What Do I Know? with Bill Shakos

Welcome, friends.  Today we’re exploring gratitude — not just an emotion, but a mindset, a skill, and a way of seeing the world that can reconnect you to what truly matters.  As we get older, many of us experience a quiet crisis of purpose. The goals that once fueled us lose their spark. Achievements feel less fulfilling. Comparison creeps in. Gratitude offers a way back — not by reinventing yours...

Sixteen million Americans—about 6% of the U.S. population—carry the title of veteran. They live quietly among us, yet their acts of sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism have shaped our freedoms in ways most of us will never fully grasp. We honor them with parades, ceremonies, and endless “thank yous.” But what happens when the bands stop playing? In this episode of What Do I Know? , we look beyon...

In this episode, we open the door to a deeper understanding of the LGBTQ+ community — one that has existed across every culture and era yet continues to evolve in visibility and vocabulary. As the world celebrates WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C., we zoom in on the people and stories shaping change right here in our hometown. My guest, Kayla Ionetta — an educator, self-advocate, and chair of th...

Over the past three decades, youth sports in America have undergone a massive transformation. What was once a casual, community-based activity is now increasingly shaped by professional-level infrastructure, technology, and investment. In this episode, we explore how parents, coaches, and communities can navigate this evolution to support kids in the healthiest, most meaningful way possible. Our g...

Today we shine a light on a group of people whose lives have spanned nearly a century of extraordinary change—our senior citizens. From the moon landing to smartphones, world wars to civil rights, their lived experiences offer not just history, but wisdom, humor, humility, and heart. Joining us to help celebrate this remarkable generation is Wendy Petty, Director of the Westport Center for Senior...

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with James Ross , Chair of the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities, and Elaine Daignault , Director of Westport Human Services, to explore what it truly means to see the person before the disability. Through stories, community insight, and cultural reflections, we uncover how embracing diverse abilities not only enhances individual lives but en...

What does homelessness look like in an affluent suburb like Westport—and who truly gets to call it home? In this deeply human episode, we go beyond the stereotypes to explore the hidden faces of housing insecurity in one of America’s wealthiest towns. At the heart of this story is Homes with Hope , a local nonprofit quietly rewriting the narrative on homelessness since 1984. From emergency shelter...

This episode is raw, fearless, and deeply moving. Host Bill Shakos sits down with Connecticut State Senator Ceci Maher for an unflinching conversation about mental health, addiction, and the heavy burden of stigma. Through powerful personal stories—especially those that hit painfully close to home—Ceci shares how her life was forever shaped by love, loss, and the quiet battles many face in silence...

What difference can one person make? In the case of Westport, Connecticut, one person’s vision and dedication have shaped the town's culture and identity for over five decades. That person is Dan Woog, a man whose life's work has been a legacy of advocacy, storytelling, and community-building—transforming Westport into what it is today. In this compelling episode of What Do I Know?, host Bill Shak...

Why Local Government Matters & How to Get Involved In this inspiring episode of What Do I Know? , host Bill Shakos interviews David Rosenwaks , a recent Westport resident who ran and was elected to local government position after noticing minimal representation of parents. They explore the power of local government and why getting involved can make a real difference. In This Episode: From Fina...

A Candid Conversation About Racism in Suburbia In this powerful episode of What Do I Know? host Bill Shakos speaks with Richard Anderson , a Black resident of Westport, about his family’s experiences with racism in the community. The Andersons repeatedly encounter racially motivated roadblocks. Together, Bill and Richard explore the complexities of race, privilege, and friendship in suburban neigh...

Host Bill Shakos reflects on turning 50 and navigating life after the pandemic in the pilot episode of What Do I Know? . Joined by his friend of 30 years, Jesse Shafer , they explore what the “new normal after COVID” means for them. One made good choices, the other went down a rabbit hole of escapism. In This Episode: Learn about your host, Bill Shakos, from childhood, character traits, and the im...