This hour, we’ll explore climate change’s impact on many whale populations – from Belugas in the Arctic Ocean to North Atlantic right whales off the coast of New England.

We’ll hear how studies conducted on Beluga whales at Mystic Aquarium are helping scientists better understand what factors threaten their survival in the wild.

And later, scientists working on a research initiative called “Project CETI” are using AI technology to learn the language of Connecticut’s state animal: the sperm whale.

GUESTS:

• Eve Zuckoff: Climate and Environment Reporter, CAI 
• Tracy Romano: Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist of Marine Sciences, Mystic Aquarium
• Gašper Beguš: Associate Professor, Dept. of Linguistics, UC Berkeley
• Kathryn Hulick: Science Journalist, Science News Explores

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In addition to handling all official state records, the Connecticut state comptroller acts as the official state financial watchdog.

From a major audit of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and responding to unpredictable federal funding freezes, this office is having a very busy fiscal year.

Today, Comptroller Scanlon joins us in the studio. We hear about Connecticut’s current fiscal state and this office’s priorities for the coming next fiscal year.

Got a question about state finances or how this office operates? Join the conversation.

GUESTS:

• Connecticut State Comptroller Sean Scanlon
• Keith Phaneuf: Connecticut Mirror state budget reporter

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The average cost of a wedding in Connecticut is nearly $35,000.

Many couples are changing the way they get married, some opting for a small or “micro” wedding with only a few close friends and family members. And others are deciding to elope.

But the decision to elope isn’t always tied to wanting to avoid the price tag of a big wedding.

Today, we hear from one couple who recently eloped at the start of the year.

And if you are thinking about elopement, or maybe already tied the knot in this way, we want to hear from you!

GUESTS:

• Kim Moran: artist and postal worker
• Rachel Moran: Graduate Intern of the Arthur L. Johnson Unity Wing Pride Center at Eastern Connecticut State University
• Emma Thurgood: Elopement photographer, videographer and planner

Additional voices featured in this hour:

• Janice Favreau: Connecticut Justice of the Peace
• George Gross: Your Queer Plants Shop
• Michayla Savitt: State Government Reporter for Connecticut Public

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Connecticut native Sirena Huang learned to play violin through the Suzuki method: a teaching philosophy based on the idea that all children can play music.

At 11-years-old, she performed and gave a Ted Talk in California. Now, nearly twenty years later, she performs internationally as a world renowned violinist.

She joins us for the hour to talk about her journey, her time touring and teaching in Taiwan, and her wish to inspire peace through music.

We’ll also hear about her performances with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

GUESTS:

• Sirena Huang: concert violinist
• Linda Numagami: Resident Musician of Music Haven, and Violist of the Haven String Quartet

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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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.