Where We Live

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.

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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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Every four years on January 20th, Washington, D.C. braces for the start of a new presidency. Inauguration days date back to 1789 when George Washington was the first American president sworn into office.

This hour, we’re joined by a member of the White House Historical Association and a history professor from Eastern Connecticut State University to walk through Inaugural history.

And this year, Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances fall on the same date for the first time in 28 years. Our guests explain how this overlap may impact the day’s processions.

GUESTS:

• Thomas Balcerski, Presidential Historian, Eastern Connecticut State University
• Matthew Costello, Chief Education Officer, White House Historical Association 

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Trump has vowed to end birthright citizenship in the first month of his presidency. Connecticut Attorney General Tong is the son of immigrants and he says if that happens, he will be the first to sue.

Today, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joins us in the studio for the hour.

We’ll discuss his top priorities for 2025, including holding tech companies accountable, protecting reproductive care in our state and a plan to challenge some policies proposed by President-Elect Donald Trump.

It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss.

GUESTS:

• Connecticut Attorney General William Tong
• Lisa Hagen: Federal policy reporter for Connecticut Public and CT Mirror

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Dry January is a month-long campaign that revolves around cutting out alcohol or reducing alcohol intake for the month of January.

Today’s guests say that life without alcohol can be joyous, and they’re creating spaces for the sober and sober curious to try it out.

We talk to two owners of sober spaces in our state, and try out some mocktails they’ll bring to share.

We also hear how our relationship with alcohol is changing overall. Research shows that Gen Z is becoming the sober generation.

GUESTS:

• Dr. J Craig Allen MD: Medical Director at Rushford and Vice President of Addiction Services at Hartford Healthcare
• Frances McGrath: Founder of Reframe: A Dry Spot in Willimantic
• Bobbi Malateseta: Creator of 3-2-1 No Kidding Sober Space and Bottle Shop in Naugatuck

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