Where We Live

Chef Pyet DeSpain is making her mark on the culinary world. A member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and with Mexican-American roots, she’s bringing fresh flavors — and long-overlooked traditions — to the table. This hour, she’ll share stories of her culinary journey, one that took her from experiencing homelessness to winning Gordon Ramsay’s reality TV cooking...

Are you doing any leaf peeping where you live? The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection joins us to talk about making the most of the fall season in Connecticut and the best spots to see all the natural wonders of our state. And bird lovers, this show is for you! Fall is a big migration time for birds. Connecticut Audubon Society joins us, too. Later, have you been feeling...

We’re in another government shutdown. The federal government shut down at the start of October following a standoff between Senate Republicans and Democrats. Now, the Trump administration is proposing more federal worker layoffs, calling it an “unfortunate consequence to a government shutdown.” Today, we hear how the government shutdown could impact local government services, pro...

Ashley Bouder spent two decades as a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, performing some of the most physically demanding roles in the repertory. Now, she’s stepping into a new role as executive director of Eastern Connecticut Ballet school. This hour, she reflects on the physical and mental challenges of a career in ballet, from injuries to the sacrifices required to stay at the...

Breast cancer can happen at any age. But young adults that are diagnosed with breast cancer often have a different journey than their older counterparts. Treatment for breast cancer can bring on temporary or permanent menopause for women in early adulthood. This means navigating a slew of additional symptoms, on top of a life-changing diagnosis. It also means making difficult decisions about famil...

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 pl...

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 stat...

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:   Senior Produce...

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...

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 thera...

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 w...

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...

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...

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 o...

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 Y...

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 : CEO of Treehouse Foundatio...

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 the...

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 look...

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 huma...

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 imag...

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&nbs...

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...

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...

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 getti...

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 i...