Where We Live

Raising kids is never an easy task. But today’s parents are really struggling. Nearly half of parents say that most days they are so stressed, they cannot function. This stress goes beyond the costs and demands of raising a child. Many parents feel like they are preparing their children for a future that is difficult to understand and predict. Even therapists admit, there’s no playbook for parents. But there are some things you can to do (maybe) worry a little bit less and still raise a great kid. Today, we talk about managing parental anxiety, burnout and stress. GUESTS: Melissa Whitson: Rebecca Harvey:Alexis AP Munson:George Gogas:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As kids get back to school, the political debate around who should get shots for COVID other illnesses is once again bubbling up. But another debate has risen as well. Last week, President Trump urged pregnant women to “tough it out” and use Tylenol sparingly during pregnancy. The administration claimed an unproven link between the painkiller acetaminophen and autism. It’s a statement that has been widely discredited by medical experts. Today, Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani joins us to answer your questions on vaccines, Tylenol use and more. We also hear from the Autism Self Advocacy Network. GUESTS: Dr. Manisha Juthani: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health Colin Killick: executive director of the Washington-based Autistic Self Advocacy Network Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of farm animals, the term “endangered species” probably doesn’t come to mind. In Scotland, Connecticut, Iris Creek Farm is working to raise and preserve a rare, endangered breed of sheep. Today, we hear what local farmers are doing to raise more rare livestock and how this is impacting agriculture everywhere. GUESTS: Tess Terrible: Jeanette Beranger:Livestock ConservancyMackenzie White:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samin Nosrat's 2017 debut “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” was a breakout hit in the cooking world — teaching people of all skill levels the building blocks of flavor. Nosrat won a James Beard award and the book was adapted into a Netflix documentary. After her massive success, Nosrat found herself in a low. She was diagnosed with clinical depression, and said the joy she once found with cooking, stopped being attainable. But it was cooking for community, and for her found family, that brought her back. Nosrat's new book focuses on bringing families of all types to the table, and building community through great food. Nosrat recently joined us to talk about her book, and what's inspiring her today. GUEST: Samin Nosrat: cook, teacher and author of “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” and “Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love" 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.

Spotted lanternflies are showing up across Connecticut, but they might not be as catastrophic as you think. This hour, we talk with an expert about the real threat these insects pose and what you can do if you spot one. Meanwhile, Connecticut’s push toward clean energy is being put to the test, and mental health professionals are seeing an uptick in climate-related anxiety. We hear how therapists are helping people stay grounded and how students are leading the way on environmental action. GUESTS: Gale RidgeRicky JordanDoug GeoffreySummer Green STEPÁine PennelloSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Crystal Emery started to fall down, without tripping, everyone said she was just clumsy. But in 1981, Crystal Emery was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. For some people living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, the symptoms can be limited to body weakness and muscle atrophy. But for the Emery, the disease progressed. She lost the use of her legs and hands. Today, she uses a wheelchair and sometimes needs a breathing machine. But despite her circumstances, she is anything but limited. Emery remained committed to her artistic craft, working as an artist, author, filmmaker, activist and comedian. Today, she joins us to talk about her work. Later, we get an update on the future of disability services in Connecticut, and beyond. Advocates fear that decades of advocacy for better disability services, and more inclusivity, could be walked back among federal funding cuts. Learn more about Emery's performance in New Haven here. GUESTS: Crystal Emery:Joy Houlder:Art Connection Studio in HartfordTobey Partch-Davies:Disability Rights ConnecticutSupport 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." 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 episode originally aired August 19, 2025. Support 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: Summer intern at Connecticut Public and recent graduate of Wesleyan University Coco Cooley: Summer intern at Connecticut Public and student at Wesleyan University Eric Tetreault: Co-Founder and Marketing Director at the Connecticut Renaissance Faire Daniel Greenwolf: Co-Owner of the Connecticut Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Fair This episode originally aired on July 29, 2025. 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/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut native and bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert’s new memoir All the Way to the River tells the story of her late partner, Rayya Elias. The two began as fast friends, then fell in love. But as they faced tragedy together, their shared struggles with addiction put them on a collision course with catastrophe. This hour, Gilbert joins us to talk about Rayya – “the love of her life” – and what she discovered about herself, about love, and about the sanctity of truth in writing this deeply personal memoir. GUESTS: Elizabeth Gilbert: author of the new memoir, All the Way to the River. She is also the author of several other bestselling novels including Eat, Pray, Love and City of Girls. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of creativity, you might think of aha moments, sudden bursts of inspiration, and perhaps the dreaded writer’s block! But creativity isn’t a skill limited to those working in the arts. Author and researcher Zorona Ivecvic Pringle says that creativity is a trait that can build slowly and steadily over time. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Author of The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into Action. Today, she joins us for the hour to talk about the science behind creativity and innovation and ways to explore these skills in everyday life. GUEST: Zorana Ivecevic Pringle: Research Center at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into Action 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 episode originally aired June 26, 2025. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sunday marked National Grandparents Day, which is a reminder of how deeply grandparents shape our lives. But not every grandparent fits the traditional mold. This hour, we explore unconventional grandparenting in our region, from neighborhoods built on intergenerational living to programs connecting older adults with children in need of guidance. GUESTS: Erika Keuster Treehouse EasthamptonBig Brothers Big Sisters of ConnecticutFoster Grandparent ProgramSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.