Where We Live

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.

As more and more of our daily life moves online, digital access has become essential. But not everyone has the skills, or the tools, needed to keep up in a digital age. The Digital Equity Act was designed to help close the gap. But recent funding cuts by President Trump have stalled that progress. This hour, we explore how those cuts are affecting communities in Connecticut and beyond. We’ll hear how local institutions – like libraries – are working to keep people connected despite the challenges. GUESTS: P.R. LockhartCT MirrorHartford Public LibraryHartford Public LibraryDr. Elena ForzaniBoston UniversitySupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of foods that give you a sense of home, what comes to mind? Culturally connected foods are those ingredients, dishes and tastes that connect you back to your heritage and cultural identity. For the AAPI community, finding those foods can be challenging. In May, Where We Live host Catherine Shen hosted a panel discussion called “Cultural Food Systems Through the AAPI Lens” at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. The panel discussed ways to expand access to these foods and increase food security for all communities in Connecticut. Mia Ayer: Policy Manager at the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum Dr. Helen Wu: Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UConn Health Quan Tran: Senior Lecturer in Ethnicity, Race and Migration at Yale Vicheth Im: Connecticut organic farmer 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.

Nearly 4 million college students have experienced food insecurity. Here in Connecticut, several colleges have food pantries and programs working to address food insecurity on campus. But addressing this issue goes beyond giving out canned goods. It’s about giving students access to quality foods, and addressing the root causes of food insecurity. Today, we hear from students and those working build better food security in higher education. GUESTS: Nelly BirminghamRakeria ThomasCaitlin Caspi: Rudd Center for Food Policy and Heath at the University of ConnecticutHayley Berliner:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What role can poetry play in times of political and social turmoil? This hour, we’re joined by Connecticut-based poets who will share how their work challenges dominant narratives and amplifies voices from the margins. They’re part of a Ridgefield, Connecticut-based festival called “Poetry in the Garden.” This year, the festival will mark its fifth year with a series of poetry-filled evenings featuring the work of Indigenous, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and Black poets. GUESTS: Poetry in the GardenKeeler Tavern MuseumJoan Kwon GlassDaughter of Three Gone KingdomsSupport 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. Provided by AuthorZorana 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:The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into ActionSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 FlorenceLast Chance Academy: A Study in SecretsCaela CollinsFood Is Love This episode originally aired on May 5, 2025. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born in Pittsburgh, Michael 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. 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 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 May 20, 2025. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reading can take us on adventures beyond our own backyards but perhaps not too far! Amity Gaige is the author of Heartwood. It explores the story of one woman who gets lost on the Appalachian Trail. Did you know this trail runs through Connecticut? And Ethan Rutherford is the author of North Sun: the Voyage of the Whaleship Esther. Connecticut was once home to one of the largest whaling ports in the world. These local authors join us for an hour to talk about their new books and we want to hear what you’re reading right now! GUESTS: Amity Gaige: Heartwood. Ethan Rutherford: North Sun: the Voyage of the Whaleship Esther. This episode originally aired on April 10, 2025. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut’s kelp industry is booming! This versatile type of seaweed is farmed right off Connecticut’s shoreline and used in a variety of cuisines, fertilizers, lotions, and more! This hour, we’re joined by local kelp farmers and experts for a deep dive into aquaculture’s fastest growing industry. We’ll look at how chefs are using kelp in their favorite recipes and why seaweed is a powerful force against climate change. GUESTS: Suzie Flores: co-owner of Stonington Kelp Co. Zachary Gordon: Assistant Extension Educator, Connecticut Sea Grant Eric Dawson: Director of Program Innovation, Yellow Farmhouse This episode originally aired on April 14, 2025. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visual poet Monica Ong grew up as an art school kid. She had a deep interest in photography and print artistry, but she also had a deep love for language. Mixing these two mediums has resulted in something she calls visual poetry: an alchemy of text and image where the elements of an image, also make up a poem. She joins us this hour to talk about her work and her new book Planetaria where she explores astronomy, motherhood and the diaspora identity. GUEST: Monica Ong: Connecticut artist and visual poet 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.

Dads: What’s it like to be a father in 2025? Research says that since the pandemic, Dads have become more involved with their family life. Today, we’re talking about navigating fatherhood in 2025. Because being a Dad today is different than ever before. We'll talk to some Dads here at Connecticut Public. And if you’re a Dad, or want to give your Dad a shoutout this hour, we want to hear from you! GUESTS: Frankie Graziano: John Henry Smith:Eric Aasen: Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. Whether you're eight or 80, there's something about the paddle, the court, and the community that's bringing people together. This hour, we talk with a coach, enthusiasts, and business owners about why pickleball is booming across Connecticut and the country. We’ll learn why, from staying active to finding friends, pickleball has become more than just a game – it’s a lifestyle. Guests: Will Meng: Professional Pickleball Coach at Pickleville CT Young Le: Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Elevate Pickleball Academy Trish Jennings: Co-Owner of Camp Pickleball Ruth Martin: pickleball player Louis Martin: pickleball player 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.

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:Dr. Cynthia Laverne Price:Dr. Rebecca Andrews:Dr. Joshua Wortzel:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Patrick Dilger:Brayden Ransom: 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 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/donate See 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: George Gogas: Charter Oak Therapeutic Services, LLCDr. Harrell Jordan:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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 episode originally aired on February 24, 2025. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.