Where We Live

A Pew survey from 2018 estimated 13% of adults consult tarot card readers, astrologers or "fortune-tellers." But more recent market research shows sales for tarot card decks and psychic services are growing. This hour, we explore the art of divination and "card-pulling" in Connecticut. Hear from professional tarot reader Afton Jacobs-Williams, AKA Monty's Tarot Child. Plus, Chelsea Granger is a multidisciplinary artist who co-created Dirt Gems, a plant-themed oracle deck. RELATED: Seasoned visited Tea & Tarot in Madison. Listen here... But first, hear more about the origins of tarot or "tarrochi." We preview some of the research going on at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, home to some of the oldest existing tarot cards. GUESTS: Timothy Young:Afton Williams-Jacobs:Chelsea Granger:Dirt Gems Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, 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.

There’s currently a debate in America about what students should be learning about U.S. history. Some say we don’t revere American exceptionalism enough. Others say we're giving ourselves an A+ by excluding the tests we failed. Humorist Alexandra Petri says both sides are wrong. We just don’t know enough about the things we need to know, such as how inventor Nikola Tesla fell in love with his pigeon or about the secret tapes of Nixon yelling at his dog Checkers. This hour, an irreverent look at how we teach, learn and remember U.S. history. GUESTS: Alexandra PetriNothing Is Wrong and Here is Why,Alexandra Petri’s US History: Important American DocumentsMike PescaThe Gist, Pesca ProfunditiesUpon Further Review: The Greatest What-Ifs In Sports HistorySupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In one episode of the docu-series Reciprocity Project, Connecticut-based educator and member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe Chris Newell teaches acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma a pow-wow song. Together, they play at sunrise, "singing up the sun" in the tradition of the Wabanaki or People of the Dawnland, a confederation of four tribes in Maine including Passamaquoddy. This hour, we hear about this film series from Newell and executive producer Tracy Rector, and about the increasing urgency of centering Indigenous perspectives on our planet and the climate. The series is intended to inspire conversation and action on climate; "to create a paradigm shift that reframes our relationships to the Earth, other living beings, and one another." Plus, a conversation on the Native food movement with Navajo journalist and podcaster Andi Murphy. GUESTS: Chris Newell:Akowmawt Educational InitiativeTracy Rector:Nia TeroReciprocity ProjectJennifer Kreisberg:Andi Murphy: Toasted Sister Podcast Cat Pastor contributed to this show which originally aired February 10, 2023. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 92% of American households reported owning at least one vehicle in a recent five-year 2021 census report. Connecticut falls just below that national average. A recent Forbes study found that the average annual cost of full-coverage car insurance in Connecticut is $1,730. Plus, the report ranks Connecticut as the most expensive state for car repairs, averaging around $400 for check engine light-related car fixes. This hour, we talk about car culture in America, and how car dependency can translate into policies that prioritize roads over sidewalks, highways over public transit. Hear from UConn Professor Emeritus Dr. Norman Garrick, a luminary in the field of transportation and civil engineering. Plus, his former student Adam Weber is now a civil engineer working for the city of New Haven, who also shares insights on transportation infrastructure with millions on social media. GUESTS: Adam Weber:@EverydayEngineeringDr. Norman Garrick: Professor Emeritus Cat Pastor contributed to this episode which originally aired April 6, 2023. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether they’ve been written by a loved one or a local newsroom, obituaries are an earnest attempt at the impossible: distilling one person's life into a couple of pages or paragraphs. This hour, we explore the delicate art of obituary-writing with two experts: Tampa Bay Times and Poynter writer Kristen Hare, and Lucy Gellman, an editor with New Haven's Arts Paper. Plus, Epilogg co-founder Mary McGreevy shares "Tips from Dead People" on TikTok. GUESTS: Kristen Hare:Tampa Bay TimesPoynterLucy Gellman:The Arts PaperMary McGreevy:EpiloggTips from Dead People Cat Pastor contributed to this episode which originally aired April 27, 2023. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23% of the adult U.S. population cannot read above a third-grade level. Literacy isn’t limited to reading and writing, it can also refer to basic math, comprehension and critical thinking skills. There is no part of the U.S. population that isn’t touched by low literacy. And many people suffer from shame around the struggle to read and write. According to ProLiteracy, bringing reading levels up “would generate an additional $2.2 trillion in annual income. Today, we get a deeper understanding of adult literacy in our country and across our state. GUESTS: Haleigh Guerrera: Literacy Volunteers of Greater HartfordAliyya Swaby: Mark Vineis: ProLiteracy Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Cat Pastor contributed to this show which originally aired April 7, 2023. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

R.F. Kuang's works of historical fantasy, including The Poppy War series, have been racking up awards since she began publishing in 2018. Her novel Babel won the prestigious Nebula Award for science fiction and fantasy writers this week. The same day, her latest book Yellowface debuted. It is Kuang's fifth novel, and a shift from fantasy to literary fiction. The satirical thriller takes on the commercial publishing world, and through it, "questions of diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation." Not to mention, "the terrifying alienation of social media." This hour, R.F. Kuang joins us. Minor spoilers lie ahead... GUESTS: R.F. Kuang: Yellowface; Babel; The Poppy War Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are over 4,000 foster children living in Connecticut. May is Foster Care Month. From what's seen on TV and the media, foster care looks like a selfless, philanthropic act; willing foster parents open up their homes to children in need. But being a foster parent is a complicated job that requires many layers of kindness and sensitivity. Laura is a foster parent based out of California. She received a lot of attention sharing a video about her experience as a foster mom and continues to share her experience and advice on social media. The topics range from navigating relationships between foster parents and biological parents, to preparing your home before you become a foster parent. We talk about this complex system involving caretakers, lawmakers, and of course, the children placed in the state's care. If you have direct experience with the foster care, we want to hear from you. GUESTS: Laura: Foster Parent PartnerCommissioner Vannessa Dorantes: Connecticut Department of Children and FamiliesJosiah Brown:Connecticut CASATricia Goldburn:Court Appointed Special Advocate, Connecticut CASASupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A proposed bill would set limits on how warehouses track worker productivity where we live. Amazon – which currently employs more than 15,000 Connecticut residents across its 14 locations – was the focus of a recent hearing on the bill. This hour, an Amazon spokesperson responds to the legislation. Kelly Nantel says they support the "goal of the bill" and look forward to working with state lawmakers, but clarifies that Amazon does not have "set quotas" for workers. "We assess our performance based on what we believe are safe and achievable expectations for all employees." Plus, State Sen. Julie Kushner, Business Insider tech correspondent Katherine Long, and CBIA's Eric Gjede join the conversation. GUESTS: Kelly Nantel:Julie Kushner:Katherine Long:Eric Gjede: Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, 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 is here and it’s time for our annual spring gardening hour and we are going back to basics. What’s a zone? How do you choose the right kind of soil? How to keep your succulents alive all year round? If you’re a new or inspiring gardener, Charlie Nardozzi is joining us to answer our questions and yours about getting comfortable with the soil. We want to hear from you, what questions do you have about making the most of your garden? GUEST: Charlie Nardozzi: Connecticut Garden Journal Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, 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.

the ripple, the wave that carried me home is a new play running at the Yale Repertory Theater, following a family of “aquatic activists” across decades, as they push for equity in access to pools.This hour, we hear from playwright Christina Anderson and director Tamilla Woodard, and we learn more about the history of racism at beaches and pool clubs where we live. GUESTS: Christina Anderson:the ripple, the wave that carried me homeTamilla Woodard:the ripple, the wave that carried me homeAndrew Kahrl: Free the Beaches: The Story of Ned Coll and the Battle for America's Most Exclusive ShorelineHenry Fernandez:LEAP for KidsRyan Rooks:LEAP for Kids Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, 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 residents have the highest average credit card in the nation. Although personal finance courses are offered in high schools, they aren’t mandated to graduate. And often, these courses don’t address the complex financial challenges of their students. Today, on Where We Live, we talk about giving more students access to financial literacy, and making that curriculum more inclusive. We want to hear from you. Did you learn about credit cards, budgeting or taxes in school? How were you taught to manage your money? GUESTS: Dana Miranda: Healthy RichDr. Monette Ferguson: Alliance for Community EmpowermentNan J. Morrison: Council for Economic Education Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, 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.

Of the millions of people working in STEM fields in the U.S., only 9% are Black, according to the Pew Research Center. Those numbers are "unchanged" since 2016.How can efforts around “inclusivity” in these fields go farther? Environmental scientist Dr. Nyeema Harris has written about the importance of Blackology.“Blackologists are not simply scholars that are Black but, rather, are scholars who deliberately leverage and intersect Blackness into advancing knowledge production," she writes.Dr. Harris joins us to discuss how this approach is applied to environmental science and so many other disciplines.Plus, public health professor Dr. Ijeoma Opara discusses her work to reduce racial health disparities, and to "strengthen the pipeline of Black youth to the field of public health research."GUESTS: Dr. Ijeoma Opara:Dr. Nyeema Harris:Yale School of the Environment Cat Pastor contributed to this episode which originally aired February 24. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toys are occasionally marketed to "children of all ages." In recent years, market research has shown the number of toy-buyers over 12 years old is growing. The demographic, sometimes called "kidults," now comprises a quarter of the annual toy retail market, and an impressive 60% of the market’s growth in the last year, according to market research company NPD Group. Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, a professor of psychology at Temple University, discusses why familiar toys might appeal to us today, and the links between how we played as children and how we socialize now. Plus, one California-based slime-maker is raking in millions from children and adults alike. There's even one slime product called "Clay-Doh."What toy from your childhood still sparks joy? Connecticut Public staffers and listeners respond. GUESTS: Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek: Olivya Soth:OG Slimes Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode!Cat Pastor contributed to this show which originally aired March 3, 2023. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As of January 1, Connecticut children are eligible for Medicaid or HUSKY Health until the age of 12, regardless of their immigration status. A new bill would expand coverage to 15, and possibly to 18.This hour, we get the latest on the legislation from State Sen. Matt Lesser, and hear from organizers with the HUSKY 4 Immigrants campaign. Werner Oyanadel, the Latino and Puerto Rican policy director at the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, spoke in favor of expanding HUSKY access during a Human Services Committee hearing back in February. He noted that the Commission supported the "legislature's recent incremental approach to expand eligibility requirements for medical coverage to a broader range of families." Plus, Politico’s Megan Messerly looks into how Connecticut coverage compares to other states. GUESTS: Luis Luna: HUSKY 4 ImmigrantsRosana Ferraro: Universal Health Care Foundation of ConnecticutMatt Lesser:Constanza Segovia: Hartford Deportation DefenseMegan Messerly:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto is a native of Torrington and a big proponent of transit oriented development. Today, he joins us to answer our questions and yours about Connecticut transportation. From pedestrian safety to lowering the blood alcohol limit, we’ll hear about his office’s efforts to create safer roadways in our state. With transit oriented development and getting more EVs or electric vehicles, on the road, green energy remains part of the larger conversation when it comes to Connecticut transportation. We want to hear from you and learn how you’d like to see our roads improve. GUESTS: Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett EucalittoAlec Slatky: Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, 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.

While May Day may draw its roots from a pagan holiday pinned to spring's arrival, it has a more modern incarnation inspired by the fight for the eight-hour work day in Chicago, and later, in Connecticut. This hour, Fairfield University history professor Cecelia Bucki discusses. Plus, we check in on some of the recently-formed unions where we live, including Starbucks and student unions at Yale and Wesleyan Universities. NPR labor and workplace correspondent Andrea Hsu responds. GUESTS: Andrea Hsu:Arita Acharya:Travis Glenney-Tegtmeier:Dr. Cecelia Bucki: Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, 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.

Last week, a 12-year old Se'Cret Pierce living in Hartford was killed in a drive-by shooting. Gun violence is one of the leading causes of deaths in America, and the leading cause of death in children. According to the Kaiser Family Foundations, gun-related incidents are common among adults. Despite this, research around this issue remains limited and vastly underfunded. There is several areas of research when it comes to better understanding gun violence including mass shootings, suicide and intimate partner violence. Today, we talk about the intersection of gun violence and public health and the push to view gun violence as a public health issue. We’ll hear from Dr. Jennifer Dineen. Associate Director of the Arms Center for Gun Injury Prevention at UConn. We’ll also talk with Connecticut musician Jimmy Greene. He is the father of Sandy Hook victim Ana Grace Marquez-Greene. How has gun violence impacted your community? GUESTS: Andrew Woods: Hartford Communities That CareDr. Jennifer Dineen: Associate Professor in Residence in the School of Public Policy and Associate Director of the Arms Center for Gun Injury Prevention at UConnJimmy Greene: Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, 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.

Whether they’ve been written by a loved one or a local newsrooms, obituaries are an earnest attempt at the impossible: distilling one person's life into a couple of pages or paragraphs. This hour, we explore the delicate art of obituary-writing with two experts: Tampa Bay Times and Poynter writer Kristen Hare, and Lucy Gellman, an editor with New Haven's Arts Paper. Plus, Epilogg co-founder Mary McGreevy shares "Tips from Dead People" on TikTok. GUESTS: Kristen Hare:Lucy Gellman:Mary McGreevy:Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After collecting oral histories from generations of women in her family in "My Little Red Book," Rachel Kauder Nalebuff created Our Red Book, an extended project reflecting the experience of people of all races, ages and genders around the world. But there’s so much stigma and misinformation around periods. This hour, three Connecticut-based contributors featured in her book join us, breaking down this bloody topic. GUESTS: Rachel Kauder Nalebuff: Our Red BookMichelle Memran:Kica Matos:Axel Gay: Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, 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.