Where We Live

Korean Dramas, or “K-Dramas,” are gaining popularity internationally. Netflix recently poured billions of dollars into Korean content to meet the rising demand.

So what sets K-Dramas apart from other TV genres? And why do viewers say that watching K-Dramas has helped them heal, grieve, and even feel less lonely?

This hour, we’re joined by Jeanie Y. Chang, licensed marriage and family therapist and author of “How K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life: Powerful Lessons on Belongingness, Healing, and Mental Health.”

And later, we hear from members of a local K-Drama meetup group, whose shared passion for K-Dramas has taken them all over the globe.

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Black holes aren’t just the stuff of science fiction; they’re real astronomical objects so dense, so massive, that nothing, not even light, escapes from them.

Today, we’re getting lost in the void. Yale Astrophysicist Priya Natarajan joins us for an hour to talk about her research on these extraordinary objects. She was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2024 for her research on how black holes form.

Later, you don’t have to be a scientist to look up and appreciate the cosmos.

We hear from planetariums and astronomical societies in our state that are connecting stargazers and space lovers around Connecticut.

GUESTS:

• Priyamvada Natarajan: theoretical astrophysicist and Professor of Astronomy at Yale University
• Al Washburn: member at large and former president of the Astronomical Society of New Haven
• Brian Koehler: Associate Director of the Treworgy Planetarium at the Mystic Seaport Museum

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Three years after Russia invaded Ukraine, the war continues on and millions are facing dire humanitarian needs.

Despite prior support from the United States that included billions of dollars in aid, President Donald Trump has now falsely accused Ukraine of starting the war, and called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a dictator.

Today, we hear from Doctors United for Ukraine, a nonprofit working to train Ukrainian physicians, and equip them with the skills and expertise to address traumatic injuries in this region.

We’ll also hear an update from the Yale Humanitarian Lab.

GUESTS:

• Dr. Andrey Zinchuk: Vice President and Director of Doctors United for Ukraine at Yale
• Nathaniel Raymond: Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health
• Ian Lovett: foreign correspondent for the Wall Street Journal covering Ukraine

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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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