If you’ve been listening to Where We Live for awhile, you probably are pretty familiar with our theme song.

But today, we introduce a new theme and hear from the band behind it. We’ll also hear from members of the indie rock community here in Connecticut.

In the age of big sell out tours and stadium concerts, Connecticut bands are making their mark locally, establishing loyal fan bases and building community.

Got a favorite local act? We want to hear from you.

GUESTS:

• Peter Brail: member of Ghostwoods
• Holden Palmieri: member of Ghostwoods
• Allie Burnet: from the band Allie Burnet & The Proven Winners
• Brendan Toller: Director of Operations and New Initiatives at WPKN in Bridgeport

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President Trump has implemented tariffs on goods from China, and imports from Mexico and Canada may soon be affected as well.

This hour, we offer “tariffs 101” – a look into what tariffs are, why the Trump administration is advocating for them, and how consumers and businesses in Connecticut may be impacted.

We hear from business leaders across Connecticut on how they are preparing for upcoming changes. And, we explore how tariffs have impacted the U.S. economy in the past.

GUESTS:

• Lisa Hagen: Federal Policy Reporter, CT Public and CT Mirror
• Dr. Mohammad Elahee: Professor of International Business, Quinnipiac University
• Wayne Pesce: President, CT Food Association
• Chris Davis: Vice President of Public Policy, CBIA

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The Mohegan Tribe—a sovereign and federally recognized Indian tribe in Southeastern Connecticut—has a longstanding belief in the power of storytelling.

This oral tradition is a form of spoken record-keeping. Stories can often capture a deeper and fuller understanding of culture and beliefs than historical texts.

This hour, we talk to Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, the tribe’s vice chair of the council of elders and tribal historian. Melissa is part of a long line of “culture bearers,” tasked with keeping the traditions of the Mohegan Tribe alive through stories.

GUESTS:

• Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, the Mohegan Tribe’s vice chair of the council of elders and tribal historian

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.

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The Stowe Center for Literary Activism in Hartford is rethinking how they present the complex legacy of author Harriet Beecher Stowe and her best known work, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Today, Erika Slocumb, Director of Interpretation and Visitor Experience at the Stowe Center joins us to talk about the changes this local museum is making to better showcase literary activism of the past, and how it influences the future.

We’ll also hear from Possible Futures, an independent bookstore and neighborhood bookspace in New Haven.

We learn about their efforts to promote works by diverse authors, and using books to promote change.

GUESTS:

• Erika Slocumb: Director of Interpretation and Visitor Experience at the Stowe Center for Literary Activism in Hartford
• Grégory Pierrot: Associate Professor at the English Department at the University of Connecticut
• Lauren Anderson: founder and bookseller at Possible Futures independent bookstore in New Haven

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During his first days in office, President Trump signed multiple executive orders that targeted transgender rights, affecting school policies, military service, and even gender markers on passports.

This hour, we explore the real-world effects of these policies. We also hear how states like Connecticut may move to challenge these orders.

And later, two local community members share how they are working to create safe, transgender-friendly spaces and resources during this time of uncertainty.

GUESTS:

• Orion Rummler: LGBTQ+ Reporter, The 19th
• Chris Erchull: Senior Staff Attorney, GLAD Law
• Stori Anne Neesingham: Youth Services Librarian, Cheshire Public Library
• Beatrice Hamel: Master's of Social Work candidate, University of Connecticut

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When’s the last time you laughed? Like really, full body, couldn’t catch your breath, laughed?

Finding laughter can be challenging amongst the backdrop of political uncertainty and this constant stream of breaking news.

But sometimes, laughter and comedy can be a great way to make sense of the world around us. 

Today, we talk about how comedy can be a vehicle for protest, political dialogue and even healing.

GUESTS:

• Allie Rivera: Instructor & Performer, Sea Tea Comedy Theater

• Brenna Harvey: Instructor & Performer, Sea Tea Comedy Theater

• Dr. Sophia A. McClennen: Professor of International Affairs and Comparative Literature and Director of the Center for Global Studies at Penn State University.

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.

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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), and has started putting restrictions on the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani joins us to talk about the impact these changes might have on public health locally.

We’ll also hear from Dr. Albert Ko, Professor of Epidemiology at Yale University, and member of research and development task forces at the WHO.

Do you have a question about healthcare and public health in our state?

GUESTS:

• Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani
• Dr. Albert Ko: A physician and Epidemiologist at the Yale School of Public Health, and a a member of the WHO R&D Taskforce for Zika Virus and R&D Blueprint Working Group
• Sujata Srinivasan: Senior Health Reporter for Connecticut Public

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This hour, Flora Lichtman, the new host of NPR’s Science Friday, and Connecticut educators join us to explore the powerful connection between curiosity, science, and education.

Our guests will share insights on how embracing curiosity can help you tap into your inner scientist.

We'll also discuss the latest exhibits at the Connecticut Science Center, the growing trend known as "forest kindergarten," and why we should all be following NASA’s latest endeavors.

GUESTS:

• Flora Lichtman, host of NPR’s Science Friday
• Sally Chaves, 2024 CT Excellence in Science Teaching award winner
• Nate Gagnon, Public Programs Educator, Connecticut Science Center

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On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump promised to shut down the U.S. Department of Education. But can he actually eliminate the federal agency? And if not, how else could he overhaul it?

This hour, we hear from educators about the potential ripple effects in Connecticut, including funding cuts.

Teachers are not only preparing for that, but also potential visits from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This week, the Trump administration threw out policies limiting where arrests can take place.

Are you a student, parent, or teacher? What are your thoughts on Trump’s promise?

GUESTS:

• Mark Lieberman: School Finance Reporter for Education Week
• Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez: Superintendent of Hartford Public Schools
• Joslyn DeLancey: Vice President of Connecticut Education Association and President of Connecticut Education Foundation
• Alex Putterman: Reporter for Connecticut Insider

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President Donald Trump was sworn in yesterday.

On the campaign trail, he promised to sign several executive orders once he took office, including sweeping changes to immigration laws.

This hour, we’ll break down what we’ve seen so far, and what executive orders we could expect in the weeks to come. Later, we hear from immigration experts in our state, to learn how Connecticut residents could be affected.

Do you, or a loved one, have questions about your rights as immigrants?

GUESTS:

• Tabitha Sookdeo: Executive Director of CT Students for a Dream
• Caroline Sennett: Director of Immigration Legal Service, Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
• Ximena Bustillo: DHS and Immigration policy reporter at National Public Radio.

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