Local Issues

A Connecticut village frozen in time for 300 years reveals the deliberate choices behind preservation. Stonington's commitment to maintaining its historic character shows how one CT community is resisting modern development—and thriving because of it. Bill Middleton — First Selectman of Stonington — joins Cate Steel to discuss how this Connecticut village has preserved its identity and what that m...

What's the secret to living a long, fulfilling life in Connecticut? We talked to a centenarian who's cracked the code—and her wisdom might surprise you. Florence Robinson — shares her secrets to longevity and living well with Cate Steel. Listeners will discover: • The everyday habits and mindset shifts that contribute to a long, healthy life • How community connections and relationships fuel wellb...

Habitat for Humanity transforms volunteers into homebuilders across Eastern Connecticut, creating affordable housing and lasting community change. Discover how sweat equity and partnership build hope—one family at a time. MaryLou Gannotti — Habitat for Humanity — joins Cate Steel to discuss how affordable housing initiatives strengthen Connecticut communities through volunteer-driven construction...

Connecticut's hidden history of school integration began with one Black student in 1832—and a CT historian is revealing the untold story. Dr. Jennifer Rycenga joins Cate Steel to uncover how early education activism shaped New England and challenge everything we thought we knew about civil rights in Connecticut. Dr. Jennifer Rycenga — Historian — joins Cate Steel to discuss the pioneering Black st...

Ergonomic viola design is preventing injury for Connecticut musicians and string players nationwide. David Rivinus, inventor and viola innovator, joins Cate Steel to discuss how thoughtful instrument design protects musicians' bodies and transforms the playing experience for string musicians across CT communities and beyond. David Rivinus — Viola Inventor and Designer — joins Cate Steel to discuss...

Connecticut leaders reveal the frameworks that keep them grounded amid rapid change. Discover the mental and strategic practices top CT community changemakers rely on to stay centered while driving local impact. David Rivinus — Viola Designer & Community Leader — joins Cate Steel to discuss the frameworks that help Connecticut's leaders navigate complex challenges while staying true to their m...

Connecticut breweries face real challenges—and Gratitude Brewing's crisis story reveals how one CT business survived unexpected hardship and built resilience in the craft beer community. Tristan Cooley — Co-Owner, Gratitude Brewing — joins Cate Steel to discuss navigating brewery crises and keeping a Connecticut craft business afloat. • Learn what went wrong at Gratitude Brewing and how the team p...

Connecticut heavyweight boxer Cassius Chaney transforms his life through the ring, turning a college dropout journey into a powerful comeback story that inspires CT communities. Cassius Chaney — Professional Boxer — joins Cate Steel to discuss his remarkable path from leaving college to becoming a heavyweight champion in the ring. • Discover how boxing became the catalyst for Cassius's personal tr...

Connecticut's affordable housing crisis needs builders with global experience—and one humanitarian constructor is bringing proven strategies from three continents to reshape how CT communities approach development. Andy — Humanitarian Builder & Construction Expert — joins Cate Steel to discuss international home-building missions and what Connecticut communities can learn from global construct...

A Connecticut native has completed 53 service trips around the world — and her mission is reshaping how CT communities think about global impact. Discover what drives her dedication to service and how local Connecticut residents are getting involved. Tricia Vos — Founder and Director, JJ Joy Foundation — joins Cate Steel to discuss her global service journey and the Connecticut roots behind her fo...

Connecticut's local news landscape is transforming—and the Connecticut Examiner is leading the charge with 140,000 readers asking big questions in small places. Dr. Gregory Stroud — CEO/Executive Director, Connecticut Examiner — joins Cate Steel to discuss how independent local journalism is reshaping Connecticut's information ecosystem. Listeners will learn: • How the Connecticut Examiner grew to...

Community music transforms Connecticut neighborhoods on Make Music Day, June 21st. Kia Beard and Doc Frasier share how accessible music-making creates healing and connection across CT communities. Kia Beard — Classically Trained Vocalist & Community Organizer — and Kenneth "Doc" Frasier — Percussionist & Music Facilitator — join Cate Steel to discuss how community music creates healing and...

Beauty, resilience, and cultural impact in Connecticut's modeling industry. International model Jennifer Liu joins Irving Steel to explore how the fashion world shapes local communities and individual stories of perseverance. Jennifer Liu — International Model — joins Irving Steel to discuss beauty, resilience, and cultural impact in the modeling industry. • Discover how models navigate the fashio...

Connecticut artist Tirzah Finley transforms stickers into stunning collage art while building a thriving creative business. Discover how unconventional creativity becomes a sustainable entrepreneurial journey in the CT community. Tirzah Finley — Artist & Founder, Sensational Sticker Collage — joins Cate Steel to discuss how passion projects become profitable businesses in Connecticut. • Learn...

Connecticut public servants tackle housing, safety, and veteran support in this candid local issues conversation. Ron Welch brings decades of community and military service experience to discuss the challenges shaping Connecticut communities today. Ron Welch — Public Servant and Veteran — joins Irving Steel to discuss the pressing local issues facing Connecticut communities. • Explore how housing...

Connecticut community leaders share how public service shapes local change and resilience. Josh Kelly of TVCCA discusses the real challenges and rewards of driving meaningful impact across CT communities. Josh Kelly — Executive Director, Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) — joins host Irving Steel to discuss public service, community leadership, and overcoming obstacles. • Learn wh...

Connecticut's Chamber of Commerce leaders are driving economic transformation in coastal communities. Lisa Konicki, President of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, shares how passion, creativity, and strategic partnerships revitalize local economies across CT. Lisa Konicki — President, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce — joins Irving Steel to discuss chamber leadership and community econom...

Transformational leadership and mentorship are reshaping Connecticut communities. Discover how passion and purpose drive meaningful change across CT. Fariba Marvasti — dynamic leader and mentor — joins Irving Steel to explore transformational leadership and its impact on personal and professional growth. • Learn how mentorship shapes leaders and strengthens CT communities • Discover the role of pa...

Cross-cultural community building transforms Connecticut neighborhoods through music and art. The Western Massachusetts Chinese Cultural Association is bridging cultural divides across the region with volunteer-led programming that strengthens CT community bonds. Linda and Candace — Western Massachusetts Chinese Cultural Association — join Irving Steel to discuss how cultural organizations drive l...

Human Resources as a driver of Connecticut community change: Ken Somers explores how HR professionals shape workforce development, equity, and local resilience across CT communities. Ken Somers — Human Resources Expert — joins Irving Steel to discuss how HR strategy impacts Connecticut's workforce and communities. • How HR professionals can address workforce development challenges in Connecticut c...

Connecticut open space preservation takes center stage as the Groton Open Space Association fights to protect local land. Dan O'Connell shares how CT communities can safeguard natural spaces for future generations. Dan O'Connell — Director, Groton Open Space Association — joins Cate Steel to discuss land conservation and open space protection in Connecticut. • Learn why open space preservation mat...

Eastern Connecticut's Chamber of Commerce is driving business growth across the region. Kevin Zhang, Community and Innovation Manager at the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, reveals how the organization supports startups, small businesses, and major employers throughout CT. Kevin Zhang — Community and Innovation Manager, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut — joins Irving Steel to...

Connecticut politics and community issues take center stage as Irving Steel joins Marty Olsen to explore how global shifts shape local impact. Discover what a decade of international experience reveals about building stronger communities. Irving Steel joins Cate Steel to discuss politics, community change, and the intersection of global dynamics with Connecticut civic life. • Learn how internation...

Connecticut local journalism covers more than headlines—it shapes how communities understand their future. Lee Howard, Business Editor of The New London Day, joins host Irving Steel to explore the stories driving economic and civic conversations across CT. Lee Howard — Business Editor, The New London Day — joins Irving Steel to discuss how local journalism covers campaigns, debates, and business i...

Connecticut artists bridge East and West through cultural exchange and dialogue. Juner and Mark Patnode share how art becomes a universal language connecting communities across China and America. Juner and Mark Patnode — Local Artists — join Cate Steel to discuss how culture builds bridges between Eastern and Western communities. • Discover how artists are using creative expression as a universal...