Where We Live

At a time where we are feeling increasingly disconnected, poetry has a powerful way of fostering community. Today, during National Poetry Month, we hear from poets and educators. We'll also check in with some students competing in the Poetry Out Loud competition. It's a competition where students dedicate time to study, memorize and then recite their chosen poem outloud. And as the kids will tell us, it’s not as easy as you might think. Guests: Nadia Sims: Manchester Poet Laureate Jenny Heikkila Diaz: Project Coordinator, The Word and Community Activator, CT Poetry Out Loud Christian Herron: high school student who was one of the winners of the 2026 CT Youth Slam Emma Frisbie: 11th Grade student at East Lyme High School competing in the National Poetry Out Loud Melanie Faranello: local author and Founder of Poetry on the Streets If you want to hear more conversations about books and poetry, sign up for our Where We Read newsletter. It’s a monthly rundown of what the Where We Live team is reading and highlights of some of the best author interviews on Connecticut Public. 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.

Spring has sprung! And with it comes plant sales, fresh flowers and a whole lot of weeds. But what goes into starting a garden? And how do you create sustainable, productive and beautiful landscapes? Today, we’ll be feeling the buzz as we answer all your gardening questions. Later, we’ll hear all about how you can create a way station for travelling pollinators in your backyard! Guests: Charlie Nardozzi:Tom Christopher: Donna Merrill:Pollinator PathwaySupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to take a break? Going on a walk or doodling during a meeting? Maybe turning off your phone and reading a book? For author Melissa Febos, years of destructive relationships left her in need of a different kind of break — giving up sex. She embarked on a year-long journey of abstinence from romantic and sexual relationships, documenting what she discovered about herself in “The Dry Season: A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex.” Guests: Melissa Febos:"The Dry Season: A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex"Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef and restaurateur Eduardo Garcia, better known as “Lalo,” started his cooking journey in his mother’s kitchen. His mother didn’t have any formal training, but prepared food through her own instincts and deep knowledge of flavors. As a child, Garcia picked fruits and vegetables on the migrant route from Florida to Michigan. It gave him firsthand experience of the work that it takes to harvest the produce that ends up on our plate. Today, Lalo Garcia is one of the most celebrated chefs in Latin America. Today, we talk about his journey. His immigrant story is one familiar to those who have crossed the border. Guests: Laura Tillman: Connecticut Mirror’s Human Services Reporter and author of “The Migrant Chef: The Life and Times of Lalo Garcia" Megan Baker: Lead Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Policy Analyst with the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next time you’re driving, take a look around and you might notice you’re being watched. From cameras atop traffic lights to license plate readers, surveillance technology has quietly crept into cities and towns across the state. Today, we’re taking a look at surveillance in Connecticut and asking why organizations are worried about how these devices are used. Can mass surveillance and civil liberties co-exist? Guests: Matthew Guariglia:Ojala NaeemArman Haidari: Eric Weiner: Connecticut Public's divina cordeiro contributed to this show. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beavers are known as a "keystone species" contributing to biodiversity wherever they set up their habitats. Today, Connecticut author and journalist Leila Philip joins us to talk about her book "Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America." We’ll also hear from one student working to map beaver habitats throughout Connecticut. Have you seen beavers where you live? Guests: Leila Philip:"Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America"Evan Zocco:Akiebia Hicks:Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Postmaster General David Steiner recently told lawmakers that the U.S. Postal Service is in peril. Speaking at a House Oversight subcommittee hearing, he said that the agency would be out of cash within 12 months and might have to cease deliveries. Today, we talk about the future of the postal service in Connecticut and across the nation, and ask what can be done to keep it afloat. Later, does your town have multiple zip codes? Though not uncommon, it can be a disruptive nuisance for rural towns with small populations. We hear why. Guests: Daniel Piazza: Chief Curator at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum Sarah Anderson: Global Economy Director, Institute for Policy Studies Vince Mase: Director of Retirees for the Connecticut State Association of Letter Carriers Abby Brone: Housing Reporter for Connecticut Public 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.

On September 12th, 1962, President John F. Kennedy announced that the United States would land a man on the moon within the decade. Seven years later, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin planted the American flag on the lunar surface. Now, NASA and space agencies around the globe are planning on going back. So what is it about the moon that continues to capture humanity’s heart and imagination? This hour, we learn all about the philosophy and religion behind our pursuit of the moon—and explore the possibility of reciprocal relationships with the moon. Guests: Mary-Jane Rubenstein: Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason:Grandmother MoonSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit author and educator, believes everyone's life is a spiritual journey. "We're all on this spiritual journey to understand ourselves, to understand how God loves us, to experience God's love and to give that love back to God and to other people," he said. Martin is the author of the new book, “Work in Progress: Confessions of a busboy, dishwasher, caddy, usher, factory worker, bank teller, corporate tool, and priest.” The book explores the many professional experiences he had before becoming a priest. Martin reflects on his early life and the formative time he spent in Connecticut, where he worked as an employee at General Electric and made a decision that would forever change the course of his life. "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.

Shawna Lander is the actress behind “Shawna the Mom,” a series of one-woman skits on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. She's amassed millions of followers online, through clips are that are fictional, but touch on real world themes of motherhood and the ups-and-downs of family life. "I was really hungry for any sort of media that would reflect back to me what it was I was going through, and I couldn't find it," Lander said. The one-woman show has catapulted Lander to online celebrity, but Lander emphasizes she's not Shawna the Mom. Instead, she said, she's “every mom.” She joins us to talk about her series. We’ll ask how she built a cast of characters, how she explores the ups and downs of motherhood and how she navigates complicated family relationships. "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.

Seven-in-ten high school teachers say that cell phone distraction in school is a major problem, and one third of teens say that they use at least one social media site “almost constantly,” according to the Pew Research Center. But how are teens actually consuming social media? And what kind of citizens of the internet are they becoming? We’ll hear about a new study exploring how teens are interacting with their personal algorithms and speak with a Connecticut lawmaker about what policymakers can do to help. Guests: Rachel Besharat Mann:Gary Turco:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have displaced 800,000 people, and killed nearly 700 people. Connecticut is home to nearly 10,000 Lebanese Americans. Today we hear from members of the state's Lebanese diaspora. We’ll also hear from one global humanitarian aid organization working on the ground in Lebanon to provide support. GUESTS: Arson Fahim:Kelly Razzouk:International Rescue Committee,Bilal Tajildeen:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new exhibit at Yale’s natural history museum is highlighting a culture with deep ties to many in the state. It’s called “¡Taíno Vive!” or “Taíno lives,” and it’s all about the native people of the Caribbean. Today we celebrate the history and contributions of Taínos. It’s a culture with roots in Puerto Rico, Haiti, Jamaica and other ancestral homes throughout the Caribbean. We’ll learn about legislative efforts to recognize Taínos and examine the ongoing question of identity for Taínos both in the past and today. Guests: Rachel IacovoneConnecticut Public Puerto Rican Communities ReporterStephanie Bailey: AraYeke YukayekGeraldo Reyes: Democratic state representative representing WaterburyMatunheri Angel SibakuyaliHiguayagua Taíno of the CaribbeanVictor PiñeiroThe Island of Forgotten GodsSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How will you preserve your family history? Maybe through journaling or family movies? What about grabbing an audio recorder? Today, we’ll hear all about oral history projects in Connecticut that are recording stories for posterity. Later on, we’ll also hear how the Yiddish language and its dialects are being preserved. Guests: Katie Heidsiek:Jamil Ragland: Elizabeth George: Christa Whitney: Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Believe it or not, spring is just around the corner. But it’s been a rough winter for those growing crops and raising livestock. Today, we hear how this winter season has impacted Connecticut agriculture and farms. More Connecticut farmers are working to bring new products to market and maybe inspire your tastebuds along the way. We hear from one farm doing just that. Find your local farm by visiting www.ctgrown.org. GUESTS: Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt:Connecticut Department of AgricultureMackenzie White:Spencer Lord:Oracle Mushrooms CompanyMatt Went:New Connecticut Farmer AllianceSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before I Forget, a novel by Tory Henwood Hoen. At some point in life, there is a good chance that you might become a caretaker. “Before I Forget” is the story of life, love, memory loss and all the ups and downs of caregiving. It was inspired by author Tory Henwood Hoen’s own experience with caregiving. The story follows a young woman named Cricket. As her father’s Alzheimer's progresses, she decides to make a major life pivot, quitting her job and moving back home to be with him fulltime. Hoen shares her story. Later this hour, we'll hear how one Connecticut organization is working to make audiobooks more accessible. GUESTS: Tory Henwood Hoen:Barrie Kreinik:Matt Geeza: Connecticut Library for Accessible BooksSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an age of increased isolation and loneliness, what does it mean to be a good neighbor, and build community? Today, we hear from groups across Connecticut working to organize, support their neighborhoods and inspire change. We’ll also get local reactions to the unfolding situation in Iran and the Middle East. Guests: Farhan Memon: Provash Budden: AmericaresJanti Soeripto:Save the ChildrenRa Carter: Mutual Aid HartfordJim Chapdelaine: Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut is facing a historic decline in public school enrollment, with enrollment dropping below half a million for the first time in two decades. This effect is especially pronounced in Hartford, which saw a 5% decline in student enrollment amid a $45 million dollar school deficit. Now, city officials are looking to bring students back — and decrease the deficit. Later on, we’ll hear from the Connecticut Education Association on the effects of federal cuts and the current legislative education committee hearings. GUESTS: Arunan Arulampalam:Theo Peck-Suzuki: Andraé TownselCaitlin RichardKate Dias: Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaking at the State of the Union, President Donald Trump demanded a full restoration of funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, has carried out raids in major cities across the nation resulting in mass arrests, violence and the deaths of two people in Minneapolis, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Today, we break down what was said at the State of the Union. Later, experts join us to talk about immigration reform and ICE presence in Connecticut. GUESTS: Lisa Hagen:Maureen Abell:New Haven Legal Assistance AssociationImmigrant Rights ClinicSarah Pierce:Third Way, a national think tank and advocacy organizationSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been four years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Recent peace talks concluded without bringing the region any closer to peace. This war has displaced millions and killed thousands of civilians. Russian armed forces recently attacked district heating systems leaving thousands of civilians without heat. 2026 has been the coldest winter in Ukraine since the initial invasion. Today, we get an update on this conflict. We hear from U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal about his recent visit toUkraine. Plus, Connecticut residents with ties to Ukraine have organized to send aid overseas. We hear from them. GUESTS: Sen. Richard Blumenthal Larissa Babij: “A Kind of Refugee: The Story of an American Who Refused to Leave Ukraine”Carl Harvey:New Haven Connecticut Ukrainian American Humanitarian Aid FundMyron MelnykSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.