Where We Live

For generations, stories of Native America were erased from the American story. Today, we explore the Native American experience in New England. Connecticut Public Special Correspondent Diane Orson has spent nearly a year researching, producing and reporting the stories in this series, called "Still Here." We hear from Diane, and get a preview of this special series. Guests: Diane Orson: reporter and producer at Connecticut Public Radio Chris Newell: Co-Founder and Director of Education for Akowmawt Educational Initiative, a majority native-owned educational consultancy and Native American Cultural Director of the University of Connecticut’s Native American Cultural Program Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricane Melissa was one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. This Category 5 storm caused devastation in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, permanently changing the lives of those living and working in this region. Here in Connecticut, many residents have felt the ripple effect. The West Indian community makes up a large portion of the immigrant population in Connecticut. There are 70,000 West Indian immigrants in greater Hartford area alone. Many individuals in this community were unable to reach loved ones at the height of the storm, and are now stepping up to provide support for those impacted by the hurricane. Today, we hear from them. Guests: Azaria Tyler: Business Development for Shubert Theater and member of the Jamaican American Connection in New Haven Dr. Gary Rhule: member West Indian Social Club of Hartford, and Health Sector Representative for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Carolyn Vermont: Vice President of the West Indian American Association of Bridgeport Caribbean organizations in Connecticut are requesting the following items for people impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Non-perishable food, fruit and vegetable seeds, animal feed, food containers, food storage bins, disposable utensils and plates, MREs Bedding foam, cots, mattresses, pillows, pillowcases, robes Tools and equipment, flashlights, batteries, radios, message boards, work gloves, garbage bags Health supplies, hygiene kits, water storage containers, water purification kits Tarps, tents, buckets with lids, mobile storage units Items can be dropped off at a number of locations located across the greater Hartford area. Rehoboth Church of God, 1170 Blue Hills Ave., Bloomfield Homecare Services, 112 Cottage Grove Rd., Bloomfield  West Indian Social Club of Hartford, 3340 Main St., Hartford North United Methodist Church, 1205 Albany Ave., Hartford Hartford Fire Dept. Engine Co. 10, 510 Franklin Ave., Hartford Sport and Medical Sciences Academy, 280 Huyshope Ave., Hartford Semilla Cafe, 1283 Main St., Hartford A Step Above Childcare, 30 Quarry Rd., Glastonbury  Grace Episcopal Church, 311 Broad St., Windsor Fish N Tingz Bar & Grill, 384 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It all started with a typo. Anelise Chen was going through a difficult divorce. Her career and job security was tenuous. She just got into a bike accident leaving her with bruised ribs, and she received a text from her mom: “Clam down! Just clam down.”  This typo inspired a journey of healing: a journey that included retreating, diving into her family history and learning everything she could about the life of a clam, and other mollusks, some of the most resilient species on our planet. She joins us for the hour to talk about her new book "Clam Down: A Metamorphosis." GUESTS: Anelise Chen: author of "Clam Down: A Metamorphosis" and Associate Professor at Columbia University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever stared at the ceiling wondering why sleep won’t come, you’re not alone. In fact, six out of 10 adults in the United States don’t get enough sleep. That’s according to the National Sleep Foundation. This hour, we hear from someone diagnosed with insomnia and a sleep expert. They'll help us understand why rest feels so out of reach, and what might help us drift off. GUESTS: Jennifer Senior: Staff writer at The Atlantic, author of: "Why Can't Americans Sleep?" Dr. Christine Won: Professor, Medical Director of the Yale Centers for Sleep Medicine  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States' first Food Stamp program began in 1939. Since then, millions of people have benefited from nutritional assistance. In 2024, one in nine Connecticut residents received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Last week, federal judges ordered the Trump Administration to continue to fund SNAP benefits. The administration initially agreed to cover a fraction of the benefit payments. But later, President Trump announced that SNAP would not be paid until the shutdown ends. The majority SNAP recipients are children. Today, we talk about the future of SNAP benefits in Connecticut, and how the state could fill in the gaps. GUESTS: Jason Jakubowski: President and CEO, Connecticut Foodshare Caitlin Caspi: Associate Professor, Allied Health Sciences at the University of Connecticut, and Director of Food Security Initiatives at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health Keith Phaneuf: State Budget Reporter for Connecticut Mirror Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although there are many barriers that keep young adults from casting their ballot, the data shows that things are changing, and more young voters are participating in elections. In the 2024 presidential election, 47% of young adults age 18-29, voted.. Today is Election Day. We’re going to spend the hour talking about the youth vote. Social media, artificial intelligence and even podcasting is changing the way candidates reach and influence voters. We learn more about how political advertising and media is evolving. Looking for the voting location in your town? Find where to vote here. GUESTS: Rudy Garrett: Vice President of Capacity Building at the Alliance for Youth Organizing Michael Franz: Co-director of the Wesleyan Media Project and Professor of Government at Bowdoin College Alberto Medina: Communications Manager at the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five-time James Beard Award winner Dorie Greenspan joins us for a conversation about baking, memory and the joy of sharing something homemade. Her newest cookbook, "Dorie’s Anytime Cakes," is a love letter to the simple cakes that fill our kitchens and our lives. From the ones we nibble all day long to the ones we bake for people we love, these are cakes meant for every moment. This hour, we’re celebrating the comfort and connection that come from turning on the oven and gathering around something delicious. GUESTS: Dorie Greenspan: Five-time James Beard Award-winning cookbook author. Her latest is "Dorie’s Anytime Cakes."  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut Public staff talk about their favorite Halloween traditions of today and yesterday — including candy, movies, costumes and more. Later, a local paranormal investigator joins us to talk about their work exploring haunted homes and businesses across Connecticut. And an author says our fascination with asylums as haunted places is easily explained. We hear about his investigation. Guests: Frankie Graziano: Host and producer of the Wheelhouse on Connecticut Public Robyn Doyon-Aitken: Deputy Director of Audio Storytelling and Talk Shows Francesca Fontanez: Connecticut Public’s lead Social Media Editor Barry Pirro: paranormal investigator based in Connecticut. His podcast is Haunted Happenings and he is the author of the book “Haunted Happenings: A Ghost Hunter’s Strangest Cases" Troy Rondinone: professor of history at Southern Connecticut State University, and the author of the book “Nightmare Factories: The Asylum in the American Imagination” Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local politicians shape life in Connecticut cities and towns, making decisions on education, housing and business development. But voter turnout is historically low in local elections. Today, Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas joins us to answer our Election Day questions and yours. Later, we hear how her office is preparing for the 2026 midterm elections and increasing voter education. We'll also hear what's being done to increase voter participation among the more than 4 million U.S. citizens living abroad. Less than 4% of this population voted in the 2022 election. Looking for the early voting location in your community? Check out this list. Guests: Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas Sara Kempner: Director of Creative Campaigns & Collaborations at the U.S. Vote Foundation Michayla Savitt: Connecticut Public State Government Reporter Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Halloween week, which means we’re summoning Connecticut’s most chilling stories. From ghostly apparitions to mysterious happenings that defy explanation, this hour will make you think twice about what lurks in the dark. Historians, tour guides and a psychic join us to share their strangest encounters. Tune in for a haunting hour of history, folklore and a few goosebumps. GUESTS: Christine Jewell: Director for The Ancient Burying Ground Mallory Howard: Assistant Curator for The Mark Twain House & Museum Chrystyne McGrath: Psychic, founder and owner of CM Paranormal Services and The Guilford Ghost Tours Courtney McInvale: Author, historian and founder of Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours  Wesley Broulik: performer, actor in Time’s Fool Company Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of horror fiction what comes to mind for you? Maybe the classics like "Frankenstein," "Dracula," or "The Shining?" Like many genres, horror has evolved with the times to encompass all things terrifying. The spooky season is in full swing and we have a great line up of horror fiction to keep you entertained and spooked all season long. Today, we talk about our favorites. GUESTS: AK Nevermore: president of the Connecticut Romance Writers Association and author living in Connecticut Andrew Liptak: author of the newsletter, Transfer Orbit, a newsletter about science fiction, writing and the future Stephanie Gagnon: host of the Books in the Freezer Podcast Jane Frankel: author and librarian at the Warehouse Point Library in East Windsor Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professional women's sports are having a moment. This hour, we hear from soccer player and Connecticut native Alyssa Naeher ahead of her U.S. Women's National Soccer Team retirement ceremony, and from Quinnipiac University's Women's Head Rugby Coach, Becky Carlson, about the rising status of that sport after one of her former athletes became a global celebrity around the last Olympics. GUESTS: Alyssa Naeher: American professional soccer player and Connecticut native. She currently plays for Chicago Stars FC. She was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team from 2014 to 2024, winning a World Cup in 2019 and a Gold Medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics Becky Carlson: Women's Rugby Head Coach at Quinnipiac University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fifty years ago, 20th Century Fox released the iconic cult classic film, Rocky Horror Picture Show. After being launched on the midnight film circuit, it developed a fan following like no other. Today, we hear from the one and only Barry Bostwick. Fans of the film know him as the original Brad Majors. He says that after fifty years, the film is still bringing people together. "I think this is necessary, in a way, to bring us back to some kind of humanity," shared Bostwick speaking on Where We Live. "They always say, Don't dream it, be it, that's what our thing is. That’s our Gospel: don't dream it, be it." Bostwick will be at the Warner Theater in Torrington on October 30 with the The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour. GUESTS: Barry Bostwick: Actor and performer Michayla Savitt: Connecticut Public State Government Reporter Upcoming Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcast performances in Connecticut RKO Army: Friday, Oct. 24, 9:00pm at Westbrook Cinemas, in Westbrook, CT The Come Again Players: Saturday, Oct. 25, 7:30 pm at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown, CT Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  In 2018, 33-year-old Ryan Bode Moriarty died of a heroin overdose. He was a musician, artist and T-shirt designer. He created linoleum block carvings, and would print all his shirt designs by hand. After his death, Ryan's mother, Patricia Bode, found one of his linoleum blocks carved with the words "Remember Love." This discovery inspired the Remember Love Recovery Project and sent Bode on a mission to destigmatize addiction. It's a mission of vital urgency. After months of steady declines, overdose deaths in America are now on the rise. During National Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month, we hear from those working to destigmatize addiction and get harm reduction tools into the community. Has addiction impacted you or someone you love? We want to hear from you. GUESTS: Patricia Bode: Associate Professor and Coordinator of Art Education at Southern Connecticut State University. She is also the founder and president the Remember Love Recovery Project Justin Phillips: Chief Executive Officer of the Overdose Lifeline Dr. J Craig Allen: Medical Director at Rushford and Vice President of Addiction Services at Hartford Healthcare Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being financially literate is important when navigating tough times and tough markets. Today, we get an update from financial experts and educators from around our state, and hear what you can do to stay financially resilient. Later, when is the best time to start planning for retirement? We hear from one high school teacher who’s passing on the knowledge of financial planning to her students. Got a question about personal finance? GUESTS: Barbara Angelicola-Manzolli: Business Education Teacher at Lewis S. Mills High School in Burlington Christian Sherill: Director of Growth and Advocacy with Next Gen Personal Finance Ben Fuchs: Chief Investment Officer at Fuchs Financial. He’s also the co-host of the new podcast Fuchs Around & Cal Them Out Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 competition, "Next Level Chef." And later, she’ll offer up advice on how you can cook more authentically. GUESTS: Pyet DeSpain: A member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and Mexican-American chef. She's the winner of Gordon Ramsay’s competition, "Next Level Chef," and author of “Rooted In Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking” Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 a little stuffy or sneezy? Got itchy eyes? It might be fall allergies. We learn what you can do to combat it. GUESTS: Katie Dykes: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Tom Anderson: Director of Communications, Connecticut Audubon Society Dr. Josh Mosdale: Primary care physician and medical director of clinically integrated network at Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, programs and workers in Connecticut. Later, Christianity in America is at a crossroads. We hear from two Connecticut church leaders on how the current political climate is influencing faith communities locally, and across the U.S. GUESTS: Andrea Barton Reeves: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Social Services Scott McLean: Professor of Political science and Faculty Director of the Honors Program at Quinnipiac University Kate Dias: teacher at the Manchester School district and is president of the Connecticut Education Association Pastor Shawn Fisher: Bloomfield Congressional Church Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr.: Minister of United Church on the Green in New Haven Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 top. She also talks about the lack of support for parents in the industry and the changes she hopes to see. GUESTS: Ashley Bouder: former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, and current executive director of Eastern Connecticut Ballet  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 family planning. Today, we hear from a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed at age 40, and learn how she’s using her story to educate others. GUESTS: Kate Hayden Ames: breast cancer survivor living in Connecticut Dr. Niamey Wilson: Medical Director of the Breast Program at Hartford Healthcare Dr. Nancy Borstelmann: Co-Director of the Early Onset Cancer Program at Yale Cancer Center Anne Michaud: Yoga teacher for cancer survivors and oncology nurse Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.