Where We Live

Experts say Connecticut's annual average temperature has increased incrementally every decade since 1895. According to the National Weather Service, New England summer temperature is going to be 50-60% warmer this season. Heat can have a major impact on our health: this goes beyond heat stroke or exhaustion. Today, we’re exploring the many ways heat can impact both our physical and mental health, and what you can do to prepare. Got a question about staying cool for the summer? Join the conversation! GUESTS: Garett Argianas: Chief Meteorologist at Connecticut Public Dr. Cynthia Laverne Price: Emergency Medicine Physician at Hartford Healthcare Dr. Rebecca Andrews: Professor of Medicine and Associate Program Director for Categorical Internal Medicine at the University of Connecticut Dr. Joshua Wortzel: Psychiatrist at Hartford Healthcare Institute of Living and Assistant Professor Adjunct at Yale School of Medicine Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listen

It’s that time of year. Graduation! Commencement! These events mark the end of a student’s academic journey, and hopefully the start of something new. These rites of passage serve as important celebrations in a young person's life. Today, we talk to those responsible for making sure these ceremonies go off without a hitch! Social media, AI and other technologies have transformed how these milestones are captured and organized. Attitudes around all this pomp and circumstance are changing too. We’ll also hear about Connecticut’s Queer Prom. GUESTS: Kristen Record: Physics teacher at Bunnell High School in Stratford, Connecticut and Senior Class Advisor Patrick Dilger: Director of Integrated Communications and Marketing Southern Connecticut State University Brayden Ransom: Community Impact Manager, The Health Collective Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you remember a teacher who changed the course of your life? Maybe it was someone who helped you find your voice? Or someone who challenged you to think differently? This hour, we’re exploring the impact of great mentors – those who shape us both in and beyond the classroom.  Sarah Ruhl, author of the new book, “Lessons from My Teachers” shares personal stories and reflects on the lasting power of mentorship.  GUESTS: Sarah Ruhl: Author of “Lessons from My Teachers.” Sarah is also a playwright, two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, a Tony Award nominee, and the recipient of the MacArthur Genius Fellowship.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It might sound like a cliche, but men in the U.S. are not going to the doctor, and their physical and mental health is suffering. A recent survey from the Cleveland Clinic found that nearly 40% of Gen Z men didn’t have a primary care doctor. And the life expectancy gap between men and women is widening. That’s according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Today, we talk with physicians about the state of men’s health and what they’re learning from their male patients. GUESTS: Dr. David Inyangetor: Primary Care Physician at Trinity Health George Gogas: LCSW at Charter Oak Therapeutic Services, LLC Dr. Harrell Jordan: Executive Dean of Chamberlain University 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 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. This

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. This hour, we hear from one couple who recently eloped at the start of the year. 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 Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe a

Born in Pittsburgh, Micahel Luo is the son of Chinese immigrants. He attended Harvard, and later became a reporter at the New York Times and today he is the Executive Editor at The New Yorker. One rainy afternoon in 2016, he was standing on the sidewalk with his family and some friends after church, trying to decide where to go to lunch when a stranger accosted him and his family. “Go back to China,” she said. Today, he joins us for the hour to talk about his new book on the hidden history of brutality and violence that so many Chinese Americans faced at the turn of the century. Learn more about Michael Luo's upcoming event at the Mark Twain House here. GUEST: Michael Luo: Executive Editor for the New Yorker, and author of the book Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump recently attempted to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the agency that distributes federal funds to libraries and museums across the country. Connecticut was one of just three states to lose its federal grant for public libraries, totaling over $2 million. A judge blocked the move last week, but big questions remain. This hour, we ask: What does this mean for our local libraries and museums? Is future funding safe? And what role do these institutions play in our communities today? GUESTS: Lisa Hagen: Federal Policy Reporter, Connecticut Public and Connecticut Mirror Deborah Schander: State Librarian, Connecticut State Library Scott Jarzombek: President of the Connecticut Library Association  Joshua Carter: Executive Director, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One in five Americans have a disability. That’s according to the United States Census Bureau. The Trump administration has released statements promising to protect programs like medicaid, medicare and Social security - programs that people with disabilities rely on everyday. But in his recommendation for funding for fiscal year 2026, President Trump proposed cuts to housing for persons with disabilities and cuts to the National Institute of Disability. Today, we hear about the future of disability services from people living with disabilities. GUESTS: Tom Cosker: Disability Advocate at Disability Rights Connecticut Corey Pheez Lee: More Than Walking Peer Mentor Coordinator, Hip-hop artist and host "Super Adaptables" Podcast with More Than Walking Colin Killick: Executive Director of the Autism Self-Advocacy Network Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From special outdoor performances, to educating the next generation of thespians, summer is a busy time for theaters around the state. But this month, several Connecticut performing arts spaces received notice that federal grants were being rescinded. Today, we speak to some of those institutions about what will happen next. Plus, Connecticut tourism is a $4 billion-a-year business. That’s according to the Connecticut Tourism Office. We hear how this industry has been impacted by federal cuts as well. GUESTS: Michael Paulson: theater reporter for New York Times Chris Freeman: Vice President of Advancement at the Mystic Seaport Museum Eric Gershman: Interim Managing Director at Long Wharf Theater Frank Mitchel: President of the Board of Directors for CT Humanities Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After recent reports of detentions across New England, Connecticut activists are stepping up to protect immigrants. They’re finding creative ways to help people understand their rights and prepare for encounters with ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. This hour, we uncover how these efforts are making a difference. And later, we look at a scam targeting Connecticut’s immigrant community – the Notario Fraud. We hear how to spot it and where to turn for help if you or someone you know is caught in its grip. GUESTS: Daniela Doncel: Latino Communities Reporter, Connecticut Public Sheila Hayre: Clinical Professor of Law, Quinnipiac University  Catherine Blinder: Chief Education and Outreach Officer, State's Department of Consumer Protection Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parenthood is hard, and expensive. Over the course of 18 years, it costs nearly $300,000 to raise a child in the state of Connecticut. So is a $5000 baby bonus really going to inspire prospective parents to have children? Today, we talk about some of the Trump administration’s recent proposals to increase the birthrate. Ahead of Mother’s Day, we dig into solutions to supporting parents. We hear from parents who will share the ways they’d like to be supported throughout their parenthood journey. And we want to hear from you, what’s parenthood like right now? What support systems would you like to see? GUESTS: Sarah Donaldson: graduate student at Southern Connecticut State University Jessica Holzer: Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Population Health and Leadership Malissa Griffith: Program Manager of Parents Connecting Parents and family engagement at the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSe

This week begins the search for the next head of the Catholic Church known as the Conclave. Social media has been a buzz as Cardinals all over the world have gathered to begin this sacred ritual to elect the next Pope. During his papacy, Pope Francis took stands on issues like immigration, war and environmental justice. Although he appointed women leaders in the Vatican office, he did not go so far as to allow women to serve as deacons, and priests. As the Catholic church elects a new pope, some women are hoping for expanded roles under the next papacy. Today, we hear what that might look like. What would you like to see from the next Pope? GUESTS: Olivia Bardo: Multimedia and Social Editor at the Global Sisters Report, a Project of the National Catholic Reporter Celia Viggo Wexler: journalist and author of Catholic Women Confront Their Church: Stories of Hurt and Hope Sister Barbara Mullen: Sister of Saint Joseph and Hartford Archdiocese Delegate for Re

What meal instantly takes you back to childhood? Whether it’s a dish made with grandparents or a recipe passed down through generations, food has the power to unlock memories.  This hour, two local children’s authors share their belief in food’s ability to connect us. They discuss their latest novels, the challenges they face in an industry that often pigeonholes writers of color, and how they tackle complex emotions in stories for young readers. GUESTS: Debbi Michiko Florence: author of children’s and middle grade books including her latest, Last Chance Academy: A Study in Secrets Caela Collins: owner of Caela Enterprises, LLC, and author of Food Is Love Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Sheng Wang does not perform comedy that punches down; making jokes about those with less power and privilege. The child of Taiwanese immigrants refuses to make jokes about the Asian American diaspora, but does include stories about his family in his standup. Sheng joined us to talk about his 20 year career, his first comedy special on Netflix and connecting with audiences through humility and kindness. Learn more about his Connecticut performance here. GUEST: Sheng Wang: Comedian, actor and writer 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.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently stated that the Trump administration will be prioritizing transportation funding to states that require “local compliance or cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.”  In April, the Connecticut Department of Transportation held it’s 2025 Transportation Showcase. Today, we listen back to the panel discussion, where we explored how public transit could impact small business growth and the future of federal infrastructure funding in Connecticut. We also touched on the transition to an electric bus service and efforts to reduce Connecticut’s carbon footprint through green solutions. GUESTS: Benjamin Limmer: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau Chief of Public Transportation, Marian Andoh-Clarke: Director of Small Business Development, Hartford Chamber of Commerce, Matt Hart: Executive Director, Capital Region Council of Governments John Truscinski: Director of Resilience Planning, The Connecticut Institute for R

Spring is a time of migration for amphibians around New England. And there’s a lot being done to help these little creatures get to their summer homes - safely! Today, we hear from those working to aid the frogs, and toads, and helping them cross the roads. We might even get to meet a frog and a toad, or two! The Connecticut Beardsley Zoo joins us, and along with some amphibian friends! GUESTS: Mara Hoplamazian: Climate Reporter for New Hampshire Public Radio Jim Knox: Curator of Education of the Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Stevie Kennedy Gold: Curatorial Associate of Herpetology for The Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University 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.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spot

New England’s coastal culture is built on shellfish. But rising temperatures and shifting ocean conditions threaten that tradition. This hour, how the shellfish industry is adapting to choppy waters.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.