Where We Live

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 of her life” — and what she discovered about herself, about love, and about the sanctity of truth in writing this deeply personal memoir. Guest: Elizabeth Gilbert: author of the new memoir, "All the Way to the River." She is also the author of several other bestselling novels including "Eat, Pray, Love" and "City of Girls." This episode originally aired on Sep. 11, 2025. Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, 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.

From a mass shooting in Australia that left 15 people dead, to a shooting at Brown University that killed two students, the world has been rocked by gun violence at the end of 2025. In the U.S., 125 people die from a gun injury, and more than 200 people are shot and wounded each day, according to the nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety. In Connecticut, there were at least 339 incidents of gun violence this year. The outpouring of shock and grief following the shootings was expected and understandable. But what is it like for young people to live with the constant fear of guns in their environments or the threat of mass shootings? Guests: Nelba Márquez-Greene: Mother of Ana Grace, killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. Community Scholar, Yale School of Public Health.  Renee Beavers: Hospital violence intervention specialist (HVIP), Connecticut Children’s. Stacey Mayer: Director of Advocacy, Policy & Outreach at CT Against Gun Violence. Malini Parikh: Student, Hopkins School, New Haven. President of the CT Against Gun Violence Youth Council. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday is the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. This hour, we celebrate the beloved author's work, and look at why her six novels have endured for centuries. Plus, we hear from a horticulturalist about her love of gardens, and talk with a local historical clothing expert about fashion in Austen's time. GUESTS: Barbara Benedict: Charles A. Dana Professor of English at Trinity College Tara Key: Manager of Reference and Instruction at the New Canaan Library Jana Milbocker: Garden designer, lecturer, and writer Kandie Carle: Known as “The Victorian Lady,” is an actress and historian Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does Christmas bring out the ghosts? This hour, we dig into the world of Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, and the Victorian obsession with spiritualism that shaped so many holiday tales. We also explore two Connecticut productions of A Christmas Carol to see how performers keep this annual tradition fresh. GUESTS: Wesley Broulik: producing artistic director, Times Fool Company Cynthia Rider: managing director, Hartford Stage  Emma Gerstein: assistant manager of interpretation & living history coordinator, The Mark Twain House & Museum Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of people in our country live with a chronic condition. From syndromes affecting our hearts and brains, to pain and inflammation, chronic illnesses can be hidden to the world, but are all too real for patients. Today, we dive deep into how culture and politics affect our bodies. We explore perceptions of what illness looks like (or doesn’t look like). And we'll ask what it takes for a patient to become an advocate, both for themself and for others. Are you or someone you love living with a chronic condition? We want to hear from you. Guests Eshani Surya: Author of Ravishing, a novel that explores the intersection of the beauty industry and chronic illness Jennifer Lunden: Author of American Breakdown: Our Ailing Nation, My Body’s Revolt, and the Nineteenth-Century Woman Who Brought Me Back to Life – An Illuminating Investigation into Chronic Illness and Environmental Ecosystems Lauren Stiles: Founder, Dysautonomia InternationalSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changing federal guidance on vaccines has Connecticut health officials in an uproar. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine committee recently altered long-standing guidance on how newborns are vaccinated. Meanwhile, doctors say more patients fear vaccine side effects, which doctors are addressing on a case-by-case basis during consultations. Public health experts are concerned that fear and confusion could bring back diseases that the U.S. had forgotten. We’ll dig into the history of vaccines in America, check in with Connecticut doctors and ask the state's top public health official what's next. Guests: Jason L Schwartz: associate professor at the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Yale School of Public Health; associate Professor in the History of Medicine, Yale University. Dr. Manisha Juthani: commissioner, Connecticut Department of Public Health Dr. David Banach: head of infection prevention at UConn Health Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Gilmore Girls" premiered in October 2000 on The WB network. The series filled a niche at the time: female leads, three generations of women, and witty, fast-paced dialogue. But success was not immediate. This hour, we listen to "Oy, with the Gilmores already!" an episode of Connecticut Public's new podcast, "Generation Gilmore Girls." Later, we’re joined by the host of the podcast, Chloe Wynne, who reflects on the show's staying power 25 years after its premiere. Guest: Chloe Wynne: Producer for "Where We Live" and "The Wheelhouse", host of "Generation Gilmore Girls".  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to getting behind the wheel, there’s a lot to be stressed about, and we're not just talking about bad drivers. The average cost of a new car today is about $50,000. Car insurance rates have risen 55% since February 2020. Car maintenance costs are also on the rise. Today, we talk about what you should know if you’re in the market for a new vehicle. Later, we hear from the Connecticut Mirror. They recently completed an in-depth investigation into vehicle-selling practices at Connecticut towing companies. GUESTS: Dave Altimari: Investigative Reporter at the Connecticut Mirror Ginny Monk: Children's Issues and Housing Reporter for the Connecticut Mirror Tracy Noble: Spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford Camila Domonoske: Car and Energy Correspondent at the NPR Business Desk Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like many humanitarian crises, the situation in Sudan is complicated. The nation has a long history of violence, war and genocide. Several militia groups, factions and tribes have contributed to the devastation. The region is facing mass starvation. Millions of people have been displaced and impacted by famine. Mass killings and sexual violence have become all too common in this region. Today, we hear what humanitarian aid organizations are doing to provide support to this region. GUESTS: Arjan Hehenkamp: Crisis Lead for Sudan with the International Rescue Committee, a global humanitarian aid organization Janti Soeripto: President & CEO of Save the Children, an international NGO and humanitarian aid organization based in Connecticut Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, talks about why managing our emotions might be the most important skill we ever learn.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Thanksgiving week! This hour, Where We Live is celebrating the holiday season with a listen back to some of our favorite conversations about cooking and the social power of food.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lebanese cuisine is all about slowing down, gathering with friends and family and taking your time to enjoy a meal. "I have a clock that doesn't move in the restaurant," said chef George Noujaim. He's the owner of Noujaim's Bistro in Winstead, Connecticut. Noujaim is one of two Lebanese chef-owners we’ll hear from today, who are teaching their customer base to slow down. With gathering in mind, we’ll also listen back to our conversation with cook and author Samin Nosrat. Her new book is “Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love.” GUESTS: Samin Nosrat: cook, teacher and author of “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” and “Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love" Reem Hadir: chef and founder of Lebnani Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar in Watertown George Noujaim: chef owner of Noujaim’s Mediterranean Cuisine in Winsted Tess Terrible: Senior Producer of Where We Live 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.

Many Americans are feeling the pressure of rising grocery bills. Meanwhile, an estimated $550 million worth of food will go to waste this Thanksgiving alone. That’s according to the nonprofit ReFed. This hour, we’ll hear about statewide efforts to reduce, reuse and rethink what we throw away. And later, we’ll hear from experts on the front lines of food recovery — people working to get good food out of landfills and onto kitchen tables instead. GUESTS: Katie Dykes: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Jennifer Heaton-Jones: Executive director, Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority Lori Martin: Co-founder and executive director, Haven’s Harvest  Karen Saggese: Fairfield county co-site director, Food Rescue US Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Haven's Claire's Corner Copia has been a Connecticut institution for 50 years now. This hour owner Claire Criscuolo joins us to talk about food, building community and her new cookbook. We'll get vegetarian cooking tips ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, and take your calls. GUEST: Claire Criscuolo: Owner of Claire’s Corner Copia, a vegetarian restaurant in New Haven. Her newest cookbook is "50 Vegetarian Recipes from 50 Years of Claire’s Corner Copia." Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.