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
The FAFSA, student loans and untangling the state of financial aid
Applying for financial aid is no easy task. Whether you’re the parent or the incoming student. And a new FAFSA form hasn’t made things any easier. The online…
- 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
Two years after the invasion, Ukrainians are not giving up hope
Two years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine and launched a full scale attack on the country. This hour, we hear what life looks like in Ukraine today and how…
- Where We Live
Creating the Quantum Corridor in Connecticut
Quantum mechanics is a theory that even some scientists have trouble wrapping their heads around. But this industry is booming, and some physicists here in…
- Where We Live
Snoopy crying, Julia Child and comedy, with Paula Poundstone
Paula Poundstone has had a nearly 45 year career in standup comedy. She’s the host of the comedy podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone. And we would be…
- Where We Live
A sit-down with Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani
This hour, we sit down with Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani to tackle a range of topics and questions, including what's on…
- Where We Live
Addressing misconceptions around food insecurity: 'It's about more than food'
For a Connecticut family of four, it costs over $126,000 just to meet their basic needs, according to a recent United Way report. That’s more than four times…
- Where We Live
Love has no age: Dating as an older adult
Dating in 2024 can be tough. There are no shortage of stories about dating in the age of Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and more! But today, we're going to talk about…
- Where We Live
Connecticut disability advocates push for legislation to improve medical access
Disability rights advocates in Connecticut are demanding better medical access. And this legislative session, they’re pushing lawmakers to pass two bills. Both…
- Where We Live
'What's eating at America': Addressing the loneliness and isolation epidemic
Approximately half of U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue recently moved U.S. Surgeon General Vivek…
- 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
A conversation with Clarence B. Jones
February is Black History Month. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday was in January. Around this time, we often see his quotes circulate on social media. And…
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
Yehyun Kim’s ‘A Diaspora in Focus’ puts a lens on Connecticut residents with Asian roots
This hour, photo and video journalist Yehyun Kim joins us to discuss A Diaspora in Focus, a three-part project she launched for the Connecticut Mirror in 2023…
- Where We Live
A conversation with Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad
As journalists, it’s been challenging for us to watch what is happening to our fellow members of the press in Gaza. 83 journalist casualties have occurred in…
- 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
When snow goes away...
Depending on where you live,warmer winters could mean less and less snow. In some places, it’s only one or two degrees that could make a difference. Joining us…
- Where We Live
An update on efforts to address flooding in Hartford's North End, plus a look at how farms are faring
2023 was the sixth rainiest year on record for Connecticut, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In July alone, more than 1,500…
- Where We Live
How war influences media and media influences war
In our newsroom, we’ve been having a lot of conversations about how we cover the Israel-Hamas War. And sometimes, we find ourselves conflicted about who to…
- 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
Creating the Quantum Corridor in Connecticut
Quantum mechanics is a theory that even some scientists have trouble wrapping their heads around. But this industry is booming, and some physicists here in…
- 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
A look at efforts to address Spanish-language mis- and disinformation ahead of the 2024 election
When an error was spotted in the Spanish-language instructions for the capital city’s ballot, just before the November election, officials moved to correct it…
- 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
Opioid settlement dollars flooding Connecticut. What will equity and fairness look like?
No matter where you live, the opioid epidemic has likely touched you or someone you know. Now, a state committee set up to allocate settlement funds from…
- Where We Live
Talking about suicide is hard, so we asked experts for their advice
A content warning to our listeners: today we will be talking about suicide. United States saw nearly 50,000 deaths by suicide in 2022, and suicide continues to…
- Where We Live
Going plant-based: Exploring Veganuary
Whether it's reading more books or eating out less, January is the month of goals and challenges. Veganuary is no exception. The 30-day plant-based challenge…
- Where We Live
An update from Save the Children, plus a conversation with Palestinian American poet Zeina Azzam
There are approximately 2.45 million people who need humanitarian assistance in Gaza. And the entire population is now at risk of famine. That’s according to…
- Where We Live
Where We Live Best Of 2023: Trauma, mental health and healing
Each year, we broadcast nearly 200 episodes of programming. As 2023 comes to a close, we are highlighting some of our favorite conversations. Today, we’re…
- Where We Live
Best Of 2023: Musicians who made their mark
As we approach the end of the year we’ve been reflecting on our favorite conversations throughout 2023. Host Catherine Shen chose her most memorable moments…
- Where We Live
Where We Live Best Of 2023: Recontextualizing Connecticut history
As we round out 2023, we’re looking back on some of our favorite conversations on Where We Live, with the voices that moved us. This hour, producer Katie…
- Where We Live
The holidays can be hard for those experiencing family estrangement
We often think of the holidays as a time to gather with family. But the reality might look a little different. It can be a challenging time if you have a…
- Where We Live
Celebrating the magic of trains
Trains may often be billed as a toy for tots, but there are locomotive-lovers of all ages where we live. This hour, go for a ride on the Naugatuck Railroad at…
- Where We Live
Upgrading the capital city: A look at DOT's Greater Hartford Mobility Study
If you’ve ever struggled driving through Hartford, you’re certainly not alone. Today, the Connecticut Department of Transportation joins us to discuss the…
- 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
For the Connecticut steampunk fans, this episode is for you!
When it comes to certain fandom and cosplay communities, getting your costume right is key, or you might get called out for not being 100% accurate. But…
- Where We Live
Ralph Nader discusses his new book, 'The Rebellious CEO,' and much more
Ralph Nader doesn’t often praise big business leaders, but his new book, The Rebellious CEO, profiles a dozen who he says "did it right." This hour, we hear…
- Where We Live
Creating safer online spaces for children, teens and everyone
Connecticut is one of 41 states that is suing Meta, the parent company of both Facebook and Instagram. The suit is alleging that Meta is knowingly using…
- 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
Transracial adoptee Angela Tucker talks about centering adoption stories on adoptees
Growing up, as a transracial adoptee, Angela Tucker friends, family and even strangers would make comments and assumptions about what her life would have been…
- Where We Live
A look at efforts to address Spanish-language mis- and disinformation ahead of the 2024 election
When an error was spotted in the Spanish-language instructions for the capital city’s ballot, just before the November election, officials moved to correct it…
- 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
Mohamad Hafez installs 'Eternal Cities' at the new Yale Peabody Museum
The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is reopening early next year after four years of renovations. Celebrated Syrian-American artist and architect…
- Where We Live
Finding solutions to reduce holiday waste
The holiday season is a time we all want to enjoy. Maybe that means indulging in more food than usual, buying those special gifts and treats for loved ones…
- Where We Live
Rewriting the Thanksgiving story, while centering Indigenous voices
From the Mayflower's landing, to the meal shared by English setters and Wampanoag people, much is still widely misunderstood about the Thanksgiving holiday and…
- Where We Live
Why you should give a hoot about owls
Every winter in Connecticut, the snowy owls will pass through our state and can sometimes be spotted at the Connecticut shoreline. But they are just one of…
- 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
Addressing misconceptions around food insecurity: 'It's about more than food'
For a Connecticut family of four, it costs over $126,000 just to meet their basic needs, according to a recent United Way report. That’s more than four times…
- Where We Live
'What's eating at America': Addressing the loneliness and isolation epidemic
Approximately half of U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue recently moved U.S. Surgeon General Vivek…
- Where We Live
A look at college enrollment decline
Declining college enrollment has opened up a bigger conversation about the value of a college degree. From 2010 to 2021, undergraduate enrollment dropped by…
- Where We Live
Healing and humanizing through artifact: Visiting the Museum of Jewish Civilization
How do museums act as places of discovery, dialogue, and healing? These spaces engage with critical, often complex, issues important to the communities they…
- Where We Live
Think of it as a tool: Artificial Intelligence in education
There have been a lot of things that have revolutionized how educators teach in the classrooms. Things like Wikipedia, Google and even calculators have caused…
- Where We Live
'Think like a historian': State approves new social studies standards
Social studies education in Connecticut public schools has been getting a major revamp. It’s something we’ve covered on this program. This includes the statute…
- Where We Live
The trauma of witnessing war, near and far
It has been just over one month since the Israel-Hamas war began, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians and a worsening humanitarian crisis in…
- Where We Live
Healing and humanizing through art: Visiting Palestine Museum US in Woodbridge
How do museums act as places of discovery, dialogue, and healing? These spaces engage with critical, often complex, issues important to the communities they…