Where We Live

Black holes aren’t just the stuff of science fiction; they’re real astronomical objects so dense, so massive, that nothing, not even light, escapes from them. Today, we’re getting lost in the void. Yale Astrophysicist Priya Natarajan joins us for an hour to talk about her research on these extraordinary objects. Last year, she was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2024 for her research on how black holes form. Later, you don’t have to be a scientist to look up and appreciate the cosmos. We hear from planetariums and astronomical societies in our state that are connecting stargazers and space lovers around Connecticut. GUESTS: Priyamvada Natarajan: theoretical astrophysicist and Professor of Astronomy at Yale University Al Washburn: member at large and former president of the Astronomical Society of New Haven Brian Koehler: Associate Director of the Treworgy Planetarium at the Mystic Seaport Museum Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener fo

Three years after Russia invaded Ukraine, the war continues on and millions are facing dire humanitarian needs. Despite prior support from the United States that included billions of dollars in aid, President Donald Trump has now falsely accused Ukraine of starting the war, and called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a dictator. Today, we hear from Doctors United for Ukraine, a nonprofit working to train Ukrainian physicians, and equip them with the skills and expertise to address traumatic injuries in this region. We’ll also hear an update from the Yale Humanitarian Lab. GUESTS: Dr. Andrey Zinchuk: Vice President and Director of Doctors United for Ukraine at Yale Nathaniel Raymond: Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health Ian Lovett: foreign correspondent for the Wall Street Journal covering Ukraine Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, we’ll explore climate change’s impact on many whale populations – from Belugas in the Arctic Ocean to North Atlantic right whales off the coast of New England. We’ll hear how studies conducted on Beluga whales at Mystic Aquarium are helping scientists better understand what factors threaten their survival in the wild. And later, scientists working on a research initiative called “Project CETI” are using AI technology to learn the language of Connecticut’s state animal: the sperm whale. GUESTS: Eve Zuckoff: Climate and Environment Reporter, CAI  Tracy Romano: Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist of Marine Sciences, Mystic Aquarium Gašper Beguš: Associate Professor, Dept. of Linguistics, UC Berkeley Kathryn Hulick: Science Journalist, Science News Explores Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In addition to handling all official state records, the Connecticut state comptroller acts as the official state financial watchdog. From a major audit of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and responding to unpredictable federal funding freezes, this office is having a very busy fiscal year. Today, Comptroller Scanlon joins us in the studio. We hear about Connecticut’s current fiscal state and this office’s priorities for the coming next fiscal year. Got a question about state finances or how this office operates? Join the conversation. GUESTS: Connecticut State Comptroller Sean Scanlon Keith Phaneuf: Connecticut Mirror state budget reporter Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The average cost of a wedding in Connecticut is nearly $35,000. Many couples are changing the way they get married, some opting for a small or “micro” wedding with only a few close friends and family members. And others are deciding to elope. But the decision to elope isn’t always tied to wanting to avoid the price tag of a big wedding. Today, we hear from one couple who recently eloped at the start of the year. And if you are thinking about elopement, or maybe already tied the knot in this way, we want to hear from you! GUESTS: Kim Moran: artist and postal worker Rachel Moran: Graduate Intern of the Arthur L. Johnson Unity Wing Pride Center at Eastern Connecticut State University Emma Thurgood: Elopement photographer, videographer and planner Additional voices featured in this hour: Janice Favreau: Connecticut Justice of the Peace George Gross: Your Queer Plants Shop Michayla Savitt: State Government Reporter for Connecticut Public Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.c

Connecticut native Sirena Huang learned to play violin through the Suzuki method: a teaching philosophy based on the idea that all children can play music. At 11-years-old, she performed and gave a Ted Talk in California. Now, nearly twenty years later, she performs internationally as a world renowned violinist. She joins us for the hour to talk about her journey, her time touring and teaching in Taiwan, and her wish to inspire peace through music. We’ll also hear about her performances with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. GUESTS: Sirena Huang: concert violinist Linda Numagami: Resident Musician of Music Haven, and Violist of the Haven String Quartet Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve been listening to Where We Live for awhile, you probably are pretty familiar with our theme song. But today, we introduce a new theme and hear from the band behind it. We’ll also hear from members of the indie rock community here in Connecticut. In the age of big sell out tours and stadium concerts, Connecticut bands are making their mark locally, establishing loyal fan bases and building community. Got a favorite local act? We want to hear from you. GUESTS: Peter Brail: member of Ghostwoods Holden Palmieri: member of Ghostwoods Allie Burnet: from the band Allie Burnet & The Proven Winners Brendan Toller: Director of Operations and New Initiatives at WPKN in Bridgeport Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump has implemented tariffs on goods from China, and imports from Mexico and Canada may soon be affected as well. This hour, we offer “tariffs 101” – a look into what tariffs are, why the Trump administration is advocating for them, and how consumers and businesses in Connecticut may be impacted. We hear from business leaders across Connecticut on how they are preparing for upcoming changes. And, we explore how tariffs have impacted the U.S. economy in the past. GUESTS: Lisa Hagen: Federal Policy Reporter, CT Public and CT Mirror Dr. Mohammad Elahee: Professor of International Business, Quinnipiac University Wayne Pesce: President, CT Food Association Chris Davis: Vice President of Public Policy, CBIA Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mohegan Tribe—a sovereign and federally recognized Indian tribe in Southeastern Connecticut—has a longstanding belief in the power of storytelling. This oral tradition is a form of spoken record-keeping. Stories can often capture a deeper and fuller understanding of culture and beliefs than historical texts. This hour, we talk to Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, the tribe’s vice chair of the council of elders and tribal historian. Melissa is part of a long line of “culture bearers,” tasked with keeping the traditions of the Mohegan Tribe alive through stories. GUESTS: Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, the Mohegan Tribe’s vice chair of the council of elders and tribal historian 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.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Stowe Center for Literary Activism in Hartford is rethinking how they present the complex legacy of author Harriet Beecher Stowe and her best known work, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Today, Erika Slocumb, Director of Interpretation and Visitor Experience at the Stowe Center joins us to talk about the changes this local museum is making to better showcase literary activism of the past, and how it influences the future. We’ll also hear from Possible Futures, an independent bookstore and neighborhood bookspace in New Haven. We learn about their efforts to promote works by diverse authors, and using books to promote change. GUESTS: Erika Slocumb: Director of Interpretation and Visitor Experience at the Stowe Center for Literary Activism in Hartford Grégory Pierrot: Associate Professor at the English Department at the University of Connecticut Lauren Anderson: founder and bookseller at Possible Futures independent bookstore in New Haven Support the show: http://wnpr.org/

During his first days in office, President Trump signed multiple executive orders that targeted transgender rights, affecting school policies, military service, and even gender markers on passports. This hour, we explore the real-world effects of these policies. We also hear how states like Connecticut may move to challenge these orders. And later, two local community members share how they are working to create safe, transgender-friendly spaces and resources during this time of uncertainty. GUESTS: Orion Rummler: LGBTQ+ Reporter, The 19th Chris Erchull: Senior Staff Attorney, GLAD Law Stori Anne Neesingham: Youth Services Librarian, Cheshire Public Library Beatrice Hamel: Master's of Social Work candidate, University of Connecticut Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When’s the last time you laughed? Like really, full body, couldn’t catch your breath, laughed? Finding laughter can be challenging amongst the backdrop of political uncertainty and this constant stream of breaking news. But sometimes, laughter and comedy can be a great way to make sense of the world around us.  Today, we talk about how comedy can be a vehicle for protest, political dialogue and even healing. GUESTS: Allie Rivera: Instructor & Performer, Sea Tea Comedy Theater Brenna Harvey: Instructor & Performer, Sea Tea Comedy Theater Dr. Sophia A. McClennen: Professor of International Affairs and Comparative Literature and Director of the Center for Global Studies at Penn State University. Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), and has started putting restrictions on the National Institute of Health (NIH). Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani joins us to talk about the impact these changes might have on public health locally. We’ll also hear from Dr. Albert Ko, Professor of Epidemiology at Yale University, and member of research and development task forces at the WHO. Do you have a question about healthcare and public health in our state? GUESTS: Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani Dr. Albert Ko: A physician and Epidemiologist at the Yale School of Public Health, and a a member of the WHO R&D Taskforce for Zika Virus and R&D Blueprint Working Group Sujata Srinivasan: Senior Health Reporter for Connecticut Public Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, Flora Lichtman, the new host of NPR’s Science Friday, and Connecticut educators join us to explore the powerful connection between curiosity, science, and education. Our guests will share insights on how embracing curiosity can help you tap into your inner scientist. We'll also discuss the latest exhibits at the Connecticut Science Center, the growing trend known as "forest kindergarten," and why we should all be following NASA’s latest endeavors. GUESTS: Flora Lichtman, host of NPR’s Science Friday Sally Chaves, 2024 CT Excellence in Science Teaching award winner Nate Gagnon, Public Programs Educator, Connecticut Science Center Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump promised to shut down the U.S. Department of Education. But can he actually eliminate the federal agency? And if not, how else could he overhaul it? This hour, we hear from educators about the potential ripple effects in Connecticut, including funding cuts. Teachers are not only preparing for that, but also potential visits from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This week, the Trump administration threw out policies limiting where arrests can take place. Are you a student, parent, or teacher? What are your thoughts on Trump’s promise? GUESTS: Mark Lieberman: School Finance Reporter for Education Week Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez: Superintendent of Hartford Public Schools Joslyn DeLancey: Vice President of Connecticut Education Association and President of Connecticut Education Foundation Alex Putterman: Reporter for Connecticut Insider Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in

President Donald Trump was sworn in yesterday. On the campaign trail, he promised to sign several executive orders once he took office, including sweeping changes to immigration laws. This hour, we’ll break down what we’ve seen so far, and what executive orders we could expect in the weeks to come. Later, we hear from immigration experts in our state, to learn how Connecticut residents could be affected. Do you, or a loved one, have questions about your rights as immigrants? GUESTS: Tabitha Sookdeo: Executive Director of CT Students for a Dream Caroline Sennett: Director of Immigration Legal Service, Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants Ximena Bustillo: DHS and Immigration policy reporter at National Public Radio. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every four years on January 20th, Washington, D.C. braces for the start of a new presidency. Inauguration days date back to 1789 when George Washington was the first American president sworn into office. This hour, we’re joined by a member of the White House Historical Association and a history professor from Eastern Connecticut State University to walk through Inaugural history. And this year, Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances fall on the same date for the first time in 28 years. Our guests explain how this overlap may impact the day’s processions. GUESTS: Thomas Balcerski, Presidential Historian, Eastern Connecticut State University Matthew Costello, Chief Education Officer, White House Historical Association  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump has vowed to end birthright citizenship in the first month of his presidency. Connecticut Attorney General Tong is the son of immigrants and he says if that happens, he will be the first to sue. Today, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joins us in the studio for the hour. We’ll discuss his top priorities for 2025, including holding tech companies accountable, protecting reproductive care in our state and a plan to challenge some policies proposed by President-Elect Donald Trump. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss. GUESTS: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong Lisa Hagen: Federal policy reporter for Connecticut Public and CT Mirror Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dry January is a month-long campaign that revolves around cutting out alcohol or reducing alcohol intake for the month of January. Today’s guests say that life without alcohol can be joyous, and they’re creating spaces for the sober and sober curious to try it out. We talk to two owners of sober spaces in our state, and try out some mocktails they’ll bring to share. We also hear how our relationship with alcohol is changing overall. Research shows that Gen Z is becoming the sober generation. GUESTS: Dr. J Craig Allen MD: Medical Director at Rushford and Vice President of Addiction Services at Hartford Healthcare Frances McGrath: Founder of Reframe: A Dry Spot in Willimantic Bobbi Malateseta: Creator of 3-2-1 No Kidding Sober Space and Bottle Shop in Naugatuck Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Students with disabilities can experience many challenges in the classroom, from discrimination to a lack of accommodations. So, how can schools help these students feel like they belong? That question was the focus of a special summit hosted by the state’s Department of Education in November. The event brought together students, educators, parents, and more to highlight the experiences of students with disabilities and how we can better support them. Watch the full panel discussion on CT-N. Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.