Where We Live

Fewer adults in the U.S. are reading for pleasure. So what does that mean for early readers? Establishing reading routines like story time can be important for brain development and lifelong literacy skills. Rahele Jomepour-Bell/Provided Today, it’s our fall reading show, and we’re dedicating the hour to young adult and children’s books. Our panel will share their favorites. If you have a young reader at home, we want to hear from you! What does story time look like in your household? GUESTS: Kym Powe: Connecticut State LibraryWunneanatsu Lamb-Cason:2024 Gilder Lehrman Institute Teacher of the YearWinsome Bingham: Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Autumn can be a great time for rest and renewal. It’s not too late to enjoy the most of the season before we hunker down for the cold months ahead. Today, we’re talking about all our favorite Connecticut fall happenings and events. We'll also hear about some Connecticut Hidden Gems you'll definitely want to add to your fall bucket list. After a hot summer, what are you looking forward to this fall? GUESTS: Francesca Fontanez: Jared Benoff: Visit New EnglandVisit ConnecticutJordan Polon: Hartford Business Improvement DistrictReverend Tracy Mehr-Muska:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday, a report confirmed a worse-case famine scenario in the Gaza Strip. Over a half a million people in Gaza, are facing catastrophic conditions that include malnutrition and starvation. Today, we hear what’s being done to treat malnutrition in Gaza and around the globe. Later, we hear what religious leaders, including Pope Leo, are doing to voice their concerns for these humanitarian crises. GUESTS: Jeanette Bailey:John Grosso:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, a glowing spiral appeared in Connecticut’s sky, briefly sparking wonder and speculation. While it turned out to be crystallized rocket fuel, the moment reminded us how easily our imaginations leap to the possibility of aliens. This hour we ask: Why are we so drawn to the idea of life beyond Earth? We’ll explore what these sparks of curiosity reveal about human imagination and our endless fascination with the universe. GUESTS: The Possibility of LifeKathryn Hulick The UFO FilesSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Practice for the fall sporting season is well under way. Today’s athletes are playing through the pain, in record high heat. This is something many of their coaches and trainers didn’t have to face during their athletic heydays. Although it might not feel like it today, the rest of the summer season is going to be sunny and hot. Today, we hear what's being done to prevent heatstroke, and keep athletes safe on and off the field. GUESTS: Áine Penello: Rebecca Stearns:Korey Stringer Institute at the University of ConnecticutDr. Glenn Lungarini: CAS-CIACChris Meyers: Newington High SchoolSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did Connecticut earn the moniker “Constitution State”? Hint – it’s not the Constitution you learned about in history class! We’ll travel back to the 1600s to explore how history, conflict and big aspirations helped shape the state’s identity. GUESTS: Thomas Balcerski, professor of history, Eastern Connecticut State University Kathy Craughwell-Varda, director of Conservation ConneCTion, Connecticut State Library Andrea Rapacz, chief curator of collections, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best-selling author Wally Lamb spent nine years working on his newest book, "The River Is Waiting." In this time, he wrestled with self-doubt, navigated his own sobriety journey and worked as a teacher at York Correctional Institution, Connecticut’s only women’s prison. His new book explores addiction, reckoning and forgiveness, and the injustice that exists in prison today. It follows one man’s experience in prison after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the death of his son. GUEST: Wally Lamb: author of "The River Is Waiting." He is also the author of "She’s Come Undone" and "I Know This Much Is True." Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even frequent flyers can feel a flutter of nerves before takeoff. Security lines seem endless, seats feel smaller than ever, and turbulence can turn your stomach. Now, with national headlines about crashes and close calls, flight anxiety is on the rise. This hour, we talk to pilots and a flight attendant about whether flying is still one of the safest ways to travel. Plus, they’ll share tips to help you stay calm when the ride gets bumpy. GUESTS: Saba ShahidSOARThe Travel AcademySupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leaving prison can be a jarring experience. Reentry can be challenging under the best of circumstances. But a state housing crisis has made it harder. Landlords are less likely to rent to someone with a criminal record. Formerly incarcerated people are 10 times more likely to be homeless. Add in cuts to mental health services, job assistance and food insecurity programs, life is getting harder for many people who were previously incarcerated. Today, we’re talking about challenges facing the formerly incarcerated population upon release. GUESTS: Alpha Jalloh: Bryan "Love" Jordan: State Sen. Gary Winfield: Beth Hines:Community Partners in Action Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of adults seeking regular dental care, like cleanings and X-rays, is on the decline. Going to the dentist is probably not your favorite activity, but it's an important part of maintaining overall health. So why are so many people avoiding the dentist? There are several reasons, but one of the biggest is fear. Today, we talk with dental professionals about what the industry is doing to lessen anxiety and make better oral care more accessible for all. Looking for a way to pinpoint your fears and start a conversation with your dentist? Check out the Dental Fears patient form here. GUESTS: Kelly Robledo: Dental Fear Central ForumLisa Perry Swain: Connecticut Foundation for Dental OutreachState Representative Gary Turco: Connecticut Oral Health InitiativeSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Step into the Renaissance Faire and you’ll be greeted with a scene out of time — dueling knights, vendors hawking their wares and royal proclamations. Today, we'll take you to a faire and bring you voices from a realm filled with magic and whimsy. We'll also hear from the organizers of the Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire and the Connecticut Renaissance Faire. We learn what goes into organizing these festivals, what it is like to perform there, and what keeps people coming back year after year. GUESTS: Isaac Moss: Coco Cooley: Eric Tetreault:Daniel Greenwolf: Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social Security is one of the most widely-used government programs in the country, but how much does the average American know about how it works? From eligibility and benefit amounts to how the trust fund is structured, this hour we’re offering a crash course on Social Security and how the federal program's uncertain future is impacting the retirement plans of people here in Connecticut. We’ll ask what’s driving concerns about the fund's long-term solvency, and what Congress might do about it. GUESTS: Social Security AdministrationKenneth CouchSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There seems to be no limit to what artificial intelligence can produce and create. So how will artificial intelligence impact the way we make and critique art? Today, we hear how artists are using artificial intelligence in their work. We ask a Connecticut professor, and artists of all disciplines, if AI is good or bad for the creative process. We also explore a question: If AI is the author, can what it made really be called art? GUESTS: Kevin Ramsey: Roger Beaty:Clement Valla:Rhode Island School of DesignSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

University of Connecticut professor and artist Minnie Negoro first learned ceramics while imprisoned at a Japanese concentration camp in Wyoming. There, she produced tableware for the U.S. army and other incarceration camps. Despite the repression, Negoro discovered a lifelong love for pottery, which she shared with generations of students. Now, UConn is curating an exhibit to honor Negoro's work and legacy. Today, we hear about Negoro's journey as an artist, and as a teacher. GUESTS: Hana Maruyama: Denise Pelletier: Jason Oliver Chang: Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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 RuhlLessons from My Teachers This episode originally aired on June 2, 2025. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign aid accounts for 1% of the U.S. federal budget. These funds are used to fight famine and disease worldwide. This week, the Senate will debate cutting $7.9 billion earmarked for these efforts. In July, the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale had federal funds rescinded. They are currently operating by with the help of individual donors. Today, we get an update on humanitarian crises and international conflicts around the globe. We'll also discuss the future of humanitarian aid in the United States and abroad. GUESTS: Lila Hassan:Nathaniel Raymond:Humanitarian Research LabProvash Budden:AmericaresSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers in Connecticut and beyond are being impacted by federal funding cuts. In May, the USDA made cuts to programs that help fund farms and food banks. More recently, the USDA recently cut DEI programming. This included programs on urban forestry, equitable land access and environmental justice. But we could see increased spending for other farm programs in the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Today, we speak to those working in the agricultural industry around our state. Last week, Governor Ned Lamont signed the CT Farm Bill. We’ll talk about what that means for farmers. GUESTS: Bryan Hurlburt: Connecticut Department of Agriculture CommissionerBonnie Burr: Juan Pablo Yepes Tobón: Windham Community Food Network CoordinatorFreedom Gerardo:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shakespeare’s plays have been performed for over 400 years, but artists are still finding bold new ways to bring them to life. This hour, we’re joined by creatives behind two inventive productions hitting Connecticut stages this summer: one blends breakdancing with Hamlet, the other infuses A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the vibrant energy of Bollywood. We explore why these centuries-old stories continue to resonate, and how modern reinterpretations keep them relevant. GUESTS: Breakdancing ShakespeareThe Hartford StageThe Hartford StageElm Shakespeare CompanyThe Shakespeare Co. of IndiaSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we hear from the founder of ConnectiCon, a Connecticut-based convention that’s been bringing together fans for over 20 years. Like many conventions, it’s changed to evolve with the times. If you have ever attended a comic convention, you probably saw a lot of people dressed as their favorite characters. The act of cosplaying has exploded in recent years. We hear from cosplayers attending this year's convention. GUESTS: Matt Daigle: Paul Booth:Andrew Liptak: Cosplay: A History Additional voices featured in this hour: Julie Wilk:Andy Wolf:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and poet Ocean Vuong grew up in Hartford, Connecticut. It's a city he describes as having beautiful, vibrant life. His mother worked in a nail salon and his stepfather worked in manufacturing. Speaking about his mother and aunts, who immigrated from Vietnam, Vuong says he was raised by storytellers. Today, Vuong is one of the nation's most celebrated storytellers. He's winner of a prestigious MacArthur "genius" Grant and a tenured professor at New York University. His new book, "The Emperor of Gladness," is set in the fictional town of East Gladness, Connecticut. Vuong said he started writing the book to start to navigate grief after his mother’s death. He joined us to talk about his book, and how growing up in Connecticut shaped his writing. GUEST: Ocean Vuong: writer, professor and author of "The Emperor of Gladness" Chloe Wynn, Coco Cooley and Isaac Moss contributed to this hour. 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.