Where We Live

By Connecticut Public Radio

What's Where We Live about?

Produced by Connecticut Public, 'Where We Live' puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines. We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.

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Where We Live episodes:

04.16.2024
A conversation with the new head of the Archdiocese of Hartford
Although church attendance has dwindled across all faiths, 39% of Catholics say they attend services at least once a week. The Archdiocese of Hartford includes over 400,000 Catholics across the state of Connecticut, and is now being overseen by a new Archbishop. After...
04.15.2024
Connecticut's 'Aerospace Alley' celebrates the state's aviation past and future
Throughout history, our state has made some big contributions to aviation technology. Today, we’re talking about the history and future of aviation in our state. We hear from some aviation enthusiasts who’s love of all things plane is going to...
04.12.2024
For autistic adults, getting services can be an uphill battle
For adults on the autism spectrum, getting services can be a challenging task to navigate. A new bill passed last year means that more autistic adults could receive services from the state from the Connecticut Autism Waiver. But services still remain limited....
04.11.2024
There's no singularity when it comes to honoring Lunar New Year, including in Connecticut
In Connecticut, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is vast and varied, with more than 170,000 AAPI people in the state. And with a diversity of AAPI cultures, there is also a diversity of New Year traditions and celebrations that...
04.09.2024
What to expect from your financial literacy course
Starting with the class of 2027, all Connecticut high school students are now required to take a financial literacy course. April is National Financial Literacy Month, and today, we hear from those that advocated to get this course work in schools. For many,...
04.08.2024
How wonder unites us: Total solar eclipse draws millions to the path of totality
Today, Connecticut is expected to enjoy a partial solar eclipse, the most intense since 1924. That’s according to local astronomer and Wesleyan professor Dr. Meredith Hughes. Still, the Federal Highway Administration says 5 million Americans could be traveling to the...
04.05.2024
A look at Connecticut's bridges and other infrastructure
Five percent of bridges in Connecticut are in “poor condition.” Today, we talk about what needs to be done to update the bridges and roads in our state, and we talk about the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. We hear...
04.04.2024
Author Garrard Conley explores queerness in Puritan New England
Author Garrard Conley published his first book in 2016, "Boy Erased". The bestselling memoir, relaying Conley's experience undergoing conversion therapy at 19, inspired a major motion picture two years later. This hour, Conley discuss his newest book and his first foray into fiction. "All...
04.02.2024
Elmo is the internet's new therapist. But can he help solve burnout?
Beloved Muppet Elmo recently asked social media a simple question, "How is everybody doing?" The answers ranged from incredulous to raging. The trauma-dumping on Elmo begged the question: Are we burnt out? Burnout has been reported in many industries: Connecticut Public...
04.01.2024
Exploring the 'new' Yale Peabody Museum
In a 2022 survey from CT Humanities, only 26% of Connecticut residents had said they had visited a museum in-person in the last two years. Some 83% of those museum-goers identified as white. There are many museums where we live working to...
03.29.2024
Bigfoot gets all the glory, but Connecticut has its own cast of cryptids
You’ve heard of Bigfoot and Nessie, but did you know Connecticut is home to a host of creatures, or "cryptids"? Cryptozoology is the study of animals whose existence is a matter of debate. While Bigfoot sightings have been reported where we...
03.28.2024
Reflecting on Joe Lieberman's career, impact and legacy
Longtime U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman has died at 82. His family said he died due to complications from a fall. His wife, Hadassah, and members of his family were with him when he passed. Lieberman represented Connecticut in the U.S. Senate...
03.26.2024
Author Rebecca F. Kuang on 'Babel,' revolution and students as visionaries
"An act of translation is always an act of betrayal." This idea, and the questions it inspires, are central to author Rebecca or RF Kuang’s 2022 novel, Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution. As...
03.25.2024
'Kinks in the movement': Staging a curly hair revolution in New Haven
The curly hair movement – and market – is growing, as more people learn to style and to celebrate their natural hair. This hour, we hear from one salon that’s just for natural curls in Connecticut. Luvena Leslie opened The Curly Hair...
03.22.2024
Unforgotten: Connecticut's Hidden History of Slavery
Today, we're airing the first and second episode of the new podcast Unforgotten. It’s a history lesson many of us didn’t get in school: Slavery has deep roots in Connecticut and across New England. Enslaved people helped build the foundation of...
03.21.2024
Pet shelters in the state still flooded with requests to surrender animals
In 2023, more than 6 million animals entered shelters and rescues in the U.S., according to a recent report from Shelter Animals Count. Believe it or not, those numbers are down from pre-pandemic reports. Over the summer, Connecticut news outlets reported...
03.19.2024
State-approved schools serving special education students are "operating in the shadows"
A multi-year investigative report has shown that High Road Schools, a group of eight publicly funded, privately run schools for children in special education, must make improvements. The report cites several incidents of teachers without proper certification managing classrooms,overuse of restraint and seclusion,...
03.18.2024
'Avant Colony': Celebrating the history of avant-garde art-making in Connecticut
This hour, we preview several historical exhibits spotlighting local artists, many of whom were touched by the Pop Art Movement percolating just over the border in New York. This includes prolific artist couple Leo Jensen and Dalia Ramanauskas. We'll explore...
03.15.2024
Flannel is always in fashion
Flannel and blue jeans - these staples are the backbone of American fashion and the textile industry. Are they part of your wardrobe? Textiles, fabrics and clothing is a dying industry here in the U.S. But author Steven Kurutz says that some...
03.14.2024
The 'wild rumpus' continues: Maurice Sendak's legacy lives on at Ridgefield Foundation
Maurice Sendak is often celebrated for his contributions to children’s book art. You’re likely familiar with Where The Wild Things Are, or even Higglety Pigglety Pop. But in the late artist’s own words, "I do not believe that I have...
03.12.2024
How the artist captures climate change
Around the globe, artists are using their mediums to show how climate change is impacting our planet. Today, we’re exploring the convergence of art and science. We'll be talking with artists using their craft to have conversations about the environment. Earlier this year, Where We Live...
03.11.2024
Connecticut is the land of steady habits, but no steady identity
Tri-state area or New England? Nutmeg or Constitution State? "Stuffy, preppy, sleepy"? What really makes Connecticut Connecticut, and what stereotypes can we stand to shake off? After the state's recent rebranding effort, it's a debate that has found its way to...
03.08.2024
Rethinking weight and health in the age of Ozempic
According to the National Institutes of Health, average body weight drastically increased across the board for men and women during the pandemic lockdown. Simply eating less and exercising more hasn’t been that effective when it comes to weight loss. In efforts to...
03.07.2024
Unpacking the calls for a 'cease-fire' in Gaza, locally and beyond
In late January, Reuters reported that “some 70 U.S. cities, including Chicago and Seattle, have passed resolutions on the Israel-Gaza war," with the majority calling for a cease-fire. Several Connecticut city and town councils have considered resolutions calling for an immediate...
03.05.2024
The realities of being a Kidfluencer
For kids today, there’s a whole new career path: social media influencer. In fact, 57 percent of Gen Zs say they’d be an influencer. But some young people aren’t waiting to become social media influencers; they’re already ones. These parent-run, kid centric...
03.04.2024
Book ban requests still 'soaring' in Connecticut. Plus, vigil held at Capitol for Nex Benedict
Librarians in Connecticut say the number of book ban requests they’re fielding is still "soaring," and that the focus is on content relating to LGBTQIA+ identity and themes. Librarians have even looked to lawmakers for support. This hour, we get the latest from state...
03.01.2024
The FAFSA, student loans and untangling the state of financial aid
Applying for financial aid is no easy task. Whether you’re the parent or the incoming student. And a new FAFSA form hasn’t made things any easier. The online FAFSA form - or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid was recently updated. But...
02.29.2024
Elmo is the internet's new therapist. But can he help solve burnout?
Beloved Muppet Elmo recently asked social media a simple question, "How is everybody doing?" The answers ranged from incredulous to raging. The trauma-dumping on Elmo begged the question: Are we burnt out? Burnout has been reported in many industries: Connecticut Public has previously...
02.27.2024
Two years after the invasion, Ukrainians are not giving up hope
Two years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine and launched a full scale attack on the country. This hour, we hear what life looks like in Ukraine today and how Ukrainian refugees are adjusting to life in the United States. Since the recent invasion,...
02.26.2024
Creating the Quantum Corridor in Connecticut
Quantum mechanics is a theory that even some scientists have trouble wrapping their heads around. But this industry is booming, and some physicists here in Connecticut are hoping to make our state the “Quantum Corridor” for research, workforce development and...
02.23.2024
Snoopy crying, Julia Child and comedy, with Paula Poundstone
Paula Poundstone has had a nearly 45 year career in standup comedy. She’s the host of the comedy podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone. And we would be remiss not to say, She is also a regular panelist on NPR's comedy...
02.22.2024
PMJA Submission: WWL "Centering adoption stories with Angela Tucker"
There is not one single narrative when it comes to adoption and it can be a lot more complicated than what’s depicted in films, television and even social media. And for a long time, these stories have been told by...
02.22.2024
A sit-down with Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani
This hour, we sit down with Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani to tackle a range of topics and questions, including what's on your mind. How have you fared this flu season? What questions about COVID-19, or long COVID,...
02.20.2024
Addressing misconceptions around food insecurity: 'It's about more than food'
For a Connecticut family of four, it costs over $126,000 just to meet their basic needs, according to a recent United Way report. That’s more than four times the federal poverty level. Food insecurity is a big part of the problem,...
02.16.2024
Love has no age: Dating as an older adult
Dating in 2024 can be tough. There are no shortage of stories about dating in the age of Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and more! But today, we're going to talk about dating, and falling in love, when you're an older adult. Last...
02.15.2024
Connecticut disability advocates push for legislation to improve medical access
Disability rights advocates in Connecticut are demanding better medical access. And this legislative session, they’re pushing lawmakers to pass two bills. Both aim to improve medical equipment and training, and access to better care when examining, diagnosing and treating patients with...
02.13.2024
'What's eating at America': Addressing the loneliness and isolation epidemic
Approximately half of U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue recently moved U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to issue an advisory around the "loneliness epidemic" in America. Soon after, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy introduced a...
02.12.2024
The 'wild rumpus' continues: Maurice Sendak's legacy lives on at Ridgefield Foundation
Maurice Sendak is often celebrated for his contributions to children’s book art. You’re likely familiar with Where The Wild Things Are, or even Higglety Pigglety Pop. But in the late artist’s own words, "I do not believe that I have...
02.09.2024
A conversation with Clarence B. Jones
February is Black History Month. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday was in January. Around this time, we often see his quotes circulate on social media. And we also hear about his legacy as an activist and a minister, and...
02.08.2024
Examining the history and legacy of 'sundown towns' in Connecticut
For decades, there were cities and towns that were all-white on purpose. These communities are known as "sundown towns." Because this practice was both formal and informal, researchers put together a database of these laws, customs and firsthand accounts, under...
02.06.2024
How the artist captures climate change
Around the globe, artists are using their mediums to show how climate change is impacting our planet. Today, we’re exploring the convergence of art and science. We'll be talking with artists using their craft to have conversations about the environment. Earlier this year, Where We Live...
02.05.2024
Pet shelters in the state still flooded with requests to surrender animals
In 2023, more than 6 million animals entered shelters and rescues in the U.S., according to a recent report from Shelter Animals Count. Believe it or not, those numbers are down from pre-pandemic reports. Over the summer, Connecticut news outlets reported that animal...
02.02.2024
Connecticut's "Aerospace Alley" celebrates the state's aviation past and future
Throughout history, our state has made some big contributions to aviation technology. Today, we’re talking about the history and future of aviation in our state. We hear from some aviation enthusiasts who’s love of all things plane is going to make you soar. The...
02.01.2024
Taking a 'holistic approach' to treating congenital heart disease
Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for decades, putting much of the focus squarely and rightly on cardiovascular disease. But what about congenital heart conditions, something affecting your heart since birth? There are 13...
01.30.2024
Fewer Americans are considering careers in the military and branches are looking for solutions to recruiting
During the last fiscal year, the army alone missed their recruiting goal by 25%. All branches of the military are struggling to recruit new cadets. With an all-volunteer service, the military relies on recruitment efforts to get more people to serve....
01.29.2024
Yehyun Kim’s ‘A Diaspora in Focus’ puts a lens on Connecticut residents with Asian roots
This hour, photo and video journalist Yehyun Kim joins us to discuss A Diaspora in Focus, a three-part project she launched for the Connecticut Mirror in 2023. The project was in response to landmark legislation passed in the state that will require...
01.26.2024
A conversation with Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad
As journalists, it’s been challenging for us to watch what is happening to our fellow members of the press in Gaza. 83 journalist casualties have occurred in this region. The blue press vest and helmet is a heavy weight to carry, for...
01.25.2024
Connecticut is the land of steady habits, but no steady identity
Tri-state area or New England? Nutmeg or Constitution State? "Stuffy, preppy, sleepy"? What really makes Connecticut Connecticut, and what stereotypes can we stand to shake off? After the state's recent rebranding effort, it's a debate that has found its way to the...
01.23.2024
When snow goes away...
Depending on where you live,warmer winters could mean less and less snow. In some places, it’s only one or two degrees that could make a difference. Joining us today are two scientists looking at the data around snow in our region and...
01.22.2024
An update on efforts to address flooding in Hartford's North End, plus a look at how farms are faring
2023 was the sixth rainiest year on record for Connecticut, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In July alone, more than 1,500 acres of Connecticut farmland flooded over, representing $21 million in lost sales revenue. This hour, we hear from...

What's Where We Live about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Where We Live episodes:

A conversation with the new head of the Archdiocese of Hartford

Connecticut's 'Aerospace Alley' celebrates the state's aviation past and future

For autistic adults, getting services can be an uphill battle

There's no singularity when it comes to honoring Lunar New Year, including in Connecticut

What to expect from your financial literacy course

How wonder unites us: Total solar eclipse draws millions to the path of totality

A look at Connecticut's bridges and other infrastructure

Author Garrard Conley explores queerness in Puritan New England

Elmo is the internet's new therapist. But can he help solve burnout?

Exploring the 'new' Yale Peabody Museum

Bigfoot gets all the glory, but Connecticut has its own cast of cryptids

Reflecting on Joe Lieberman's career, impact and legacy

Author Rebecca F. Kuang on 'Babel,' revolution and students as visionaries

'Kinks in the movement': Staging a curly hair revolution in New Haven

Unforgotten: Connecticut's Hidden History of Slavery

Pet shelters in the state still flooded with requests to surrender animals

State-approved schools serving special education students are "operating in the shadows"

'Avant Colony': Celebrating the history of avant-garde art-making in Connecticut

Flannel is always in fashion

The 'wild rumpus' continues: Maurice Sendak's legacy lives on at Ridgefield Foundation

How the artist captures climate change

Connecticut is the land of steady habits, but no steady identity

Rethinking weight and health in the age of Ozempic

Unpacking the calls for a 'cease-fire' in Gaza, locally and beyond

The realities of being a Kidfluencer

Book ban requests still 'soaring' in Connecticut. Plus, vigil held at Capitol for Nex Benedict

The FAFSA, student loans and untangling the state of financial aid

Elmo is the internet's new therapist. But can he help solve burnout?

Two years after the invasion, Ukrainians are not giving up hope

Creating the Quantum Corridor in Connecticut

Snoopy crying, Julia Child and comedy, with Paula Poundstone

PMJA Submission: WWL "Centering adoption stories with Angela Tucker"

A sit-down with Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani

Addressing misconceptions around food insecurity: 'It's about more than food'

Love has no age: Dating as an older adult

Connecticut disability advocates push for legislation to improve medical access

'What's eating at America': Addressing the loneliness and isolation epidemic

The 'wild rumpus' continues: Maurice Sendak's legacy lives on at Ridgefield Foundation

A conversation with Clarence B. Jones

Examining the history and legacy of 'sundown towns' in Connecticut

How the artist captures climate change

Pet shelters in the state still flooded with requests to surrender animals

Connecticut's "Aerospace Alley" celebrates the state's aviation past and future

Taking a 'holistic approach' to treating congenital heart disease

Fewer Americans are considering careers in the military and branches are looking for solutions to recruiting

Yehyun Kim’s ‘A Diaspora in Focus’ puts a lens on Connecticut residents with Asian roots

A conversation with Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad

Connecticut is the land of steady habits, but no steady identity

When snow goes away...

An update on efforts to address flooding in Hartford's North End, plus a look at how farms are faring