Social Security is one of the most widely-used government programs in the country, but how much does the average American know about how it works?

From eligibility and benefit amounts to how the trust fund is structured, this hour we’re offering a crash course on Social Security and how the federal program's uncertain future is impacting the retirement plans of people here in Connecticut.

We’ll ask what’s driving concerns about the fund's long-term solvency, and what Congress might do about it.

GUESTS:

• Robert Rodriguez: Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration
• Kenneth Couch: Professor, University of Connecticut’s Department of Economics

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There seems to be no limit to what artificial intelligence can produce and create. So how will artificial intelligence impact the way we make and critique art?

Today, we hear how artists are using artificial intelligence in their work. We ask a Connecticut professor, and artists of all disciplines, if AI is good or bad for the creative process.

We also explore a question: If AI is the author, can what it made really be called art?

GUESTS:

• Kevin Ramsey: Assistant Professor of Theater at the University of Hartford
• Roger Beaty: Associate Professor of Psychology at Pennsylvania State University
• Clement Valla: Artist and the Department Head of the Art, Computation, and Sound BFA at the Rhode Island School of Design

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University of Connecticut professor and artist Minnie Negoro first learned ceramics while imprisoned at a Japanese concentration camp in Wyoming.

There, she produced tableware for the U.S. army and other incarceration camps. Despite the repression, Negoro discovered a lifelong love for pottery, which she shared with generations of students.

Now, UConn is curating an exhibit to honor Negoro's work and legacy.

Today, we hear about Negoro's journey as an artist, and as a teacher.

GUESTS:

• Hana Maruyama: Assistant professor of Asian American Studies and Public History at the University of Connecticut
• Denise Pelletier: Professor of Art at Connecticut College
• Jason Oliver Chang: Associate Professor of History and director of the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute at the University of Connecticut

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Can you remember a teacher who changed the course of your life? Maybe it was someone who helped you find your voice? Or someone who challenged you to think differently?

This hour, we’re exploring the impact of great mentors – those who shape us both in and beyond the classroom.

Sarah Ruhl, author of the new book, “Lessons from My Teachers” shares personal stories and reflects on the lasting power of mentorship.

GUESTS:

• Sarah Ruhl: Author of “Lessons from My Teachers.” Sarah is also a playwright, two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, a Tony Award nominee, and the recipient of the MacArthur Genius Fellowship. 

 

This episode originally aired on June 2, 2025. 

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Foreign aid accounts for 1% of the U.S. federal budget.

These funds are used to fight famine and disease worldwide. This week, the Senate will debate cutting $7.9 billion earmarked for these efforts.

In July, the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale had federal funds rescinded. They are currently operating by with the help of individual donors.

Today, we get an update on humanitarian crises and international conflicts around the globe. We'll also discuss the future of humanitarian aid in the United States and abroad.

GUESTS:

• Lila Hassan: Independent Investigative Journalist
• Nathaniel Raymond: Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health
• Provash Budden: Deputy Senior Vice President of Emergency Programs at Americares

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Farmers in Connecticut and beyond are being impacted by federal funding cuts. In May, the USDA made cuts to programs that help fund farms and food banks.

More recently, the USDA recently cut DEI programming. This included programs on urban forestry, equitable land access and environmental justice. But we could see increased spending for other farm programs in the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Today, we speak to those working in the agricultural industry around our state. Last week, Governor Ned Lamont signed the CT Farm Bill. We’ll talk about what that means for farmers.

GUESTS:

• Bryan Hurlburt: Connecticut Department of Agriculture Commissioner
• Bonnie Burr: Department Head and Assistant Director of the Extension at the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut
• Juan Pablo Yepes Tobón: Windham Community Food Network Coordinator
• Freedom Gerardo: Founder/Co-Owner of the Seamarron Farmstead, LLC

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Shakespeare’s plays have been performed for over 400 years, but artists are still finding bold new ways to bring them to life.

This hour, we’re joined by creatives behind two inventive productions hitting Connecticut stages this summer: one blends breakdancing with Hamlet, the other infuses A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the vibrant energy of Bollywood.

We explore why these centuries-old stories continue to resonate, and how modern reinterpretations keep them relevant.

GUESTS:

• Nina Pinchin: Director of Breakdancing Shakespeare, The Hartford Stage
• Brandon Couloute: Choreographer of Breakdancing Shakespeare, The Hartford Stage
• Rebecca Goodheart: Producing Artistic Director, Elm Shakespeare Company
• Deshik Vansadia: artistic director, The Shakespeare Co. of India

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Today, we hear from the founder of ConnectiCon, a Connecticut-based convention that’s been bringing together fans for over 20 years. Like many conventions, it’s changed to evolve with the times.

If you have ever attended a comic convention, you probably saw a lot of people dressed as their favorite characters.

The act of cosplaying has exploded in recent years. We hear from cosplayers attending this year's convention.

GUESTS:

• Matt Daigle: founder of ConnectiCon, a Connecticut pop-culture convention based in Hartford
• Paul Booth: professor of Media and Pop Culture at DePaul University
• Andrew Liptak: author of Cosplay: A History and of the newsletter, the Transfer Orbit

Additional voices featured in this hour:

• Julie Wilk: cosplayer based in Boston, Massachusetts
• Andy Wolf: AndyMon Cosplay photography

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Author and poet Ocean Vuong grew up in Hartford, Connecticut. It's a city he describes as having beautiful, vibrant life.

His mother worked in a nail salon and his stepfather worked in manufacturing. Speaking about his mother and aunts, who immigrated from Vietnam, Vuong says he was raised by storytellers.

Today, Vuong is one of the nation's most celebrated storytellers. He's winner of a prestigious MacArthur "genius" Grant and a tenured professor at New York University.

His new book, "The Emperor of Gladness," is set in the fictional town of East Gladness, Connecticut. Vuong said he started writing the book to start to navigate grief after his mother’s death. He joined us to talk about his book, and how growing up in Connecticut shaped his writing.

GUEST:

• Ocean Vuong: writer, professor and author of "The Emperor of Gladness"

Chloe Wynn, Coco Cooley and Isaac Moss contributed to this hour.

Where We Live is available 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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As more and more of our daily life moves online, digital access has become essential.

But not everyone has the skills, or the tools, needed to keep up in a digital age.

The Digital Equity Act was designed to help close the gap. But recent funding cuts by President Trump have stalled that progress.

This hour, we explore how those cuts are affecting communities in Connecticut and beyond. We’ll hear how local institutions – like libraries – are working to keep people connected despite the challenges.

GUESTS:

• P.R. Lockhart: Economic Development Reporter, CT Mirror
• Bonnie Solberg: Director of Public Services, Hartford Public Library
• Bridget Quinn: President and Chief Executive Officer, Hartford Public Library
• Dr. Elena Forzani: director of the Literacy Education and Reading Education programs and an assistant professor, Boston University

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