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 LiveCT epidemiologists respond to measles outbreaks, plus a look at Ebola
There currently are over 2,000 confirmed cases of measles in the United States of America, including some cases in Connecticut’s surrounding states…
- Where We Live
Actor and writer Sam Shepard lived as an embodiment of the American West
Actor and playwright Sam Shepard wrote over 40 plays and worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment. After his death, Connecticut biographer Robert…
Where We LiveIs humanity taking a back seat in the age of AI?
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live, work and communicate. Now, Pope Leo XIV is weighing in, warning that AI poses urgent moral and ethical…
- Where We Live
How transportation decisions shape daily life across Connecticut
There’s no question that transportation impacts nearly every part of our lives – from getting to work and school, to accessing health care and…
Where We LiveGetting to know host Catherine Shen through music and some (not so) warm, fuzzy memories
Contrary to popular belief, host Catherine Shen is a human with real human emotions. The fact is, she cares about her feelings! In this hour, technical…
Where We LiveCT high school students lead the effort to preserve local AAPI history
When students at Simsbury High School discovered that there was little to no data on Asian American students in Connecticut, they launched a new project to…
Where We LiveCan CT light the way on protecting our night skies?
For migratory birds, nighttime light can be deadly. Artificial light draws birds off course, increasing the risk of exhaustion, window collisions and…
Where We LiveUS 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
From opera to bluegrass, CT State Trouabdour Charlie Widmer has done it all
Charlie Widmer describes himself as a multi-genre musician, but his range goes far beyond most artists. From opera to bluegrass, he's pretty much done it all…
- Where We Live
Author Kamilah Cole explores Hartford and Jamaican-American experience in latest novel
“An Arcane Inheritance," the latest novel of author Kamilah Cole, weaves dark academia with occult secrets at a fictional Ivy League school based in…
Where We LiveNavigating the throes of postpartum depression
The postpartum period can be one of the most vulnerable and challenging times in a parent’s life. It's also one of the least talked about. That's despite…
Where We LiveA shoutout to the aunts who shape us
It takes a village to raise a child. Today, we're exploring what it means to be an aunt and the many ways these important figures provide mentorship, guidance…
- 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 LiveSupporting troops at every stage of life: A conversation with the National Guard
There is another war happening in the Middle East. The challenges service members are facing are quite different than they were in years past. Today, we get an…
Where We LiveCT is experiencing an 'unseasonably high' tick season. What's behind the uptick?
Tick activity is on the rise. Connecticut scientists are seeing unseasonably high levels of tick activity in the state this year. That uptick carries big…
- Where We Live
Investigating the world of influencer kids
Journalist and author Fortesa Latifi remembers the first time she stumbled upon child influencer content. She noticed a pattern of family influencers sharing…
- Where We Live
New CT Public series 'Caregiving in Connecticut' explores the challenges facing an aging state
About one in four U.S. adults take care of a loved one – from bathing to managing medical appointments. And as the American population is aging, more of…
- Where We Live
Examining America's promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for Indigenous communites
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 LiveE-books and what it means to own something in 2026
We live in an age of convenience. From one device, millions of books can be accessed and stored. E-readers have become so ubiquitous that even if you don't…
- Where We Live
Author Eiren Caffal on finding love and hope in difficult times
Every year, the Westport Library hosts a series of author conversations bringing the community together to bond over a book and a shared love of reading. This…
- Where We Live
Having a "good death" is possible; we learn what this means
Death is not something that a lot of us like to think about. But making plans about end-of-life doesn’t need to be scary. Our experts today say it could…
Where We LiveThe demand for data centers is growing: Are they coming to CT?
Data centers come in all shapes and sizes,from a few shelves in the basement of a university building, to a warehouse the size of nearly two hundred football…
Where We LiveSmell 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 LiveExploring poetry's power to connect CT communities
At a time where we are feeling increasingly disconnected, poetry has a powerful way of fostering community. Today, during National Poetry Month, we hear from…
Where We LiveSpring gardening tips from perpetual gardens to pollinator lawns
Spring has sprung! And with it comes plant sales, fresh flowers and a whole lot of weeds. But what goes into starting a garden? And how do you create…
- Where We Live
Author Melissa Febos explores sex, celibacy and healing in 'The Dry Season'
What does it mean to take a break? Going on a walk or doodling during a meeting? Maybe turning off your phone and reading a book? For author Melissa Febos…
Where We LiveExploring the life of chef and restaurateur Eduardo 'Lalo' Garcia with CT reporter Laura Tillman
Chef and restaurateur Eduardo Garcia, better known as “Lalo,” started his cooking journey in his mother’s kitchen. His mother didn’t…
Where We LiveCan mass surveillance and civil liberties co-exist?
Next time you’re driving, take a look around and you might notice you’re being watched. From cameras atop traffic lights to license plate readers…
Where We Live'Beaverland' author Leila Philip shares the wonders of this unusual rodent
Beavers are known as a "keystone species" contributing to biodiversity wherever they set up their habitats. Today, Connecticut author and journalist Leila…
Where We LiveUnpacking the US Postal Service's uncertain future
Postmaster General David Steiner recently told lawmakers that the U.S. Postal Service is in peril. Speaking at a House Oversight subcommittee hearing, he said…
Where We LiveThis hour, feel the pull of the moon
On September 12th, 1962, President John F. Kennedy announced that the United States would land a man on the moon within the decade. Seven years later, Neil…
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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
Shawna the Mom on TikTok, motherhood and the appeal of authenticity
Shawna Lander is the actress behind “Shawna the Mom,” a series of one-woman skits on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. She's amassed millions of…
Where We LiveHow are social media algorithms impacting CT teens in 2026?
Seven-in-ten high school teachers say that cell phone distraction in school is a major problem, and one third of teens say that they use at least one social…
Where We LiveCT diaspora responds to crisis in Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have displaced 800,000 people, and killed nearly 700 people. Connecticut is home to nearly 10,000 Lebanese Americans. Today we…
Where We LiveTaíno culture and heritage celebrated across CT
A new exhibit at Yale’s natural history museum is highlighting a culture with deep ties to many in the state. It’s called…
Where We LivePreserving 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 LiveCT farms are bringing some unique crops to the table
Believe it or not, spring is just around the corner. But it’s been a rough winter for those growing crops and raising livestock. Today, we hear how this…
Where We LiveCT native Tory Henwood Hoen explores caregiving in new book 'Before I Forget'
Before I Forget, a novel by Tory Henwood Hoen. At some point in life, there is a good chance that you might become a caretaker. “Before I Forget&rdquo…
Where We LiveAs CT reacts to unfolding situation in Iran, what's the importance of community in times of crisis?
In an age of increased isolation and loneliness, what does it mean to be a good neighbor, and build community? Today, we hear from groups across Connecticut…
Where We LiveAmid enrollment declines, an update on CT public school education
Connecticut is facing a historic decline in public school enrollment, with enrollment dropping below half a million for the first time in two decades. This…
Where We LiveAmid DHS funding cuts, is meaningful immigration reform possible?
Speaking at the State of the Union, President Donald Trump demanded a full restoration of funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Immigration and…
Where We LiveSen. Blumenthal on his recent trip to Ukraine, plus CT residents send aid to the region
It’s been four years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Recent peace talks concluded without bringing the region any closer to peace. This…
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A look at the history of tap dance in America
This hour, we’re exploring the history of tap dance in America. Tap was first developed as a fusion of footwork styles with roots in Africa and Ireland…
- Where We Live
Black authors on the spectrum of diversity in children's literature
Seeing yourself in a book can open a world of possibilities. But diverse books need more than diverse characters, they need diverse stories. Although many…
Where We LiveAuthor Kamilah Cole explores Hartford and Jamaican-American experience in latest novel
“An Arcane Inheritance," the latest novel of author Kamilah Cole, weaves dark academia with occult secrets at a fictional Ivy League school based in…
- Where We Live
Author Melissa Febos explores sex, celibacy and healing in 'The Dry Season'
What does it mean to take a break? Going on a walk or doodling during a meeting? Maybe turning off your phone and reading a book? For author Melissa Febos…
Where We LiveCT goes quantum: A look at the littlest things out there
This show either exists or doesn't exist. It's possible you won't know until you listen to it. Today, we're getting quarky, exploring the weird — and…
Where We LiveLet it snow (day)!
For students and teachers around the state, snow means one thing: maybe it'll be a snow day? This hour we celebrate the snow day. We talk about snow day…
Where We LivePassing down Puerto Rican history and culture to the next generation
Nearly 300,000 Connecticut residents are of Puerto Rican heritage. That’s according to Census Bureau data. Today, we take a look at what’s being…
Where We LiveHighlighting the caregiving crisis in CT and beyond
One out of every four Americans is a caregiver, caring for partners, parents, grandparents or children. They juggle living their own lives while taking loved…
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Take a hike on CT's 52.2 miles of Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail spans 52.2 miles in Connecticut and climbs over Bear Mountain, the tallest point in the state. Today, we listen to an episode of "Common…
Where We LiveMedical research's future remains precarious in CT and beyond
Last year, the National Institutes of Health drastically cut funding for medical research. This disrupted the work of academics and researchers across the…
- Where We Live
This Dry January, local dry spots celebrate the joy of sobriety
This episode originally aired in 2025. Dry January is a month-long campaign that revolves around cutting out alcohol or reducing alcohol intake for the month…
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The mass appeal of black holes, plus local astronomical societies on connecting through the cosmos
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…
- Where We Live
Americans aren't sleeping well. We explore why rest feels so hard to find
If you’ve ever stared at the ceiling wondering why sleep won’t come, you’re not alone. In fact, six out of 10 adults in the United States…
Where We LiveKatherine May on 'Wintering' in challenging times
When tough times hit, do you hit the pause button, or do you just barrel through? Nearly six years ago, amid the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, author…
Where We LiveClarifying cannabis: CT doctors break down misunderstandings
It’s been nearly five years since recreational cannabis was legalized in Connecticut. Since then dozens of dispensaries have opened across the state…
Where We LiveThe cheese stands alone: Exploring the world of CT cheese
The U.S. produces over a billion pounds of cheese monthly, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Connecticut is a small, but mighty, part of that…
Where We LiveAn update on CT flu season and CDC vaccine guidance
Fever, chills, fatigue, cough, headache and a sore throat. A new variant of the flu means more people are suffering from the virus this season. But the flu can…