Connecticut Public Radio
Where We Live
Produced by Connecticut Public, 'Where We Live' puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines. We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.
Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.wnpr.org
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Connecticut Public Radio
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Latest episode
Oct 22, 2026
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Episodes
New options for COVID long-haulers experiencing fatigue 28.02.2022 48:58
Researchers say more than 1 in 4 COVID patients still have symptoms months later. Many COVID long-haulers may experience fatigue and what researchers call "exercise intolerance." Hear about a recent study that identifies trouble with the muscles absorbing oxygen, not the heart or the lungs – and the relief this diagnosis can bring patients. Physical therapy can play an important role in reco...
Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of fire service, and Russia attacks Ukraine 25.02.2022 49:00
Reports Friday morning are Russian troops have entered the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital Kiev and it's being bombarded with missile strikes. Today, we talk to a Ukrainian American in Connecticut about Russia’s attack. And later, 7 out of 10 fire departments nationwide are all volunteer. Here in Connecticut, 83 percent of firefighters fit that description. We hear from some of the volunt...
How the Harry Potter fandom is moving "forward" 24.02.2022 47:00
Through her Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling created a magical world championing acceptance and inclusivity. But the author’s controversial comments about the transgender community have alienated lifelong fans. This hour, we explore how fans have moved forward. We hear from Fandom Forward, formerly known as the Harry Potter Alliance. One Fandom Forward volunteer from New Haven focused on th...
Life with rare, incurable disease is all about quality 23.02.2022 49:00
One in ten Americans, or one on every elevator and four on every bus, is impacted by a rare disease. Yet, 95 percent of rare diseases do not have approved treatment. On a promising note, bio-pharmaceutical companies working on orphan drugs have more than 800 projects in clinical development . In a ground-breaking clinical trial , a participating patient at the University of...
Mental Health Wellness Days in Connecticut schools 22.02.2022 49:00
K-12 students in Connecticut can now take two mental health wellness days during the school year. Today, we hear from a student who advocated for this proposal and we talk to the Office of Child Advocate. First, we get an update on legislative proposals to strengthen gun violence prevention in our state. State Senator Marilyn Moore joins us. What questions do you have? GUESTS: Senator Marilyn Moor...
Author Melissa Febos and how our "Girlhood" shapes the way we think about consent 18.02.2022 49:00
Today, we talk about how experiences coming of age impact us into adulthood. Melissa Febos, author of the bestselling memoir Girlhood , joins us. She writes about what she learned about herself, including the ways we begin to understand consent and how this impacts our relationships long-term. And later, what should parents and educators consider when teaching about consent? GUESTS: Melissa...
Behind-the-scenes of the Beijing Winter Olympics broadcast hub in Stamford 17.02.2022 49:00
If you’ve been watching the Beijing Winter Olympics, you’ve likely seen a Connecticut local compete and succeed. But there’s one local connection you may not have noticed. This hour, we learn more about the NBC Sports International Broadcast Center in Stamford, where many of the announcers you see and hear are stationed, like commentator Leigh Diffey. Connecticut Public Reporter...
Bob Stefanowski puts incumbent Lamont on the defensive in gubernatorial race 16.02.2022 49:00
Republican Bob Stefanowski ran for Connecticut Governor in 2018, narrowly losing to Ned Lamont. Now Stefanowski, a Connecticut native and Madison resident, is back to take on Lamont again. This hour on Where We Live, we hear from Stefanowski about his second run for governor, and his expanded platform ranging from fiscal accountability and the elimination of state income and sales taxes to managin...
Community colleges find creative ways to entice students back to campus despite enrollment lows 15.02.2022 49:00
Community college enrollment has dropped nationally, leading many local institutions to rethink how they retain their students. Today, we talk to local leaders in Connecticut State Colleges & Universities system. How are they working to attract and retain students? Dr. Duncan Harris joins us, he’s Capital Community College, Chief Executive Officer. We find out how Capital Community Colle...
Political pressure over masks mounts as decision left to public health officials, districts 14.02.2022 49:00
With the statewide school mask mandate expected to expire at the end of the month, local districts can determine their own policies. School boards and superintendents are facing continued public pressure according to Fran Rabinowitz, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents. The State Department of Public Health, along with the Department of Education, doe...
Author Katherine May on Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat 14.02.2022 48:30
Here in Connecticut, surviving long winters means getting plenty of sleep, extra vitamin D supplements and leaning into our favorite winter activities. This hour, we talk with author Katherine May about her book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times and the act of wintering. According to author Katherine May, the act of wintering goes beyond the season of winter. The ac...
On this Valentine's Day, let's delete dating apps, and learn to love our singlehood 11.02.2022 49:00
Valentine’s Day is coming up, but today, this show is for all the single ladies! Today, Shani Silver, author of A Single Revolution: Don't look for a match. Light one , joins us today to talk about how we can love our time in singlehood, as much as we love the idea of a relationship. Shani Silver asks, “We don’t have to hate being single. Has anyone ever told you that...
Meet the movers and shakers honored in Connecticut Magazine's 40 Under 40 10.02.2022 49:00
Each year, Connecticut Magazine's 40 Under 40 celebrates up-and-coming innovators in our state. This hour, we meet some of this year's impactful honorees. Watertown architect Omarys Vasquez is driven to "make great design more accessible and inclusive." She recently co-founded NOMAct , the Connecticut chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects. Shelby...
Reducing cancer deaths requires a ‘more than science’ approach 09.02.2022 49:00
Pulitzer-winning physician Siddhartha Mukherjee referred to cancer as “ The Emperor of All Maladies .” Now, Mukherjee is one of many contributors to “ A New Deal for Cancer – Lessons From A 50 Year War .” This hour on Where We Live, we talk about the legacy and shortcomings of this war, including the lack of access to cancer care for some populations, a byzantine drug...
Commutations and COVID, a look at what’s happening inside Connecticut’s prison population 08.02.2022 49:00
Nearly two years since the start of the pandemic, Connecticut has begun granting commutations for incarcerated individuals. Today, we hear more and learn how the pandemic has impacted the prison population in our state. We hear from Connecticut Mirror reporter Kel Lyons. And we talk to a formerly incarcerated person, who recently received a commutation on his sentence. And later, the COVID Prison...
Connecticut librarians brace for "tsunami" of book challenges 07.02.2022 49:00
The American Library Association (ALA) reported an “unprecedented spike” in book removal requests last fall, tallying 330 from September 1 to December 1. The ALA noted "a focus on books that address the voices and lived experiences of Black, Indigenous, and people of color and LGBTQIA+ individuals." How are local librarians responding to these challenges? Hear from school and public li...
Attracting, training, and retaining women in manufacturing 04.02.2022 41:00
Manufacturing jobs like industrial engineering and mechanical engineering technicians are projected to increase between 15% and nearly 30% by 2026, fetching an annual salary of around $65,000, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor. These jobs don’t require a traditional four-year college degree. And there are opportunities for students to go to trade school whil...
Local Ukrainian Americans talk about Ukraine and Russia's complicated history 03.02.2022 43:45
Russia and Ukraine have a long, complicated history. If you’re confused about what's happening in Eastern Europe, you’re not alone. Today, we explore the complex relationship between these two nations and get a better understanding of the conflict happening right now. We hear from members of the Ukrainian American community in Connecticut. And later, we talk about the Holodomor, where...
Indie bookstores find innovative ways to thrive with online, pop-up and subscription models 02.02.2022 49:00
This hour on Where We Live , we look into strategies that build resilience in local bookstores and discuss pandemic book launches. Long-time indie bookshops continue to stay afloat and even thrive despite the ongoing pandemic. Amazon controls more than half of the market for print books and at least three-quarters of publishers’ ebook sales. We also talk to booksellers about trends, includin...
As energy prices soar, regional power grid operator warns of 'vulnerable' winter 01.02.2022 49:00
Regional electric grid operator ISO New England has warned of a "vulnerable" winter, while homeowners are being charged higher rates for fuel, whether natural gas, oil or propane. This hour, hear from POLITICO energy reporter Catherine Morehouse about the many factors at play, and get the latest from ISO New England. Progressive consumer advocacy organization Public Citizen weighs in. Plus, hear f...
Local outreach counters COVID misconceptions amid "Spanish-language disinformation dilemma" 31.01.2022 40:30
Misinformation is a factor for anyone online, but research has shown false and misleading statements about COVID-19 that are in Spanish will linger longer on social media. Hear more about the problem from Free Press Senior Counsel Nora Benavidez, and about the local efforts to help close the gap in vaccine distribution among Hispanic residents in our state. According to the Connecticut Department...
Sewing as self-empowerment 28.01.2022 49:00
How can learning how to sew empower individuals and strengthen communities? This hour, residents relay the power of learning to quilt, sew and stitch. Hear from Hartford Stitch, members of the Norwalk Community Quilt Project, and Tamanna Rahman, a New Haven local who sews her own clothes. Plus, a recent study finds mask-making for front-line workers was a “means of control”...
A 4-day work week might actually increase productivity 27.01.2022 48:58
Bloomberg reported that a shorter work week experiment in Iceland found that workers maintained productivity and had improved well-being. Today, Alex Pang, author of Shorter: Work Better, Smarter and Less - Here’s How, about how some companies are navigating a shorter work week, while paying workers the same salaries. And later, we hear from Mike Melillo founder and CEO of the Wa...
Marian Anderson, a voice that spoke to our common humanity 26.01.2022 48:58
Music schools in Philadelphia denied her admission because she was Black, and so did a segregated concert hall, leading to a spectacular performance at the Lincoln Memorial and a fight for Civil Rights. The opera legend Marian Anderson lived and sang in Danbury , Connecticut, for five decades. This hour, we’ll learn about her life , her studio in Danbury, and also discuss the lack of diversi...
As staffing issues persist, child care leaders and providers call for federal lifeline 25.01.2022 49:00
Connecticut leaders are pushing for more federal funding toward child care. Biden's Build Back Better Act, if passed, could mean millions for the industry. We'll hear from local child care providers and Office of Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye, to discuss what's driving staffing issues and the prevalence of child care "deserts" in our state. Plus, AllOurKin President Erica Phillips touches...
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