are facing catastrophic conditions that include malnutrition and starvation.

Today, we hear what’s being done to treat malnutrition in Gaza and around the globe.

Later, we hear what religious leaders, including Pope Leo, are doing to voice their concerns for these humanitarian crises.

GUESTS:

• Jeanette Bailey: Global Practice Lead for Nutrition Research and Innovation at the International Rescue Committee
• John Grosso: Digital Editor at the National Catholic Reporter

Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, a glowing spiral appeared in Connecticut’s sky, briefly sparking wonder and speculation.

While it turned out to be crystallized rocket fuel, the moment reminded us how easily our imaginations leap to the possibility of aliens.

This hour we ask: Why are we so drawn to the idea of life beyond Earth? We’ll explore what these sparks of curiosity reveal about human imagination and our endless fascination with the universe.

GUESTS:

• Jaime Greenring: Freelance writer, editor, teacher, and author of “The Possibility of Life” 
• Kathryn Hulick: Science journalist, author of “The UFO Files”

Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Practice for the fall sporting season is well under way.

Today’s athletes are playing through the pain, in record high heat. This is something many of their coaches and trainers didn’t have to face during their athletic heydays.

Although it might not feel like it today, the rest of the summer season is going to be sunny and hot.

Today, we hear what's being done to prevent heatstroke, and keep athletes safe on and off the field.

GUESTS:

• Áine Penello: Report for America Corps Member, reporting on the environment and climate change for Connecticut Public
• Rebecca Stearns: Chief Operating Officer for the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut
• Dr. Glenn Lungarini: Executive Director of CAS-CIAC
• Chris Meyers: Director of Athletics and Student Activities at Newington High School

Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did Connecticut earn the moniker “Constitution State”?

Hint – it’s not the Constitution you learned about in history class!

We’ll travel back to the 1600s to explore how history, conflict and big aspirations helped shape the state’s identity.

GUESTS:

• Thomas Balcerski, professor of history, Eastern Connecticut State University

• Kathy Craughwell-Varda, director of Conservation ConneCTion, Connecticut State Library

• Andrea Rapacz, chief curator of collections, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History

Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best-selling author Wally Lamb spent nine years working on his newest book, "The River Is Waiting."

In this time, he wrestled with self-doubt, navigated his own sobriety journey and worked as a teacher at York Correctional Institution, Connecticut’s only women’s prison.

His new book explores addiction, reckoning and forgiveness, and the injustice that exists in prison today. It follows one man’s experience in prison after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the death of his son.

GUEST:

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."

Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even frequent flyers can feel a flutter of nerves before takeoff. Security lines seem endless, seats feel smaller than ever, and turbulence can turn your stomach.

Now, with national headlines about crashes and close calls, flight anxiety is on the rise.

This hour, we talk to pilots and a flight attendant about whether flying is still one of the safest ways to travel. Plus, they’ll share tips to help you stay calm when the ride gets bumpy.

GUESTS:

• Saba Shahid: Author, pilot, and recipient of this year's Girl Scouts of Connecticut 2024 Legacy of Leadership Award
• Tom Bunn: Retired pilot, licensed therapist, founder of SOAR 
• Lynn VanOrt: Flight Attendant Instructor at The Travel Academy

Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leaving prison can be a jarring experience. Reentry can be challenging under the best of circumstances.

But a state housing crisis has made it harder. Landlords are less likely to rent to someone with a criminal record. Formerly incarcerated people are 10 times more likely to be homeless.

Add in cuts to mental health services, job assistance and food insecurity programs, life is getting harder for many people who were previously incarcerated.

Today, we’re talking about challenges facing the formerly incarcerated population upon release.

GUESTS:

• Alpha Jalloh: formerly incarcerated person living in Connecticut
• Bryan "Love" Jordan: formerly incarcerated person living in Connecticut
• State Sen. Gary Winfield: Democrat representing the Tenth District in New Haven and West Haven
• Beth Hines: Executive Director of Community Partners in Action

 

Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of adults seeking regular dental care, like cleanings and X-rays, is on the decline.

Going to the dentist is probably not your favorite activity, but it's an important part of maintaining overall health.

So why are so many people avoiding the dentist? There are several reasons, but one of the biggest is fear.

Today, we talk with dental professionals about what the industry is doing to lessen anxiety and make better oral care more accessible for all.

Looking for a way to pinpoint your fears and start a conversation with your dentist? Check out the Dental Fears patient form here.

GUESTS:

• Kelly Robledo: Moderator on the Dental Fear Central Forum
• Lisa Perry Swain: Executive Director for the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach
• State Representative Gary Turco: Executive Director of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative

Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After recent reports of detentions across New England, Connecticut activists are stepping up to protect immigrants.

They’re finding creative ways to help people understand their rights and prepare for encounters with ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

In this excerpt, we talk with Connecticut Public Latino Communities Reporter, Danila Doncel about how these efforts are making a difference.

GUEST:

• Daniela Doncel: Latino Communities Reporter, Connecticut Public

This excerpt is from Where We Live, "Immigrant rights advocates mobilize following reports of detentions." It originally aired on May 12, 2025.

Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.