Where We Live

High school science class can mean more than chemistry experiments and frog dissections.

Across Connecticut and beyond, students are getting hands-on experience with real genomic research through partnerships with working scientists. We explore how that looks in classrooms.

And later, author Lindsey Carmichael joins us to discuss her new book: "The Matilda Effect: How 25 Women Were Erased From History" and the women whose contributions have been overlooked or stolen.

We explore how bringing science to life, and setting the historical record straight, can help shape the next generation.

Guests:

• Sarah Wojiski: director of education and external programs, The Jackson Laboratory
• Janet Belval: Instructional coach, South Windsor High School
• Lindsey Carmichael: author of “The Matilda Effect: How 25 Women Were Erased From History”

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domestic violence is more common than many people realize, and leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous.

We talk with leaders in Connecticut’s fight to end domestic violence about recognizing unhealthy relationships, helping loved ones, and teaching young people about healthy relationships and consent. We also look at how communities can hold people who cause harm accountable and why prevention requires all of us.

And, as funding for victim services face federal funding cuts and safe housing remains difficult to find, we examine what it takes to make sure survivors can get the help they need.

If you need help or just someone to talk to, please visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text (888) 774-2900. Advocates are available 24/7. All languages are supported!

Guests:

• Barbara Damon: President & CEO, Prudence Crandall Center
• Meghan Scanlon: President & CEO, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At America's founding, who was entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

This was the topic of discussion at a recent event at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. Connecticut Public special correspondent Diane Orson led a panel discussion with several Native American historians.

Today, we listen back to that conversation. It's an extension of Still Here: Native American Resilience in New England — a special series from Connecticut Public, featuring radio storytelling, in-depth videos, digital stories, pictures and a community conversation.

Guests:

• Lorén Spears: Executive Director of the Indigenous-led Tomaquag Museum in Rhode Island
• Nakai Clearwater Northup: Manager of Public Programs and Outreach at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
• Ned Blackhawk: Professor of History at Yale University and author of "The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History"

This episode originally aired on April 23, 2026.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nearly seven years with Where We Live, Senior Producer Tess Terrible is moving on to her next adventure of public radio. This episode is a collection of her favorite segments.

Here on Where We Live, no matter what the topic is, we always try to end the hour with hope. We’re listening back to a few interviews that have stayed with us: they’re conversations that have encouraged optimism, courage, generosity, and kindness.

These conversations are about love, purpose and keeping the faith when you don’t know which way is up.

Episodes featured in this broadcast:

• From opera to bluegrass, CT State Troubadour Charlie Widmer has done it all

• Rev. James Martin on work and life's spiritual journey

• Thinking of eloping? One Connecticut couple shares their story

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/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renowned New Testament scholar Amy-Jill Levine has co-authored over twenty books, taught at Vanderbilt Divinity School and is currently the Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at the Hartford International University for Religion and Peace.

But when she found out that she was going to become the next president of the Catholic Biblical Association, an organization she has been part of for decades, she was surprised.

That’s because Amy-Jill Levine isn’t Catholic - she’s Jewish. Since receiving the role, she’s received messages of support from Christian communities from around the world. She’s also received pushback and antisemetic comments.

She recently sat down with us to talk about her life, her scholarship and how she approaches conversations about the gospel.

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/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What was your favorite toy growing up? Maybe it was a truck, a dollhouse, a set of blocks, or something you dragged everywhere until it practically fell apart.

This hour, we explore what makes a great toy, hear what researchers learned after studying children's play for a decade, and explore the latest trends shaping the toy industry.

Plus, we meet a Connecticut entrepreneur building eco-friendly toys for a new generation of kids.

Guests:

• Jennifer Lynch:  senior manager of creative communications for The Toy Association

• Julia DeLapp: Director of the Center for Teaching, Learning and Assessment at Eastern Connecticut State University, researcher for TIMPANI Toy Study

• Jeffrey Trawick-Smith: professor emeritus at Eastern Connecticut State University, researcher for TIMPANI Toy Study

• James Barber: manager of Luke’s Toy Factory in Danbury

• Luke Barber: designer at Luke’s Toy Factory in Danbury

This episode originally aired on June 29, 2026.

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/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you look around your room, what do you see? More specifically, what do you see that you love? Is it a cool souvenir? Maybe a seashell? Or a family photo that always brings back good memories?

Connecticut-based interior designer and textile artist Sophie von Oertzen Williamson uses tension, textiles and lots of color to make living spaces warm and inviting.

She is the author of the new book “The Art of the Clash: A Manifesto Against Mundane Design.” We’ll talk about ways to blow away the beige and highlight the objects you love with a few simple tips.

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/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re looking for a new read that’s a blend of fiction and non-fiction storytelling, Abigail Savitch-Lew’s debut novel, “Livonia Chow-Mein” should be next on your reading list.

The story is centered around a Chinese family-owned restaurant in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and its impact on the neighborhood’s Jewish and Black residents over the course of a century. We follow a young journalist looking for answers about her family, questioning journalistic ethics, and exploring what it means to be a mixed-race American.

Where We Live Host Catherine Shen spoke with Abigail in August during an author event at River Bend Book Shop in West Hartford.

We talked about the importance of advocacy and journalism, and also how to find community during challenging times.

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/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s something about fall in Connecticut that makes even the most ordinary Saturday feel a little more special.

Maybe it’s a walk through the changing leaves, a warm cider donut after apple picking, or the annual debate over which apple variety reigns supreme.

This hour, we’re rounding up some of the things that make autumn here so much fun, including a few ideas you may not have tried before. So grab your sweater and your calendar, because there’s a lot to squeeze in before winter arrives!

Guests:

• Francesca Fontanez: Lead Social Media Editor at Connecticut Public
• Jared Benoff: Owner ofVisit New England andVisit Connecticut
• Rachel Lenda: director of tourism, Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development

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/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, leaders from around the world are gathering to discuss global crises, climate change, pandemic preparedness and artificial intelligence at the UN General Assembly.

Today, we get an update from humanitarian aid organizations based right here in Connecticut. Members of these organizations will take part in the assembly.

Plus, we learn how artists are influencing the dialogue on war, global conflict and humanitarian crises.

Guests:

• Elinor Raikes: Head of Program Delivery at the International Rescue Committee
• Caitlin Howarth: Humanitarian Research Lab, Yale School of Public Health
• Betsy Zorio: Chief Impact Officer of Save the Children, an international NGO and humanitarian aid organization based in Connecticut

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.