Shows / Where We Live
Where We Live
Produced by Connecticut Public, 'Where We Live' puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines. We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.
Episodes
Where We LiveThe Baby-Sitter's Club and the power of graphic novels
Connecticut Public has a new podcast: "Generation: Baby-Sitter’s Club." It explores the beloved middle-grade series by Ann M. Martin, about four friends…
Where We LiveFinding history in our own backyards
What can the things we leave behind tell us about who we are? At Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, students are learning archaeology by digging into their…
Where We Live'Generation Gilmore Girls' looks back 26 years later
"Gilmore Girls" premiered in October 2000 on The WB network. The series filled a niche at the time: female leads, three generations of women, and witty…
Where We LiveGhosts, legends and things that go bump in the Nutmeg State
It’s Halloween week, which means we’re summoning Connecticut’s most chilling stories. From ghostly apparitions to mysterious happenings that…
Where We LiveAI is shaking up the book world: A local rare-book seller and author share their stories
AI tools might be able to write a decent email, but can it write a book? Today, we hear how AI is shaking up the book world for publishers, writers and readers…
Where We LiveBeyond the textbook: Bringing real science into the classroom
High school science class can mean more than chemistry experiments and frog dissections. Across Connecticut and beyond, students are getting hands-on…
- Where We Live
What it takes to prevent domestic violence
Domestic violence is more common than many people realize, and leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous. We talk with leaders in Connecticut’s…
Where We LiveExamining America's promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for Indigenous communities
At America's founding, who was entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? This was the topic of discussion at a recent event at the Connecticut…
- Where We Live
Have a little hope: Conversations that inspire
After nearly seven years with Where We Live, Senior Producer Tess Terrible is moving on to her next adventure of public radio. This episode is a collection of…
- Where We Live
Amy-Jill Levine, CT professor, embraces top role in Catholic organization
Renowned New Testament scholar Amy-Jill Levine has co-authored over twenty books, taught at Vanderbilt Divinity School and is currently the Rabbi Stanley M…
Where We LiveIn a digital world, what makes a toy worth picking up?
What was your favorite toy growing up? Maybe it was a truck, a dollhouse, a set of blocks, or something you dragged everywhere until it practically fell apart…
- Where We Live
CT interior designer Sophie von Oertzen Williamson is team 'never beige'
When you look around your room, what do you see? More specifically, what do you see that you love? Is it a cool souvenir? Maybe a seashell? Or a family photo…
- Where We Live
A conversation with Abigail Savitch-Lew's at River Bend Book Shop
If you’re looking for a new read that’s a blend of fiction and non-fiction storytelling, Abigail Savitch-Lew’s debut novel, “Livonia…
Where We LiveHow to make the most of fall in Connecticut
There’s something about fall in Connecticut that makes even the most ordinary Saturday feel a little more special. Maybe it’s a walk through the…
Where We LiveThe UN General Assembly kicks off: CT humanitarian aid leaders are in attendance
This week, leaders from around the world are gathering to discuss global crises, climate change, pandemic preparedness and artificial intelligence at the UN…
- Where We Live
Chef Ham El-Waylly serves up comfort and nostalgia in 'Hello, Home Cooking'
Chef Ham El-Waylly straddles two very different worlds: fine dining and home cooking. In his new cookbook, he shares the recipes and memories that bring it all…
Where We LiveAlzheimer’s Disease: What we know, and what’s changing
More than 7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease . And that number is expected to grow significantly in the coming…
- Where We Live
Rocks rock! A celebration of the new CT state rock
Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic: Do those words ring any bells? Maybe from that old earth science class? Don’t lose your marbles! Today, we’re…
Where We LiveAfter ICE arrests, community cares for families left behind
Last month, ICE made over 100 arrests in Connecticut. Communities are not staying silent. After an arrest takes place, it can leave family members shaken and…
Where We LiveFrom the N.F.L. to youth sports, what new research tells us about brain injuries
We know football players take some big hits. Now, new research is giving us a clearer picture of how repeated head impacts can affect the brain, including…
- Where We Live
25 years later, teachers are still helping students understand 9/11
September 11, 2001 fell on a Tuesday. It was the start of the academic year. It was just another day in the classroom for students and teachers. Today, we talk…
Where We LiveAI is shaking up the book world: A local rare-book seller and author share their stories
AI tools might be able to write a decent email, but can it write a book? Today, we hear how AI is shaking up the book world for publishers, writers and readers…
Where We LiveThe lost art of hanging out: A conversation about third spaces
Third spaces are those social spaces that aren’t your home or your workplace. They’re those great in-between environments where you can come by…
Where We LiveCan Connecticut build a better childcare system?
Caring for a child takes time, money and flexibility – all things that can be hard to come by when you're also trying to work a full time job…
Where We LiveOn the road: CT transportation leader on driver safety, highways and more
Over 40% of Connecticut drivers admitted to speeding, at least sometimes. Some say they speed to avoid holding up traffic, while others are simply trying to…
Where We LiveBack to school in CT: Cellphones, vaccines and more
It’s back-to-school week for many students in Connecticut. Parents — are you ready for the upcoming school year? The Connecticut State Board of…
Where We LiveBack-to-school season can feel like a sprint. What if we slowed down?
School is back in session! That means calendars are filling up, and suddenly there’s always somewhere to be and something to do. But what if the problem…
Where We LiveAuthor Chris Bohjalian on his writing routines and his latest novel “The Amateur”
Chris Bohjalian is the author of over twenty books, but his latest novel “The Amateur” pulls on his own lived experience working as a golf caddy…
Where We LiveRocks rock! A celebration of the new CT state rock
Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic: Do those words ring any bells? Maybe from that old earth science class? Don’t lose your marbles! Today, we’re…
Where We LiveWhat draws these Connecticut adventurers to the sea?
What makes someone willingly leave the safety of shore and head into the unknown? Connecticut adventurer, Elizabeth Fry, has swum some of the world’s…
Where We LiveAfter losing a child, these parents dedicate their lives to advocacy
You’ve probably heard of the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. But the stages of grief aren’t always linear…
- Where We Live
How dementia caregivers navigate a challenging role: Catharsis, humor and patience
Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability among older adults. For caregivers of people with the disease, the role is filled with a variety of…
Where We LiveThe scoop on Connecticut’s best ice cream
Summer may be winding down, but there's still plenty of time for ice cream. We go behind the scenes to learn how one of Connecticut's most beloved frozen…
Where We LiveThe chaos and majesty of geomagnetic storms
You check the local weather, but do you ever check space weather? Storms are always occurring in space and sometimes, we’re impacted by them here on…
- Where We Live
'Burn without opening:' How a mysterious note led to a family history investigation
If you discovered a note from a loved one marked “burn without opening,” would you read it? Author and former journalist Paul T. O'Connor did. He…
Where We LiveWorshippers return to the pews: CT religious researchers and leaders tell us why
Attendance in church pews has bounced back since COVID-19 pandemic lows. And many of these attendees are young worshippers, looking for religious community…
Where We LiveHousing roadblocks continue in CT: Local architects are stepping up to the challenge
Finding affordable housing is a huge challenge in Connecticut. Could part of this problem be how housing is built and designed? Architects aren’t just…
Where We LiveWhat we know about cyclosporiasis cases in CT, plus a look at air quality
In the last month we have seen a flurry of warnings that lettuce might be infected with cyclosporiasis. To date, there have been over 60 cases here in…
Where We LiveCT poet Rohanna Delossantos on migration, motherhood and stories passed down through generations
Connecticut poet Rohanna Ssanyu Delossantos has a new chapbook, “The Marabou Who Crossed the Sea,” a collection inspired by her family's roots in…
Where We LiveWhen immigration enforcement reaches schools: How CT educators are responding
As educators prepare to support students in the upcoming school year, some are facing a new challenge: how to respond to immigration enforcement. Early…
- Where We Live
Novelist Celeste Ng on great first lines and themes of identity and belonging
Author Celeste Ng is familiar with the push and pull of adolescence. In May, Ng had a conversation with Simsbury High School students and Where We Live host…
- Where We Live
The World Cup: A global game in a divided moment
The World Cup has come to a close, but soccer's impact reaches far beyond this global tournament. This hour, we explore how the sport has grown from a niche…
Where We LiveMaking the most of summer in Connecticut
Do you still make a list of all the things you want to do before the summer’s end? We sure do! Today, we will share some of our favorite summer…
Where We LiveWhat happens after animal abuse is reported?
In 2025, there were nearly 200 animal cruelty cases in Connecticut. Ten years ago, Connecticut passed “Desmond’s Law” a landmark animal…
- Where We Live
Fibroids, extreme heat, and the health issues we overlook
Up to 80% of women will develop uterine fibroids by age 50, but many people still don’t know what they are or how they can affect daily life. This hour…
Where We LiveExploring Connecticut State Parks: Conservation, Hiking and Indigenous History
It takes a lot of work to help preserve Connecticut's nearly 140 parks and forests. Today, we learn what that looks like across our state. We hear from the…
Where We LiveSupreme Court's immigration rulings: What they mean for Connecticut
The US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on June 25, 2026. The US Supreme Court on Thursday backed a Trump administration move to strip deportation protections…
- Where We Live
US Poet Laureate Arthur Sze is taking on the art of translated poetry
Arthur Sze took an non-traditional path to becoming the U.S. Poet Laureate. Born in 1950 to Chinese immigrants, his family wanted him to pursue a safe career…
- Where We Live
Preserving stories and languages one oral history at a time
How will you preserve your family history? Maybe through journaling or family movies? What about grabbing an audio recorder? Today, we’ll hear all about…
- Where We Live
CT interior designer Sophie von Oertzen Williamson is team 'never beige'
When you look around your room, what do you see? More specifically, what do you see that you love? Is it a cool souvenir? Maybe a seashell? Or a family photo…
- Where We Live
In a digital world, what makes a toy worth picking up?
Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Where We Live
Rev. James Martin on work and life's spiritual journey
The Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit author and educator, believes everyone's life is a spiritual journey. "We're all on this spiritual journey to understand…
- Where We Live
Smell defines our world in hidden and powerful ways
Breathe deep and think: What do you smell right now? The sweetness of the spring air? The smoky smells of the highway? Our noses give us key clues about the…
Where We LiveAuthor Amy Bloom on first drafts, writing slowly and making use of every inspiration
Bestselling author Amy Bloom is widely known for 2022 memoir “In Love.” The memoir follows her journey with her late husband, who was diagnosed…
Where We LiveHow Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' is still teaching environmentalists in 2026
It's been more than 60 years since environmentalist Rachel Carson's book, "Silent Spring," challenged the widespread use of synthetic pesticides like DDT and…
Where We LiveLooking for a book for the young reader in your life? We got you covered
Did you know that the Library of Congress is home to half a million children’s books? That’s a lot of summer reading! Today, it’s our annual…
Where We LiveCT student detained by ICE reflects on detention and his hopes for the future
In April, 18-year-old Rihan was mistakenly detained by U.S. Immigation and Customs Enforcement. The teen, who lives in Cheshire, Connecticut, spent two weeks…
Where We Live'Sandwich generation' caregivers balance stress of being caught in the middle
The “sandwich generation” is made up of people balancing the demands of raising children while caring for aging loved ones. This hour, we learn…
Where We LiveAre graduate degrees worth the cost in 2026?
Advanced degrees are increasingly out of reach for many. Receiving financial aid has gotten more difficult too. Many schools are already rethinking how they…
Where We LiveWhy mental health conversations matter
A recent study found that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline may have contributed to a decline in suicide deaths among young people. This hour, we learn what…