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 LiveMaking Connecticut parks, forests and trails accessible to everyone - The 2025 Katherine Schneider Journalism Award for Excellence in Reporting on Disability
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Where We LiveYale's Marc Brackett on the life-changing skill of emotional regulation
Success isn’t just about talent or intelligence – it’s about how we handle our emotions. Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center…
Where We LiveFood as medicine: How what we eat can nourish, support and even heal our bodies
There’s an old saying that goes “you are what you eat.” You might take that phrase with a grain of salt, but doctors agree: what we eat…
Where We LiveNew Haven author Anelise Chen explores art of retreat and how to 'clam' down
It all started with a typo. Anelise Chen was going through a difficult divorce. Her career and job security was tenuous. She just got into a bike accident…
Where We LiveWhere We Read listens back to conversations with CT authors
Here at Where We Live, this was a big year for books. Not only did we get the chance to speak with some terrific authors, we also launched our Where We Read…
Where We LiveConnecticut authors reflect on food’s power to connect us
What meal brings you back to childhood? This hour, two local children’s authors share how their young protagonists find meaning in the kitchen, using…
Where We LiveMusic and memories: A game of musical chairs with host Catherine Shen
Cat Shen has been hosting Where We Live long enough for the show to use a fork, and yet very little is known about her. In this hour, technical producer and…
Where We LiveCT native Elizabeth Gilbert reflects on love and loss in new memoir 'All the Way to the River'
Connecticut native and bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert’s new memoir, "All the Way to the River," tells the story of her late partner, Rayya Elias…
Where We LiveAmid ongoing gun violence, how are young people handling anxiety?
From a mass shooting in Australia that left 15 people dead, to a shooting at Brown University that killed two students, the world has been rocked by gun…
Where We LiveA celebration of Jane Austen, on her 250th birthday
Tuesday is the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. This hour, we celebrate the beloved author's work, and look at why her six novels have endured for…
Where We LiveThe ghostly side of Christmas
Why does Christmas bring out the ghosts? This hour, we dig into the world of Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, and the Victorian obsession with spiritualism that…
Where We LiveWhat's it like to live with a chronic illness?
Millions of people in our country live with a chronic condition. From syndromes affecting our hearts and brains, to pain and inflammation, chronic illnesses…
Where We LiveCT doctors react to CDC's changing pediatric vaccine recommendations
Changing federal guidance on vaccines has Connecticut health officials in an uproar. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine committee recently…
Where We Live'Generation Gilmore Girls' looks back 25 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 LiveIs car stress driving you crazy? We got you covered
When it comes to getting behind the wheel, there’s a lot to be stressed about, and we're not just talking about bad drivers. The average cost of a new…
Where We LiveStarvation, mass killings and sexual violence: No end in sight for the civil war in Sudan
Like many humanitarian crises, the situation in Sudan is complicated. The nation has a long history of violence, war and genocide. Several militia groups…
Where We LiveYale's Marc Brackett on the life-changing skill of emotional regulation
This hour, Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, talks about why managing our emotions might be the most important…
Where We LiveAs we gather for Thanksgiving, Where We Live celebrates the social power of food
It's Thanksgiving week! This hour, Where We Live is celebrating the holiday season with a listen back to some of our favorite conversations about cooking and…
Where We LiveSlow down and gather: Lessons from CT's Lebanese restaurants
Lebanese cuisine is all about slowing down, gathering with friends and family and taking your time to enjoy a meal. "I have a clock that doesn't move in the…
Where We LiveFrom trash to table: How CT is working to tackle a growing waste crisis
Many Americans are feeling the pressure of rising grocery bills. Meanwhile, an estimated $550 million worth of food will go to waste this Thanksgiving alone…
Where We LiveClaire Criscuolo on 50 years of Claire's Corner Copia and the importance of kindness
New Haven's Claire's Corner Copia has been a Connecticut institution for 50 years now. This hour owner Claire Criscuolo joins us to talk about food, building…
Where We LiveCT Public's new series 'Still Here' chronicles the Native American experience in New England
For generations, stories of Native America were erased from the American story. Today, we explore the Native American experience in New England. Connecticut…
Where We LiveMeet the CT residents providing relief for the victims of Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa was one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. This Category 5 storm caused devastation in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, permanently…
Where We LiveNew Haven author Anelise Chen explores art of retreat and how to 'clam' down
It all started with a typo. Anelise Chen was going through a difficult divorce. Her career and job security was tenuous. She just got into a bike accident…
Where We LiveAmericans 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 LiveThe future of SNAP Benefits: What we know so far
The United States' first Food Stamp program began in 1939. Since then, millions of people have benefited from nutritional assistance. In 2024, one in nine…
Where We LiveThis Election Day, what's influencing the youth vote?
Although there are many barriers that keep young adults from casting their ballot, the data shows that things are changing, and more young voters are…
Where We LiveDorie Greenspan's new cookbook celebrates the art of a good unfussy cake
Five-time James Beard Award winner Dorie Greenspan joins us for a conversation about baking, memory and the joy of sharing something homemade. Her newest…
Where We LiveCT haunted happenings, plus a look at our favorite Halloween nostalgia
Connecticut Public staff talk about their favorite Halloween traditions of today and yesterday — including candy, movies, costumes and more. Later, a…
Where We LiveHere's what to know about the 2025 election in CT
Local politicians shape life in Connecticut cities and towns, making decisions on education, housing and business development. But voter turnout is…
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 LiveFrom techno-horror, to classic ghost stories: Here's how horror fiction has evolved
When you think of horror fiction what comes to mind for you? Maybe the classics like "Frankenstein," "Dracula," or "The Shining?" Like many genres, horror has…
Where We LiveFrom soccer to rugby, a celebration of Connecticut women in sports
Professional women's sports are having a moment. This hour, we hear from soccer player and Connecticut native Alyssa Naeher ahead of her U.S. Women's National…
Where We LiveBarry Bostwick AKA "Uncle Barry" on celebrating 50 years of Rocky Horror Picture Show
Fifty years ago, 20th Century Fox released the iconic cult classic film, Rocky Horror Picture Show. After being launched on the midnight film circuit, it…
Where We LiveAs US drug overdose deaths rise, efforts to treat addiction in CT continue
In 2018, 33-year-old Ryan Bode Moriarty died of a heroin overdose. He was a musician, artist and T-shirt designer. He created linoleum block carvings, and…
Where We Live'Can you still plan to retire at 65?' And other personal finance questions
Being financially literate is important when navigating tough times and tough markets. Today, we get an update from financial experts and educators from around…
Where We LiveNative American food has been left out of the story, Pyet DeSpain is putting it back on the plate
Chef Pyet DeSpain is making her mark on the culinary world. A member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and with Mexican-American roots, she’s…
Where We LiveLeaf peeping and birdwatching: How to fall in love with autumn in CT
Are you doing any leaf peeping where you live? The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection joins us to talk about making the most of the…
Where We LiveImpacts of the government shutdown in CT, plus a look at the future of Christianity in America
We’re in another government shutdown. The federal government shut down at the start of October following a standoff between Senate Republicans and…
Where We LiveFormer principal dancer with the New York City Ballet brings her vision to Connecticut
Ashley Bouder spent two decades as a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, performing some of the most physically demanding roles in the repertory…
Where We LiveBreast cancer can impact anyone, at any age. One patient tells us her story
Breast cancer can happen at any age. But young adults that are diagnosed with breast cancer often have a different journey than their older counterparts…
Where We LiveParental burnout is real. Here are tips for ways to fight it
Raising kids is never an easy task. But today’s parents are really struggling. Nearly half of parents say that most days they are so stressed, they…
Where We LiveThe vaccine debate continues, plus a look at Tylenol use in pregnancy
As kids get back to school, the political debate around who should get shots for COVID other illnesses is once again bubbling up. But another debate has risen…
Where We LiveHow one CT farm is working to preserve a rare, endangered breed of sheep
When you think of farm animals, the term “endangered species” probably doesn’t come to mind. In Scotland, Connecticut, Iris Creek Farm is…
Where We LiveSamin Nosrat on cooking, community and ritual
Samin Nosrat's 2017 debut “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” was a breakout hit in the cooking world — teaching people of all skill levels the building…
Where We LiveLanternflies, clean energy, and climate grief – what experts want you to know
Spotted lanternflies are showing up across Connecticut, but they might not be as catastrophic as you think. This hour, we talk with an expert about the real…
Where We LiveNew Haven comedian Crystal Emery on perseverance and craft, plus an update on CT disability services
When Crystal Emery started to fall down, without tripping, everyone said she was just clumsy. But in 1981, Crystal Emery was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth…
Where We LiveWally Lamb's new book, 'The River Is Waiting,' explores prison injustice and forgiveness
Best-selling author Wally Lamb spent nine years working on his newest book, "The River Is Waiting." In this time, he wrestled with self-doubt, navigated his…
Where We LiveFaire play: A look inside Renaissance Faires around CT
Step into the Renaissance Faire and you’ll be greeted with a scene out of time — dueling knights, vendors hawking their wares and royal…
Where We LiveConnecticut native Elizabeth Gilbert reflects on love and loss in All the Way to the River
Connecticut native and bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert’s new memoir All the Way to the River tells the story of her late partner, Rayya Elias. The…
Where We LiveThis scientist believes creativity is a skill you can learn
When you think of creativity, you might think of aha moments, sudden bursts of inspiration, and perhaps the dreaded writer’s block! But creativity…
Where We LiveThe lasting impact of grandparents, in all forms
Sunday marked National Grandparents Day, which is a reminder of how deeply grandparents shape our lives. But not every grandparent fits the traditional mold…
Where We LiveExploring our favorite books for children and young adults
Fewer adults in the U.S. are reading for pleasure. So what does that mean for early readers? Establishing reading routines like story time can be important for…
Where We LiveWhat to know about our favorite CT fall happenings
Autumn can be a great time for rest and renewal. It’s not too late to enjoy the most of the season before we hunker down for the cold months ahead…
Where We LiveTreating malnutrition is hard: One CT resident is leading efforts to do so around the globe
Last Friday, a report confirmed a worse-case famine scenario in the Gaza Strip. Over a half a million people in Gaza, are facing catastrophic conditions that…
Where We LiveLooking up: Why we wonder about life beyond Earth
Earlier this month, a glowing spiral appeared in Connecticut’s sky, briefly sparking wonder and speculation. While it turned out to be crystallized…
Where We LiveStaying cool during the fall sports season
Practice for the fall sporting season is well under way. Today’s athletes are playing through the pain, in record high heat. This is something many of…
Where We LiveWally Lamb's new book, 'The River Is Waiting,' explores prison injustice and forgiveness
Best-selling author Wally Lamb spent nine years working on his newest book, "The River Is Waiting." In this time, he wrestled with self-doubt, navigated his…
Where We LiveScared of flying? Pilots share how to keep your cool
Even frequent flyers can feel a flutter of nerves before takeoff. Security lines seem endless, seats feel smaller than ever, and turbulence can turn your…
Where We LiveEmerging from prison is hard. CT's housing crisis is making it harder
Leaving prison can be a jarring experience. Reentry can be challenging under the best of circumstances. But a state housing crisis has made it harder…