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 LiveJuly Pandemic Book Club: Summer Reads!
It’s summer reading time! After spending the last four months quarantined indoors, it might be hard to find fun activities for your kids. Summer reading…
Where We LiveDuring Pandemic, Stable Housing Is More Critical Than Ever
COVID 19 cases have dropped in Connecticut, but it’s still important for residents to stay home when possible to slow the spread of the disease. But what…
Where We LiveConnecticut Bats Continue To Battle White-Nose Syndrome -- And Misplaced Fears
Do you see bats where you live? These flying creatures play important roles in ecosystems around the world, from pest control to pollination. But bats in…
Where We LiveBig Plans on Campus: CSCU Prepares For The Fall Semester
College campuses across the country are preparing to reopen in the fall. But with the potential for a second wave of coronavirus infections, students and staff…
Where We LiveHow The Pandemic Has Magnified Connecticut's Digital Divide
COVID-19 has shown the Internet is more important than ever. From Google Classrooms for distance learning to endless Zoom meetings for some professionals, the…
Where We LiveLooking Back At Connecticut's History: A Conversation With Walt Woodward
Do you know how to make an Election Cake? What about the history of the Connecticut Witch Hunters This hour, state historian Walt Woodward joins us to talk…
Where We LiveThis Giant Animal Show Is Going To Be... Huge!
What would it have been like to see a huge, elephant-like mastodon roaming our state? The earth has been home to some spectacularly large animals. A few of…
Where We LiveA Conversation With Poet Jericho Brown
At the start of this year, Jericho Brown addressed the graduates of the Bennington Writing Seminars Class of January 2020. He said, “If you can't imagine…
Where We LiveHow Habitat Loss And Climate Change Impact Birds In Connecticut
Have you noticed fewer sparrows or warblers flitting about your backyard? Bird populations in North America have been declining for years, but in 2019, the…
Where We LiveRevisiting New Haven's Black Panther Trials With Ericka Huggins
On May 1st, 1970, the eyes of the nation were on the Elm City. Students and others from around the country had gathered to protest the murder trial of Black…
Where We LiveWe're Going Back To School...Maybe
The academic school year has just ended, but parents, students and teachers are already wondering what next year will look like. This hour, Education…
Where We LiveCare About Ending Racism? Look To Your Local Zoning Board
Protests against police brutality have put systemic racism in the spotlight. But how do the written and unwritten rules in communities perpetuate racial…
Where We LivePride Month Goes Virtual
Pride Month is looking a little different this year. Traditionally, Pride is marked by big parades and celebrations. But social distancing and racial unrest…
Where We LiveIs Unemployment Necessary As Connecticut And Other States Reopen?
1.5 million people filed for unemployment last week according to the US Department of Labor, despite states re-opening in the last month. This hour, we look at…
Where We LiveWhere We Live Extra: On Juneteenth, Remembering Connecticut's Complicity In Slavery
Today is Juneteenth, a holiday that marks the day that slavery finally ended in Texas--two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. We don’t often…
Where We LiveLife After A COVID-19 Diagnosis
We have spent the last few months bringing you coverage on COVID-19. This hour, we’re going to talk to someone who was diagnosed with coronavirus, and…
Where We LiveAs Connecticut Begins Phase 2 Reopening, Confusion Over Who Should Get COVID 19 Test
A greater portion of COVID-19 tests have come back negative in Connecticut compared with other states, which the Governor’s team says is a good sign. But…
Where We LiveBeing A Dad In 2020
Father’s Day is this weekend. How will you spend Father’s Day? Will you have a socially distant celebration with your Dad? What is it like being a…
Where We LiveThe Future of Work: When Your Home Becomes Your Office
When your home becomes your new office, it can be hard to set boundaries between work and personal life. This hour, we continue our series on The Future of…
Where We LiveThe Future Of Work: Gender Disparities In The Workplace Worsen During The Pandemic
This is part of a series of shows from Where We Live about the future of work after the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has caused major disruptions for…
Where We LiveThe Future of Work: What It Means To Be Essential
Essential workers provide much needed services to the general public but at what cost to their physical and mental health? This hour, we continue our series on…
Where We LiveThe Future Of Work: Commuting After The Pandemic
This is the first part in a series of shows from Where We Live about the future of work after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Connecticut residents are used to…
Where We LiveAlone Together Is Still Alone
There’s a few popular phrases being passed around right now: “You’re not alone.” And, “we’re all in this together.&rdquo…
Where We LiveResidents Call For Police Reform, Dismantling Systemic Racism in Connecticut
Residents across Connecticut continue to protest and speak out in response to the police killing of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer. This hour, as…
Where We LiveHow COVID-19 Could Worsen America's Eviction Crisis
The beginning of the month means the rent is due. But what if you lost your job during the COVID-19 pandemic? This hour, we talk to a housing advocate about…
Where We LiveIs Connecticut Flattening The Curve? A Check In With Governor Lamont
May 20th marked the first phase of Re-open Connecticut. What conditions will need to be met before Phase 2 starts on June 20th? This hour, Governor Ned Lamont…
Where We LiveWith COVID-19 Closing Pools, Will Drowning Risks Grow?
While swimming is a popular pastime for many Americans, a history of discrimination at pools nationwide in the 20th century has led to startling racial…
Where We LiveReopening Restaurants And Re-examining The Food Supply Chain
Last week marked the beginning of a phased reopening of Connecticut. Several businesses are permitted to reopen under Phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopening…
Where We LiveHow Statistics Are Helping Us Navigate The COVID-19 Pandemic
As Connecticut and other states begin to reopen during the pandemic, data is more important than ever. Today, we talk about the role of statistics in shaping…
Where We LiveWhere We Live Extra: 50 Years After New Haven's 'May Day', Yale Alum Reflects On Role Of Black Student Leaders
Last week we brought you a show about the New Haven’s Black Panther trials and the 1970 May Day rally, fifty years ago now this month, when tens of…
Where We LiveA Meaningful (Socially Distant) Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and a day to acknowledge those who serve our country. This hour, what is it like to serve in the military during the…
Where We LiveXenophobia During Pandemic Hits Asian Americans In Connecticut
Discrimination against Asian Americans has increased during the pandemic. An Ipsos Poll in April found 6 out of 10 Asian Americans said they observed…
Where We LiveIn Memoir, Mother And Trans Son 'Pick Up The Pieces' Of Relationship
Donald Collins first told his mom he was transgender when he was a senior in high school. His mother wasn’t totally sure what the word transgender even…
Where We LiveReopening Connecticut Brings Looming Childcare Crisis
Daycares have continued to stay open throughout the quarantine, but many parents have opted to keep their children at home. When Connecticut starts to open up…
Where We LiveRevisiting New Haven's Black Panther Trials With Ericka Huggins
On May 1st, 1970, the eyes of the nation were on the Elm City. Students and others from around the country had gathered to protest the murder trial of Black…
Where We LivePreparing For The 2020-2021 Academic Year
As the school year winds down for students, universities and colleges across the state are starting to make a plan for the fall semester. This hour…
Where We LiveThe Life And Legacy Of American Composer Charles Ives
Not only is Charles Ives a revered American composer, but he is also Connecticut's native son. This hour, we take an in-depth look at Ives’ life and…
Where We LiveWill Connecticut Be Ready On May 20? Governor Lamont Weighs In
What will Connecticut’s reopening look like? The anticipated day is just a couple weeks away on May 20. In the lead up, the Governor’s…
Where We LiveA Conversation With Poet Jericho Brown
At the start of this year, Jericho Brown addressed the graduates of the Bennington Writing Seminars Class of January 2020. He said, “If you can't imagine…
Where We LiveMany Questions Remain On Reopening Connecticut And Its Schools
Connecticut’s schools will stay closed for the rest of the academic year. This hour, we talk about what two more months of distance learning will look…
Where We LiveThis Might Sting A Little, But Native Bees Are In Trouble
This hour, we take a look at bees. From the famous animals that make the honey we eat to lesser-known native “solitary bees” that nest in holes in…
Where We LiveVoting During Coronavirus
Stamford, Connecticut currently has the most residents diagnosed with coronavirus in the state. This hour, Mayor David Martin joins us to discuss the…
Where We LiveFrom Online Board Games To Animal Crossing: Fun Goes Virtual During COVID-19
Have you invited friends over virtually to visit your dream island home on Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons? Or maybe your weekly board game…
Where We LiveThe Challenges Of Online Learning
One day, we might view online learning as a normal part of any curriculum. But right now, it’s anything but that. This hour, we discuss challenges faced…
Where We LiveA Century After Prohibition, How Can Policymakers Address Addiction?
Deaths related to alcohol have been rising over the past two decades, especially among women. Today, we look at the impact of alcohol on public health. And in…
Where We LiveHow the Pandemic Affects Our Food Supply And Worsens Food Insecurity
Many Americans have lost their jobs or been furloughed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. More and more of them have turned to local food pantries to put food…
Where We LiveLet It Grow With Charlie Nardozzi
Spring is here! We might not be able to leave our homes, but this shouldn’t stop us from getting outside. Throughout history, many have turned to…
Where We LiveConnecticut Innovators Take On COVID-19
As Connecticut approaches its peak in hospitalizations and COVID-19 cases, health systems continue to prepare so they can keep patients alive. Connecticut…
Where We LiveThe Hidden Costs Of 'Fast Fashion'
How often do you buy new clothing? Stores like H&M and Forever 21 sell new styles at low prices, making it easy to constantly update your wardrobe. But, this…
Where We LiveWhen Can We Go Back To Work?
Last month, the Connecticut Department of Labor received more than 300,000 unemployment claims. Last week, Governor Ned Lamont announced the formation of a…
Where We LiveCOVID-19 Continues To Hit Connecticut's Nursing Home Population Hard
Many elderly residents depend on skilled nursing care. But as the number of cases of COVID-19 grow across the state, families are increasingly worried about…
Where We LiveTaking Care Of The Disabled During Coronavirus
Now more than ever, it’s important to stay connected to the ones we love. Especially those that are feeling isolated during this trying time. This hour…
Where We LiveWho Owns History? Connecticut Woman Sues Harvard for Family Photos
Norwich, CT resident Tamara Lanier believes she is the descendant of two enslaved people—Renty and his daughter, Delia. They were photographed in 1850…
Where We LiveThe Science Of COVID-19
COVID-19 has dominated our lives, but how much do you actually know about the virus that causes this disease? This hour, we talk with NY Times columnist and…
Where We LiveLook For The Helpers
Mister Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find…
Where We LiveSenator Chris Murphy On COVID-19 Response
The latest models from national public health experts say hundreds of thousands of Americans may die from the COVID-19 pandemic. As Connecticut and other…
Where We LiveA Check-In with Governor Lamont & Coronavirus Reaches State Prisons
This hour, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont is calling in to give us the latest on the state’s response to coronavirus Over the last week, at least 8…
Where We LiveCall-In Special: Health Care Workers On The Pandemic's Frontlines
Health care workers in New England are facing incredible challenges on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic, from long hours and dangerous conditions to…
Where We LiveWorship in the Time of Coronavirus
Churches across the states have temporarily shut down. Easter, Passover and Ramdan are all rapidly approaching and many will not be able to gather and…
Where We LiveThe Surprisingly Unromantic History Of Marriage
Love is what most people are looking for in a spouse or life partner. But this hour, we take a look at marriage, an institution that for much of history had…