Where We Live

Changing federal guidance on vaccines has Connecticut health officials in an uproar. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine committee recently altered long-standing guidance on how newborns are vaccinated. Meanwhile, doctors say more patients fear vaccine side effects, which doctors are addressing on a case-by-case basis during consultations. Public health experts are concerned that fear and confusion could bring back diseases that the U.S. had forgotten. We’ll dig into the history of vaccines in America, check in with Connecticut doctors and ask the state's top public health official what's next. Guests: Jason L SchwartzDr. Manisha JuthaniDr. David BanachSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, we listen to “Oy, with the Gilmores already!," an episode of Connecticut Public’s new podcast "Generation Gilmore Girls." We learn about the show's staying power 25 years after its premiere. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to getting behind the wheel, there’s a lot to be stressed about, and we're not just talking about bad drivers. The average cost of a new car today is about $50,000. Car insurance rates have risen 55% since February 2020. Car maintenance costs are also on the rise. Today, we talk about what you should know if you’re in the market for a new vehicle. Later, we hear from the Connecticut Mirror. They recently completed an in-depth investigation into vehicle-selling practices at Connecticut towing companies. GUESTS: Dave Altimari:Ginny Monk:Tracy Noble:AAA in Greater HartfordCamila Domonoske:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like many humanitarian crises, the situation in Sudan is complicated. The nation has a long history of violence, war and genocide. Several militia groups, factions and tribes have contributed to the devastation. The region is facing mass starvation. Millions of people have been displaced and impacted by famine. Mass killings and sexual violence have become all too common in this region. Today, we hear what humanitarian aid organizations are doing to provide support to this region. GUESTS: Arjan Hehenkamp:International Rescue Committee,Janti Soeripto:Save the Children,Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, talks about why managing our emotions might be the most important skill we ever learn. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Thanksgiving week! This hour, Where We Live is celebrating the holiday season with a listen back to some of our favorite conversations about cooking and the social power of food. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lebanese cuisine is all about slowing down, gathering with friends and family and taking your time to enjoy a meal. "I have a clock that doesn't move in the restaurant," said chef George Noujaim. He's the owner of Noujaim's Bistro in Winstead, Connecticut. Noujaim is one of two Lebanese chef-owners we’ll hear from today, who are teaching their customer base to slow down. With gathering in mind, we’ll also listen back to our conversation with cook and author Samin Nosrat. Her new book is “Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love.” GUESTS: Samin Nosrat: cook, teacher and author of “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” and “Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love" Reem Hadir: chef and founder of Lebnani Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar in Watertown George Noujaim: chef owner of Noujaim’s Mediterranean Cuisine in Winsted Tess Terrible: Senior Producer of Where We Live Where We Live is available 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/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Americans are feeling the pressure of rising grocery bills. Meanwhile, an estimated $550 million worth of food will go to waste this Thanksgiving alone. That’s according to the nonprofit ReFed. This hour, we’ll hear about statewide efforts to reduce, reuse and rethink what we throw away. And later, we’ll hear from experts on the front lines of food recovery — people working to get good food out of landfills and onto kitchen tables instead. GUESTS: Katie Dykes:Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental ProtectionJennifer Heaton-Jones:Housatonic Resources Recovery AuthorityLori Martin: Haven’s HarvestKaren Saggese:Food Rescue USSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Haven's Claire's Corner Copia has been a Connecticut institution for 50 years now. This hour owner Claire Criscuolo joins us to talk about food, building community and her new cookbook. We'll get vegetarian cooking tips ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, and take your calls. GUEST: Claire Criscuolo: Claire’s Corner Copia50 Vegetarian Recipes from 50 Years of Claire’s Corner CopiaSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For generations, stories of Native America were erased from the American story. Today, we explore the Native American experience in New England. Connecticut Public Special Correspondent Diane Orson has spent nearly a year researching, producing and reporting the stories in this series, called "Still Here." We hear from Diane, and get a preview of this special series. Guests: Diane Orson: reporter and producer at Connecticut Public Radio Chris Newell: Co-Founder and Director of Education for Akowmawt Educational Initiative, a majority native-owned educational consultancy and Native American Cultural Director of the University of Connecticut’s Native American Cultural Program Where We Live is available 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/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricane Melissa was one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. This Category 5 storm caused devastation in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, permanently changing the lives of those living and working in this region. Here in Connecticut, many residents have felt the ripple effect. The West Indian community makes up a large portion of the immigrant population in Connecticut. There are 70,000 West Indian immigrants in greater Hartford area alone. Many individuals in this community were unable to reach loved ones at the height of the storm, and are now stepping up to provide support for those impacted by the hurricane. Today, we hear from them. Guests: Azaria Tyler:Jamaican American Connection in New HavenDr. Gary Rhule:West Indian Social ClubGlobal Jamaica Diaspora CouncilCarolyn Vermont:West Indian American Association of Bridgeport Caribbean organizations in Connecticut are requesting the following items for people impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Items can be dropped off at a number of locations located across the greater Hartford area. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It all started with a typo. Anelise Chen was going through a difficult divorce. Her career and job security was tenuous. She just got into a bike accident leaving her with bruised ribs, and she received a text from her mom: “Clam down! Just clam down.” This typo inspired a journey of healing: a journey that included retreating, diving into her family history and learning everything she could about the life of a clam, and other mollusks, some of the most resilient species on our planet. She joins us for the hour to talk about her new book "Clam Down: A Metamorphosis." GUESTS: Anelise Chen:Clam Down: A MetamorphosisSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever stared at the ceiling wondering why sleep won’t come, you’re not alone. In fact, six out of 10 adults in the United States don’t get enough sleep. That’s according to the National Sleep Foundation. This hour, we hear from someone diagnosed with insomnia and a sleep expert. They'll help us understand why rest feels so out of reach, and what might help us drift off. GUESTS: Jennifer Senior:Why Can't Americans Sleep?Dr. Christine WonSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States' first Food Stamp program began in 1939. Since then, millions of people have benefited from nutritional assistance. In 2024, one in nine Connecticut residents received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Last week, federal judges ordered the Trump Administration to continue to fund SNAP benefits. The administration initially agreed to cover a fraction of the benefit payments. But later, President Trump announced that SNAP would not be paid until the shutdown ends. The majority SNAP recipients are children. Today, we talk about the future of SNAP benefits in Connecticut, and how the state could fill in the gaps. GUESTS: Jason Jakubowski: Connecticut FoodshareCaitlin Caspi:Keith Phaneuf:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although there are many barriers that keep young adults from casting their ballot, the data shows that things are changing, and more young voters are participating in elections. In the 2024 presidential election, 47% of young adults age 18-29, voted.. Today is Election Day. We’re going to spend the hour talking about the youth vote. Social media, artificial intelligence and even podcasting is changing the way candidates reach and influence voters. We learn more about how political advertising and media is evolving. Looking for the voting location in your town? Find where to vote here. GUESTS: Rudy Garrett:Alliance for Youth OrganizingMichael Franz:Wesleyan Media ProjectAlberto Medina:Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts UniversitySupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five-time James Beard Award winner Dorie Greenspan joins us for a conversation about baking, memory and the joy of sharing something homemade. Her newest cookbook, "Dorie’s Anytime Cakes," is a love letter to the simple cakes that fill our kitchens and our lives. From the ones we nibble all day long to the ones we bake for people we love, these are cakes meant for every moment. This hour, we’re celebrating the comfort and connection that come from turning on the oven and gathering around something delicious. GUESTS: Dorie GreenspanDorie’s Anytime Cakes Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut Public staff talk about their favorite Halloween traditions of today and yesterday — including candy, movies, costumes and more. Later, a local paranormal investigator joins us to talk about their work exploring haunted homes and businesses across Connecticut. And an author says our fascination with asylums as haunted places is easily explained. We hear about his investigation. Guests: Frankie Graziano:Robyn Doyon-Aitken:Francesca Fontanez:Barry Pirro: Haunted Happenings“Haunted Happenings: A Ghost Hunter’s Strangest Cases"Troy Rondinone: “Nightmare Factories: The Asylum in the American Imagination”Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local politicians shape life in Connecticut cities and towns, making decisions on education, housing and business development. But voter turnout is historically low in local elections. Today, Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas joins us to answer our Election Day questions and yours. Later, we hear how her office is preparing for the 2026 midterm elections and increasing voter education. We'll also hear what's being done to increase voter participation among the more than 4 million U.S. citizens living abroad. Less than 4% of this population voted in the 2022 election. Looking for the early voting location in your community? Check out this list. Guests: Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie ThomasSara Kempner:U.S. Vote FoundationMichayla Savitt:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Halloween week, which means we’re summoning Connecticut’s most chilling stories. From ghostly apparitions to mysterious happenings that defy explanation, this hour will make you think twice about what lurks in the dark. Historians, tour guides and a psychic join us to share their strangest encounters. Tune in for a haunting hour of history, folklore and a few goosebumps. GUESTS: Christine JewellThe Ancient Burying GroundMallory HowardThe Mark Twain House & MuseumChrystyne McGrathCourtney McInvale Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours Wesley BroulikTime’s Fool CompanySupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of horror fiction what comes to mind for you? Maybe the classics like "Frankenstein," "Dracula," or "The Shining?" Like many genres, horror has evolved with the times to encompass all things terrifying. The spooky season is in full swing and we have a great line up of horror fiction to keep you entertained and spooked all season long. Today, we talk about our favorites. GUESTS: AK Nevermore:Andrew Liptak:Transfer OrbitStephanie Gagnon:Books in the Freezer PodcastJane Frankel:Warehouse Point Library in East WindsorSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.