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 Live
Sex and culture critic Ella Dawson highlights the importance of 'found family' in her fiction debut
In the LGBTQ community, “found” or “chosen family” can be crucial. It's the idea of a social support system beyond your biological family, and one of the…
- Where We Live
Shaking up the summer with some (outdoor) Shakespeare
Fools and wise man, come hither! This summer’s day program of Where We Live will dedicate an hour to the master of comedy and tragedy alike, Sir William…
- Where We Live
'Like home to me': Examining the important role Pride Centers play
In Connecticut, there are LGBTQ community centers in New Haven, Norwalk and, most recently, Bridgeport. There have also been recent efforts to launch a queer…
- Where We Live
Looking ahead to the 2024 hurricane season
Connecticut has had its share of intense storms, but this year’s hurricane is expected to be even longer and more intensive than ever before. Today, we talk…
- Where We Live
Examining the history and legacy of 'sundown towns' in Connecticut
For decades, there were cities and towns that were all-white on purpose. These communities are known as "sundown towns." Because this practice was both formal…
- Where We Live
An update on Gaza, plus a look into humanitarian crises around the globe
Today, we get an update from humanitarian aid organizations with workers on the ground in Gaza and how they are addressing this continuing crisis. Before these…
- Where We Live
Author Garrard Conley explores queerness in Puritan New England
Author Garrard Conley published his first book in 2016, "Boy Erased". The bestselling memoir, relaying Conley's experience undergoing conversion therapy at 19…
- Where We Live
Elmo is the internet's new therapist. But can he help solve burnout?
Beloved Muppet Elmo recently asked social media a simple question, "How is everybody doing?" The answers ranged from incredulous to raging. The trauma-dumping…
- Where We Live
'Not hopeless or helpless': How children's book authors take on climate change
You’re never too young to learn about climate change. Younger Americans are more likely to engage with the issue, according to research on Gen Z and…
- Where We Live
Bigfoot gets all the glory, but Connecticut has its own cast of cryptids
You’ve heard of Bigfoot and Nessie, but did you know Connecticut is home to a host of creatures, or "cryptids"? Cryptozoology is the study of animals whose…
- Where We Live
Author Rebecca F. Kuang on 'Babel,' revolution and students as visionaries
"An act of translation is always an act of betrayal." This idea, and the questions it inspires, are central to author Rebecca or RF Kuang’s 2022 novel, Babel…
- Where We Live
Coming together through music: A conversation with Music Director Carolyn Kuan
Carolyn Kuan has been the music director at the Hartford Symphony Orchestra since 2011. This hour, we speak to her about her work as a conductor, and the…
- Where We Live
Haters gonna hate, but romance novels are winning reader's hearts worldwide
Every year, we produce a summer reading hour to talk about some of our favorite books of this year, and give you recommendations of the best beach reads. And…
- Where We Live
The 'wild rumpus' continues: Maurice Sendak's legacy lives on at Ridgefield Foundation
Maurice Sendak is often celebrated for his contributions to children’s book art. You’re likely familiar with Where The Wild Things Are, or even Higglety…
- Where We Live
Looking beyond the Killing Fields: Unpacking the Cambodian Genocide
The Cambodian genocide took the lives of up to three million people - between 1975 and 1979. Many were forced to work at labor camps where they faced abuse…
- Where We Live
How new federal limits on 'forever chemicals' will affect Connecticut
The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized the first-ever federal limits on a class of chemicals known as PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in drinking…
- Where We Live
"Flawless" Author Elise Hu dives into the world of K-Beauty
In 2015, journalist Elise Hu moved to South Korea to open the NPR Seoul bureau. During her time in South Korea, she witnessed the rise of K-beauty culture or…
- Where We Live
What it takes to save the turtles
Turtles are among one of the oldest reptiles to walk the planet. Although turtles often live long lifespans and are among some of the most resilient animals on…
- Where We Live
Final episode of 'In Absentia,' plus a conversation on the future of Bridgeport politics
Connecticut Public has spent the past year investigating political dysfunction, , allegations of absentee ballot misconduct, and machine politics in…
- Where We Live
'Sounds of New Haven': NXTHVN exhibition examines the 'multi-local'
Every year, a cohort of emerging artists and curators gather at NXTHVN, a fellowship program located in the heart of New Haven's Dixwell neighborhood, and "a…
- Where We Live
A look at efforts to improve accessible parking regulation in Connecticut
Connecticut's Department of Motor Vehicles began phasing out permanent or "lifetime" disability parking placards in 2010, to help curb misuse. Some advocates…
- Where We Live
Creating 'In Absentia': The podcast diving deep into Bridgeport's politics
Connecticut Public has spent the past year investigating political dysfunction, allegations of absentee ballot misconduct, and machine politics in Bridgeport…
- Where We Live
Taking a tour of the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut
How do you listen to Connecticut Public or Where We Live? Your cell phone, car radio or something else? This hour, we explore the many ways information can…
- Where We Live
Transracial adoptee Angela Tucker talks about centering adoption stories on adoptees
Growing up as a transracial adoptee, Angela Tucker's friends, family, and even strangers would make comments and assumptions about what her life would have…
- Where We Live
Students participating at Pro-Palestine protests speak out
Colleges are spaces for open dialogue, debate, and even protest. Student protesters have called for universities to divest from Israel. Today, we hear from…
- Where We Live
Taking a 'holistic approach' to treating congenital heart disease
Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for decades, putting much of the focus squarely and rightly on cardiovascular disease…
- Where We Live
The four-day work week might be here sooner than you think
More workers than ever are working a hybrid work schedule - part time in the office and part time at home. According to a Gallup Poll, nearly 40% of hybrid…
- Where We Live
Artist Pablo Delano's 'Museum of the Old Colony' lands at Venice Biennale
The Venice Biennale is the art world's most prestigious exhibition. It’s sometimes even called the "Olympics of Art," held annually in Italy. Right now, Pablo…
- Where We Live
This year, we're gardening with climate change in mind
For this gardening hour, we’re talking about ecological gardening and gardening for the environment. We’ll be touching on planting natives, using rain barrels…
- Where We Live
'Not hopeless or helpless': How children's book authors take on climate change
You’re never too young to learn about climate change. Younger Americans are more likely to engage with the issue, according to research on Gen Z and…
- Where We Live
This Earth Week, addressing climate change where we live
This week, reporters from the New England News Collaborative are recognizing Earth Day and focusing their reporting on the intersection of climate change and…
- Where We Live
How new federal limits on 'forever chemicals' will affect Connecticut
The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized the first-ever federal limits on a class of chemicalled known as PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in drinking…
- Where We Live
Fewer Americans are considering careers in the military and branches are looking for solutions to recruiting
During the last fiscal year, the army alone missed their recruiting goal by 25%. All branches of the military are struggling to recruit new cadets. With an…
- Where We Live
'We need a moonshot for long COVID': What we know (and don't know) about the illness
Nearly one in four adults who contracted COVID-19 have developed long COVID symptoms, according to the latest Census report. This hour, Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, an…
- Where We Live
A conversation with the new head of the Archdiocese of Hartford
Although church attendance has dwindled across all faiths, 39% of Catholics say they attend services at least once a week. The Archdiocese of Hartford includes…
- Where We Live
Connecticut's 'Aerospace Alley' celebrates the state's aviation past and future
Throughout history, our state has made some big contributions to aviation technology. Today, we’re talking about the history and future of aviation in our…
- Where We Live
For autistic adults, getting services can be an uphill battle
For adults on the autism spectrum, getting services can be a challenging task to navigate. A new bill passed last year means that more autistic adults could…
- Where We Live
There's no singularity when it comes to honoring Lunar New Year, including in Connecticut
In Connecticut, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is vast and varied, with more than 170,000 AAPI people in the state. And with a diversity of…
- Where We Live
What to expect from your financial literacy course
Starting with the class of 2027, all Connecticut high school students are now required to take a financial literacy course. April is National Financial…
- Where We Live
How wonder unites us: Total solar eclipse draws millions to the path of totality
Today, Connecticut is expected to enjoy a partial solar eclipse, the most intense since 1924. That’s according to local astronomer and Wesleyan professor Dr…
- Where We Live
A look at Connecticut's bridges and other infrastructure
Five percent of bridges in Connecticut are in “poor condition.” Today, we talk about what needs to be done to update the bridges and roads in our state, and we…
- Where We Live
Author Garrard Conley explores queerness in Puritan New England
Author Garrard Conley published his first book in 2016, "Boy Erased". The bestselling memoir, relaying Conley's experience undergoing conversion therapy at 19…
- Where We Live
Elmo is the internet's new therapist. But can he help solve burnout?
Beloved Muppet Elmo recently asked social media a simple question, "How is everybody doing?" The answers ranged from incredulous to raging. The trauma-dumping…
- Where We Live
Exploring the 'new' Yale Peabody Museum
In a 2022 survey from CT Humanities, only 26% of Connecticut residents had said they had visited a museum in-person in the last two years. Some 83% of those…
- Where We Live
Bigfoot gets all the glory, but Connecticut has its own cast of cryptids
You’ve heard of Bigfoot and Nessie, but did you know Connecticut is home to a host of creatures, or "cryptids"? Cryptozoology is the study of animals whose…
- Where We Live
Reflecting on Joe Lieberman's career, impact and legacy
Longtime U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman has died at 82. His family said he died due to complications from a fall. His wife, Hadassah, and members of his family…
- Where We Live
Author Rebecca F. Kuang on 'Babel,' revolution and students as visionaries
"An act of translation is always an act of betrayal." This idea, and the questions it inspires, are central to author Rebecca or RF Kuang’s 2022 novel, Babel…
- Where We Live
'Kinks in the movement': Staging a curly hair revolution in New Haven
The curly hair movement – and market – is growing, as more people learn to style and to celebrate their natural hair. This hour, we hear from one salon that’s…
- Where We Live
Unforgotten: Connecticut's Hidden History of Slavery
Today, we're airing the first and second episode of the new podcast Unforgotten. It’s a history lesson many of us didn’t get in school: Slavery has deep roots…
- Where We Live
Pet shelters in the state still flooded with requests to surrender animals
In 2023, more than 6 million animals entered shelters and rescues in the U.S., according to a recent report from Shelter Animals Count. Believe it or not…
- Where We Live
State-approved schools serving special education students are "operating in the shadows"
A multi-year investigative report has shown that High Road Schools, a group of eight publicly funded, privately run schools for children in special education…
- Where We Live
'Avant Colony': Celebrating the history of avant-garde art-making in Connecticut
This hour, we preview several historical exhibits spotlighting local artists, many of whom were touched by the Pop Art Movement percolating just over the…
- Where We Live
Flannel is always in fashion
Flannel and blue jeans - these staples are the backbone of American fashion and the textile industry. Are they part of your wardrobe? Textiles, fabrics and…
- Where We Live
The 'wild rumpus' continues: Maurice Sendak's legacy lives on at Ridgefield Foundation
Maurice Sendak is often celebrated for his contributions to children’s book art. You’re likely familiar with Where The Wild Things Are, or even Higglety…
- Where We Live
How the artist captures climate change
Around the globe, artists are using their mediums to show how climate change is impacting our planet. Today, we’re exploring the convergence of art and…
- Where We Live
Connecticut is the land of steady habits, but no steady identity
Tri-state area or New England? Nutmeg or Constitution State? "Stuffy, preppy, sleepy"? What really makes Connecticut Connecticut, and what stereotypes can we…
- Where We Live
Rethinking weight and health in the age of Ozempic
According to the National Institutes of Health, average body weight drastically increased across the board for men and women during the pandemic lockdown…
- Where We Live
Unpacking the calls for a 'cease-fire' in Gaza, locally and beyond
In late January, Reuters reported that “some 70 U.S. cities, including Chicago and Seattle, have passed resolutions on the Israel-Gaza war," with the majority…
- Where We Live
The realities of being a Kidfluencer
For kids today, there’s a whole new career path: social media influencer. In fact, 57 percent of Gen Zs say they’d be an influencer. But some young people…
- Where We Live
Book ban requests still 'soaring' in Connecticut. Plus, vigil held at Capitol for Nex Benedict
Librarians in Connecticut say the number of book ban requests they’re fielding is still "soaring," and that the focus is on content relating to LGBTQIA+…