Where We Live

When you think of the phrase “nuclear power” what comes to mind for you? Perhaps some of the notable catastrophic accidents that were caused from malfunctions at nuclear power plants like Chernobyl or Three Mile Island? Although nuclear power carries some risks, some are saying it’s one of the most reliable ways we have to generate electricity. Today, we are going atomic and diving into the world of nuclear power, including taking a look at what this looks like in our state. What questions do you have about going nuclear? GUESTS: John Moritz: covers energy and environment for CT Mirror Erik Katovich: Assistant Professor of Environmental and Resource Economics at the University of Connecticut Ivan Penn: New York Times reporter covering the energy industry Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is Tax Day, and we’re talking about managing your budget in a year of constantly changing tariffs and an unpredictable marketplace. There’s a lot of questions about what to do with your money, in a time of so much financial uncertainty. But having greater financial literacy and understanding on how the economy works, could give you a little bit more ease. Later, we hear how greater financial literacy can help the next generation have greater control over their financial future. GUESTS: Michelle Singletary: Personal Finance Columnist for the Washington Post Christian Sherill: Director of Growth and Advocacy with Next Gen Personal Finance Marian Andoh Clarke: Director of Small Business Development at the Hartford Chamber of Commerce Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelp Week 2025 is celebrated from April 20 to May 1 in Connecticut. This versatile type of seaweed is farmed right off Connecticut’s shoreline and used in a variety of cuisines, fertilizers, lotions, and more! This hour, we’re joined by local kelp farmers and experts for a deep dive into aquaculture’s fastest growing industry. We’ll look at how chefs are using kelp in their favorite recipes and why seaweed is a powerful force against climate change. GUESTS: Suzie Flores: co-owner of Stonington Kelp Co. Zachary Gordon:  Assistant Extension Educator, Connecticut Sea Grant Eric Dawson: Director of Program Innovation, Yellow Farmhouse Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reading can take us on adventures beyond our own backyards but perhaps not too far! Amity Gaige is the author of Heartwood. It explores the story of one woman who gets lost on the Appalachian Trail. Did you know this trail runs through Connecticut? And Ethan Rutherford is the author of North Sun: the Voyage of the Whaleship Esther. Connecticut was once home to one of the largest whaling ports in the world. These local authors join us for an hour to talk about their new books and we want to hear what you’re reading right now! GUESTS: Amity Gaige: author of four books including her latest, Heartwood. She also teaches creative writing at Yale. Ethan Rutherford: author of North Sun: the Voyage of the Whaleship Esther. He teaches creative writing at Trinity College. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time to shake off the winter blues and dive into spring - spring gardening to be more specific! Today, horticulturist and host of All Things Gardening, Charlie Nardozzi joins us for the hour to answer our gardening questions and yours. Plus, we hear from those bringing gardening, farming and fresh local goods from produce to honey, to every neighborhood across Connecticut, and using gardening as a way to connect. Whether you're a first time gardener, or master of the soil, you won’t want to miss this hour. Learn more about the Urban Green and Community Grant here. GUESTS: Charlie Nardozzi: horticulturist and All Things Gardening host on Vermont Public Radio Jonathón Savage: Executive Director of Gather New Haven Diana Martinez: Agriculture Director at Chicks Ahoy Farm Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new retail trend known as “Sephora Kids,” refers to tweens and young teens who emulate the beauty and skincare routines of adults. Beauty retailer, Sephora, has seen their customer base of 9 to 12 year-olds double in the past five years. That’s according to Forbes. But healthcare experts warn that many beauty and skincare products contain ingredients that are harmful to children. Connecticut’s Attorney General, William Tong, has launched an investigation into Sephora’s marketing strategies aimed at kids, tweens and teens. This hour, we explore the beauty industry’s impact on children, and how local leaders are inspiring confidence that is more than skin-deep. GUESTS: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong Jessica DeFino:  award-winning beauty reporter and critic, columnist for The Guardian Maria Ogundolani: Program Director, LiveGirl  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent weeks, the Trump administration has been targeting international students for their participation in pro-Palestinian protests or speech. In early March, Columbia University student and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil was arrested and detained. Khalil played a prominent role in the pro-Palestinian protests on the Columbia campus. President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social that Khalil’s arrest was quote “the first arrest of many to come.” In late March, Fulbright scholar and Tufts University grad student Rumeysa Ozrurk was taken into custody by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents in plain clothes and wearing masks. This hour, we’ll hear about the experiences of international students amid the Trump administration’s crackdown — from their legal rights to the fear and uncertainty they’re feeling. GUESTS:  Kirk Carapezza: Managing Editor and Correspondent for higher education at GBH News Liam Knox: Admissions and Enrollment Repor

Next year, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Right now, many organizations are preparing for the anniversary here in Connecticut and beyond. Today, we’ll hear from some of those institutions about their anniversary plans, the importance of learning from the past, and more. The conversation was originally recorded at Connecticut’s America 250 2025 Conference held at the University of Connecticut and organized by CT Humanities. GUESTS: Tom Schuch: Archival Historian, at the New London County Historical Society Norman Berman: President of the Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society Sylvester Salcedo: Connecticut Veteran and Content Developer Anne Dropick: Executive Director, Eidetic Productions, Inc. Jason Mancini: Executive Director of CT Humanities and Vice Chair of Connecticut’s America 250 Commission Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or

President Trump has signed an executive order that will begin eliminating the Education Department. And while most experts agree that it would require an act of Congress to scrap the department entirely, significant workforce reductions have already begun. The White House says that these actions will save money and improve student test scores. But critics say that vulnerable students, rural communities, and teachers will be left in a lurch. This hour, we're joined by former United States Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona. We'll explore what a future with no Education Department looks like for students and schools in Connecticut and beyond. GUESTS: Miguel Cardona: former United States Secretary of Education Christina Samuels:  Deputy Managing Editor, The Hechinger Report Jessika Harkay: Education reporter, CT Mirror Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Muslims, Ramadan is the holiest month of the year. It’s marked by fasting, prayer and renewing one’s devotion to the faith. Here in Connecticut, institutions around the state are marking this holy time with a variety of celebrations. But throughout the world, Islamophobia is on the rise. Earlier this month in Waterbury, two young girls celebrating Ramadan were attacked by fellow students. During the attack, their hijabs were ripped off. Today, we hear what can be done to better support the Islamic community, and dive deeper into this holy time. GUESTS: Chaplain Aida Mansoor: Director of Field Education at Hartford International University Chad Moir: CEO of March Inc Saba Shahid: Author, entrepreneur and pilot Dia Fortenberry: Assistant Athletic Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement at Wesleyan University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Over the decades, tap legends like Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Eleanor Powell, and Gregory Hines popularized the artform and brought it to the national stage. Local dancers, choreographers, and teachers join us to discuss how they are keeping the rich legacy of tap dance alive in their work today. GUESTS: Kevin Ramsey: Chair of the Theater Division, University of Hartford Ralph Perkins: Associate Professor of Dance and Music Theater, University of Hartford  Katie Cavenagh: founder of the Connecticut Tap Collaborative Jillian McNamara: founder of the American Dance Collaborative Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. This episode originally aired on December 2, 2024.Support the

Tolkien Reading Day is held on March 25th each year. Libraries here in Connecticut and across the globe mark this day by paying homage to the works of J.R.R Tolkien. They host “second breakfasts,” offer presentations on Hobbit lore, and encourage visitors to read their favorite passages aloud. This hour, we explore why Tolkien's characters and fantastical world building continues to resonate with readers today. GUESTS: David Thorn Wenzel, Illustrator and children's book artist best known for his graphic novel adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit Michael Whelan: Illustrator specializing in fantasy and science fiction, winner of 15 Hugo Awards Kate Noonan: Senior Reference Librarian, South Windsor Public Library Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daylight Saving Time: it’s just losing one hour of sleep right? How bad can that be? But experts say, it goes beyond losing one hour of sleep. The practice of advancing clocks to make better use of daylight, can have long term disruptions to our circadian rhythm. That’s according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Today, we explore just how disruptive Daylight Saving Time can be to our sleep, our health and our behavior, and hear about some efforts to change it. Would you like to see Daylight Saving Time abolished?Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reproductive health is historically understudied and underfunded in the United States. Scientists across Connecticut and beyond have been working to change that. Scientific initiatives like EndoRISE, a Connecticut-based program focused on advancing endometriosis research, are making strides toward better understanding reproductive health. This hour, we explore how President Trump’s recent funding cuts could impact their progress. GUESTS: Michayla Savitt: State Government Reporter, CT Public  Dr. Danielle Luciano: Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and co-director of EndoRISE Dr. Lubna Pal: Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine Julie Rovner: Chief Washington Correspondent, KFF Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This season alone, there have been over 30,000 COVID-19 cases in Connecticut. That’s according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Measles is on the rise across the United States, and the CDC is monitoring H5 bird flu activity as well. Is it time to start preparing for the next global pandemic? Last year, the World Health Organization published a checklist to help nations update their pandemic preparedness plans. Today, physicians across our state join us to talk about what we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and how to prepare for the next one. GUESTS: Dr. Ulysses Wu: Chief Epidemiologist at Hartford Healthcare Dr. Megan Ranney: Dean of Yale School of Public Health and Professor of Emergency Medicine Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five years ago today, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since then, there have been over a million COVID-19 deaths in the United States alone. It can be challenging to recall a time with so much fear, trauma and loss. But today, we’re revisiting the earliest days of the pandemic and asking you, what do you remember? We’ll hear from the Pandemic Journaling Project out of UConn, and from Marked By COVID. This is a survivors-led organization working to establish a permanent National COVID memorial. What are your earliest memories of the first days of the COVID-19 pandemic? GUESTS: Kristin Urquiza: Co-founder of Marked By COVID Sarah Willen, PhD, MPH: Co-founder of the Pandemic Journaling Project and Professor of Anthropology at University of Connecticut Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been five years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. What began as a mysterious “flu-like” illness spread rapidly, killing over one million people in the United States and over seven million worldwide. That’s according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. And while half a decade has passed, many frontline workers remember the months of fear and uncertainty as though it was yesterday. This hour, hospital workers and a grocery store worker reflect on how the pandemic forever changed their jobs, what lessons they continue to carry forward today, and how they resist “collective forgetting” when it feels like the world has moved on. GUESTS: Sarah Peltier: Grocery at Stop & Shop in Simsbury, CT Audrey Silver: Senior Clinical Operations Manager at Hartford Healthcare Chaplain Rolando Hernandez Lizcano: Chaplain, Hartford Hospital Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Park Service is gearing up for its busiest season of the year, with a smaller staff to assist visitors. The National Park Service has laid off over 1000 employees. Here in Connecticut demand for outdoor recreation has grown exponentially. There was a 75% increase in state park visitors in 2022. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is working to make parks accessible to everyone. Last year, they launched all-terrain wheelchairs at five Connecticut State Parks and Forests. We’ll hear more about that later. Today we hear about this effort and others making the outdoors more accessible for people with disabilities. GUESTS: Kevin Harkins: Vice President of the Southeast Community Center of the Blind Lisa Friedman: reporter covering climate policy and politics for the New York Times Mason Trumble: Deputy Commissioner at Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment Protection (CT DEEP) Akiebia Hicks: Project Manager for the Connecticut Department of Ene

Children’s book author Mac Barnett has been named the Library of Congress' newest National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and during this appointment, he will be focusing on some really important literature: picture books. Picture books can inspire young readers to make reading a habit, but don’t dismiss them as solely books for kids. Mac Barnett believes that picture books are real literature and can be enjoyed at any age. Today, he joins us to talk about picture books and we also hear from picture book lovers locally. Kym Powe from the Connecticut State Library joins us. And we want to hear from you: do you have a favorite picture book? GUESTS: Mac Barnett: U.S. National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature at the Library of Congress, and children's book author Kym Powe: Children and Young Adult Consultant for the Connecticut State Library Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Korean Dramas, or “K-Dramas,” are gaining popularity internationally. Netflix recently poured billions of dollars into Korean content to meet the rising demand. So what sets K-Dramas apart from other TV genres? And why do viewers say that watching K-Dramas has helped them heal, grieve, and even feel less lonely? This hour, we’re joined by Jeanie Y. Chang, licensed marriage and family therapist and author of “How K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life: Powerful Lessons on Belongingness, Healing, and Mental Health.” And later, we hear from members of a local K-Drama meetup group, whose shared passion for K-Dramas has taken them all over the globe.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.